2025 Frugal Living Challenge

Prudent

I can imagine Lidl being busy @Quantaqa , all the shops near here said they will be closed today. Cottage pie and banana loaf are just the comfort food you need in this weather. I have just made a roasted veg and cannellini bean pasta bake. I think we will have this for lunch as it will be easier to reheat the soup if the power goes off. If the power stays on, I will do some baking this afternoon. OH made bread first thing so we have all we need food wise. 

fionaandphil

We had a private meter for years and for the last year have been on mains water with an assessed charge. We had a note from the water company yesterday about bills rising and there was a water calculator on there. I've run out figures and have also used the figures from our old water meter to check which might be best for us. It looks like going back to a meter would save us around 150 to 200 per year with the option to move back within 2 years so I'm going to request one. Not sure if it will be a good idea, DS is a teenager and spends ages in the shower!!

Blackberrycurved

Where I live if you get a water meter then you can’t go back or I would try it. 

kayannie

Definitely on a water meter here! I feel that at least I can have some control over how much water I use. We have 2 water butts so during the months when I need to water the garden, it is not often I need to use water from the tap. I also keep a container in the kitchen which I put under the hot tap while I'm waiting for the hot water to come through. This gets used for watering plants, swilling around the sink, draining board etc.

@Frugaldom. Hope you're safe - just heard that the storm is now in D&G. 

KA

Frugaldom

Storm still raging here but with outbreaks of watery sunshine. The winds have increased yet again and we were issued a second red alert. Our main road, A75, was/possibly still is closed by various incidents and fallen trees between Stranraer and Dumfries. Times like these I hope folks living in caravans, yurts, tents and campervans are all ok. We're off-grid at the project so haven't noticed the loss of heat or power but friends assure me the electricity is out and several cables have trees through them. How is everyone else fairing? I'm unsure how many of you are in Scotland, or Ireland for that matter - they've had it much worse. Definitely a no spend day, cooking on the logburner and surveying the damage in between bursts of rain, hail, gale force blasts and even a glimmer of sunshine. Woopee for a few more amps of solar to recharge batteries.

Keep on keeping safe, frugal friends. This can't last forever. 

fionaandphil

Good to hear from you Frugaldom, I've been thinking about you and friends in family in Scotland today. The weather looks wild and lots of major roads closed.

We are fine, sun is shining but it's very windy. I did briefly think about sticking the washing out but it would have disappeared 😆

Keep safe x

Katiehound

We have escaped the worst of it (near the E coast) in fact it has been a lovely sunny day & the sky is almost clear. Due to circumstances I didn't get my washing out until almost 4 pm  but it is blowing a lot so I am hoping it might be at least half dry.

Sadly my lovely hound had a mini stroke on Weds so sorting him out is top priority (after the trip to Aldi) He is considerably better than 2 days ago but still very very wobbly. However he followed me into the garden as I was hanging out the washing: that is a big thing, first time he has ventured past the his water bowl.

Prudent

Oh your poor dog @Katiehound. I bet he enjoyed getting out again, even if it was for a short time.

I think the winds are getting worse here, hoping for some sun tomorrow to get a wash out. 

Duchess2

@Katiehound so sorry to hear about your doggo. 🤞for a full and quick recovery. You’re quite right he is definitely your priority atm. Give him a cuddle for me🐶

Blackberrycurved

@Katiehound I haven’t interacted with you as I’m new here but sending good vibes to your doggo