2020 Frugal Living Challenge

fionaandphil

I can also suggest The Works, they are on Top Cashback and Quidco and have some really nice sets. I've just ordered a set for my niece so am hoping that it will be as nice as it looks when it arrives.  Free delivery if you are spending over £30 and if you are going to order things from them get one of their loyalty cards as the points on it seem to last for ages.  You will get lots of emails from them but they quite often have good deals on.  They also have some good jigsaws and book sets right now.

patentgirl

I brought GDS one of these kits for his bday she does sell supplies but not sure how competitive they are but quite a selection of ideas https://www.jenniemaizels.com

fionaandphil

mumof3.12kindebt said:

Hello everyone hope you are all well

I will check out the link ie cleaning products 

Another question .. 

Any artists on here. 

Ds1 who is 11 has asked for adult art stuff for his birthday in January.  He loves sketching and drawing hes asked for drawing paper pads and fine liners , pencils that can be used wet and dry,  sketching and shading pencils etc.. I just wondered if anyone has any recommendations and which brands are good and which to avoid. 

Many thanks 

I've just gone through my mail and there is also a good set on Ryman for £7.50 Mega Art Set, it may be worth a look

Frugaldom

I'm with everyone recommending The Works, via one of the cashback sites - I use Topcashback.
Fridays and Saturdays are Olio nights for us so here's hoping there are a few items nearby that we can rescue this weekend. My waste food vigilante mose is primed and ready as fresh goods need collected before midnight. I've found myself in the fortunate situation of being within walking distance of our local 'food hero' who, coincidentally, is also one of our frugalers.
(Hello! ) 

willow_loulou

Had a little browse on Black Friday deals, out of curiosity really. But glad I did, I just got something for my mr for £3 delivered which was previously £9. That’s Christmas done completely now. What a relief. 

Just browsing for DS who’s birthday is 5 weeks into the new year. Just in case something leaps out at me. I have already budgeted for it. It’s wonderful being financially forward thinking. 

carolbee

Thanks for the Olio recommendations. I too have joined, we have two allotments, so when we have a glut of veg that we can’t freeze  or process, I’d be happy to offer.

Jazee

Morning all.  I've been scared to look properly at our budgets as DH is not working and our monthly income is below £1k.  We have some savings which we're just beginning to tap into but also mean we're not entitled to benefits, and they're for our old age really.  Anyway, bit the bullet and was pleasantly surprised that my salary covers all main bills with the exception of food and any luxuries.  We grow some food and cook from scratch.  Hopefully now DH is beginning to recover he'll work again soon but only part time.  

We have a food delivery due today which should take us through to January. We also have long life stuff stashed away so should only need to buy bread and milk.  I am also going to take a look at Olio.

[Deleted User]

Nice to see you here @Jazee xx

Still no money spent here this weekend. I collected some more Olio bits this morning, non food bits this time, some DVDs and a book for DS for Christmas. We then went on a big walk, came home and chopped more wood, and dinner is almost ready. The children are watching Nativity on television.

I do have an unplanned spend of £20 tomorrow. We normally purchase a real tree each year for Christmas, spending around £70. I've found a 7 foot lovely John Lewis artificial tree on a local selling site for £20, which I am collecting tomorrow. It will last us for many years therefore save a fortune in the long run.

I got paid exactly two weeks ago on Monday. Due to some eBay sales, and transferring that PayPal money to my account, even with the bits and bobs I have spent this past fortnight (which isn't anywhere near as much as normal, even including DS footie subs), I have my salary in tact plus £20 more 😊😊😊 So the bits of food, footie, and other tiny bits of spends have been money neutral. Marvellous stuff and unheard of for me. 

All of my bills go on on Tuesday so this will change but I'm still far far better off this month than I have been in a long time. Absolutely no food spends needed at all this week, so aiming for a No spend week until Friday. Happy Saturday all xx

Kerry_Woman

Yesterday and today was a spend day.  Thankfully it was low spends.
Put Christmas tree, a few decorations up, crib sorted and Advent calenders up ready for next month(one is a charity one where 24 charities are supported and the other is a religious one).
Did everything on my to do list, including adding up totals of what was spent in each categories in this month's budget.  Planning not to spend anything the final two days.
I did buy some robin Christmas ornaments with wording on them. Robins are a sign of a loved one who has passed away near by if you see them. An emotional time at the beginning of next month as it is going to be 3 years since my Mum died. 
Have now finished all the cottage cross stitch kits that I had for quite a while.  Do have other smaller kits to do but will plan to deal with them next year.  Planning to carry on doing voluntary work till the end of the year if permitting. Then I can make plans for things to do in the new year.

YORKSHIRELASS

Well done ASB, truly inspirational!

DSs GF has brought steak for DH and salmon for me for our tea tonight, such a treat bless her.  DS loves a steak but we never buy it because of the cost.  Of course she shouldn't really be here but DS needs her support and I am not going to take that away from him.

Food shopping this month has come in at £352.04 which I am pleased with.  Have done a little Christmas shopping online today but I have set a budget and I am sticking to it.  We have no idea what to get my parents or MIL so it might just be something very small.