2021 Frugal Living Challenge

willow_loulou

5yearsfree said:

Willow-loulou spinach will need transplanting getting leggy usually a mix of a bit too warm and not enough light, I work in the plant area of a garden centre, im better with plants then people  

Amazing thank you x

5yearsfree

Im so sorry you had such a hard time of it Willow-loulou,  thank you for your concern it means a lot as with everything going on in the world we haven't told anyone but the kids whats going on, I probably should have left years ago and all this has coincided with the last one flying the nest, I guess I feel more secure because I don't have little ones as my youngest is 23, we are formally legally separating so any on-going assets will be classed non-matrimonial (law changed this year) for both of us and it will be another 2 years before we can start divorce proceedings.when you get to know me your see I always have a plan" just not always a good one"

           

willow_loulou

@5yearsfree I’m very glad to hear that, it’s never an easy thing to do and like you I should’ve gone earlier. I also only told my sister at first, I was okay but I didn’t want to deal with other peoples emotions (and anger it turned out!) I think you’re wise to move on yourselves whilst the world is so crazy. Always here if you want an ear x 

Frugaldom

Welcome to frugaldom, @flossyblog, I hope you enjoy being part of or community

Thank you for the pizza base recipes, I think I'll try with and without yeast to sample the differences.

@5yearsfree that is really good to know we can ask you for a little plant advice!   On the financial side of things, as a divorcee, I agree with what @willow_loulou has said. When the tie comes to split the marital home and any finances, amicable isn't a word that springs to mind. My ex refused me access to our house in the latter stages and on several occasions failed to pay the mortgage, which was in joint names. I ended up driving almost 700 mile round trip just to pay cash into building society to avoid defaulting as I was unable to make payments any other way without a bank account in my own name. Hopefully you have already got separate banking from pre-marital days otherwise all savings made post-marriage and prior to legal separation will be classed as joint. Also, if it helps, my lawyer agreed fixed terms at the start for my divorce so I always knew what it was going to cost me, unlike others who are now having to fork out thousands of pounds on what they thought was going to be an amicable split. Divorce is not easy so good luck with everything and look after yourself both mentally and physically.

Last night's cookathon must have ended too soon as my blackcurrant jelly didn't set properly. I've now boiled it back up and it's setting nicely as we speak/type. 

I'm trying my best to keep a tight hold on the budget but the arrival of the snow and cold winds has meant turning up the heating. At £70 per cylinder for gas, plus electricity, it could become an expensive first quarter of the year.

IzzyBee

I agree 5yearsfree you never know anyone really and when money is involved people change make sure you look out for yourself 

willow_loulou

My delightful ex left us with the child benefit to live on for several months whilst the benefits people sorted things out. I begged him for some money and he just said ask your parents. That’s where my cc cycle of debt comes from, there is no way I could ask them and he knows it. ( I was retraining and only doing 5 hours paid, couldn’t do anymore because of child care. He suggested I pick celery via the agency - I have arthritis! ) 

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi all

We are still eating spinach out of the raised beds, although the frost has battered it a bit.  Its perfectly edible in currys and casseroles.

DH has bought and fitted a new tap for the kitchen, the old one was leaking and in danger of breaking and flooding the kitchen I am reliably informed.  £33 with a voucher code so happy with that.

We have also booked a holiday, 7 nights camping in June for less than £150.  If we are able to go we will cook for ourselves, although we will take a few bottles of wine and some nice treats.  We have lots of camping stuff and I have a memory foam mattress and an electric blanket for my camp bed so its quite luxurious!!  Excited to think we might actually get to go away.

Tanya12345

Evening All, Yorkshirelass - fantastic to have a hol to look forward to ! No spend here today, busy making lists and checking through last months receipts trying to workout how I managed to spend £250 on groceries for 3 of us ! We have our own meat and veg so it just doesn't make sense.........I'm so pleased to be here as I need the  Frugal Hive more  than ever xx

5yearsfree

Good lord Willow-loulou what a total !!!!!! he is, but your thriving now so having the last laugh its the ultimate revenge finding  peace and ongoing happiness makes them insignificant, sorry sounding like an old hippy   

willow_loulou

5yearsfree said:

Good lord Willow-loulou what a total !!!!!! he is, but your thriving now so having the last laugh its the ultimate revenge finding  peace and ongoing happiness makes them insignificant, sorry sounding like an old hippy   

I think he was having a mental health crisis, he was so irrational. But yeah! We can be civil now, on the odd occasion our paths cross, I had to let it go and just move past it. I’m still a food hoarder because I’m scared of being so poor again but I’m so happy. 

I planted up my spinach, hopefully that will save the majority of it. Thank you for your advice x
Need a pot deep enough for radishes now so I’m on the hunt!