2021 Frugal Living Challenge

balabooberlies

I didn't complete (or even start) my March Motivation.  Selling something online.  So I have made it my 'April Aspiration'.  It's called recycling.....tee-hee 

Went to Mr T's express for milk and possible RTC/YS.  Was thrilled to find a whole chicken for £2.55.  There were 2 packets of chicken breasts but too expensive.  Had only been reduced once.  I was just thrilled with the whole chicken.  However, I had forgotten something so queued up and went back in.  They had been reduced again !  Quickly put in my basket.

My spoilt lot mention now and again that they don't like chicken (I cook it in different ways) and yet they both prefer the thighs and plates are cleaned.  My dog loves all of it.

Does anyone have a favourite herb that they use with chicken ?  Feel like trying something new.

bala

Annies_too

I have been lurking for far too long...  my April intentions: 1) to get selling online (money towards a holiday) and freecycle more things. I have far too much clutter but I can’t just throw good things away. I’ve been an avid recycler/make do and mender for many years. 2) this will stretch into May... empty my chest freezer to make space for this years allotment produce. Anyone got any recipes for gooseberries (apart from crumble and fool)?

DawnW

balabooberlies said:

Does anyone have a favourite herb that they use with chicken ?  Feel like trying something new.

bala

Tarragon is my favourite

joedenise

Annies_too said:

I have been lurking for far too long...  my April intentions: 1) to get selling online (money towards a holiday) and freecycle more things. I have far too much clutter but I can’t just throw good things away. I’ve been an avid recycler/make do and mender for many years. 2) this will stretch into May... empty my chest freezer to make space for this years allotment produce. Anyone got any recipes for gooseberries (apart from crumble and fool)?

Check out the BBC food website  - there's 36 recipes all together.  Just google 'gooseberry recipes'!  You can do tarts, pies, jams & chutneys.  I'll need to be doing the same thing from next year hopefully (having just bought gooseberry plants!).

balabooberlies

Thanks Dawn

I believe I have some

bala

Wraithlady

oystercatcher said:

I was just going to add in a comment about the two accidentally planted squash plants we found in with our chilli seedlings, We were so proud of them, now we aren't sure. I had never heard of this problem but living proof is right .

https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/22/what-toxic-squash-syndrome-how-safely-grow-courgettes-poisoning-uk-13162467/

Hmm - I had no idea. 
Will have to taste any fruits first to check for bitterness, then. 

Thanks for the heads-up

Blackcats

I love reading this thread and do occasionally post but compared to most I've still got my frugal L plates - sometimes I feel I've moved onto P plates but I'm a work in progress!  So whilst I read every day I might not have much frugal expertise to contribute.  

Today I sorted through my huge stash of flavoured tea bags - I've bought so many in the past.  I think some are too old drink - I mean years old but today I used one in my water bottle as a gentle cold infusion flavour and it was ok and I used another one in the water I cooked my stewed apples in and that was quite nice.  Lesson for me is to stop buying flavoured tea bags until I've worked through this stash.  

Thrifty_Taylor

Afternoon all, nsd2 so far this month. Big food shop today, so will only be once a week top ups of fresh stuff now.
Our schools broke up year, so I'm now officially on holiday 😁 if the forecast snow doesn't come, I'm planning to weed round my fruit bushes & mulch with home made compost, plus dig over the other two raised beds. If the weather is rubbish, I've got lots of sewing to do,  to sell & clear some space! Also have things to sell online, must bite the bullet & get on with it!
Thanks for all the inspiring posts, will try to post more too

willow_loulou

I like chicken roasted with rosemary and thyme. Old school! 

Nipped in Sainsbobs as I needed some underwear. Their super softs really are 🥰 so I checked the y/s and got tonight’s and tomorrow’s dinners as well as milk and some meatballs (now frozen). I shouldn’t need food aside maybe milk this week ahead. Saving for the garden renovations now. Waiting on my book selling money, when I know how it works I’m going to zap at my parents and anywhere else I go 😂 I’m wanting to save about £500 for the garden - I currently have £11! But I will start clearing bit by bit. 

MazzieD

Blackcats said:

I love reading this thread and do occasionally post but compared to most I've still got my frugal L plates - sometimes I feel I've moved onto P plates but I'm a work in progress!  So whilst I read every day I might not have much frugal expertise to contribute.  

Today I sorted through my huge stash of flavoured tea bags - I've bought so many in the past.  I think some are too old drink - I mean years old but today I used one in my water bottle as a gentle cold infusion flavour and it was ok and I used another one in the water I cooked my stewed apples in and that was quite nice.  Lesson for me is to stop buying flavoured tea bags until I've worked through this stash.  

It's good that you are posting though, we all start off on 'L' plates.  Don't let it put you off, no-one is judging your posts it's just interesting to read them and you'll get plenty of encouragement and help if you need it.  I love flavoured tea bags!.

@Thrifty_Taylor Good point about the snow, I had forgotten my heating is still on low but it came on this morning for the first time in days.  Was planning to turn it off completely but might delay for a day or two.

Planning a fairly rare event tomorrow or Monday, I am going to bake a cake.  I really love Jacket Potato but putting the oven on just for one potato isn't really economical so it makes sense to make good use of the oven.  Most of the cake will be put in the freezer in portions so I can enjoy as and when.