2022 Frugal Living Challenge

mandy47

RateTartExtraodinaire said: 

One trick my mum did when she wanted to get the shop for less than the minimum order was put something on that she didn't need and then hand it back for a refund at delivery (A$DA)! A bit naughty but needs must. 

Loads of people do this. Very unfair on the pickers  (me) and drivers. We work hard getting everything ready on time, packing and delivery. We start work at 3 am. Remember we then after put away all the returns. Our store picks over 30,000 items daily. 
Imagine the amount of returns. 
Rant over.

Floss

Beshki said:

To add to the posts above about beans. Borlotti beans are so easy to grow, prolific and dry on the plant for picking and jarring up to use through the winter in stews etc

I couldn't get them to grow on my Blackpool allotment. Runners & french beans & my neighbours grew broad beans, but borlotti wouldn't grow.

mumtoomany

Ha ha @Primrose, actually got B unit, (apparently the equivalent of an a level) in psychology. No mention of cowboy pie in it though. We have a lot of strangely named meals.
I tried growing borltti beans last year. One plant survived and produced three pods. Think I've some seeds left. Will have to try again this year. mumtoomany.xx

joedenise

Spies said:

What meals do people have towards the end of the month before payday when you haven't got much left? Beans on toast is always a good go to but it's not very balanced and I'm veggy so need protein from other sources.

Ideas welcome! 

It's worth having a look at Jack Monroe's website cookingonabootstrap for recipes.  All cheap and her later recipes are vegan but there are lots of vegetarian ones from earlier.  I particularly like her bean goulash and rather than using baked beans and washing the sauce off plus a tin of kidney beans I just use a tin of mixed beans.

nannygladys

I grew a row of barlotti beans down the lottie a couple of years ago, they all dried beautifully but when it came to eating them I really disliked the taste so I gave them to somebody who liked them!!! I think it's the only bean I really dislike, although I'm not that keen on chickpeas!!

Went to the food hub and picked up some fruit and veg for the weekend, so I don't think I will need anymore food until the middle of next week.  Whilst I was out in the car I made sure I called in all the places I had to, so all errands done for the time being. Nit sure what I'm doing over the weekend, but I know it will include cleaning!!
Nannyg

maisie_cat

Spies said:

What meals do people have towards the end of the month before payday when you haven't got much left? Beans on toast is always a good go to but it's not very balanced and I'm veggy so need protein from other sources.

Ideas welcome! 

We tend towards porridge for breakfast, soup from fridge/freezer diving & beans/tomatoes and rice/pasta, so a 3 bean chilli or chickpea/potato curry or a simple tomato & lentil with pasta.
I'm a store cupboard junkie, I buy extra long shelf life things when we have extra money so that I have them.

cw18

-taff said:

Ahhh.is that function of a smart meter? I never even thought about that...Glad I don't have one either.

It was the only reason I could see for why the energy companies were so keen to get them installed.   So I've resisted all 'offers' of having one.

However, I suspect I will have one foisted on me soon.   According to the 'net the lifespan of a traditional meter is 10-20 years (25 at a stretch), and my meters were installed when my property was built 20 years ago.

My water board foisted one on me using the same tactic 8 or 9 years ago.

YORKSHIRELASS

Babs stick around here and you will get all sorts of tips and tricks that help, sometimes its just lots of little things that add up.

I have had to use the car every day this week which is annoying, I probably should claim mileage today because I had to make a trip for work.  Every time I get a chance to cycle to work its either blowing a gale or icy.

On the plus side I washed my big M&S winter dressing gown and almost got it dried outside today, my Mum bought me it about 3 years ago for Christmas and its a lifesaver.  Made from thick fleece and it comes almost down to my ankles, so warm and cosy.

For a cheap meal I love a veggie curry, you can really chuck anything in it and even if you only have a tin of tomatoes, a tin of chickpeas and a few bits of shrivelled up veg you can make something tasty.

Feel like I have done really well with the spending this week.  Its a wet weekend forecast and I am supposed to be cycling with my ladies group on Sunday but we will see, it wont cost me anything if I do go.

Fire lit and feet up.  We are currently supplementing our open fire with an old wardrobe that DH got from a friend for free and chopped up into small squares!  Nice to have a bit of free heat.

basketcase

Hi!

I've caught up on the entire thread. 

If others have said they're late to the party, I feel as if I'm early for the 2023 thread!  But I'd like to join, if I may?

What are my reasons?

Well, I've got really devil-may-care about spending - although, that said, I don't have any debt and would like to keep it that way.

I'm appalled by the fuel hikes, especially living in Scotland - it's colder for longer etc - and the rate at which food prices are rising is frightening.  I really need to get a grip and stick to a tight budget.  Good hints and tip already.

I'll have to have a think about the actual figures, but I'll be helped by the fact that I have a fairly well-stocked Brexit Cupboard, so should be able to eat some of that down.  Will need to do a freezer inventory, but I've just got a tray of chicken thighs (C0stco) and have some chicken breasts (ditto) left over.

So, I think I'll start with:

- full inventory of what I've got in stock

- a meal plan

- batch cooking

- exploring Olio/local community food schemes etc

Also, I've got an allotment and I must get back to regular work on that.

That may be enough for the first month.  If I find I'm not overwhelmed I can always add more!

basketcase

@babs_103

About growing stuff:

1) Do you have windowledges?  If you do, you can use them to grow salads, veg, tomatoes, peppers (if wide enough) herbs etc. You can use old mushroom trays etc with compost to start off.

I'd recommend Vertical Veg https://www.verticalveg.org.uk/  as a good place to start looking for tips.

2) A couple of indoor things you can grow with no space other than under the sink are:

- sprouting seeds

A jam jar, some seeds, possibly an old pair of tights to make into a strainer for the top of the jar and you're off!

- mushrooms

Can be grown from kits under the sink or perhaps in an airing cupboard?

Just an idea. May not be any help...