Dear reader,
A big welcome to New World-thanks for reading and following. I now have 11 followers!
It's so lovely to read your comments and see new followers. It's the first time I've ever written a blog and I'm enjoying it greatly.
My blog was inspired by looking up money saving ideas on the Internet and ways to pay off our mortgage by saving money elsewhere. I didn't realise there were so many brilliant blogs out there with like minded people all doing their bit to save money and try to live on less.
I am hoping to get more followers but I must admit I do find it hard to think of things which you might find interesting, after all I can only give you snippets of my life and hope you might like them.
I often get writers block and wonder what on earth to write.
I'd thought I'd tell you a bit more about me tonight.
I'm a 42 (Scorpio) female.
Have put on weight which I'm cross about and am about 2-3 stones over what I'd like to be.
I smoke, which I am desparate to stop for both health and money reasons but mainly health.
I love cooking (and eating, hence the overweight)
I can take or leave alcohol-Vodka and diet coke or wine
Love holidays abroad but have very recently developed a hatred of flying. Totally petrified! To the point of tears. Don't know why.
No children-met the right man too late.
Love animals especially dogs and horses but anything really.
Work full time (long hours)
Like gardening and general home making
Enjoy long walks and try to on days off wherever possible.
Love National Trust days out which we joined this year.
Goal this year- to find willpower to stop smoking, get slimmer and fitter. I have others but think these are most important to start with.
Any tips for quitting the deadly cigarettes? Have tried patches, spray and hypnosis.
Please, please do add a comment if you have.
Sarah x
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Mortgage vs Flash show offs
Dear reader,
Big man and I bought our house last March. We are no financial whiz kids but we know our interest rate, the years we have left and how much we pay per month.
We are extremely keen to overpay when we can afford to and reduce this as well as saving a substantial amount of interest.
While at work, Big Man and his colleagues were discussing house purchases and mortgages and he told them about this link to work out how much you can save by overpaying,
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/mortgage-overpayment-calculator
How shocking is this: None of them knew about over paying, one of them thought you got penalised however much you over paid, none of them knew the interest rate they had signed up to, a few of them didn't even know how much they pay each month. One of them was paying interest only and had forgotten this didn't pay back the capital and one of them had a 10 year longer mortgage than he realised.
These are the same people who holiday abroad, who feel hard done by if they don't eat out, who insist on designer goods and clothing and all the latest gadgets. They mock me because I don't have an up to date, trendy mobile phone that tells me when to change my socks!
They can tell you the exact price of the new Fruit named phone due out and all the rest of it.
One of them actually brags that his girlfriend expects designer gear for her birthday. Is that something to be proud of?
I was proud of my boyfriend today, he knows all the important things about our mortgage and that his girlfriend only wants a kiss on her birthday.
She who laughs last, laughs longest!
On a nicer note, my food shopping is lasting well. Made one chicken do 3 meals for the two of us.
Cooked it on Sunday and had a roast dinner, did loads of veg, roast spuds, yorkies. Plated up 2 more of the same meal to have on Monday evening. Saved a breast and chopped it up with red pepper, mayonnaise and salad for lunch today. Very pleased.
Do have a look at the overpayment calculator, it's any eye opener.
Have a great evening readers.
Sarah. X
Big man and I bought our house last March. We are no financial whiz kids but we know our interest rate, the years we have left and how much we pay per month.
We are extremely keen to overpay when we can afford to and reduce this as well as saving a substantial amount of interest.
While at work, Big Man and his colleagues were discussing house purchases and mortgages and he told them about this link to work out how much you can save by overpaying,
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/mortgage-overpayment-calculator
How shocking is this: None of them knew about over paying, one of them thought you got penalised however much you over paid, none of them knew the interest rate they had signed up to, a few of them didn't even know how much they pay each month. One of them was paying interest only and had forgotten this didn't pay back the capital and one of them had a 10 year longer mortgage than he realised.
These are the same people who holiday abroad, who feel hard done by if they don't eat out, who insist on designer goods and clothing and all the latest gadgets. They mock me because I don't have an up to date, trendy mobile phone that tells me when to change my socks!
They can tell you the exact price of the new Fruit named phone due out and all the rest of it.
One of them actually brags that his girlfriend expects designer gear for her birthday. Is that something to be proud of?
I was proud of my boyfriend today, he knows all the important things about our mortgage and that his girlfriend only wants a kiss on her birthday.
She who laughs last, laughs longest!
On a nicer note, my food shopping is lasting well. Made one chicken do 3 meals for the two of us.
Cooked it on Sunday and had a roast dinner, did loads of veg, roast spuds, yorkies. Plated up 2 more of the same meal to have on Monday evening. Saved a breast and chopped it up with red pepper, mayonnaise and salad for lunch today. Very pleased.
Do have a look at the overpayment calculator, it's any eye opener.
Have a great evening readers.
Sarah. X
Monday 28 January 2013
The price of beauty.
Dear reader,
I have just come home from work and as always, I read any comments you have sent me and do my replies. I always reply and I love to hear from you.
I then read the Daily Mail online..... I found a great article today called "What's the price of you daily routine-from Skinflint to Spendthrift, three women's beauty secrets"
One woman spends £907.90
Quote, "I'd rather scrimp on other things and face the world full of confidence."
One woman spends £550.78
Quote, "But, compared with previous years, believe it or not, this is beauty austerity for me."
One woman spends £69.76
Quote, "And with that, I’m ready — as I’ll ever be — for my close-up.
I have just come home from work and as always, I read any comments you have sent me and do my replies. I always reply and I love to hear from you.
I then read the Daily Mail online..... I found a great article today called "What's the price of you daily routine-from Skinflint to Spendthrift, three women's beauty secrets"
One woman spends £907.90
Quote, "I'd rather scrimp on other things and face the world full of confidence."
One woman spends £550.78
Quote, "But, compared with previous years, believe it or not, this is beauty austerity for me."
One woman spends £69.76
Quote, "And with that, I’m ready — as I’ll ever be — for my close-up.
I found it strange that they only bought one bottle of shampoo and one of conditioner for the whole year. Anyway, I decided to tot up my own beauty goods, here goes......all my prices are a rough guide but not much more or less.
Revlon colour stay foundation £9-last me a year. (I mix it with moisturiser)
Cheapest blusher £5
Eyeliner £1 (black)
Lipstick £5
Mascara £10
Eyeshadow £10 (still using stuff I bought in 2008)
Hairdye £20 (4x£5)
Shampoo and conditioner £10 (a few bottle of the cheap stuff)
So about £70. They haven't included hair dye and only x1 bottle of shampoo a year!
I have had all my make up at least a year or two so I'm probably half that.
I've done all the top brands before. The special under eye sticks, the puff your lips up lipstick, the dewy eye drop stuff, the make your teeth as white as snow paste, the make your eyes big, your bum small and your boobs as pert as an 18 year old, the heated eyelash curlers, hair extensions to give you more hair, the hot waxes to give you less hair, you know where (leave all dignity at the door,)
The spray tans, the false eyelashes, the French manicure, (hands and feet if you please!)
I'm exhausted just typing it all..........
No more, enough is enough. I am enough as I am. Yes, a little make up is a great confidence booster and we all like to look good but I am refusing to spend any more money on all this stuff. If you don't like how I look, best not to look then. I do my hair, I put on a bit of make up and that's my lot. Take it or sod off.
I will use what I have, I will make it last and do the best I can with what I have.
I will drink water for my skin, eat well and go to bed earlier. That's the best I can do for myself.
You know, I looked at the three pictures of these women and a small part of me begged for the £900 one to look loads better.............you know the answer.
Sunday 27 January 2013
Supermarket cheesed me off!
Dear reader,
It's sunny here in Buckinghamshire, my garden is green once more, the birds are singing, it's warmer, I can walk down my path without fear of ending up on my bum, (which still has a most impressive purple bruise)
I was wondering what to blog about today and decided to make it something we all have to do. Purchasing, buying, shopping, spending our hard earned cash.
I did a load of food shopping the other night and now, due to my desire to save money, not get ripped off and pay the best price, I look at the price per kilo, or whatever they show it it.
Dear reader, DO WE LOOK STUPID? This cheesed me off.
There was cheddar cheese with "special offer" shown on the shelf. It was placed at eye level, where they put everything they want you to buy. People were just picking it up. Not me, oh no. I wanted to know the price per kilo £8.70 or something similar when the regular cheese was only £5.71 per kilo. I checked all the other chedders and the special offer was among the most expensive. So what's special about it? I reckon the cheese chairman plays golf with the supermarket chairman on a Saturday!
It was the same with the smoked salmon, Special Offer , buy me, buy me was much more expensive than the decent regular one.
In fact it was the same all round the shop. They even had a section with different items "all on special" which in fact were the same or more expensive than other items in their section.
What are they doing? Why do they try to get us to buy something by making out its a great offer when it's not? It really annoys me.
I refuse to be bamboozled into buying something by confusing prices. My bank are the same, they are always asking me if I want to upgrade my account and get a load of "free" stuff. They then tell me is £10 a month fee. Well it's not free then is it? In fact, they are crafty buggers, it's £15 fee a month but they give you £5 bonus if you pay in over £2k or something and they knock this off the fee.
Don't try to bamboozle me with word playing, I keep on and on asking this and that and getting them to explain it fully. They don't bother asking anymore! I was in sales for 17 years, I know all the tricks and phrases, the power of silence and the selling points.
I really dislike this perception that the public are a bit thick. Am I the only one who thinks the TV adverts are patronising and childish?
I know from reading some of your blogs, we refuse to be taken in by clever marketing and we are a clever lot when it comes to saving and shopping.
What things do you look out for when you are shopping?
Have you got any tips or things that make you cross?
