2021 Frugal Living Challenge

[Deleted User]

Lovely to see you here @Jazee
My inbox is always open xxx

willow_loulou

Well August is upon us and I’ve not set my priorities yet. 

I’ve been slowly working on the garden for the last few months just clearing and reusing what we have. I have had to spend on secure housing for our two new chickens as our existing stuff was not fit for purpose. 

I think I do prefer the simplicity of having chickens keeping the weeds down. So they’re getting a large chunk of the bottom and left side. I’ll put the trees and Willow in their area with some wire round until established. The rest of the bottom of the garden will be meadow type planting and the right side will be clover lawn/bark/ gravel with sunken bog ponds. I’ll sneak veggie growing in around everything in large pots and a raised bed. 

So this months focus is prolific as much as I can to continue paying for gravel and bark. I’d also like to buy an established tree but not sure of the best sort for a small garden. 

I’m also aiming for an extra payment every 2 weeks to my loan. It doesn’t matter if it’s only £10 it’s still paying it sooner than due. 

Jazee

Morning all.
Concious money saving actions today include having a shower instead of a bath, only filling the washing up bowl halfway, not putting the hot water to come on and hopefully not spending except for DHs alcohol.

Siebrie

Jazee, will DH accept a budget for his alcohol? Is he capable of spacing out the money during the week? Does he recognize he drinks more than normal/average? (you don't have to answer, I'm just trying to help get your budget working)

Jazee

Thanks for your comments.  DH is on an alcohol recovery program.  Unfortunately it still includes alcohol, gradually being cut down, as his body is so alcohol dependent now.  Without it, the doctor says he risks having a fit or worse.  He's also on various tablets because of other problems the alcohol has caused.  He really does want to stop, only has access to one bank account but addiction is addiction.  Just to say, he is not an abusive drunk, most people are not even aware and he functions really well and works.

Yesterday I made the mistake of going out early for shopping so he knew the alcohol had been bought and went searching for it.  Today I'm going to combine shopping with a trip to the community fridge for freebies.  I have a Mr T voucher to use too.

t14cy_t

zeus and i found a full indian curry for 2 this morning!! i kid you not!!! what is it with people wasting good food?? DH and i scoffed it for lunch and very tasty too!! collected a bag of free fruit and veg on a fb local page, given 50 pastries and 10 french slicks from l/o co op suppliers, went to community larder today too, so £7 spent there, then topped up with a £12 spend which cost me £3. so £10 spent for the week and everythings full to bursting!!!  the chooks are laying well, so friends and family happily supplied as well. win win!! 

Jazee

Got bread, minced beef, yogurt drinks and lots of fruit from the community fridge.  Only spends were the alcohol and some eggs.

mumof3.12kindebt

3 portions of veg soup in the freezer made from tonight's peelings and veg scraps when cooking dinner. 

Also froze all the veg and mash leftovers. 

Yesterday I made a load of pancakes from eggs that were not far off going bad (did the water test) for breakfasts  

Overspent the food budget this week. But I'm also being really careful with our food waste waste hoping I'll save us some money over the next few weeks 

Went for a walk earlier as a family, was lovely to blow off the cob webs and get some fresh air 

willow_loulou

Odd day for me, the run I ordered for my chucks got cancelled- no explanation, it was due to be delivered tomorrow!!
ive ordered a different sort, half the price- mainly because it takes ages for the refund through PayPal and I’ve no extra money.  So I’m cross and pleased at the same time. 

I’ve been given a few jars to keep treats and other things in. I just need to find a big container for the layers mix. 

I also got a box of food from approved foods coming tomorrow. It’s my first order as they actually had things we’d use rather than just junk food. 

Tomorrow is attempting flat breads with gluten free flour. Fingers crossed! 

Mummy2cheekymonkeys

Hi everyone, I have been reading along but its been so hectic lately I haven't had a chance to post. Puppy is settling in well but has had a few issues with her stomach so trying to find a food that will suit her. Husband had a hernia operation which coincided with the six weeks holidays starting and both the boys being at home so I am running on empty at the moment. Last months food bill was over double what we want to spend so really looking to get it under control this month. A lot of the budget went on stocking up on nappies with my staff discount that I wont be getting now as I have now left my job. OH has been offered a new job so waiting to see what happens with that as its still not official and he hasnt received a contract yet. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the sunny weather x