2021 Frugal Living Challenge

Frugaldom

Just managed to catch up with everyone on here and welcome our newcomers.
It's blowing a gale and throwing rain sideways at us today so all the outdoor jobs got done in record time to take advantage of the couple of dry hours we had around lunchtime. Now I'm tucked up indoors in what I now refer to as my 'day jammies'. It's not like I can go out anywhere or have anyone arrive unexpectedly for a cuppa and chat so I may as well be comfy will tapping at the computer.

In previous years, February was always frugal fitness month but I had to give that a miss this year, as it used to mean swimming every morning. The seasonal pool here has been closed since November 2019, as coronavirus pandemic had hit before it could reopen last spring. It's a real shame but it's looking like it won't be able to open this year, either. For now, my only exercise is mucking out ponies, tree planting and gardening at Frugaldom. 

Earnings are at an all time low as I've been unable to do much since lockdown. So, rather than wait until April and then November for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), I'm starting my 2021 writing project now, in the hope it earns some income sooner rather than later. I'm also having a sort through the bookshelves and am listing what is no longer required. Here's hoping I can sell a few to clear some space and earn some pennies.

willow_loulou

Well I failed at getting bread but the vets was only £32 so phew! 

I did have to buy a shower gel as the Xmas gift ones irritate my skin. But it’s only £1 and vegan so all good. 

Trying to motivate to batch cook but I’m so tired, going to nap then get my fridge contents out and create something! I will not spend this week. 

elbree

Thanks for the welcoming words all! It's glorious sunshine here on the south coast although have been stuck indoors teaching online most of the day. Need a few NSDs before payday although itching to go shopping to get some spring flowers for the garden. On selling books I made quite a bit on ziffit in the first lockdown but have recently noticed that WeBuybooks pays more. That might be useful to someone! 

Tightpants24

I was given a big bag of limes from a neighbour who ordered 4 bags instead of 4 limes.  Currently baking a lime and coconut cake but was wondering if anyone freezes limes?  I will keep a couple out for the gin of course. 🍸

joedenise

I slice limes and open freeze and then use them in my G&Ts - makes a nice change from lemons!  I do the same with lemons and oranges too.  Oranges are good in a Pimms in the summer.

cuddlymarm

Hi guys
My food stocks are lasting well this week. My online order is due tomorrow and I’ve knocked some items off because they won’t fit in the freezer. I only ever spend the £40 minimum spend so I’ve added extra cereal and tinned stuff. In theory I’m going to try to miss a shop next week because I’ve got quite a few birthdays and our anniversary next month so the money saved will go towards that.
Our heating is off now so that’s a few pennies saved, it all adds up. It also means spring is on the way 😀😀😀
At times I miss having a garden now, I used to enjoying planning what was going in the greenhouse. I never successfully had a veg plot ( slugs ate as much as we grew) but there was nothing nicer than a warm tomato or strawberry that I’d grown.
Being frugal allows us work towards a better life and even though I’m only saving a few pounds here and there it makes a difference. I sleep well now, and hope all you other frugallers do too. Keep safe.
Cuddles

balabooberlies

cuddlymarm said:

Hi guys
My food stocks are lasting well this week. My online order is due tomorrow and I’ve knocked some items off because they won’t fit in the freezer. I only ever spend the £40 minimum spend so I’ve added extra cereal and tinned stuff. In theory I’m going to try to miss a shop next week because I’ve got quite a few birthdays and our anniversary next month so the money saved will go towards that.
Our heating is off now so that’s a few pennies saved, it all adds up. It also means spring is on the way 😀😀😀
At times I miss having a garden now, I used to enjoying planning what was going in the greenhouse. I never successfully had a veg plot ( slugs ate as much as we grew) but there was nothing nicer than a warm tomato or strawberry that I’d grown.
Being frugal allows us work towards a better life and even though I’m only saving a few pounds here and there it makes a difference. I sleep well now, and hope all you other frugallers do too. Keep safe.
Cuddles

Hello, hope you don't mind me posting.  I read this thread every day.

Cuddles, thank you for your post (and everyone really).  Am so pleased you mentioned that even saving a few pounds here or there makes a significant difference.  When I first started reading my reaction was 'I could never do that'.  Disorganised (suspected ADD), no focus or see through.  But I have ploughed on, motivated by all the wonderful mindful frugallers here, and have found myself boosted by even small wins.

Today I managed to pay £75.00 for a shop that will last at least a month (3 adults and a beloved dog).  I researched my kitchen and then the supermarket, gathered coupons and went on what felt like an adventure.  Full price, without RTC/YS, and without coupons my shop would have been over £100.00 !

I view that as a massive win.

I am slowly applying advice on here to other areas of finance.  I have a massive journey with debts and a very strong desire to change my living arrangements.  But I have to start somewhere and coming here every day is keeping me mindful and aware.  My thanks to all.

bala

x

Tightpants24

joedenise said:

I slice limes and open freeze and then use them in my G&Ts - makes a nice change from lemons!  I do the same with lemons and oranges too.  Oranges are good in a Pimms in the summer.

Thanks for the info.  I have frozen the limes now 😀

Shopaholic_no_more

So Frugal Jo has just been given the “creator on the rise” award by YT. I am beyond pleased for her..she is just brilliant. I knew she would go a long way. Thought you fellow followers might like to know in case you haven’t caught up with her yet. 😊

Frugaldom

Good evening frugalers, I'm just preparing my own personal mini-challenge for March (Motivational March) as I usually set myself some form of goal each month, year, decade so I can see my own progress. It isn't always easy with such a long-running challenge as this frugal living one and it can get a little bit frustrating out there, especially during what seems like never-ending lockdown for many.  Motivational March will begin on Monday 1st March and I'd like to hear everyone's motivation for pursuing frugal living. Mine is, as always, to maintain debt freedom and pursue a lifestyle I enjoy without worrying about being pressurised into doing what I don't want to do. We may not always be able to achieve goals but pursuing them relentlessly can keep us focussed. Only 4 days remaining in February so good luck to all who have set their own mini goals - I hope you are keeping with your plans. Yell if you need a hand back onto the frugal bandwagon.