Sarah. X
It's sunny here in Buckinghamshire, my garden is green once more, the birds are singing, it's warmer, I can walk down my path without fear of ending up on my bum, (which still has a most impressive purple bruise)
I was wondering what to blog about today and decided to make it something we all have to do. Purchasing, buying, shopping, spending our hard earned cash.
I did a load of food shopping the other night and now, due to my desire to save money, not get ripped off and pay the best price, I look at the price per kilo, or whatever they show it it.
Dear reader, DO WE LOOK STUPID? This cheesed me off.
There was cheddar cheese with "special offer" shown on the shelf. It was placed at eye level, where they put everything they want you to buy. People were just picking it up. Not me, oh no. I wanted to know the price per kilo £8.70 or something similar when the regular cheese was only £5.71 per kilo. I checked all the other chedders and the special offer was among the most expensive. So what's special about it? I reckon the cheese chairman plays golf with the supermarket chairman on a Saturday!
It was the same with the smoked salmon, Special Offer , buy me, buy me was much more expensive than the decent regular one.
In fact it was the same all round the shop. They even had a section with different items "all on special" which in fact were the same or more expensive than other items in their section.
What are they doing? Why do they try to get us to buy something by making out its a great offer when it's not? It really annoys me.
I refuse to be bamboozled into buying something by confusing prices. My bank are the same, they are always asking me if I want to upgrade my account and get a load of "free" stuff. They then tell me is £10 a month fee. Well it's not free then is it? In fact, they are crafty buggers, it's £15 fee a month but they give you £5 bonus if you pay in over £2k or something and they knock this off the fee.
Don't try to bamboozle me with word playing, I keep on and on asking this and that and getting them to explain it fully. They don't bother asking anymore! I was in sales for 17 years, I know all the tricks and phrases, the power of silence and the selling points.
I really dislike this perception that the public are a bit thick. Am I the only one who thinks the TV adverts are patronising and childish?
I know from reading some of your blogs, we refuse to be taken in by clever marketing and we are a clever lot when it comes to saving and shopping.
What things do you look out for when you are shopping?
Have you got any tips or things that make you cross?
Sarah. X
Saturday 26 January 2013
What do I know?
Dear reader,
I was having a read of some of the blogs I follow and a lot of people write with great authority on subjects they are good at, hobbies such as quilting, crafts and cooking.
There are blogs from wonderful people who have paid off vast sums of money, paid off their mortgage or have a really good life for very little money.
Yes, I could tell you about what I've cooked but I'm a basic cook and am sure you have better skills than I.
It got me wondering, what do I know about that could save people money?
I do all the usual things we read about, cutting down on energy consumption, shopping clever, making our own products and so on.
I used to work in the travel industry and thought that some of you may be booking or thinking of a holiday this year?
There are many, many ways to now book a trip. Internet being the main way now although some people do still use a travel agent for the face to face experience.
However you book, either flights and find your own accommodation or the full package there is one thing that all the companies will be trying to sell you.
Travel Insurance. This is a minefield and lots of people get caught out.
The reason they try so hard to flog it to you is the mark up. From 50% upwards I would suggest.
A lot of companies won't take your booking unless you already have insurance in place. Why on earth not? Just another way to try to get you to buy theirs.
Here are my tips on travel insurance. (I am not an insurance broker or expert and have no interest in the selling of it)
Do not be rushed in purchasing it.
Shop around but be aware you get what you pay for.
You must be aware of pre existing medical conditions. This will include diabetes, high blood pressure, previous illness. You must say what medication you are on.
If there is anyone who may affect you travelling, ie: you have a relative who has a pre existing medical condition and fall ill before or while you are away, (even if they are not travelling but you may cancel if they fall ill) the insurers may not pay out unless you told them beforehand.
Any insurance you get free via a bank account or credit card will probably only be very very basic cover and you MUST check the policy before you rely on it.
I wouldn't want to pay more than £30 max for an adult for 2 weeks in the med. There will be cheaper and I have had a look at these cheap ones before. great price but i wouldnt want to try to claim on them.
A lot of talk about the EU health card but it only gets you what the locals would get in that country.
I decided against a holiday this year but I have to admit after the cold spell I am feeling rather tempted by a bit of sun and sand.
How about you, have you plans for anywhere abroad this year?
Sarah. X
I was having a read of some of the blogs I follow and a lot of people write with great authority on subjects they are good at, hobbies such as quilting, crafts and cooking.
There are blogs from wonderful people who have paid off vast sums of money, paid off their mortgage or have a really good life for very little money.
Yes, I could tell you about what I've cooked but I'm a basic cook and am sure you have better skills than I.
It got me wondering, what do I know about that could save people money?
I do all the usual things we read about, cutting down on energy consumption, shopping clever, making our own products and so on.
I used to work in the travel industry and thought that some of you may be booking or thinking of a holiday this year?
There are many, many ways to now book a trip. Internet being the main way now although some people do still use a travel agent for the face to face experience.
However you book, either flights and find your own accommodation or the full package there is one thing that all the companies will be trying to sell you.
Travel Insurance. This is a minefield and lots of people get caught out.
The reason they try so hard to flog it to you is the mark up. From 50% upwards I would suggest.
A lot of companies won't take your booking unless you already have insurance in place. Why on earth not? Just another way to try to get you to buy theirs.
Here are my tips on travel insurance. (I am not an insurance broker or expert and have no interest in the selling of it)
Do not be rushed in purchasing it.
Shop around but be aware you get what you pay for.
You must be aware of pre existing medical conditions. This will include diabetes, high blood pressure, previous illness. You must say what medication you are on.
If there is anyone who may affect you travelling, ie: you have a relative who has a pre existing medical condition and fall ill before or while you are away, (even if they are not travelling but you may cancel if they fall ill) the insurers may not pay out unless you told them beforehand.
Any insurance you get free via a bank account or credit card will probably only be very very basic cover and you MUST check the policy before you rely on it.
I wouldn't want to pay more than £30 max for an adult for 2 weeks in the med. There will be cheaper and I have had a look at these cheap ones before. great price but i wouldnt want to try to claim on them.
A lot of talk about the EU health card but it only gets you what the locals would get in that country.
I decided against a holiday this year but I have to admit after the cold spell I am feeling rather tempted by a bit of sun and sand.
How about you, have you plans for anywhere abroad this year?
Sarah. X
Friday 25 January 2013
Trying to buy organic
Dear reader,
Just come back from supermarket as I went late on my way back from work.
As you may know I have decided to copy some of you and buy less meat but what I do buy will be organic. Easy? That's what I thought......
Have e-mailed someone who offers a service of buying your meat directly from Smithfield Market in London. He replied and asked what I needed. I gave him, what I thought was quite a large order of 20-30chicken breast and the same of steaks and asked for a price.
Never heard from him since.
I then contacted an organic beef and lamb farm and asked for a mixed beef pack and half a lamb.
Never heard back from them either.
So, reluctantly went off to the supermarket and found a very dismal range.
Managed to get some lamb and minced beef both organic but had to have a free range whole chicken.
I have bought a months worth of food for £150 and hopefully we will manage with that and just top ups for milk etc.
How do you manage if you buy organic?
Sarah x
Just come back from supermarket as I went late on my way back from work.
As you may know I have decided to copy some of you and buy less meat but what I do buy will be organic. Easy? That's what I thought......
Have e-mailed someone who offers a service of buying your meat directly from Smithfield Market in London. He replied and asked what I needed. I gave him, what I thought was quite a large order of 20-30chicken breast and the same of steaks and asked for a price.
Never heard from him since.
I then contacted an organic beef and lamb farm and asked for a mixed beef pack and half a lamb.
Never heard back from them either.
So, reluctantly went off to the supermarket and found a very dismal range.
Managed to get some lamb and minced beef both organic but had to have a free range whole chicken.
I have bought a months worth of food for £150 and hopefully we will manage with that and just top ups for milk etc.
How do you manage if you buy organic?
Sarah x
Monday 21 January 2013
Are we paying for nonsense?
Dear reader,
I was walking behind a girl wearing a smart pair of Ugg boots today and I smiled as I remember buying my first pair in a previous life when named stuff was important.
It was 2003 and I bought them in Harrods, as you do! A long tan pair, £125 and I hustled other girls out of the way to get the last 39 in stock. HA!
I remember wearing them when I was at an airport going on a short weekend break to the Canaries, as you do when you have a free weekend! I saw a couple of young women nudge each other and point to my cherished boots as I walked past. I had a right old smug look, another HA!
That was several years ago and I do laugh a bit when I think of those times. Times when labels were important and smugness was a plenty.
Now, I wear my beloved fur boots from Marks that big man bought me two birthdays ago. They have a proper sole and don't flop over at the sides.
I buy clothes from boot sales and ebay and can make make up last, oh for years. I know there are some who say its past its sell by date and unhygienic but I'm not bothered and a bit of old foundation won't kill me.
I have a stash of creams in my drawer that I am making last and I don't mind telling you that, at the moment a rather rich cracked heel cream is going on my face and its very nice too!
I'm sure the cream doesn't know if its going on my face or my feet.
I buy the cheapest shower gel and you know what? It works.
I buy the cheapest shampoo and it works too.
I'm not buying any clothes this year, I have plenty. (I'd have loads more if I could ditch a stone or 2)
I buy the cheapest anti-persperant and it works. I hope so anyway.
I read an article about £650 face cream yesterday. It's this, it's that, it will make you look younger, blah, blah. The trouble is, when you're 70 how will you know if its worked or not? And will you even care?
Perfume cost pennies to make but if it was really cheap no-one would buy it.
So, my thought for today as I rub foot cream into my face, is HA! to over priced, designer names that are probably all made in the same place and my new smugness comes from the extra money in my bank account.
What do you use that's cheap and cheerful?
Sarah
I was walking behind a girl wearing a smart pair of Ugg boots today and I smiled as I remember buying my first pair in a previous life when named stuff was important.
It was 2003 and I bought them in Harrods, as you do! A long tan pair, £125 and I hustled other girls out of the way to get the last 39 in stock. HA!
