2021 Frugal Living Challenge

skogar

Hi Marghirl - yes that makes sense. I will see how I get on at the next attempt (as of course it is currently all pulled back again). If I still get small holes then darning may be the way to go. The sock knitting is not going too well to be honest as I only tend to knit in the winter as with the lighter evenings in the summer more outdoor things are possible and then it gets put on one side for Christmas knitting etc. hence the slow progress.

C_J

All the recent chat on this board (and others) about Kelly kettles has reminded me that Mister CJ has been hinting for a long time that he would like one, but says he can't justify the cost. So today I bought him one, so that's one Christmas present ticked off the list!

Effician

skogar said:

Asparklyblond - You mentioned a kelly kettle but also mentioned that you have a stove. My parents used to boil kettles on top of their multifuel stove so that might be an option if you have a suitable kettle - would be cheaper than a kelly kettle - but perhaps you were thinking of using the kelly ketttle when you didn't have the stove on. Apologies as I've probably stated the obvious and you've already considered it but thought I'd mention in case it's useful.

Was thinking the same thing, always got the kettle on our stove whenever it's lit .

We also fill flasks with the excess hot water for washing up , cooking ,teas & hot water bottles  etc.

Blackcats

Skogar - how about these mini Xmas pud covers for Ferrer* roch*r ?  They are quite quick once you get used to doing them.  I think there is a pattern too for a larger version for a chocolate orange.

https://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com/2015/11/mini-christmas-pudding.html

I'm currently making a crochet baby blanket -  it's very easy to make and very relaxing in the evenings.  The use of pastel colours makes it look really pretty.  Only problem is that the baby will be here before the blanket is finished! 

I made one for a friend's daughter and was nervous about gifting it but she loved it.  She said it was so personal and that lots of other new mums preferred it to mass produced shop bought.  That's given me the encouragement I need to make this one and the good thing is I can use up the wool from my first effort.  

oystercatcher

Blackcats said:

Skogar - how about these mini Xmas pud covers for Ferrer* roch*r ?  They are quite quick once you get used to doing them.  I think there is a pattern too for a larger version for a chocolate orange.

https://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com/2015/11/mini-christmas-pudding.html

I'm currently making a crochet baby blanket -  it's very easy to make and very relaxing in the evenings.  The use of pastel colours makes it look really pretty.  Only problem is that the baby will be here before the blanket is finished! 

I made one for a friend's daughter and was nervous about gifting it but she loved it.  She said it was so personal and that lots of other new mums preferred it to mass produced shop bought.  That's given me the encouragement I need to make this one and the good thing is I can use up the wool from my first effort.  

I was quite chuffed recently, a friend's daughter had baby number 2 and in the announcement photo a crochet blanket I made for baby number 1 was hanging on the airer in the background clearly still in use! 

My grandaughter aged 14 months likes to carry a crochet blanket round all day and sucks the corners when sleeping so her blankets are very well used indeed. Meanwhile grandson is 13 months and all his blankets have vanished and they use shop blankets, can't win them all!!

YORKSHIRELASS

Frugal day, took some cardboard to the recycling and went for a walk.  Avoided the tea shop.  £31 spent in Li@l which brings our food spend £1 over budget!  This is partly because we had so much in the freezer, next month will be more of a challenge.

We have 5 family birthdays this month, including DSs 23rd.  I must not overspend on these.  Not sure what tomorrow brings, think it might be a day at home but I said we would help DS1 get his car to the garage for its MOT.

Jellytotts

I've just finished a crochet blanket for my daughters friends baby that's due early next year...it will be cherished, she loves homemade stuff and is quite crafty herself.  Aside from that I sell my blankets once their finished, I only get the cost of the wool back but that pays for the next one and so forth.  I'm not a sit and do nothing person, always some sort of craft on the go so selling the pays for my hobby.

Had some unexpected expenses over the past 2 months that have left us with a bit on the credit card that we couldn't clear in one go...makes me feel very edgy having debt again so I dusted off the eBay account, went for a delve in the loft and have managed to make just over £200 in 2 weeks.  A few bits have been sold via FB too netting another £40.  Still a few bits to list so will aim for another £100 and that will mean the card is clear by the end of next month.  

Our emergency fund was depleted when some budgeted for landscaping went a bit wrong and we needed to find £1k to rebuild a wall (split costs with our neighbour or it would have been even worse).  

Nice to know we can still pull ourselves out of a hole when necessary. 

skogar

Blackcats - Many thanks for the pattern and the reminder about these. I do remember some years ago an elderly friend telling me that her and her friends had made a large number of these between them for a club Christmas meal. Those would be a very quick knit - I'm sure if I have a rummage I can find some suitable yarn for those.

p00

Marghirl said:

I usually get about 9 portions of bolgnese sauce out of 550g mince by adding green lentils and chopped veg to it. Makes it go a bit further. You can’t tell there are lentils in it

I made a huge bean stew last week after so much publicity for eating beans.. Found a tin of mixed beans in the cupboard and a bag of Quorn in the freezer. Think the Quorn had been in there a long time. Added some crinkly potatoes, sprouting onions, some frozen squash. I didnt think to add some lentils I bought some tie ago. I have to say it was absolutely delicious with home made crusty bread. Will definitely be making that more in the winter months.
p00 x

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi all

Warning light came on again on the car yesterday so I have asked the garage for a price for a new part and fitting and they have quoted £900 to £1000.  I have asked them to get the part, I cant cope with worrying that its going to break down again.  Its a perfectly good car otherwise so we dont have much choice.

DH is doing a few hours work here and there while he waits for his appointment with the back clinic.

Otherwise we just plod on, mealplanning, keeping heating use and electric use to the minimum, trying to not spend unless it's essential.

Made a big batch of veg soup on Sunday so eating that up, will make veg chilli before work tomorrow.