2022 Frugal Living Challenge

spudsmum

Floss said:

florianatwobob said:

@spudsmum I didn’t catch mumps or measles either. There was a debate about rubella but even the Dr couldn’t confirm it was definite either. Norovirus however is a right wotsit. Last time I had it I was like
something out of The Exorcist!

I got chicken pox when I was 3-ish and due to be a bridesmaid in turquoise satin. Never got measles as I had the jab, but lost 11lbs with norovirus after a dodgy oyster the day I flew home from Lisbon 🤮

Well its definitely good for weight loss if nothing else - I've had it twice in my lifetime, most recently about 3 weeks ago and its truly horrific. Couldn't keep anything down for about a week and felt ropey for much longer. 

Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. 

Bluegreen143

I’d rather Bambi caught chicken pox now because it’s not then that likely she’d catch it again (there’s a small chance yes but it’s very small) whereas if she doesn’t catch it now she will most likely catch it later, probably at an inconvenient time when we’re about to go on holiday 😂 that said, it would be nice to enjoy SOME of these Easter holidays if she doesn’t catch it 😆

Took the kids to a local river/woodland type park yesterday (where we hardly saw anyone) and they were happy playing for two hours despite hailstones starting! Took a bucket and spade each for them and they spent ages making a dam with the mud and water 😆 and then we took a ball to a hilly path and chasing the ball down the slope again entertained them for ages.  

I don’t usually but I took a picnic blanket too and it meant I was in less of a hurry to keep moving them on cos I was sitting somewhere dry 😂 so I’ll do that again. Also took a couple of picture books so when my 3yo got a little fed up at one point (my 6yo could genuinely play in the woods all day but she gets a bit cold) we sat and read a couple of stories then she was ready to play again 👌🏼

Young children are such a reminder that the real joys in life are free, aren’t they? 

Followed up by a hot chocolate and homemade muffin each at home to warm up, then slung them in a nice warm bubbly bath. 

joedenise

Sounds a lovely day @Bluegreen143.  You are so right that it doesn't need to cost anything to keep little ones entertained.  It certainly changes when they are older though!

We found it fairly cheap until they were about 13 or 14 after we bought a cheap tent and often went camping at weekends using Camping and Caravan Club rallies which usually cost just a couple of pounds a night.  Unfortunately it's now more like £12-£15 but still relatively cheap so we still do it but in the comfort of a motorhome rather than a tent!

otb666

@spudsmum If you were using a gadget on their meter to tamper with the reading this would be picked up by their meter reader.  An appointment gives occupier chance to remove the device from the meter.  The company will apply for a warrant to access their equipment eventually  Why dont you ask for your meter to be moved they can do this for free up to a metre .Also The photo has to be dated  otherwise its no good as could have been taken anytime.  You can also check with company the ID of meter reader The meter reader will be happy for you to do this.

spudsmum

otb666 said:

@spudsmum If you were using a gadget on their meter to tamper with the reading this would be picked up by their meter reader.  An appointment gives occupier chance to remove the device from the meter.  The company will apply for a warrant to access their equipment eventually  Why dont you ask for your meter to be moved they can do this for free up to a metre .Also The photo has to be dated  otherwise its no good as could have been taken anytime.  You can also check with company the ID of meter reader The meter reader will be happy for you to do this.

Nonsense! they're hardly likely to get a warrant because I refused them entry once, or even if I did it twice or three times - it costs them a lot of money to do that so it would always be a last resort - the fact they come round between Mon-Fri 9-5 means most people are likely to be out at work so it would be a while before they could gain access anyway that's why they leave the little cards for people to give their own readings 

Firstly moving the meter by a metre wouldn't help because it's up near the ceiling which is ultra high besides acess is not usually an issue, we just climb up - unless I'm making a massive and very important cake! 

Secondly the photo IS date stamped and, luckily, wide enough angle to show no attached devices

Thirdly his ID has nothing to do with it - not disputing he was a meter reader just his stinking attitude

But in reality ALL of that is completely irrelevant - it's not like I've never let them in, I have nothing to hide - I just didn't want that particular man in my house on that day, at that time. That is my right. 

spudsmum

joedenise said:

Sounds a lovely day @Bluegreen143.  You are so right that it doesn't need to cost anything to keep little ones entertained.  It certainly changes when they are older though!

We found it fairly cheap until they were about 13 or 14 after we bought a cheap tent and often went camping at weekends using Camping and Caravan Club rallies which usually cost just a couple of pounds a night.  Unfortunately it's now more like £12-£15 but still relatively cheap so we still do it but in the comfort of a motorhome rather than a tent!

It does sound a lovely day and you are right @joedenise my two little ones are perfectly happy with a walk in the woods looking for different leaves or splashing in the mud. You forget sometimes that you don't need to spend money for them to have fun.

My 14 year old on the other hand is a complete money pit! Playing on his Ps4 is the only thing that doesn't really cost money and, obviously I don't just want him doing that. He's very sporty but all the clubs needs paying for as well as all the kit. 

otb666

Fair enough Hope you cake turned out alright

spudsmum

otb666 said:

Fair enough Hope you cake turned out alright

Not too bad thanks - parents in laws golden wedding so a very special cake and a real honour to be asked to make it 

otb666

my son wants a velvet cake for his birthday I am going to buy from co-op 3 small ones and stack them 2 at bottom one at top. Most probably look a bit weird but he does not like my cooking and saves me the effort and electric. My parents made Diamond in 2020 then split last year Strange times indeed for everyone

JIL

I saw a post on Instagram where the aldi Madeira cake was stacked one on top of the other, they are wide cakes and the end result was very impressive. A fab cake for a fiver. 
Theres also some ideas of cutting smaller cakes into numbers and coating with melted chocolate and or buttercream.