2022 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

Gem-gem

Cherryfudge said:

Looking ahead a little, and having failed to keep up with my coupons this year, I'm thinking of making a physical tally. Has anyone made themselves a little ration book where they can actually clip the coupons? The alternative would be a note in my signature, and you can all see I'm a natural at that (er, not).

I did spend some time back in September trying to find what I'd actually spent through the posts on here but that was on holiday and I never finished the task.

What works best for you, please?

@Cherryfudge I keep a tally on my phone along with the coupon guidance. See below.

florianatwobob

I update my signature but also have a ‘mini ration book’. Basically I have grid paper in my diary that I’ve drawn my coupons for the year on. 2 squares = 1 coupon (to account for half coupon spends). Once I’ve speNt the coupons  I colour in the relevant number of squares. 

Currently waiting on my sales purchases to arrive and hoping they land in Jan else I’m
going to be hitting the black market and that shifty looking spiv Flash Harry. 

Cherryfudge

Both of those are good - thanks! I always have a paper diary: I was rather annoyed when my coffee leaked over this years in November and made it tatty - and you'd think that would have occurred to me. However I know I always miss updating things somewhere so an electronic version on my phone should work in tandem and hopefully between a couple of versions I might keep a better tally.

Mine is going to have to involve identifying details so I don't repeat this year's problem where lists don't add up.

PipneyJane

@Cherryfudge, I think I’ve tried most things but, these days, I’m like @Gem-gem:  I keep a detailed tally in my signature but I also keep a copy of that in the Notes app on my iPad*, which replicates to my iPhone.  I never used to do this:  I’d use the sidebar in my blog and then forget to update things.  Also, I always have a notebook in my handbag; once upon a time, I’d keep track in that.

Use whatever works for you.

- Pip

*Off topic, the most useful thing I ever did was to buy a keyboard for my iPad Mini.  Because I’m a typist, it makes things so much more straightforward to type it up.  When I replaced the iPad Mini after 7 years, I struggled to get a replacement keyboard.  Took 3 goes until I found one that I could touch-type on.  I’m using it now.

Liverpool_Anne

@Cherryfudge, I used to use a notebook but it was used for other things and I threw it away when it was full just keeping the page with my coupon total but that piece of paper just kept getting lost so I now just keep a note on my phone of the total.  I haven't now got a list of what the coupons were spent on.
On a different note we found out over Christmas that OHs niece is pregnant, due early June. This is the niece who lost her baby at just over 20 weeks earlier in the year. She is now over 16 weeks and has started to tell people, so much joy all around . What it also means is that I have an excuse to knit and crochet . So last night I was perusing the h0bby place website and discovered they now sell yorkshire spinners wool. I am not sure if they stock it in the shops but it is on the website. I thought this might be useful for those who get birthday vouchers from them I will be spending some coupons on baby yarn but I think I'll take a trip to the shop as I like to feel it. I am not sure if it will happen in the next few days but I will let you know what they have in the shop when I go.
I got some clothing gifts for Christmas. A dryrobe coat which is very toasty and will be worn on very cold times to the match plus any other cold/ wet days. A light weight jumper that I really am not sure about, beige and light brown horizontal stripes. I don't usually do horizontal stripes as I think they make my chest look even bigger and I don't usually do beige but OH says it looks good on so I am keeping it for now. I also got a beige jacket that I honestly can't see me ever wearing. It is a short, only reaching my waist, zip front with tiny pockets and brass decorative buttons and epaulettes. It is made from material that feels like suede. I have tried it on and it does fit but I suspect it will be heading to the charity shop along with the cardigan with apples on I got for my birthday from the same person. I feel real guilt about this as she has spent money on these and I really don't think I will ever wear them. It is OHs sister so I need to be very tactful but I think I need to have a conversation with her about what I like to wear. I think she thinks I need smarter clothes whereas I do have some smart clothes for when I need them but I really just like what I wear. Does that make sense? Any tips on how to deal with this would be gratefully received. On a brighter note I also got a new red fleece top. I know I should be avoiding fleece but it is such a lovely colour and fits perfectly so I will wear it . Other than that I mostly got edible gifts which are very easily dealt with, too easily to be honest
I hope everyone who has the lurgy recovers quickly, there does seem to be a shocker of a cold doing the rounds at the moment. Hugs to all who would like one and I will be looking forward to catching up with you all in the new year.
Take care everyone

thriftwizard

@Cherryfudge, I like that idea, though I am quite good at keeping track via my signature! But I love making little booklets... now there's an intriguing project for the next few days! IF I have time - suddenly the house is filling up until after the New Year; one of my oldest friends has just gone home after spending the day with us (it was judged unwise for us to take Mum down to my brother's, as my sister-in-law is also desperately vulnerable) OH's twin brother & nephew arrive at lunchtime & are with us overnight tomorrow, then DS1, fiancée, dog & kitten arrive to see the New Year in with us - there may not be many spare moments!

Cherryfudge

Liverpool_Anne said:

I also got a beige jacket that I honestly can't see me ever wearing. It is a short, only reaching my waist, zip front with tiny pockets and brass decorative buttons and epaulettes. It is made from material that feels like suede. I have tried it on and it does fit but I suspect it will be heading to the charity shop along with the cardigan with apples on I got for my birthday from the same person. I feel real guilt about this as she has spent money on these and I really don't think I will ever wear them. It is OHs sister so I need to be very tactful but I think I need to have a conversation with her about what I like to wear. I think she thinks I need smarter clothes whereas I do have some smart clothes for when I need them but I really just like what I wear. Does that make sense? Any tips on how to deal with this would be gratefully received.

I think I would wear the item for a photo then donate... then ping the person a copy and, it there are any positives about the garment, say the colour or fit was perfect or whatever. That way you give an idea what works for you (if possible) but don't directly reinforce the things that don't work for you. Or perhaps just donate and keep quiet?

Cherryfudge

Liverpool_Anne said:

we found out over Christmas that OHs niece is pregnant, due early June. This is the niece who lost her baby at just over 20 weeks earlier in the year. She is now over 16 weeks and has started to tell people, so much joy all around . 

What lovely news! Such a terrible experience, then such a good one. I hope all goes smoothly with the baby (and your knitting and crochet too, of course). Please keep us updated!

Cherryfudge

I had four pairs of socks, a scarf and some gardening gloves among my Christmas gifts but I think one sock pack may have to find the person for whom it sparks joy. The scarf is good taste and a nice fabric but isn't what I'd choose so perhaps that may go the same way. I wonder if flash Harry does part-exchange?  

I'm intrigued to find so many of us seem to have variations on the coupon book as well as online signatures. I think I'm tending the same way as you, @thriftwizard. I might just make a book and punch the corners of the coupons, while allowing room to record on the rest what I buy, cost and date. At the back of the book might well be an even larger section to record second hand and gifted textile products.

P.S. I wonder if I have any left to carry forward?

PipneyJane

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- Pip