2021 Frugal Living Challenge

AnimalTribe

Blackcats said:

My OH would be just as likely to come from with something random and unnecessary from the middle aisle (like an arc welder or other strange one-offs in the middle at Lidl) 

Unfortunately, this happens on a regular basis too.
So far the box has made a large, loaded veggie lasagne and carrot cake, with extra for the freezer. The apricots got eaten with yoghurt, and the grapes disappeared quickly, as neither DH nor I can resist grabbing a handful of them as we walk past. 
I received my long awaited plants by post yesterday, but unfortunately, they'd been in the postal system so long they were wrecked. Fortunately, an e-mail to the seed company means that I will get free replacements.
In case, it's helpful to anyone - if you don't have 'proper' broadband (we can only get expensive satellite broadband) then you are eligible for a reduced line rental (of about £9) from BT. I would love to switch from BT as they are so expensive, but our mobile coverage just isn't there yet.

balabooberlies

Sorry for asking what may be a silly question AnimalTribe but what is 'proper' broadband ?

Had a fantastic shopping trip yesterday.  Firstly, got there at the right time.  Bought RTC/Yellow sticker chicken thighs and drumsticks Free range.  I stocked up because all other chicken was gone and it is a staple for us and Tiggy (our beloved dog).

After a long time trying have OH on board about price comparison and good deals on things we use.

However, yesterday was another mild training session.  He wanted to buy 2 packets of mince.  I pointed out that the larger packet was more cost effective so then ensued a chat about checking price of product by weight.  Price per kilo, price per litre etc.....

He got it !

Also less packaging.

So our huge shop (we do one about every 3 or 4 weeks) came to approx 102 pounds.  With vouchers and coupons we paid 78 pounds.

Thrilled to bits !

bala

x

Mummy2cheekymonkeys

My husband is very good at looking at the price per kg and that sort of thing. The issue I have is that he will month after month moan about needing to keep the food budget as low as possible but then will suddenly decide he wants something elaborate as a treat and blows a load of the budget that could have been put to better use. I dont have any issue with him wanting nice things to eat as a treat but I think he forgets that it still has to be paid for! 
Thanks for whoever mentioned making blackberry vinegar. I now have some on the go with the blackberries from the garden. 

AnimalTribe

balabooberlies said:

Sorry for asking what may be a silly question AnimalTribe but what is 'proper' broadband ?
Bala, it's not a silly question at all, and I'm not sure of the answer. I don't know the rules BT apply, I'm only sure that satellite isn't considered 'proper'. I assumed it meant if you only have a BT telephone without internet, but that is only my assumption. I should have said that the £9 discount is a monthly amount.
You did brilliantly on your shopping and it's great that your OH is slowly beginning to get to grips with price comparisons. 
Mummy2cheekymonkeys - my DH is great at price comparison too - his weakness is yellow sticker bargains, which sounds good, but there is only so much room in the freezer. 

Wraithlady

I would say 'proper' broadband is the broadband that comes through terrestrial phone wires (at a guess) - satellite broadband obviously doesn't. 

balabooberlies

Thank you both..........

bala

Tanya12345

Morning All, happy monday Fruggies. Not much to report here, reasonably cheap weekend ....Now getting menu plans done to use garden produce ! I wish we could find a way of growing Pig and Chicken food......
Is anyone else hearing about potential food shortages ? or am I just listening to ridiculous panicky radio !!
xx

Kitty43

HI all I thought I would give a short update on my life style transition.  Two expenses I have reduced are car washing (I now wash my own car and I enjoy doing too), and salon manicures I am trained to do manicures so I do my own now 😆.  I think that works out at about a saving of £90 per month for me ☺️

Tanya12345

Yay Kitty43, great result ! That's a significant money saving and big deposit in the self reliance account xx

Ellie79

Hello all! Been a busy time recently and less frugal than I would like. That said I have just been and sorted the freezer out. I know I have some issues around hoarding food but that was ridiculous. Safe to say once I have turned yesterday's roast chicken into soup, we will be eating from the freezer for the next 2 weeks (at least). Youngest DD is about to go out for the afternoon and I am going to go through my list and meal plan around it.

Fortunately my this week's meal plan incorporates much that already was in there, phew, and because I knew I had to go through the freezer I didn't buy any meat other than the chicken for dinner yesterday. So a sort of win, even if it is a small win. I also have enough frozen veg to make soups for lunch for going back to work. 

So a rather cold and rainy Bank Holiday will be spent sorting meal plan, washing the new school uniform and having a bowl of chicken and veg soup! It may be less than frugal but a bowl of soup from the roast dinner always makes you feel like you've achieved a small frugal win. Plus, I found some sausages that we won't eat now and they will turn into a treat for the dogs. 

I hope everyone is well, warm and safe.