From Pennies to Pastures: My Frugal Journey to Countryside Retirement

[Deleted User]

MelenHirren said:

[Deleted User] said:

MelenHirren said:

[Deleted User] said:

I have started threads myself and abandoned but going to keep up following and posting on this thread, it is good to have encouragement whilst persuing goals and dreams.
My local Boots has had a bit of a makeover and change around, I discovered a clearance section upstairs ( I am hoping it is going to be a permanant feature) I found these boxes of ex large Colgate total for 75p each, I am a single household so these will last me a while, there were loads on the shelf, I always consider others and never clear the shelves like some do. I am going to pop down each week to see was on the clearance section and start a cupboard for stock piling such bargains I am happy to spend like this as such big savings in the long run.

I too started my life over agai  in my ea

It's lovely to be sharing this thread with you, we can keep each other going... inspire and encourage. And any other fantastic Frugalistas  that want to join in of course.

That is an excellent price 75p for a large tube. I don't think I can remember that far back as to when a large tube was that cheap. They should definitely keep you going for a while. Well spotted you. 
That sounds intriguing... a clearance area in Boots! Let's hope it stays.

I too started over with very little as I turned 40... escaping an abusive relationship. I had a small rented flat and a young baby... it was so hard at times, but I wouldn't have swapped that peace of mind and freedom for anything.

Keep dreaming of your new lovely little house with a garden... yes,  you will definitely do it. ❤️

Thankyou for your kind words and well done you on being strong in your journey.
I will follow this thread with much interest, it is good to support and encourage each other as it will get hard at times. I have just started this thread : 

Stock piling and bargains and freebies to help with the cost of living crisis

Just to document my bargains and will help keep me focused.

I shall bookmark your thread and be on there frequently... I have been stockpiling in one way or another since the threat of the 'millennium bug.' 
 Now there is a blast from the past. 

Yes a blast from the past, I forgot about that. People went into panic mode a bit when was Brexit and started stockpiling then.

annieb64

My stockpile came in very useful when we were in lockdown. 

[Deleted User]

@annieb64 I bet it did, that was such a frightening time.

MelenHirren

annieb64 said:

My stockpile came in very useful when we were in lockdown. 

It is so prudent having a stockpile; whether it's an unpredictable event like Covid or being snowed in... to helping in times of hardship or beating inflation.

I am just getting to the end of the tins in my stockpile that I bought in 2021/22. I did go a little crazy when buying cans of pease pudding. I decided, in my ultimate wisdom to buy several cans as they had such good dates on them, and who doesn't love cheap protein in a tin? However, I think I have used one can in the last three years... and now we have 6 cans to use in the next 4 months! Eek! I see windy times ahead.

 When I buy store cupboard food, I write the BB date on the top of the product in black marker before I put them away. It saves squinting at a later date when I am tidying up and stock rotating. Same with bulk buys of toiletries, medicines, cleaners etc I want to ensure the oldest gets used first so it doesn't get a chance to degrade.

Hoping for a no spend Sunday tomorrow. Shouldn't be too hard. I have all the meals planned for tomorrow and ingredients in fridge and pantry. The DD is staying home to tidy her boudoir and listen to music on her free Spotify trial and as the shops in our village close early on Sunday... my purse should stay closed too.

I am now to bed with my new secondhand book; The Art of Frugal Hedonism. Hoping to find a new tip or two.

Goodnight all, sweet dreams. 

joedenise

As long as tins aren't blown then I wouldn't worry about the BB dates.  If you really don't want to use them after the BB date then perhaps give them to a food bank now so that someone who can make use of them can do so as I know food banks won't take them if they are past the BB date.

[Deleted User]

Hope you found the new book good. 
Slow Sunday for me so far, I bought minced beef half price after Christmas so took some out of the freezer (paid £2.10) so I am making chilli in the slow cooker, I shall eat tonight and tomorrow and some will be put in the freezer. I always make my best savings on food. Out for a nature walk shortly and will be feeding the ducks which is a simple pleasure I love.

gwynlas

I'm another who stockpiles when good reductions on usually making sure that there is a long end date, noticing 2027 now.
My mother who was a war time bride hence rationing etc always had a seperate cupboard for extra supplies building towards holiday times or unexpected visitors etc mostly meat, fruit and tins of cream

MelenHirren

[Deleted User] said:

Hope you found the new book good. 
Slow Sunday for me so far, I bought minced beef half price after Christmas so took some out of the freezer (paid £2.10) so I am making chilli in the slow cooker, I shall eat tonight and tomorrow and some will be put in the freezer. I always make my best savings on food. Out for a nature walk shortly and will be feeding the ducks which is a simple pleasure I love.

*Sorry you have deleted your account, hopefully you may still read this from afar...

Slow cookers are so good aren't they! Economical, great for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat and perfect for batch cooking. have you made yoghurt or rice pudding in yours yet?

We batch cook a large portion of mince and veggie tomato base, portion it and then freeze it. With the intention of having it as bolognese or adding chilli or curry powder for later meals.
Slow cooking is a great way of making use of those rubber veggies at the bottom of the fridge, that are past their best but too good for the compost heap.

Yes, food is the best place for savings... and also need to find ways of cutting back on our electric with prices going up again!!!... 🫤🫤.... I just typed and then deleted a political rant lol.

I am wrapping up shortly and taking a walk before lunch. It's bitter here in East Yorks but dry, so wool jacket, scarf, hat and gloves will be adorned and I will go and walk my 10'000 steps for the day. 

MelenHirren

gwynlas said:

I'm another who stockpiles when good reductions on usually making sure that there is a long end date, noticing 2027 now.
My mother who was a war time bride hence rationing etc always had a seperate cupboard for extra supplies building towards holiday times or unexpected visitors etc mostly meat, fruit and tins of cream

As prices continue to rise across the board, stocking piling is as prudent as ever. 

I was just about brought up by my Nana and she was a mother of four during the World War 2 and even in her 80s she had a few special tins in her cupboard that was for 'special occasions only.' The tin of carnation milk, tinned fruit cocktail and a tin of pink salmon were not to be touched unless it was Easter or a birthday.

Blackcats

Hello!  My Nan had a similar supply of tins.  The tin of salmon was held in particularly high regard.  Sunday tea with a bowl of salmon with vinegar and white pepper, buttered white bread, a beer glass with some celery in it and a big pot of tea.  I think I was lucky as my Nan was very generous with the evap milk.  My favourite pudding was sliced banana with sugar and evap.  When the banana was eaten I would drink the evap.