2021 Frugal Living Challenge

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi all

We did a very careful food shop yesterday, made a list and stuck to it.  Pleased with that.  Spent part of the afternoon making passata from our homegrown tomatoes to go in the freezer.  Also made a batch of veggie chilli for the freezer.

Will make a mealplan for the week shortly.  It's cold here tonight, I can see that I will be getting my heated throw out soon.

Ellie79

Very much non frugal here today. Had to buy paint for an upcoming project. 

Not feeling so grand at the moment, bit of a cold and a bumpy time with the constant ups and downs we have had recently. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully I'll feel more positive once I have had a good sleep.

I did resist buying supplies for an art project, knowing I can raid my stash and make do. Small win 

AnimalTribe

Following on from the example of others here, I have done a stock take of the food cupboards and I have a lot of stuff. I live very remotely and tend to stock up on rare visits to town. I can’t do a stock take of the freezer, because once I’ve taken everything out I doubt I’d get everything back in. I do know there are lots of frozen veggies, so even though I prefer fresh, I’ll be trying to use those up. I think I might be in for some interesting meal combinations though.

It’s been an expensive couple of months, with a very poorly dog and huge vet bills, so a little bit of belt tightening won’t do me any harm.

willow_loulou

AnimalTribe said:

Following on from the example of others here, I have done a stock take of the food cupboards and I have a lot of stuff. I live very remotely and tend to stock up on rare visits to town. I can’t do a stock take of the freezer, because once I’ve taken everything out I doubt I’d get everything back in. I do know there are lots of frozen veggies, so even though I prefer fresh, I’ll be trying to use those up. I think I might be in for some interesting meal combinations though.

It’s been an expensive couple of months, with a very poorly dog and huge vet bills, so a little bit of belt tightening won’t do me any harm.

Start your inventory from your next purchase for the freezer. And if you take something out write it down as used. If you put back half write it down on the inventory. It will give you an idea of what you’re using. Just a suggestion x 

threepenny_bit

trying not to do any shopping this week after blowing the August budget. Have done stock take in cupboard and need to do the same for freezer next. Who knew I had so many bottles and jars of sauces?? Lots of pasta, rice and noodles and so September meals will be carb heavy lol! 

Jazee

Took the last of our stuff from the loft to the tip today.  Pleased to have not forked out for a skip.

villagelife

I can't remember who is thinking of rabbit proofing their garden. Have you rabbit holes in your garden? We purchased some land behind out garden which was overran with rabbits. We got rid of them by disrupting their holes by partly filling the entrances up with earth and by using the part of the field they liked to be in. After about 2 -3 months they had all gone. A very cheap way.

willow_loulou

Popped in the local supermarket as we’d run out of bread. I got a massive pile of reduced food for just over £6 so I treated us to Cheetos and twirls 😂 and got myself some OJ. I have a few pounds left should we need extras. I also got a lemon so pancakes will be on the menu this week with our girls eggs. 

I get paid Friday (yay) I’m also wanting cake tins (going to see if mum has a spare) so I can make fruit cake. Does anyone freeze it? I imagine it’s fine but I’ve never done it. If so what do you wrap it in? 

Keeping September budgets a bit flexible as I’m back working so won’t have the energy to do much bargain hunting, I think I might invest in an extra slow cooker. Will keep an eye out on Facebook for one. 

This months determination is to get an extra payment on my loan and to get enough prolific surveys done to pay for another tarpaulin. 

angela110660

I freeze my fruit cake either as a whole or sliced so you just pull out what you need. Works fine. I wrap each piece in cling film before freezing. 

Tanya12345

Morning All, lovely to read all the Frugal Wins !!
Another Homestead day here, finally finished the freezer juggle and inventory..... Lots of catching up to do !! Trouble is I shy away from using my frozen stuff as I still think of them as emergency supplies !! 
Went to the supermarket yesterday - big bill but Budget not properly sorted yet so..... Have laid in bulk supplies and am keeping detailed notes of what we actually use per week/month. I've tried not to go weekly but this seems to lead to sporadic shops - by the family - then a huge bill now and again - think I may be better to go each week for a quick and controlled visit with a properly adhered to LIST !! Also need a pot of money to pay for butchery costs etc, that is actually part of grocery budget but hasn't been accounted for properly so far !
Out to look for blackberries today, keen to start on wine and vinegar ....
Have a great and thrifty tuesday everyone xx