2022 Frugal Living Challenge

never_too_old

Afternoon all
Advice please.A community church has recently started this


would you go along if you dont have need for a foodbank but like combating food waste?Or would you feel guilty?

cw18

Primrose said:

Kettle: only boil enough water for your beaker of coffee. Don't fill the whole kettle!

And put some fresh in as soon as you've emptied out the hot water.   That way the residual heat starts to take the chill off the main water, and it can continue to de-chill before you next turn it on.   If the water in the kettle is fresh from the tap it has to start heating from a much lower temperature which uses more energy (and time).

never_too_old

cw18 said:

Primrose said:

Kettle: only boil enough water for your beaker of coffee. Don't fill the whole kettle!

And put some fresh in as soon as you've emptied out the hot water.   That way the residual heat starts to take the chill off the main water, and it can continue to de-chill before you next turn it on.   If the water in the kettle is fresh from the tap it has to start heating from a much lower temperature which uses more energy (and time).

wow i have never considered/thought of that 

Ellie79

What a great idea!

Yes, I would go to the food waste events. I think it a)normalises it for others and b) food is food, and someone needs to make use!

I desperately wish we had more round here. Did hear about a community garden developing near me (a 2 min walk!) and whilst I grow my own and wait in vain for a lottie, I have a lot of seeds and I would love to get involved with a community like that. I'm hoping it might develop into a community fridge (or a space where I may suggest one and volunteer). 

nannygladys

Never_too_old - our local rotary club set the same scheme up where I live. Anyone can go and help themselves. I did ask them about it and the food they receive is not accepted by food banks as its just out of date so it's mainly bread, cakes and veggies. The food that is left over is taken to the tip, so if like me you hate food waste go along! It's such a shame when there are so many people with very little food, for whatever the reason. The uptake was slow at first but now it's being used more and more, mostly by young mums and oldies like me!! 

CW - I always measure my water out before I put it in the kettle, but hadn't thought of putting some more back in as soon as to use any residual heat.

Loving all these frugal tips and ideas!  Today, has been another quiet one, laundry done but over the drier as its so damp outside and bits and pieces out of the cupboards and fridge for lunch and more of the same for tea. 
Nannyg

2Scratters

Hi Peeps,
hope your weekends have been enjoyed.
I cant believe how much DH is onboard with being more efficient with food. We purchased 2 TGTG bags from a resturant (given up on trying to spell it right!) last night and have got a delish Indian meal for tea tonight plus 5 other meals stashed away in the freezer. Today picked up another bag from Sainsbobs and got a small dish to add to tonight's tea. Tonight we eat like kings We have been eating from the stores very well in the last 2 weeks.
 We have also eaten out each week. This is a weakness of ours. We don't do much else, however this is a success as we have taken the money from the Grocery money where out budget is £200 pcm. We have just over £20 left till payday this thursday. (I have stashed £20 to rebuild up our cash stash but he doesn't know that yet!) Yes we have been naughty but managed even better by using the grocery money. Making us work harder
Is it just me who gets little moments of self gratification when putting meals prepped into the freezer in readiness?
Been  looking at our utilities as our fixed contract comes to an end on 07/02/22. I have noticed today that the standard fixed term charges for the fuel have both come down approx 2p pkwh. Albeit our charges for the kwh are both at least doubling in cost. Will be looking at this again before making a decision.
@MazzieD I advised a friend about the flow on the combi boilers and the financial benefits of making the change. She has a smart meter and advises me each week she is still saving money,  and she is very frugal. 

Keep warm
2Scratters

spudsmum

never_too_old said:

Afternoon all
Advice please.A community church has recently started this


would you go along if you dont have need for a foodbank but like combating food waste?Or would you feel guilty?

I would absolutely go and not feel guilty at all!

We have a local community pantry here - we pay £2 and you can have 7 items plus, any freebies they have going.

It's all stuff that's destined for landfill if it doesn't get taken - things like supermarket surplus or incorrect packaging that can't be sold. The organisers encourage everyone in town to use it. 

I go twice a week - I don't NEED to use it because we have a reasonable income but it helps keep my shopping bill down which means I can use that money to pay off debts etc. It also appeals to my hatred of food waste. 

 It's not taking food from people who need it more because we also have a food bank in town which is free for people who need it. 

Jellytotts

I'd happily use that service. We have a food pantry here which I've applied to join.  Olio still proves to be so handy for us. We didn't need anything on Friday so I didn't check but Saturday morning there was lots of gluten free products listed by one lady, they'd been on since the night before without takers so I asked for the lot and got it.  My freezer is now full and it's saved me over £28 in gluten free products.   Very grateful.

We had friends here last night, a simple games night, a good laugh and a few home made dips and some veg from the fridge to dip.  The last of the Christmas sweeties got used up too. It cost us nothing, everything was in stock already.  I do love a frugal evening of fun.

Todays meals have been leftovers for lunch and chilli from a batch I made on Friday in the slowcooker, one more portion in the fridge for midweek jacket spud topping.  I've got the meals planned for the week (cheesy leeks and gammon tomorrow night)...gammon is currently soaking (very salty piece from the butchers) and I'll dig some leeks up from the allotment tomorrow.  Might shove a tin of spuds in with it too which will stretch it.  

Kerry_Woman

Has been an very expensive month.  I already knew about some bills that had to be paid and a couple of things that I had to order. Unexpectedly I had to order a new pair of walking boots, as my walking shoes were letting in water.  Did try to order another pair of walking shoes, but they were out of stock, so luckily the walking boots were about £5 cheaper.  I also had to get a locksmith out as had issues with getting the key out of the lock on the inside of door.  You have to open and lock the door from both inside and outside locks.  Luckily he kindly gave me some money off from what he quoted me, so £30 saved. My nephew came down to stay over last night and  my brother gave him something to give to me to help with the lock if I have any further issues, also a craft kit for me to do.  They live far away and my nephew comes down to stay over as he does the odd bit of work in photography and making videoshoots.  Something totally different to what I am used to, but it will make a nice change and challenge.   I also entered a charity 5k event in July at a park in London, also had money off entry fee.  Also went to see a film yesterday at a local cinema, paid for it online so saved £1 on ticket and brought my own refreshments.  Used vouchers for my favourite shop to buy 2 different pairs of trainers, luckily I managed to get them from the children's department.  They are just plain ones and were £25 each.  Have to be careful for the rest of the month.

never_too_old

Ellie79 said:

What a great idea!

Yes, I would go to the food waste events. I think it a)normalises it for others and b) food is food, and someone needs to make use!

I desperately wish we had more round here. Did hear about a community garden developing near me (a 2 min walk!) and whilst I grow my own and wait in vain for a lottie, I have a lot of seeds and I would love to get involved with a community like that. I'm hoping it might develop into a community fridge (or a space where I may suggest one and volunteer). 

Thanks
I will give it a go x