2021 Frugal Living Challenge

balabooberlies

Mr T's is selling 'Jacket Potatoes' (I normally use any kind) but these were lovely especially at 29p for 4 !

Having experimented with a lot of frugal ideas I have come to the conclusion that I cannot chase/do everything.  The basics, utility bills, reducing/getting rid of debt, are a must.  The key to my new life is keeping things simple so have decided to opt for 2 supermarkets taking advantage of loyalty cards and checking before I go for relevant offers.  I am happy with that.

Want to say thanks to all.  Really inspiring.......

bala

[Deleted User]

@StrawberrySuze he used a tool (a punch I think he called it) to hammer the nails right through rather than try and pry them out.  That way there was less breakage.  

StrawberrySuze

Thanks @[Deleted User] I haven't thought of doing that, I'll have a go 🙂

-taff

Deleted_User said:

I mentioned to a friend last night that I was considering cancelling the TV licence as we simply don’t really need it. She ranted at me that the BBC ‘deserves’ my money, I should pay it without question and I was wrong not to. I calmly explained that a review of our viewing habits show we don’t legally need one. She was very upset with me and also called me tight. I’ll go back to keeping my frugal thoughts and intentions to myself i think 😢

I'm not sure I'd want someone telling me that I should basically throw away a hundred and sixty pounds a year out of some misguided notion that a multimillion pound corporation needs it. Would she like to give a needless 160 to British Gas for example? Or Amazon? I think I would see her 'tight' and raise her a 'blinkered' at the very politest...

patentgirl

@balabooberlies I agree with you these potatoes are yummy with tin or two of Aldis Coralie beans a cheap meal my DH used to be a baked beans snob but these are practically the same as a well known brand with a number in its name.  Brought several packs of potatoes all been same quality.

zafiro1984

I'm wondering what people use to stretch meat, I've used lentils and also mushrooms. I have to bear in mind DH is quite fussy so I need to do it without him realising what I'm doing. (he doesn't eat pasta or rice, he's of the generation where that is foreign!!)  Any ideas please. 

joedenise

@zafiro1984 - I use grated carrot and courgettes which just disappear in things like mince.  I've heard of others who have used a handful of oats but have to say I think it gives a weird texture but might be worth a try.

-taff

What kind of dishes areyou looking to bulk out? You can bulk out meat dishes like mince with potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, breadcrumbs for meatballs or mash for rissoles or croquettes. For other meals, look to changing a recipe so it's more dependent on veg, like stir fries or stews. Or a large salad with a steak for one cooked and thinly sliced on top.

jak

I put pulses in mince to bulk it out and also carrots and peas. I’m currently playing ‘how many meals can I get out of one pack of mince...’ spag Bol yesterday, cottage pie tonight, pasta bake tmr, left over of the last two the next night. I’ve used 500g mince, 2 tins of toms, kidney beans, carrots and peas. Not bad for four main meals. Then we will go back to eating up the freezer. 

Must find cling film today. May have to try and get the bus to the shops. I don’t want tooooo. I think bats will start to fly out of my purse soon, it gets used so little... x

balabooberlies

patentgirl said:

@balabooberlies I agree with you these potatoes are yummy with tin or two of Aldis Coralie beans a cheap meal my DH used to be a baked beans snob but these are practically the same as a well known brand with a number in its name.  Brought several packs of potatoes all been same quality.

I wish I had bought more !

they keep being requested............