I remember wearing them when I was at an airport going on a short weekend break to the Canaries, as you do when you have a free weekend! I saw a couple of young women nudge each other and point to my cherished boots as I walked past. I had a right old smug look, another HA!
That was several years ago and I do laugh a bit when I think of those times. Times when labels were important and smugness was a plenty.
Now, I wear my beloved fur boots from Marks that big man bought me two birthdays ago. They have a proper sole and don't flop over at the sides.
I buy clothes from boot sales and ebay and can make make up last, oh for years. I know there are some who say its past its sell by date and unhygienic but I'm not bothered and a bit of old foundation won't kill me.
I have a stash of creams in my drawer that I am making last and I don't mind telling you that, at the moment a rather rich cracked heel cream is going on my face and its very nice too!
I'm sure the cream doesn't know if its going on my face or my feet.
I buy the cheapest shower gel and you know what? It works.
I buy the cheapest shampoo and it works too.
I'm not buying any clothes this year, I have plenty. (I'd have loads more if I could ditch a stone or 2)
I buy the cheapest anti-persperant and it works. I hope so anyway.
I read an article about £650 face cream yesterday. It's this, it's that, it will make you look younger, blah, blah. The trouble is, when you're 70 how will you know if its worked or not? And will you even care?
Perfume cost pennies to make but if it was really cheap no-one would buy it.
So, my thought for today as I rub foot cream into my face, is HA! to over priced, designer names that are probably all made in the same place and my new smugness comes from the extra money in my bank account.
What do you use that's cheap and cheerful?
Sarah
Sunday 20 January 2013
Is it really what is says on the label?
Dear reader,
Day three of not going out (except for the dog walk yesterday). The day has started off with continual snow. The birds have been fed. Jingles has been eating, judging by the tail marks in the snow!
The cars have remained on the drive, the food we have in the house will have to be enough.
The heating is on, the coal and logs are ready for the stove tonight.
I don't mind the snow, it's just the hassle I don't like. The cars skidding, the panic buying at the shops, the wet shoes and the sludge aftermath when it goes all brown and dirty.
I have been doing some calculations while I have been indoors, using a mortgage calculator. There are loads of them online. You put in your mortgage amount and the interest rate and then how much you could overpay each month. It then calculates how many months you could reduce the mortgage by and the interest you would save by overpaying. Very, very interesting! Even an overpayment of £50 a month is a substantial saving. It's a real motivational tool.
I am running the food down in the house. I thought I had a sack of potatoes but when I actually looked there were three manky, little ones left. I have lots of mixes, sauces, stir fry packets but lack the base ingredient which is usually chicken in this house. I am quite happy with vegetables but big man likes his protein. I am concerned with whats in the cheap stuff. You hear how the meat is injected and pumped with antibiotics, not to mention the welfare issues of which there have been many reports of late in the press. It always really upsets me.
I have also read about lots of cases of the food just not being what it says on the packaging from meat and fish to pesto and some very well known retailers being fined large amounts. It appears a fast buck is worth the fine and deceiving your customers.
I had a look at Smithfield market which is a wholesale, meat market in central London. It supplies restaurants and butcher shops at wholesale prices but is also open to the public. It opens at 3am so I may go up there one morning and see if I can buy some organic chicken there and freeze it.
I looked online for organic chicken but they are charging £9.68 for two breasts which we just can't afford.
www.smithfieldmarket.com
Today we are eating, omelette with left over gammon and cheese with toast and tonight we will have sausage casserole with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables.
What do you think reader about cheap meat and do you trust what it says on the label?
Sarah x
Day three of not going out (except for the dog walk yesterday). The day has started off with continual snow. The birds have been fed. Jingles has been eating, judging by the tail marks in the snow!
The cars have remained on the drive, the food we have in the house will have to be enough.
The heating is on, the coal and logs are ready for the stove tonight.
I don't mind the snow, it's just the hassle I don't like. The cars skidding, the panic buying at the shops, the wet shoes and the sludge aftermath when it goes all brown and dirty.
I have been doing some calculations while I have been indoors, using a mortgage calculator. There are loads of them online. You put in your mortgage amount and the interest rate and then how much you could overpay each month. It then calculates how many months you could reduce the mortgage by and the interest you would save by overpaying. Very, very interesting! Even an overpayment of £50 a month is a substantial saving. It's a real motivational tool.
I am running the food down in the house. I thought I had a sack of potatoes but when I actually looked there were three manky, little ones left. I have lots of mixes, sauces, stir fry packets but lack the base ingredient which is usually chicken in this house. I am quite happy with vegetables but big man likes his protein. I am concerned with whats in the cheap stuff. You hear how the meat is injected and pumped with antibiotics, not to mention the welfare issues of which there have been many reports of late in the press. It always really upsets me.
I have also read about lots of cases of the food just not being what it says on the packaging from meat and fish to pesto and some very well known retailers being fined large amounts. It appears a fast buck is worth the fine and deceiving your customers.
I had a look at Smithfield market which is a wholesale, meat market in central London. It supplies restaurants and butcher shops at wholesale prices but is also open to the public. It opens at 3am so I may go up there one morning and see if I can buy some organic chicken there and freeze it.
I looked online for organic chicken but they are charging £9.68 for two breasts which we just can't afford.
www.smithfieldmarket.com
Today we are eating, omelette with left over gammon and cheese with toast and tonight we will have sausage casserole with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables.
What do you think reader about cheap meat and do you trust what it says on the label?
Sarah x
Saturday 19 January 2013
Cut backs and food scrimping.
Dear reader,
Feel trapped indoors due to the heavy snow here. Decided to get out in it and take elderly neighbours dog for a walk. He is a real little fatty and I am trying to get him to lose a bit of weight. Might work for me too!
We went up to the common and watched the kids sledging down the hills, it all looked beautiful with the snow on the bracken and tree branches. Big man found it hilarious to shake branches just as I walked through!
My food supplies are going ok. We had cheese on toast with poached eggs on top for breakfast and I have a gammon in the slow cooker that we will have tonight with potatoes and veg. I always like a bit of a sauce with gammon so will do a quick parsley sauce as I have some on the window sill and have butter, flour and milk. No measuring, I just chuck it in, it's always fine.
I am pleased with the food budget so far this year and have refused to throw anything away.
I had some left over mash the other night and a few cooked cold sausages in the fridge. I decided to make some potato cakes/sausage bubble for breakfast and chopped the sausages with half a diced onion and mixed it into the mash with 2 eggs to bind. I then fried them in little dollops in a small amount of oil. They were lovely and I was pleased they were used.
The other things I have cut drastically down on are washing machine liquid and softener.
I use a very small amount, about the size of a 50 pence piece and a dash of softener, just for the smell.
We dry all our clothes in front of the log burner and sometimes they can take a while but I can turn the washing around within 24 hours no problem. I will be making some homemade washing liquid when I run out of this bottle and see how it is. Our clothes are never dirty as in mud and stuff, just need a freshen up. I hardly ever use the full cycle either just a quick wash. It's fine.
I also now only drive at a max speed of 60mph, even on the motorway. I put the miles per gallon on and I can see how much I am getting. It's a big difference when you go slowly and don't accelerate hard. It also cuts down on the braking. Thus saving me money on brake pads too.
My meal plan for the next few days is as follows. I am really scrimping and trying to stretch the food as much as possible. A pound less in the supermarket is a pound off our debts.
Sausage casserole (slow cooker) mash and veg
Chicken curry, rice and naans (in freezer)
Shepherds pie and veg
Veggie sausage, chips and beans
I think I will have to do a shop by then.
What do you cut down on to save money? Any tips gratefully received.
Sarah x.
Feel trapped indoors due to the heavy snow here. Decided to get out in it and take elderly neighbours dog for a walk. He is a real little fatty and I am trying to get him to lose a bit of weight. Might work for me too!
We went up to the common and watched the kids sledging down the hills, it all looked beautiful with the snow on the bracken and tree branches. Big man found it hilarious to shake branches just as I walked through!
My food supplies are going ok. We had cheese on toast with poached eggs on top for breakfast and I have a gammon in the slow cooker that we will have tonight with potatoes and veg. I always like a bit of a sauce with gammon so will do a quick parsley sauce as I have some on the window sill and have butter, flour and milk. No measuring, I just chuck it in, it's always fine.
I am pleased with the food budget so far this year and have refused to throw anything away.
I had some left over mash the other night and a few cooked cold sausages in the fridge. I decided to make some potato cakes/sausage bubble for breakfast and chopped the sausages with half a diced onion and mixed it into the mash with 2 eggs to bind. I then fried them in little dollops in a small amount of oil. They were lovely and I was pleased they were used.
The other things I have cut drastically down on are washing machine liquid and softener.
I use a very small amount, about the size of a 50 pence piece and a dash of softener, just for the smell.
We dry all our clothes in front of the log burner and sometimes they can take a while but I can turn the washing around within 24 hours no problem. I will be making some homemade washing liquid when I run out of this bottle and see how it is. Our clothes are never dirty as in mud and stuff, just need a freshen up. I hardly ever use the full cycle either just a quick wash. It's fine.
I also now only drive at a max speed of 60mph, even on the motorway. I put the miles per gallon on and I can see how much I am getting. It's a big difference when you go slowly and don't accelerate hard. It also cuts down on the braking. Thus saving me money on brake pads too.
My meal plan for the next few days is as follows. I am really scrimping and trying to stretch the food as much as possible. A pound less in the supermarket is a pound off our debts.
Sausage casserole (slow cooker) mash and veg
Chicken curry, rice and naans (in freezer)
Shepherds pie and veg
Veggie sausage, chips and beans
I think I will have to do a shop by then.
What do you cut down on to save money? Any tips gratefully received.
Sarah x.
Friday 18 January 2013
Bearded lady does stock take.
