2026 Frugal Living Challenge

Bean_humane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81984390#Comment_81984390

@Frugaldom

Thank you for your kind words. I need to hear the voice of sanity because I wonder sometimes if it's me going doolally or the relative. They are so lovable but challenging.

I've bought the ingredients so I will be making the healthier version of the sweet treats... Although I haven't yet done anything financial... Much harder to do something for myself when there are other priorities.

lurkeralongtime

I usually just scrub medium to large potatoes, pierce them, and put them on top of the beans in the pressure cooker.A rack can be used.The potatoes do not pick up the flavour of the beans. in fact one can cook sweet and savoury dishes at the same time in a pressure cooker,separating with a rack. I use generous amounts of water, cook on high for 10 mins then leave to cool. There are other ways, but that’s what I’ve done for years.

Frugaldom

Good evening to all from lovely, sunny, Frugaldom in SWScotland. We've had several beautiful days over this May holiday weekend, no spends aside from the regular DDs and another visit from the friend who brings gifts from Farmfoods - uht milk, butter and corned beef - plus bargain coffee and jam. Add to this a bag load of Olio baked goods, some bananas and cheese, I've not had to buy any groceries. May will hopefully be an eat from stores month.

Made a start on the raised beds and have been finding potatoes. I've a few more chitting that I'll cut up and add to those that have already started growing.

Other than the above, there's not much by way of Frugaldom news. Work has been outdoors fixing fences, feeding animals, mucking out and spreading manure through trees but it all seems to be working and our little woodland in the making is improving year on year. It's alive with the sound of birds, there are several cuckoos and an abundance of wildlife. Making the most of all that costs nothing. Campervan space is always available for fellow Frugalers and if anyone needs to escape the grind, just let me know and there's usually a little cabin for camping in if you can make it here. Frugal escapes. 🙂

kayannie

Do you know that you can get a discount from Farmfoods by signing up for their emails? £2 off a £20 spend (or is it £25, can't remember!). Also a bigger discount on a bigger shop. Even if you've already signed up & used your voucher, they'll send another voucher if you sign up again.

Frugaldom

@kayannie I think they still do their regular leaflet drops via the post (I call it junk mail Mondays) with the money off vouchers, too. Possibly this is only for those living within a set distance, though, as we don't receive them at home or at Frugaldom.

A hot topic has always been 'the price of cheese', so I took another look at that. I've not tried the Farmfoods one but certainly Aldi beats Asda for mature cheddar. The Aldi one is 900g, whereas the Asda (& Morrisons) is less than 800g.

Frugaldom

Is everyone OK?

Sallyp2

I started my version of spendaholic cold turkey week yesterday. £50 cash for everything except Thursday's dog groom

No money spent - £0/£50

fionaandphil

@Frugaldom yes thank you. Hope you are well. Busy at work now and the extra income will come in handy. Garden and greenhouse are starting to grow again but need more work, still cold though and not everything is thriving yet. I am enjoying hanging the washing out though - I'm such a saddo!

lurkeralongtime

A few tips and tricks

I pay my council tax manually each month. No extra charges for doing this. I pay it with a cash back credit card, which I use for anything I can. Useful bonus each January.

Decided to stop buying chocolate. Making chocolate bread instead! Just substitute a couple of ounces of flour with same amount of cocoa.Still playing with this idea so haven’t found the optimum amount yet. Not so good with soups but wonderful with peanut butter! I happen to have quite a bit of cocoa bought reduced but I stopped drinking it so this is a good use. I imagine flour will be expensive in the months ahead.

Made 2 litres of very creamy thick yogourt(reduced milk) and thought how similar it was to a creamy cheese, with a little imagination, so put some in a bowl and added lemon juice and salt. It did coagulate a little, looking a bit like cottage cheese. Had some with baked potatoes and some stirred into pasta. Worked well. Edible anyway.

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996063#Comment_81996063

I’m off sick. Thanks for asking. Got cellulitis in my right wrist and it hurts like hell. Flared up on Saturday, although I had twinges last week. Spent Sunday at the hospital. Was given IV antibiotics and sent home with tablets. Follow-up on Friday.

• Pip