2017 Frugal Living Challenge

Siebrie

Penny_pauper wrote: »

Still the biggest enemy to my frugal challenge is me. This month spent £30 for the wee one's birthday present of a reconditioned bike compared to £80+ for a new one. I feel guilty about the bike being second hand. I know it's ridiculous as she will probably only get about a years riding out of it as she's growing like a weed. I have to somehow learn to stop wanting to acquire stuff and that shiny new isn't necessarily better than gently worn.
Pp

I am reading along this very interesting challenge, and I have been in a position where this was my annual budget, although that no longer is the case.

Pennypauper, to give you a bit of confidence: my dds are 5 and 8 and they have only ever had really old bikes. They will not get new bikes until they can ride properly, show that they can take care of their bike, and park it properly. At the moment they fall too often, bump into items, just leave their bike lying about, forget to bring it in before it starts to rain, etc. They have to show themselves worthy of a new bike.

[Deleted User]

Morning All. After a busy month with 2 weekends taken up by attending college I am treating myself to a weekend away this weekend. I took the frugal option and am booked into a Youth Hostel in Aviemore (camping would have been more frugal but it's not for me, especially at this time of year as it can be really cold there). I am really looking forward to getting out in the fresh air and having time to myself to reflect.

determined_new_ms

ooooo a holiday allie. sounds so soothing to the soul! 6 weeks until ours and it was a year ago our last - gone are the days with 3 holidays abroad a year

But I can't complain! I have spent today making my wormery. I am so excited by this it isn't true! After much research I have picked up 3 polystyrene boxes from a fish monger. Cleaned and cleaned. Used a stanley knife to cut bits off so they all fitted together snugly. Used a hot glue gun to fill up big air holes from their original life and a nail to make loads of holes little holes for them to wiggle up through. Just waiting for the worms to arrive, should be today or tomorrow and then I can start. Really hope it works!

determined_new_ms

whoop said wormery is now complete, worms and food in and stored in the greenhouse currently. Will move it to the garage when the weather gets nicer soon

So happy with this. Material = £0.00, worms were £31.50 with delivery but I had £20 given to me for a birthday present just sat in savings for agggggggggggggggggggggggesssssssssssssssssssss for this very thing

Wormery and, in time, lost of lovely free compost for £11.50 :j

[Deleted User]

Good news on the wormery determined!!

I haven't done very well this week- I've found a new vegan shop and spent a fortune in there, bought a load of new stuff for my grandbaby and went to the hairdresser and paid for mine and my daughters haircut plus bought some products! suffice to say that I have spent more in a week than I earn in three!! :rotfl:

Oh well, firmly back on the wagon now - I will be having a total spending freeze in April - fridge, freezer and cupboard food with only £20 per week for fresh veg, fruit and milks. I am not going out anywhere and I don't have any events for the month so I should be able to maintain a very frugal month

[Deleted User]

Congrats on the wormery set up Determined.

Just back from my weekend away. It was bliss as the weather has been stunning. Spend my time walking in the hills or around the lochs and then doing some reading, journaling and chatting to other people in the hostel. You are always guaranteed to meet lots of interesting people there.

Total cost of accommodation for the 2 nights was £36 plus 'spending money' for food. I could have made it more frugal by taking food with me (which I usually do when hostelling) but this time I just wanted to treat myself.

Last week at work before Easter hols now. I need to think about getting organised for Easter bits for my family. I don't usually buy Easter eggs, instead I bake a selection of goodies for them. I bought a silicone mould in HB that has egg designs on it so I might have a wee practice with that next weekend.

Have a great week all.

[Deleted User]

Plans this week:
1. Get up to date with Ironing and washing - including bedding (which has been waiting to be ironed for weeks!)
2. Change beds
3. Help OH set up new shelves in under-the-stairs cupboard. We are going to use this as extra storage for stockpiling when we bulk buy groceries when they are on offer. Our chest freezer is in here too.
4. Watch some Grace and Frankie season 3.

try_harder

Is it too late to join in please ?If not i would like to join.

determined_new_ms

try_harder wrote: »

Is it too late to join in please ?If not i would like to join.

nope, never too late welcome aboard!

[Deleted User]

try_harder wrote: »

Is it too late to join in please ?If not i would like to join.

Welcome to the thread try harder. I'm sure you will find lots of inspiration here.