Dear reader,
Have been indoors today just watching the snow continue to fall. Nice at first, quite pleasant to see and big man and I went out to try to build a snowman in the front garden. I know, big kids really.
I started with a small ball and it refused to get bigger. Wrong type of slow said the snowman expert, "Too powdery." So we walked tot he end of our close. As you come out onto the main road there is a small hill either side. To the left, the lane through the woods and to the right it goes towards the village.
There were cars stuck on either side, neither able to get up the hill. As I laughed a little, (I know, but I couldn't help it,) then fell flat on my bum. There were lots of the neighbours out, watching, pushing and spreading grit to help. I remained as dignified as one could considering I was wearing big mans beannie beard and looked like a bearded woman.beardhead.co.uk
When we got in I felt a little worried about food stocks as we would find it difficult to get out of here and being a girl who likes her food I did a stock take.
Fridge:
20 eggs
2 blocks of cheese
1/2 tub of spread
1/2 bag of salad
1 gammon joint
1 pack of mince 450g
1 punnet cherry tomatoes
Freezer:
2 portions h/m lasagne
2 portions h/m faggots
1 pack of sausages
1 pack frozen veg
1 pack frozen peas
2 bacon cheese grills
2 veggie sausages
1/2 pack potato croquettes
1 pack English muffins (orange flavour)
2 portions chilli
2 potions curry
Cupboard:
Potatoes (large sack)
Onions (large sack)
Rice
Pasta
Baked beans
Noodles
Cous cous (yes AF)
1 and 1/2 loaves plus ingredients for homemade
Panic averted. Must have enough food for at least a week or two.
Sarah. X
Have been indoors today just watching the snow continue to fall. Nice at first, quite pleasant to see and big man and I went out to try to build a snowman in the front garden. I know, big kids really.
I started with a small ball and it refused to get bigger. Wrong type of slow said the snowman expert, "Too powdery." So we walked tot he end of our close. As you come out onto the main road there is a small hill either side. To the left, the lane through the woods and to the right it goes towards the village.
There were cars stuck on either side, neither able to get up the hill. As I laughed a little, (I know, but I couldn't help it,) then fell flat on my bum. There were lots of the neighbours out, watching, pushing and spreading grit to help. I remained as dignified as one could considering I was wearing big mans beannie beard and looked like a bearded woman.beardhead.co.uk
When we got in I felt a little worried about food stocks as we would find it difficult to get out of here and being a girl who likes her food I did a stock take.
Fridge:
20 eggs
2 blocks of cheese
1/2 tub of spread
1/2 bag of salad
1 gammon joint
1 pack of mince 450g
1 punnet cherry tomatoes
Freezer:
2 portions h/m lasagne
2 portions h/m faggots
1 pack of sausages
1 pack frozen veg
1 pack frozen peas
2 bacon cheese grills
2 veggie sausages
1/2 pack potato croquettes
1 pack English muffins (orange flavour)
2 portions chilli
2 potions curry
Cupboard:
Potatoes (large sack)
Onions (large sack)
Rice
Pasta
Baked beans
Noodles
Cous cous (yes AF)
1 and 1/2 loaves plus ingredients for homemade
Panic averted. Must have enough food for at least a week or two.
Sarah. X
Heavy snow and a mouse calledJingles.
Dear reader, I have new followers. Thank you to Donna and no more spending. Xxx
Have just got up to thick, heavy snow falling here and no sign of stopping.
Big man and I ventured into the garden to feed the birds which we do every day.
Our rear garden has a large border of heathers before you get to the lawn. In the summer when we were out there, I had thrown some bread on the lawn for the birds. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a tiny little face peep out from the heather and grab a crust of bread. I showed big man and again the tiny face popped out. We were delighted at the tiny mouse. Big man named him Jingles from the mouse in the film "The green mile."
I convinced myself that Jingles was a little dormouse or field mouse and duly left him little snacks, a crust of bread, a small end of cheese just by the heather for Jingles to eat.
While washing up the other day and enjoying watching the birds at the table (with the usual crusts on the ground- for Jingles and the fat wood pigeon that can't fit on the table) I saw movement from the heather. I hadn't seen little Jingles since the summer and waited with bated breath.
Out came the twitch whiskery face and then the body, which had obviously flourished on my Kingsmill seeded loaf end and Chedder cheese.
Oh yes, Jingles had certainly flourished on my feeding, into a great big rat!
Ah well, rats have to live too I suppose although I have to admit I don't give him cheese anymore.
I will be in front of this today.
I may venture to the kitchen. I have minced beef ( well that's what it says on the packet)and a gammon joint. There is also a frozen monkfish fillet which was reduced the other day so will have this with garlic roasted potatoes and veg tonight.
I think I will make a shepherds pie or two for the week. Will have to see how far I can stretch the mince by adding carrots, celery, red lentils and tinned tomatoes.
Have a good day and hope your not too disrupted by the snow.
Sarah. X
Have just got up to thick, heavy snow falling here and no sign of stopping.
Big man and I ventured into the garden to feed the birds which we do every day.
Our rear garden has a large border of heathers before you get to the lawn. In the summer when we were out there, I had thrown some bread on the lawn for the birds. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a tiny little face peep out from the heather and grab a crust of bread. I showed big man and again the tiny face popped out. We were delighted at the tiny mouse. Big man named him Jingles from the mouse in the film "The green mile."
I convinced myself that Jingles was a little dormouse or field mouse and duly left him little snacks, a crust of bread, a small end of cheese just by the heather for Jingles to eat.
While washing up the other day and enjoying watching the birds at the table (with the usual crusts on the ground- for Jingles and the fat wood pigeon that can't fit on the table) I saw movement from the heather. I hadn't seen little Jingles since the summer and waited with bated breath.
Out came the twitch whiskery face and then the body, which had obviously flourished on my Kingsmill seeded loaf end and Chedder cheese.
Oh yes, Jingles had certainly flourished on my feeding, into a great big rat!
Ah well, rats have to live too I suppose although I have to admit I don't give him cheese anymore.
I may venture to the kitchen. I have minced beef ( well that's what it says on the packet)and a gammon joint. There is also a frozen monkfish fillet which was reduced the other day so will have this with garlic roasted potatoes and veg tonight.
I think I will make a shepherds pie or two for the week. Will have to see how far I can stretch the mince by adding carrots, celery, red lentils and tinned tomatoes.
Have a good day and hope your not too disrupted by the snow.
Sarah. X
Thursday 17 January 2013
Bathroom challenge
Dear reader,
Yesterday I told you about why we are living frugally-because we have had to spend a lot on doing up our house. Some of it necessary, the boiler was ancient, the windows were hanging by a cobweb.
I have looked back over the photos we took when we moved in and have found the pink bathroom.
I challenge you to have a worse one!
This is the new one complete with heated floor and heated mirror wall, which you can't see but great for steaminess. ( the pic is now at the bottom-still learning)
We removed the boiler and subsequently the airing cupboard to make the room bigger and put in a combi boiler.
Anything in the house seems to cost a fortune and although big man is very able with DIY a bathroom installation was beyond even his abilities. Everything was wrong with this house, the toilet was too near the wall for plumbing regulations,the electrics were knackered, there were wasps nests in the roof and so I go on........
Ah well, if all goes to plan we can start to overpay the mortgage in a year or two. That's what I keep telling myself anyway as I make those sandwiches in the cold kitchen at 6am.
Waiting for the snow here in Buckinghamshire.
Log burner on-check
Fleece leisure suit on (its cheap pj's from Primarni)-check
Sarah x
Yesterday I told you about why we are living frugally-because we have had to spend a lot on doing up our house. Some of it necessary, the boiler was ancient, the windows were hanging by a cobweb.
I have looked back over the photos we took when we moved in and have found the pink bathroom.
This is the new one complete with heated floor and heated mirror wall, which you can't see but great for steaminess. ( the pic is now at the bottom-still learning)
We removed the boiler and subsequently the airing cupboard to make the room bigger and put in a combi boiler.
Anything in the house seems to cost a fortune and although big man is very able with DIY a bathroom installation was beyond even his abilities. Everything was wrong with this house, the toilet was too near the wall for plumbing regulations,the electrics were knackered, there were wasps nests in the roof and so I go on........
Ah well, if all goes to plan we can start to overpay the mortgage in a year or two. That's what I keep telling myself anyway as I make those sandwiches in the cold kitchen at 6am.
Waiting for the snow here in Buckinghamshire.
Log burner on-check
Fleece leisure suit on (its cheap pj's from Primarni)-check
Label snob suckers!
Dear reader,
It's always about now I start tempting myself and browse the net for holidays. I crave sun and heat when it gets really cold like this. I have relented and have the heating on low in the morning before we go to work and in the evenings.
We really need the double glazing in our lounge replaced. We have two large windows and although they are double glazed, big man swears he can feel a draught on his sofa. We have one each and I turn mine into a nest with throws and cushions. Mine is also near a little table on which I have perched a warming brandy tonight!
Our house was built in the early 60's and has not had much done to it since. We have replaced the critall windows in the rear and the hideous crazy paved chimney breast and must not forget the pink bathroom along with 4 layers of wallpaper in various pinks. I will try to post some before and after pictures tomorrow so you can appreciate the hideousness. Remember that bright pink medicine you had as a child? That's the colour.
It has all come at a price and that is why we did without a holiday in 2012 and won't be having one in 2013 either. Damn you glossy brochures!
I have 4 lovely days off work now and need to do some batch cooking. I will be off to Lidl tomorrow for provisions. (Never bought ready made burgers anyhow!)
I already have some homemade faggots and lasagne in the freezer so am trying to think of other meals I can cook ahead.
I guess I will do the usual, curry, shepherds pie and chilli but am trying to think of some new recipes.
I did a little survey of my colleagues at work today on how much they spent on food each week.
Here are my finding:
2 adults & 1 baby £85
2 adults & 1 baby £125
2 adults £65
2 adults £100
Us £40
They eat out at work as well!
