2025 Frugal Living Challenge

gill5blue

Hi,
Im considering making my own yoghurt, does anyone else do this? I was looking at the yoghurt maker from lakeland.
does it save money? I buy a lot of yoghurts
gill5blue

mama67

gill5blue said:

Hi,
Im considering making my own yoghurt, does anyone else do this? I was looking at the yoghurt maker from lakeland.
does it save money? I buy a lot of yoghurts
gill5blue

I make my own Greek yogurt. 

I have a yogurt maker. (Vonhaus)

1 litre UHT milk, small pot of live yogurt.
let machine do its thing, strain to make thicker, (Keep back 2- 3 tbsp for next batch). 

I only buy a new pot of live every couple of months. 

Can use the strained off whey in baking etc.  

annieb64

I have the Lakeland yogurt maker and do find it cheaper to make my own yogurt. Remember to keep a few spoonfuls back to use as a starter for the next batch.

I use long life milk and a spoonful of dried milk.

Frugaldom

Good morning!

Reading about all the frugal bus and train travel has me chomping at the bit to get exploring the parts of Scotland I haven't previously visited. I must, at least, try to get my bus pass organised. H already has his but hasn't used it on account of there being so few buses here, plus we each still have a car.

Went online last night and secured a £1.50 delivery slot from M0rris0ns - it's quite frightening seeing just how much things have gone up in price. It is definitely much more difficult to spot the loss leaders and I can't remember the last time I saw a BOGOF or half price offer. Thank goodness for 0lio! Anyhow, £111 estimated cost for absolute essentials, one luxury gift item (£12.50) and some scourers. My current lack of baking facilities means buying biscuits so there's something to have with a cuppa so that accounted for over £5. This is the first shop of 2025 so here's hoping it restocks for the next 6 weeks or thereabouts.

Babysitting day so must get all the outdoor work done before school's out.

Quantaqa

@Prudent, I love Callander too.  DH and I often go up there for a day trip or couple of nights away.  I love just sitting by the river watching the birds and life go by.  So relaxing and a great de-stress. 

Prudent

@Gem-gem the Weatherspoons hotels are a good suggestion as you can buy a cheap breakfast/ meal too. We stayed in a Travelodge in York that was above a Weatherspoons and the food was better value than standard Travelodge food. 

When I stay in a Travelodge I tend to either take, or buy locally, the porridge pots that require only boiling water. I find this plus nuts or fresh fruit make a decent breakfast. If I am staying near a supermarket I will often eat in the supermarket cafe rather than the hotel restaurant as it is substantially cheaper. I find this especially good on a solo break as I  sometimes feel uncomfortable being by myself in a restaurant. I also sometimes pack a light picnic plate and bowl and some cutlery. This allows me to make a cold meal in my room by buying supermarket food. I also take along some kind of insulated flask that I can fill in the room before I go out and about. 

Any other suggestions are very welcome. I have to travel up north regularly as I am an unpaid carer for my daughter up there. I am always looking for ways to cut costs as they mount up over the year.

Balancing that though I do benefit from breaks specifically for unpaid carers. I have just booked two nights in a hotel with a cooked breakfast for myself and OH for £33 in total. It has the huge bonus of not being too far from Frugaldom . 

Prudent

Thank you for the yoghurt suggestions. It is something I buy regularly so worth considering. I used to be able to make it in my old bread maker. I will need to check if that is an option with my new one.

sams247

Frugaldom said:

If you're ever within travel distance, come visit. There's no running water or electricity so it's very frugal but there are some home comforts. Camping gear essential but it's an option for you. 😊

Ahh thank you, maybe one day I will make it up there!

Thank you all for the great ideas.  I am currently looking at an out of season break in a caravan, and its such a clever but simple idea to eat in the supermarket cafe, lots cheaper!  I love to walk and browse craft and antique shops.  I also love a scrap store as you can get amazing things in them so cheaply.  So I am looking for places close to scrap stores, with decent supermarkets, with walks nearby .    I am very used to going places alone so I am never nervous.  I also was gifted a National Trust membership this year so I plan to do some days out with them too.

What I dearly love is Sculpture.  I have visited some sculpture parks but am open to suggestions of places to go to see more.  

I feel enthusiastic with all the research, making this possible.

Prudent

If you do make it up here @sams247 then do visit Frugaldom. H creates amazing driftwood sculptures. I will let @Frugaldom decide if it is okay to link to his website.

One of my plans for my next visit to Lochloy is to visit the sculpture park in Forres. 

gran3

sams247 said:

So.... holidays.  I've not take a holiday in a couple of years due to cost mainly, but I have a stressful job and a generally busy life and I am feeling the need for a break.  Ive been visiting various friends and family as holiday but I think I need a break where I can just chill.  I just wonder what you all feel about holidays, and what you do.  I live alone so not sharing costs.  How to holiday decently being frugal.  I'm mid sixties so camping for me is a hell-no option Not due to age but due to comfort......
I did housesitting for a while but caring for the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and chickens was great but not a rest really.  I need to unwind, I need to take some care of my mental health and think a break will help.  
I rent as part of my landlords home so no to a home swap.    I have been thinking!
So, what do you all do?

One of the holiday companies, Haven, does 3 day weekends, 4day midweek for very low prices. Their caravans are fine and when you book you can opt out of the entertainment but still use other facilities. They have small sites or larger ones all over the UK. We have done it several times and its good.