2021 Frugal Living Challenge

the_cross_rabbit

Decided to try a 3 month prepaid prescription as often I'm not gettting through a months worth of meds before its been changed, in the last 6 weeks I've spent almost £40 and its been changed again today.
CRx

willow_loulou

I second buckets, also £land do containers of similar size but you’ll need holes in those too, they are easier to put holes in if you don’t have a drill. 

Buckets are better if you like to move things as the handles make that much easier. They’re around £1 -£1:50 in bigger hardware outlets so good value too. 

Salad leaves do well in the deeper marg tubs (clover) with holes in and are windowsill friendly. Just don’t over fill it seed wise. 

Living_proof

@OLaney I was only informed that the pick up by courier would be between 1030 and 1230 after I had been up at 6.30 to make sure I had done everything properly by 0800. I think it is terribly unreasonable to expect people to stay in all day, or maybe cancel plans, when morning or afternoon notifications would have been acceptable.

I have had a very frugal food shop today, with a Lidl £1.50 box (2 aubergine, 5 peppers, 30 onions, 5 easy peelers, 2 lge apples, bunch of basil, savoy cabbage, peach, 2 enormous tomatoes); a pack of baby spinach 450g for 20p, likewise mixed salad and a loaf of wholemeal bread.  A couple of shops like this a week would keep me in food quite easily but it's the luck of the draw whether you are in the store at the right time. Anything I can't use I pass to a friend or put on Olio. My freezers are bulging now so I'll have a 'use-up' week next to make room for future bargains! I was also gifted a blood pressure monitor today which will come in useful as I try to get some weight off.

tryingtodobetter

@Viking_mfw it does make a difference so thank you for letting me know

Thanks for all the container veggie advice, I think I'm going to aim to start with potatoes and courgettes as we eat a lot of those. I've managed to borrow a book on growing your own food through my library app so I will be reading that over the next couple of days.

scrummy-mummy

MazzieD said:

@angela110660 I listened to The Missing Cryptoqueen when they were still recording it, I never heard the final episode as I was so put off!.

There seem to be quite a few container gardeners on here.  I have small plant pots but will need some large plant pots or containers so will need to buy some.  Can anyone recommend a cheap or reasonably priced supplier for them?.  

I use builders buckets (usually about a quid) will holes drilled in.  I have also seen some inventive types using pond liners/paddling pools.

MazzieD

Internet connection has been off and on today but seems to have settled a bit now.  Had to laugh when I changed supplier, on switch day I got a message from old supplier saying 'you now have an inferior service' when testing the internet connection - how right they were, it's nowhere near as good 

Buckets are a really good idea, I'll definitely get some.

@Tightpants24 Do you go through your 'click and collect' order and delete anything you don't need?.  It's also worth checking what you already have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer before you order.  Unfortunately the supermarkets do limit the 'value' brands and say they are out of stock but if you do go in store they are quite often on the shelves.  I don't use Click and Collect anymore due to the increase in charges for using it and because I was annoyed about the limited availability of items.  I shop early in the morning in store but understand why you don't want to go, I still find it quite hard even with a face mask and it really is get in and out as quickly as possible.

annieb64

Living _proof 
DH got up at the crack of dawn to do his test by 8. The courier didn't  turn up until mid afternoon.  At least the test was negative.  They sent him a text and a letter with the results. 

AskYouWillGet

MazzieD said:

@angela110660 I listened to The Missing Cryptoqueen when they were still recording it, I never heard the final episode as I was so put off!.

There seem to be quite a few container gardeners on here.  I have small plant pots but will need some large plant pots or containers so will need to buy some.  Can anyone recommend a cheap or reasonably priced supplier for them?.  

Freegle is a good place to put a wanted shout out on for pots, seeds, tools etc. Did well last year on this free site and has no catches. 
Noticed today that W1lkos has pots at a reasonable price and have just ordered first ever seed potatoes from them on recommendation from friend (tried & tested). But £5 home delivery have offset this as the spuds are only £1 for Vivaldi - other suppliers over £5.
Tomato feed cheapest seen so far too.

willow_loulou

@AskYouWillGet we popped in there today, I was desperate for loo cleaning stuff so got a bag of compost, pack of pots and a tray for £3.50! 

They have some lovely houseplants too at very reasonable prices. I’ve made a note for an upcoming birthday.
I’ll be starting radishes tomorrow after my vaccine excursion. 

I’m dropping off a few tins to the community pantry and will hopefully get something from the fareshare table - fingers crossed my vaccine is quick and I can get it all done by lunchtime. 

MazzieD

@AskYouWillGet Thanks for the suggestion, both Freegle and Freecycle here have decided to close whilst we are in Lockdown, no posting on either site.

I love W*lko, I buy quite a lot there, might pop in and have a look as I actually have 2 within walking distance as well as two P8undland and several large DIY superstores within a short drive.  Spoilt for choice. 

@willow_loulou Hope your vaccination goes well.

Cold weather has been replaced by rain here but at least the temperature is rising and the days are getting longer.