They were shocked and asked how we did it. I told them we no longer buy pre packed meat for sandwiches, less meat in general and a lot of bulking out with veg and lentils. I also use a very small amount of washing liquid in the machine and don't have to buy often.
We don't buy much booze, maybe one bottle of cheapish brandy a month at the most.
The £125 family suffer from label snobbery and couldn't do Lidl. They never seem to have much money either and he works two jobs- suckers!
I don't do labels although I like the saying buy cheap buy twice and I don't mind paying a bit more for something to last longer.
Snow is on the way, -8 over the weekend. Hope you are all prepared. I am going to check on the two older ladies in my close and make sure they are ok.
Stay warm.
Sarah. X
It's always about now I start tempting myself and browse the net for holidays. I crave sun and heat when it gets really cold like this. I have relented and have the heating on low in the morning before we go to work and in the evenings.
We really need the double glazing in our lounge replaced. We have two large windows and although they are double glazed, big man swears he can feel a draught on his sofa. We have one each and I turn mine into a nest with throws and cushions. Mine is also near a little table on which I have perched a warming brandy tonight!
Our house was built in the early 60's and has not had much done to it since. We have replaced the critall windows in the rear and the hideous crazy paved chimney breast and must not forget the pink bathroom along with 4 layers of wallpaper in various pinks. I will try to post some before and after pictures tomorrow so you can appreciate the hideousness. Remember that bright pink medicine you had as a child? That's the colour.
It has all come at a price and that is why we did without a holiday in 2012 and won't be having one in 2013 either. Damn you glossy brochures!
I have 4 lovely days off work now and need to do some batch cooking. I will be off to Lidl tomorrow for provisions. (Never bought ready made burgers anyhow!)
I already have some homemade faggots and lasagne in the freezer so am trying to think of other meals I can cook ahead.
I guess I will do the usual, curry, shepherds pie and chilli but am trying to think of some new recipes.
I did a little survey of my colleagues at work today on how much they spent on food each week.
Here are my finding:
2 adults & 1 baby £85
2 adults & 1 baby £125
2 adults £65
2 adults £100
Us £40
They eat out at work as well!
They were shocked and asked how we did it. I told them we no longer buy pre packed meat for sandwiches, less meat in general and a lot of bulking out with veg and lentils. I also use a very small amount of washing liquid in the machine and don't have to buy often.
We don't buy much booze, maybe one bottle of cheapish brandy a month at the most.
The £125 family suffer from label snobbery and couldn't do Lidl. They never seem to have much money either and he works two jobs- suckers!
I don't do labels although I like the saying buy cheap buy twice and I don't mind paying a bit more for something to last longer.
Snow is on the way, -8 over the weekend. Hope you are all prepared. I am going to check on the two older ladies in my close and make sure they are ok.
Stay warm.
Sarah. X
Tuesday 15 January 2013
Glis glis
Sorry for the rubbish photo, I can't seem to find how to add pictures to my blog yet but this is a Glis Glis. This is what is living in my loft-rent bloody free! Thank you to Compost Woman who knew what I was moaning about. Not a Cous Cous!
We didn't hear it last night so maybe it just popped in. Cute though, probably curled up in my Karen Millen dresses that fitted me about 2 stones ago.
While I am writing my blog and wondering how to save money, worrying about my gas bill, car fuel and all the rest of it my mind has been drawn to the tv. A programme called the undatables.
It shows lots of people who find it difficult to,find a partner or even a date due to disability.
Learning disabilities and bodily ones.
It made me think how lucky I am and what I take for granted.
I have 7 followers now and just wanted to thank everyone who pops in to read this blog.
I will be having a giveaway of probably a frugal lifestyle book that I have enjoyed when I get to 15 followers so please add me if you read.
Thanks
Sarah. X
Monday 14 January 2013
A lodger called cous cous.
Dear reader,
As you may know I am trying to reduce our monthly bills by cutting down on food and fuel costs.
Big man (he wants me to put 'cos he is tall and muscular, which is true) and I have turned off the heating and have been using the log burner to heat the house. We have both had terrible colds and now having returned to work have been working late and not had much time at home, thus not really wanting to build a fire when we get in.
Last night our bedroom temperature was down to about 8c and I had put on two pairs of socks, pj bottoms and a really thick fleece night dress on top. I was still shivering at 4am and just could not sleep as I felt so cold. I went downstairs and got the throw and wrapped that around me too, pulling it over my head. Still cold! Had headache which I blamed on the cold too.
I admitted defeat at 0530 and flicked the heating on.....I have to say, it was bliss until..........
0608 am- there was a strange noise under the floorboards of our bedroom, right near the radiator.
I immediately thought the hot water was doing something weird. It continued and I listened to a terrible scrabbling.
Our bedroom is in a loft conversion so we are actually in the loft with a small door that leads to the rafters where we keep the usual stuff, Christmas decorations and suitcases. I know you have the same stuff in your loft probably.
It took me a while to figure out that we have a visitor of the small, furry type. I am hoping for a squirrel and nothing else with a long tail!
Honestly, this thing was having a disco under our floorboards. As soon as I had managed to shuffle about a bit in bed, you know, when you want to wake the other half but kind of innocently without him knowing, the little rodent must have gone to sleep as it had all stopped.
Now I was warm but well awake and decided to sod it and get up. Not a good nights sleep.
Someone at work has told me we have a, ( can't remember the name but it kind of sounded like cous cous) a squirrel looking creature with bigger ears? They are in Bucks and Herts and are illegal to release into the wild, he told me. He went on to say I had probably woken it from hibernation by putting the heating on! Great!
Anyone got any ideas what it is called?
I don't mind paying B Gas to heat us but not so keen on this lodger.
There was a smattering of snow this morning on the road and the cars but the council had done a good job with the gritters.
Big man went off to work before me and I half wanted to look in the loft section upstairs but was scared of some flying, screaming squirrel launching itself at me.
Will see what happens tonight.
Goodnight.
Sarah. X
As you may know I am trying to reduce our monthly bills by cutting down on food and fuel costs.
Big man (he wants me to put 'cos he is tall and muscular, which is true) and I have turned off the heating and have been using the log burner to heat the house. We have both had terrible colds and now having returned to work have been working late and not had much time at home, thus not really wanting to build a fire when we get in.
Last night our bedroom temperature was down to about 8c and I had put on two pairs of socks, pj bottoms and a really thick fleece night dress on top. I was still shivering at 4am and just could not sleep as I felt so cold. I went downstairs and got the throw and wrapped that around me too, pulling it over my head. Still cold! Had headache which I blamed on the cold too.
I admitted defeat at 0530 and flicked the heating on.....I have to say, it was bliss until..........
0608 am- there was a strange noise under the floorboards of our bedroom, right near the radiator.
I immediately thought the hot water was doing something weird. It continued and I listened to a terrible scrabbling.
Our bedroom is in a loft conversion so we are actually in the loft with a small door that leads to the rafters where we keep the usual stuff, Christmas decorations and suitcases. I know you have the same stuff in your loft probably.
It took me a while to figure out that we have a visitor of the small, furry type. I am hoping for a squirrel and nothing else with a long tail!
Honestly, this thing was having a disco under our floorboards. As soon as I had managed to shuffle about a bit in bed, you know, when you want to wake the other half but kind of innocently without him knowing, the little rodent must have gone to sleep as it had all stopped.
Now I was warm but well awake and decided to sod it and get up. Not a good nights sleep.
Someone at work has told me we have a, ( can't remember the name but it kind of sounded like cous cous) a squirrel looking creature with bigger ears? They are in Bucks and Herts and are illegal to release into the wild, he told me. He went on to say I had probably woken it from hibernation by putting the heating on! Great!
Anyone got any ideas what it is called?
I don't mind paying B Gas to heat us but not so keen on this lodger.
There was a smattering of snow this morning on the road and the cars but the council had done a good job with the gritters.
Big man went off to work before me and I half wanted to look in the loft section upstairs but was scared of some flying, screaming squirrel launching itself at me.
Will see what happens tonight.
Goodnight.
Sarah. X
Sunday 13 January 2013
Living on less but I like it.
Dear reader,
Welcome to a new bloggie friend, No more spending. Thanks for following.
As you may know, I have decided that fast food at work was eating into my budget as well as making me fat and unhealthy. So for 2013 my partner and I will be taking packed lunches to work.
As I am now a yellow sticker and cheap supermarket shopper I find it increasingly difficult to find healthy foods to use. Most of the reduced stuff is processed or baked goods. Pasties, breads and quiches. All things I can make myself for a fraction of the price.
I read Cath Kelly's book recently about a teacher who sets herself the target of living on a pound a day. She also discovered that a whole packet of digestive biscuits is about the same price as one orange. I want to spend less but don't want to store more poundage on my body.
I am trying to be imaginative with the food we take to work. I am making proper meals for when we work late like chilli and rice, curries, jacket potatoes, meatballs and pasta. Our food has to be portable and microwaveable. Salads are great but not exactly what you fancy when it's freezing outside.
I am happy with my £40 per week budget but do have to be careful when I shop. I quite enjoy the challenge and nothing much gets wasted anymore. I discovered a nice recipe on a slimming world you tube clip which is nice to eat especially when you have cravings for a colonels fried chicken meal. I don't eat from any take away place anymore. I am concerned about the quality of the meat, the cleanliness and obviously the health implications of the calorific content.
The recipe is simples and as follows:
Chicken portions-drumsticks or thighs are best and I think more tasty than breast.
Breadcrumbs
Chicken flavoured bovril
Herbs that you like.
Boil the chicken pieces, I remove the skin as it contains all the fat. Yes, boiling sounds yuk and it does look a bit pasty. I cook for about 10 mins.
Let cool so you can handle and coat with the bovril. Sticky job.
