It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

Spendless

I've got to sort out a cupboard full of shoes anyway - will have a look to see if I can re-purpose an old pair, though I am needing something suitable for the beach anyway so will be for a dual purpose even if I have to buy new.

There's a sign outside my chip shop saying due to increased costs they have had to raise prices. They were already expensive  whilst tight on the portion sizes and quality wise ok but certainly not the best to be had. I went past twice today  and no-one was in. Admittedly these were at quiet times, 10 mins before local school finished and shortly before they closed - but I'd gone in last week just before closing time (I'd thought they closed an hour later) and there were 3 of us in there though me and the person before me came away empty handed as they'd no more chips. 

Doom_and_Gloom

Also remembered we have a foldable solar panel that can charge 2 items (smart phones and tablets) at the same time. That has been brought out of storage (usually only gets used in the height of summer when it is most effective so was with summer gear but needs must) and is hung up at the door now so that will help.

Frugalfaffing

Florenceem said:

When I had a combi boiler put in - insisted on having a small radiator installed in my airing cupboard so I could still use it for linens and ironed bits.

Our hot water tank & airing cupboard were ripped out when combined boiler fitted in a different room. So I now store my linen in a fitted wardrobe in my sons bedroom (full wall of them so he has the others ) as this wardrobe is next the the chimney breast with stove flu & gets warm enough to "air" things. 

nannygladys

Doom_and_Gloom - I noticed at the weekend a neighbour at the back has put solar panels on his shed, not sure what for but they used to go camping and probably used them then, wondering if he was using them for charging things up, as its not very near to the house.

Tanya12345

Great ideas, thanks everyone.....Going to look at solar powered light for reading - had one a few years ago for camping and it was awesome. Hard to swallow but I guess some cash needs to be invested for longer term resilience.
Had a minor win with a net of carrots from our feed store, masses of them for £3 ! All mine in the garden have started to regrow and are pretty grim eating - I never knew carrots got a woody centre if left too long !!
Trying to re jig budgets but keep being distracted by the wretched smart meter and its tales of woe ......
Have a good day everyone x

Wednesday2000

Oh, I read that MSE post too and it seems like heated blankets are a good idea. I think I will invest in a couple for us near Autumn.:)

KxMx

Keep trying to keep the heating off until next winter but cold here today with 50mph winds until 6pm, temperature down to zero overnight and for next few nights... 
Woke up to the house at 16c and it's actually gone down since. 
Even if we can manage without this evening I'll need to set the timer for 45/60 mins each morning now for a few days. 
Last year was similar, a 7/8 month spell of wet/cold/windy weather with a very brief summer!
As I recall virtually no spring weather.

London_1

I have a heated throw and they are brilliant My eldest DD bought it for me about two years ago and it is so good, only problem is when I am snuggled under it in my armchair I tend to fall asleep I'm so cosy

JackieO x

helensbiggestfan

Wednesday2000 said:

Oh, I read that MSE post too and it seems like heated blankets are a good idea. I think I will invest in a couple for us near Autumn.:)

I have one Wednesday, in fact sat under it now.😂. Snug as a bug in a rug, heating off.  Can recommend.  Especially good when fibro/arthritis is bad.  The warmth really helps combat the pain.  

sammy_kaye18

helensbiggestfan said:

Wednesday2000 said:

Oh, I read that MSE post too and it seems like heated blankets are a good idea. I think I will invest in a couple for us near Autumn.:)

I have one Wednesday, in fact sat under it now.😂. Snug as a bug in a rug, heating off.  Can recommend.  Especially good when fibro/arthritis is bad.  The warmth really helps combat the pain.  

Thanks lovely. 
My husband suffers badly with arthritis in his knees and ankles so I'm wondering if this might be a good investment for him to help him through colder weather when it starts to play up. Will have to look into it.