Then roll in your own mix or breadcrumbs, herbs and spices. I usually use a bit of garlic salt and any other dried herbs I have. Like spicy? Chilli flakes or paprika.
Then roast for 10 mins to crisp up.
This is a really nice chicken dish that makes you feel as if you have had a treat at a fraction of the price and calories.
If you have any good ideas for packed lunches that are a bit different to sandwiches I would love to see them.
Have a great weekend.
Sarah. X
Welcome to a new bloggie friend, No more spending. Thanks for following.
As you may know, I have decided that fast food at work was eating into my budget as well as making me fat and unhealthy. So for 2013 my partner and I will be taking packed lunches to work.
As I am now a yellow sticker and cheap supermarket shopper I find it increasingly difficult to find healthy foods to use. Most of the reduced stuff is processed or baked goods. Pasties, breads and quiches. All things I can make myself for a fraction of the price.
I read Cath Kelly's book recently about a teacher who sets herself the target of living on a pound a day. She also discovered that a whole packet of digestive biscuits is about the same price as one orange. I want to spend less but don't want to store more poundage on my body.
I am trying to be imaginative with the food we take to work. I am making proper meals for when we work late like chilli and rice, curries, jacket potatoes, meatballs and pasta. Our food has to be portable and microwaveable. Salads are great but not exactly what you fancy when it's freezing outside.
I am happy with my £40 per week budget but do have to be careful when I shop. I quite enjoy the challenge and nothing much gets wasted anymore. I discovered a nice recipe on a slimming world you tube clip which is nice to eat especially when you have cravings for a colonels fried chicken meal. I don't eat from any take away place anymore. I am concerned about the quality of the meat, the cleanliness and obviously the health implications of the calorific content.
The recipe is simples and as follows:
Chicken portions-drumsticks or thighs are best and I think more tasty than breast.
Breadcrumbs
Chicken flavoured bovril
Herbs that you like.
Boil the chicken pieces, I remove the skin as it contains all the fat. Yes, boiling sounds yuk and it does look a bit pasty. I cook for about 10 mins.
Let cool so you can handle and coat with the bovril. Sticky job.
Then roll in your own mix or breadcrumbs, herbs and spices. I usually use a bit of garlic salt and any other dried herbs I have. Like spicy? Chilli flakes or paprika.
Then roast for 10 mins to crisp up.
This is a really nice chicken dish that makes you feel as if you have had a treat at a fraction of the price and calories.
If you have any good ideas for packed lunches that are a bit different to sandwiches I would love to see them.
Have a great weekend.
Sarah. X
Friday 11 January 2013
Welcome and thank you
Dear reader,
Forgot to add this on my latest post. I have 4 followers and wanted to say a big thank you to
SFT-saving for travel. Her excellent blog started my reading and inspired me towards a more frugal life.
Flour girl-thank you so much for following.
Ragged wren- as above, so nice to see people are actually reading my blog.
Compost woman-am envious of your 4 acres, must be wonderful.
Many thanks to you all.
I am hoping for more followers so I can do some giveaways. What do you think is a good target?
All the best to you all,
Sarah. X
Forgot to add this on my latest post. I have 4 followers and wanted to say a big thank you to
SFT-saving for travel. Her excellent blog started my reading and inspired me towards a more frugal life.
Flour girl-thank you so much for following.
Ragged wren- as above, so nice to see people are actually reading my blog.
Compost woman-am envious of your 4 acres, must be wonderful.
Many thanks to you all.
I am hoping for more followers so I can do some giveaways. What do you think is a good target?
All the best to you all,
Sarah. X
Smart and practical
Dear reader,
Have made a nest for myself on the sofa with throws, tissues, menthol rub and tablets.
After 4 days of wearing pj's and being curled up like a hamster I am now felling better.
I have been doing a lot of reading online, blogs, news and the like.
I read with interest the article in Daily Mail online about the crops that are not harvested and the vegetables that are discarded as they are not the right size, shape or colour. Not beautiful enough!
Frugal Queen is rightly furious as well as I saw on her blog.
It got me to thinking about looks and how some people judge on looks alone.
I had a conversation with an old friend the other evening. She is very label conscious. Channel handbags as £2500 a go, specific face cream which I think is about £100 plus a go, you get the picture.
I was at her house one evening some years ago and had on a cheap top. She asked where it was from and to test her i said it was Karen Millen. She loved it and wanted to try it on.....when I laughed and confessed it was from some cheap top she totally went off it.
Now I am all for enjoying your money but to disregard something because the name is not right is just pathetic. I suppose these sort of people feel better when they say, "Oh this bag is by (insert some designer name with £2k price).
Does it make me a failure if I am not sporting the latest bag, trainers, shoes or car?
Do people look at you differently if you wear designer stuff?
When I told her that big man and I had bought a nice house in a nice place(too rural for her) she sounded a bit miffed and asked if we had won the lottery.
No, we don't do the lottery for a start. We saved and saved. We went without. No meals out, no holidays, no booze, no new clothes. We lived on a budget and we did free things on our days off.
We went for walks and went exploring. We got really lost one day and had to walk for miles to get home. It was fun though and it was free fun.
She didn't sound that happy my old friend and that hurt. We were friends in an old life and we haven't seen each other for over a year. I guess we are on different paths now and that's fine.
I don't mind spending money on quality that will last. I bought some black leather winter boots in 2008 for about £300 because I knew they would last and they have. I wear them loads and they will last another 5 years at least. They are not high fashion just smart and practical.
That's a good description for us frugalies, we are not interested in whether its beautiful enough or who it's made by as long as it does the job.
SMART and PRACTICAL
Have a good day
Sarah. X
Have made a nest for myself on the sofa with throws, tissues, menthol rub and tablets.
After 4 days of wearing pj's and being curled up like a hamster I am now felling better.
I have been doing a lot of reading online, blogs, news and the like.
I read with interest the article in Daily Mail online about the crops that are not harvested and the vegetables that are discarded as they are not the right size, shape or colour. Not beautiful enough!
Frugal Queen is rightly furious as well as I saw on her blog.
It got me to thinking about looks and how some people judge on looks alone.
I had a conversation with an old friend the other evening. She is very label conscious. Channel handbags as £2500 a go, specific face cream which I think is about £100 plus a go, you get the picture.
I was at her house one evening some years ago and had on a cheap top. She asked where it was from and to test her i said it was Karen Millen. She loved it and wanted to try it on.....when I laughed and confessed it was from some cheap top she totally went off it.
Now I am all for enjoying your money but to disregard something because the name is not right is just pathetic. I suppose these sort of people feel better when they say, "Oh this bag is by (insert some designer name with £2k price).
Does it make me a failure if I am not sporting the latest bag, trainers, shoes or car?
Do people look at you differently if you wear designer stuff?
When I told her that big man and I had bought a nice house in a nice place(too rural for her) she sounded a bit miffed and asked if we had won the lottery.
No, we don't do the lottery for a start. We saved and saved. We went without. No meals out, no holidays, no booze, no new clothes. We lived on a budget and we did free things on our days off.
We went for walks and went exploring. We got really lost one day and had to walk for miles to get home. It was fun though and it was free fun.
She didn't sound that happy my old friend and that hurt. We were friends in an old life and we haven't seen each other for over a year. I guess we are on different paths now and that's fine.
I don't mind spending money on quality that will last. I bought some black leather winter boots in 2008 for about £300 because I knew they would last and they have. I wear them loads and they will last another 5 years at least. They are not high fashion just smart and practical.
That's a good description for us frugalies, we are not interested in whether its beautiful enough or who it's made by as long as it does the job.
SMART and PRACTICAL
Have a good day
Sarah. X
Tuesday 8 January 2013
Frugal heating
Dear reader,
It started with the most horrific sore throat and I now have a really bad cold and cough. Hot and cold shivers and feel terrible. Have gone sick from work which I try not to do. The thing with my job is that if you take more than 18 days sick over the last 3 years they will not let you apply for anything else that comes up, promotion or otherwise. It's to catch out the shirkers. The trouble is it makes people who are ill struggle into work and pass on whatever they have which is where I caught this. I can even pinpoint it to the exact sneeze! It gives me the hump.
Today, while I dozed in the lounge big man went out for shopping essentials and remedies for me.
We also bought non smoking patches which were half price and the spray for me to try as well as some fruit, cooking oil, cough medicine and dish cloths. £40
He also bought some coal for the stove as the "seasoned" wood we bought is not and is still above 20% dampness. Too high for burning. He has one of those little machines with prongs on that measure the water content in the wood as too much water causes creosote in the chimney which damages it. He got it off e-bay for £13. We think we may just use coal now which is £8.40 per bag of 25kg. Less storage space and no worries about seasoning. It seems to burn longer as well.
So we spent £33.60 on fuel as well which was not budgeted for but we will cut down the food to make up for it.
I have made a budget with all our outgoings today. I wanted to use any spare money towards debts and pay it out on payday rather than see how much is left then pay it out. Once it has gone its gone.
We have left ourselves £30 a month for pocket money. All a big change for a girl who could easily spend that on just foundation!
My shopping so far this month is now just under £133 out of £160 but that includes the coal and the quit smoking supplies.
I have found a really good new blog as well so have been catching up on that today, Chelmarsh Chunterings, some very appealing baking!
Sarah. X
It started with the most horrific sore throat and I now have a really bad cold and cough. Hot and cold shivers and feel terrible. Have gone sick from work which I try not to do. The thing with my job is that if you take more than 18 days sick over the last 3 years they will not let you apply for anything else that comes up, promotion or otherwise. It's to catch out the shirkers. The trouble is it makes people who are ill struggle into work and pass on whatever they have which is where I caught this. I can even pinpoint it to the exact sneeze! It gives me the hump.
Today, while I dozed in the lounge big man went out for shopping essentials and remedies for me.
We also bought non smoking patches which were half price and the spray for me to try as well as some fruit, cooking oil, cough medicine and dish cloths. £40
He also bought some coal for the stove as the "seasoned" wood we bought is not and is still above 20% dampness. Too high for burning. He has one of those little machines with prongs on that measure the water content in the wood as too much water causes creosote in the chimney which damages it. He got it off e-bay for £13. We think we may just use coal now which is £8.40 per bag of 25kg. Less storage space and no worries about seasoning. It seems to burn longer as well.
So we spent £33.60 on fuel as well which was not budgeted for but we will cut down the food to make up for it.
I have made a budget with all our outgoings today. I wanted to use any spare money towards debts and pay it out on payday rather than see how much is left then pay it out. Once it has gone its gone.
We have left ourselves £30 a month for pocket money. All a big change for a girl who could easily spend that on just foundation!
My shopping so far this month is now just under £133 out of £160 but that includes the coal and the quit smoking supplies.
I have found a really good new blog as well so have been catching up on that today, Chelmarsh Chunterings, some very appealing baking!
Sarah. X
Monday 7 January 2013
Frugal cooking with one gammon.
Dear reader,
As you know I am trying to feed the pair of use every day, breakfast, lunch and dinner for half of what I used to spend which was about £80 per week.
On my last main shop at the end of December I bought £37 worth of food from Lidl. I like Aldi but we don't have a local one.
One of my purchase was a gammon for £3.99. I boiled it in the slow cooker overnight and cooled it before refrigerating. This is what I have made with it so far.
Sandwiches for lunch x 3 days
Diced and put into spaghetti Carbonara
Diced and put into a minestrone type soup
Thereis still some left which I will save to put on homemade pizzas later this week.
I am enjoying the challenge of being creative with meals.
Today we entered our meter reading online with British Gas and we have been really frugal with it. We don't have the heating on unless it is really really cold, which is hasn't been lately. We just heat the lounge with the log burner. We have a combi boiler which is brand new and efficient. We do shower daily and have a couple of baths a week as well as washing up up but nothing excessive....
Or so I thought. I was secretly a bit excited to see how cheap our bill was going to be and was disappointed when it was £74.55. Not happy especially as we have just swapped to a cheaper online tariff. Not sure what else we can do except have less baths. We don't cook with gas either.
Does that seem a lot for one month? Or am I being tight? Am trying to see what the average is for a couple using the same as us. What do you get charged per month and how can I reduce it?
Sarah. X
As you know I am trying to feed the pair of use every day, breakfast, lunch and dinner for half of what I used to spend which was about £80 per week.
On my last main shop at the end of December I bought £37 worth of food from Lidl. I like Aldi but we don't have a local one.
One of my purchase was a gammon for £3.99. I boiled it in the slow cooker overnight and cooled it before refrigerating. This is what I have made with it so far.
Sandwiches for lunch x 3 days
Diced and put into spaghetti Carbonara
Diced and put into a minestrone type soup
Thereis still some left which I will save to put on homemade pizzas later this week.
I am enjoying the challenge of being creative with meals.
Today we entered our meter reading online with British Gas and we have been really frugal with it. We don't have the heating on unless it is really really cold, which is hasn't been lately. We just heat the lounge with the log burner. We have a combi boiler which is brand new and efficient. We do shower daily and have a couple of baths a week as well as washing up up but nothing excessive....
Or so I thought. I was secretly a bit excited to see how cheap our bill was going to be and was disappointed when it was £74.55. Not happy especially as we have just swapped to a cheaper online tariff. Not sure what else we can do except have less baths. We don't cook with gas either.
Does that seem a lot for one month? Or am I being tight? Am trying to see what the average is for a couple using the same as us. What do you get charged per month and how can I reduce it?
Sarah. X
Sunday 6 January 2013
Frugal dinner recipe
Dear reader,
I am a real fan of home cooked non processed food and have cooked these faggots many times after finding the recipe on Frugal Queens website. Sometimes she adds a bit of diced bacon and a couple off eggs but this recipe is delicious, cheap and you know what's in it unlike the frozen ones you can buy in the shops which taste of anything but meat. See what you think.
This makes between 20 and 24 faggots and I reckon 2-3 per person.
I buy pork from Lidl in a packet, usually chops or loins. £3.29
Then pigs liver (it's cheapest) not sure how much buts costs me 51p but any liver will do
X2 onions 50p?
About 2-3 slices of bread. I always keep the ends we don't use in the freezer for this recipe.5p
Any old herbs in the cupboard you have, basil, thyme, parsley. I chuck anything in or not if I don't have any. 10p
Get a food processor and finely dice the onion and put in your largest mixing bowl. Then do the same with the pork so it's minced. Try to remove any visible fat from the edges first. Put in bowl with onion.
Make breadcrumbs from the bread, if its frozen put it in the toaster. Put them in the bowl.
Then drain the liver of the blood and mince it in the processor too. It's look revolting live a pink liver cocktail. Put this into the bowl with all the other ingredients. Add any herbs and seasoning you fancy.
Then and this is the good bit, get your hands stuck in and squish it all together. When all mixed well form into balls. They will be wet and sticky at this point. I make them about the size of a satsuma or clementine. Put in a roasting tray and I roast them for about 20 mins on 180. Then I make up a large amount of gravy usually with onions and our this into the roasting tin and cook for another 20 mins.
I serve what we want that night and let the rest cool before portioning up in the gravy and freezing.
We get 5 dinners from this and it costs around £4.50 in total plus any veg you serve with.
You could add anything you wanted to them, chopped bacon, stuffing mix. We have made them spicy before with a bit of chilli. Try and enjoy.
Have you got any frugal recipes you use regularly? Please let me know.
Sarah x
I am a real fan of home cooked non processed food and have cooked these faggots many times after finding the recipe on Frugal Queens website. Sometimes she adds a bit of diced bacon and a couple off eggs but this recipe is delicious, cheap and you know what's in it unlike the frozen ones you can buy in the shops which taste of anything but meat. See what you think.
This makes between 20 and 24 faggots and I reckon 2-3 per person.
I buy pork from Lidl in a packet, usually chops or loins. £3.29
Then pigs liver (it's cheapest) not sure how much buts costs me 51p but any liver will do
X2 onions 50p?
About 2-3 slices of bread. I always keep the ends we don't use in the freezer for this recipe.5p
Any old herbs in the cupboard you have, basil, thyme, parsley. I chuck anything in or not if I don't have any. 10p
Get a food processor and finely dice the onion and put in your largest mixing bowl. Then do the same with the pork so it's minced. Try to remove any visible fat from the edges first. Put in bowl with onion.
Make breadcrumbs from the bread, if its frozen put it in the toaster. Put them in the bowl.
Then drain the liver of the blood and mince it in the processor too. It's look revolting live a pink liver cocktail. Put this into the bowl with all the other ingredients. Add any herbs and seasoning you fancy.
Then and this is the good bit, get your hands stuck in and squish it all together. When all mixed well form into balls. They will be wet and sticky at this point. I make them about the size of a satsuma or clementine. Put in a roasting tray and I roast them for about 20 mins on 180. Then I make up a large amount of gravy usually with onions and our this into the roasting tin and cook for another 20 mins.
I serve what we want that night and let the rest cool before portioning up in the gravy and freezing.
We get 5 dinners from this and it costs around £4.50 in total plus any veg you serve with.
You could add anything you wanted to them, chopped bacon, stuffing mix. We have made them spicy before with a bit of chilli. Try and enjoy.
Have you got any frugal recipes you use regularly? Please let me know.
Sarah x
Saturday 5 January 2013
No food waste and menu planning
Dear reader,
A wonderful thing has happened since I drastically cut down our food shopping budget.
No more food waste.
I didn't have a awful lot of waste anyway but as I am now meal planning before I go shopping there is no waste at all. I still have loads of food left from last week although I did do a small top up for milk and bread and ended up spending £14 which I will deduct from this week. In fact I don't think I will need to shop this week. I have checked the freezer and we have an old fashioned larder which is rammed full.
I have in stock: King prawns, x4 portions of Frugal Queens faggots, sausages, the gammon joint which I have boiled and a lot of sausages as well as all the usual cupboard staples, rice, pasta, noodles etc.
So this is my meal plan for next weeks dinners. Packed lunches will be the usual sandwiches etc.
Monday-Spaghetti Carbonara with some of the ham joint chopped up with onions and mushrooms.
Tuesday-Sausage casserole with mash and veg.
Wednesday-lasagne and potato wedges
Thursday-King prawn Thai curry and rice
Friday-Sausage, chips and beans
Saturday-Naan bread pizzas
Sunday-Faggots, roast potatoes and veg with onion gravy.
I can't even talk about the no smoking-I am a sad failure and really disappointed in myself.
I will start Monday as a fresh week.
I have been at home today and have still got my pj's on from this morning. Big man is at work tonight and I have been working 12 hours a day and 16 hours yesterday so feel like slobbing out.
I have done a lot of housework and rearranged the lounge. I have the log burner on and am drying some washing. What a wild life I live!
I could have gone out, met friends, spent £50 on overpriced drinks in some bar and then another £20 plus for a crap meal somewhere so I choose NO SPEND SATURDAY and debt freedom.
How was your Saturday night? Any tips on frugal fun?
Sarah x
A wonderful thing has happened since I drastically cut down our food shopping budget.
No more food waste.
I didn't have a awful lot of waste anyway but as I am now meal planning before I go shopping there is no waste at all. I still have loads of food left from last week although I did do a small top up for milk and bread and ended up spending £14 which I will deduct from this week. In fact I don't think I will need to shop this week. I have checked the freezer and we have an old fashioned larder which is rammed full.
I have in stock: King prawns, x4 portions of Frugal Queens faggots, sausages, the gammon joint which I have boiled and a lot of sausages as well as all the usual cupboard staples, rice, pasta, noodles etc.
So this is my meal plan for next weeks dinners. Packed lunches will be the usual sandwiches etc.
Monday-Spaghetti Carbonara with some of the ham joint chopped up with onions and mushrooms.
Tuesday-Sausage casserole with mash and veg.
Wednesday-lasagne and potato wedges
Thursday-King prawn Thai curry and rice
Friday-Sausage, chips and beans
Saturday-Naan bread pizzas
Sunday-Faggots, roast potatoes and veg with onion gravy.
I can't even talk about the no smoking-I am a sad failure and really disappointed in myself.
I will start Monday as a fresh week.
I have been at home today and have still got my pj's on from this morning. Big man is at work tonight and I have been working 12 hours a day and 16 hours yesterday so feel like slobbing out.
I have done a lot of housework and rearranged the lounge. I have the log burner on and am drying some washing. What a wild life I live!
I could have gone out, met friends, spent £50 on overpriced drinks in some bar and then another £20 plus for a crap meal somewhere so I choose NO SPEND SATURDAY and debt freedom.
How was your Saturday night? Any tips on frugal fun?
Sarah x
Thursday 3 January 2013
Skinflint shopper
Dear reader,
Popped into Asda this evening, only for bread as I couldn't face another solid cake loaf from the breadmaker and milk. Loads of yellow stickers which was great. I have passed the slightly cringey embarrassment of sidling upto the reduced section and now squeeze myself in with the rest.
I found, skimmed organic milk, 2 pint 34p x2, loads of bread, 10p a loaf x4 and some weight watchers sausages 79p x 4. Don't really eat many sausages but these are very low in fat and not at all greasy like the cheap ones you can get. Will be good for a slow cooker sausage casserole one evening.
Also some nice seeded rolls for packed lunches tomorrow.
Tried to think of some alternatives to take to work as we often work late at night and I like to have something different sometimes. I had defrosted some chicken drumsticks so I rubbed these with a dry BBQ jerk seasoning I had in the cupboard from AP Food and roasted them for tomorrow.
Has anyone else got any ideas for packed lunches I can use?
Sarah.
Popped into Asda this evening, only for bread as I couldn't face another solid cake loaf from the breadmaker and milk. Loads of yellow stickers which was great. I have passed the slightly cringey embarrassment of sidling upto the reduced section and now squeeze myself in with the rest.
I found, skimmed organic milk, 2 pint 34p x2, loads of bread, 10p a loaf x4 and some weight watchers sausages 79p x 4. Don't really eat many sausages but these are very low in fat and not at all greasy like the cheap ones you can get. Will be good for a slow cooker sausage casserole one evening.
Also some nice seeded rolls for packed lunches tomorrow.
Tried to think of some alternatives to take to work as we often work late at night and I like to have something different sometimes. I had defrosted some chicken drumsticks so I rubbed these with a dry BBQ jerk seasoning I had in the cupboard from AP Food and roasted them for tomorrow.
Has anyone else got any ideas for packed lunches I can use?
Sarah.
Wednesday 2 January 2013
Day 2 smoke free
Dear reader,
Day two of not smoking and not spending yet. Had some urges at work but luckily there were still a load of sweets in the office so stuffed my face instead! I know, I know, it's bad especially as some of my colleagues are super fit and run several miles to work and home again. They've asked me to join them and I agreed..........in the car!
Now I don't mind a walk or a jog occasionally (if the ancient and greying sports bra is found) but 5 miles before work at 0530,? Naaaaahhh. Actually, the above is a total lie, I DO mind jogging. I much prefer a leisurely swim and I do like walking, scenic preferably.
Really pleased with no spending today. I might have popped into the golden M before work for a breakfast £3.69, then I probably could have eaten a canteen lunch at work £4 plus a drink 80p plus
Those that we cannot mention in the house today £7. It wasn't that bad every day but there was potential.
I asked big man how he had done today and was scowled at! I think he suffers more than me and then weakens which is the perfect excuse for me to join him. All in the past now, feel good today, probably cost me a fortune at the dentist after the tin of Quality Street I found but at least I didn't smoke. Is it just me or do the round gold ones pull out everyone's fillings?
Instead of buying food today I had,
Breakfast: slice of toast (homemade bread, a bit heavy but hey)
Late breakfast at work: ham sandwich-homemade bread
Lunch: last nights curry and rice
Dinner: The beef bourguignon ( I will make stew next time as have to keep looking up spelling) and mash. Chocolate rice pudding.
I know, I know no fruit, not much veg, it looks terrible written down. Will try harder tomorrow but I do get up at 5am and it ain't pretty!
Does anyone have any tips on how I can make my breadmaker bread a bit lighter? It's very sort of cake like and solid.
Smoke free savings: £28
Sarah. Xxx
Day two of not smoking and not spending yet. Had some urges at work but luckily there were still a load of sweets in the office so stuffed my face instead! I know, I know, it's bad especially as some of my colleagues are super fit and run several miles to work and home again. They've asked me to join them and I agreed..........in the car!
Now I don't mind a walk or a jog occasionally (if the ancient and greying sports bra is found) but 5 miles before work at 0530,? Naaaaahhh. Actually, the above is a total lie, I DO mind jogging. I much prefer a leisurely swim and I do like walking, scenic preferably.
Really pleased with no spending today. I might have popped into the golden M before work for a breakfast £3.69, then I probably could have eaten a canteen lunch at work £4 plus a drink 80p plus
Those that we cannot mention in the house today £7. It wasn't that bad every day but there was potential.
I asked big man how he had done today and was scowled at! I think he suffers more than me and then weakens which is the perfect excuse for me to join him. All in the past now, feel good today, probably cost me a fortune at the dentist after the tin of Quality Street I found but at least I didn't smoke. Is it just me or do the round gold ones pull out everyone's fillings?
Instead of buying food today I had,
Breakfast: slice of toast (homemade bread, a bit heavy but hey)
Late breakfast at work: ham sandwich-homemade bread
Lunch: last nights curry and rice
Dinner: The beef bourguignon ( I will make stew next time as have to keep looking up spelling) and mash. Chocolate rice pudding.
I know, I know no fruit, not much veg, it looks terrible written down. Will try harder tomorrow but I do get up at 5am and it ain't pretty!
Does anyone have any tips on how I can make my breadmaker bread a bit lighter? It's very sort of cake like and solid.
Smoke free savings: £28
Sarah. Xxx
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Stopping and frugal take away
The first day of a new year and I'm feeling all positive and cheery.
Happy New Year to you.
Today is the day I will become a non smoker and I feel excited about it.
I feel a bit of a fraud writing about being frugal and all the time sneaking to the shops to get my fix.
£7 a day to kill myself!
I don't know if any of you have been smokers and believe me I really dislike being a smoker but I find it extremely difficult to quit. I have tried the patches, the fake ones, hypnosis, cold turkey and the longest I lasted was 3 months. I think if I really want to stop, I will.
Big man is also a puffer and we both have stopped today. I actually want to curl up with embarrassment that we were spening £400 plus a month on cigarettes!
That's more then double the amount I have set myself to spend on food. How weird that I was prepared to spend twice as much on the things that will kill me than the things I need to stay alive.
I will be using this blog to chart my progress and I would find it really helpful if anyone had any motivational tips etc.
However, I digress. Today I cooked some more. You can tell I'm a girl who likes food!
I cut up a pack of braising beef and put it in the slow cooker with onions and carrots with a packet mix from approved foods for beef bourguignon. The beef was £6 for the pack and I reckon this will make two meals for the 2 of us. We were going to have it today but the carrots were still hard so I resorted to rummaging in the freezer.
Whenever I have any left over curry, of which I make quite a lot, I always freeze the extra. I decided that I could clear out the freezer and make a kind of Indian take away. There were three, chicken curry Chinese style, lamb Thai curry and chicken and vegetable Thai. I just defrosted, heated in the microwave and put them in those proper little silver bowls with the handles like you get in a curry house. A couple of naans, drizzled with garlic oil and grilled and some plain boiled rice. It was lovely! I definately think the flavours develop if kept and frozen.
I reckon a three dish takeaway would have cost us £30 plus so quids in.
Money saved on that which must not be mentioned £14.
Have a great evening.
Sarah. Xxx
Happy New Year to you.
Today is the day I will become a non smoker and I feel excited about it.
I feel a bit of a fraud writing about being frugal and all the time sneaking to the shops to get my fix.
£7 a day to kill myself!
I don't know if any of you have been smokers and believe me I really dislike being a smoker but I find it extremely difficult to quit. I have tried the patches, the fake ones, hypnosis, cold turkey and the longest I lasted was 3 months. I think if I really want to stop, I will.
Big man is also a puffer and we both have stopped today. I actually want to curl up with embarrassment that we were spening £400 plus a month on cigarettes!
That's more then double the amount I have set myself to spend on food. How weird that I was prepared to spend twice as much on the things that will kill me than the things I need to stay alive.
I will be using this blog to chart my progress and I would find it really helpful if anyone had any motivational tips etc.
However, I digress. Today I cooked some more. You can tell I'm a girl who likes food!
I cut up a pack of braising beef and put it in the slow cooker with onions and carrots with a packet mix from approved foods for beef bourguignon. The beef was £6 for the pack and I reckon this will make two meals for the 2 of us. We were going to have it today but the carrots were still hard so I resorted to rummaging in the freezer.
Whenever I have any left over curry, of which I make quite a lot, I always freeze the extra. I decided that I could clear out the freezer and make a kind of Indian take away. There were three, chicken curry Chinese style, lamb Thai curry and chicken and vegetable Thai. I just defrosted, heated in the microwave and put them in those proper little silver bowls with the handles like you get in a curry house. A couple of naans, drizzled with garlic oil and grilled and some plain boiled rice. It was lovely! I definately think the flavours develop if kept and frozen.
I reckon a three dish takeaway would have cost us £30 plus so quids in.
Money saved on that which must not be mentioned £14.
Have a great evening.
Sarah. Xxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)