Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Frugal pleasures

114 replies

Alanamackree · 09/01/2019 11:11

I thought it might be helpful to share some free/cheap pleasures to see us through January.

I’ve just rediscovered the pleasure of a hot water bottle, after getting a gift of one at Christmas. We used them a lot as children but I’d forgotten how nice it is to have warm toes watching the telly.

OP posts:
LovelyBranches · 10/01/2019 00:02

We went for a family bike ride on the weekend which was lovely. I know you have to factor in the costs of bikes but before we bought our own we used to hire them at the leisure centre for £1.80 an hour.

HelloDoris · 10/01/2019 00:03

A 1000 piece puzzle, gets started on teh coffee table and the whole family helps, took most of last weekend to do quite a tricky one I got for Christmas. I tend to look for them in charity shops, then once done donate them back. Normally we have a film going on as well. It's my zen place, unless my husband does not follow the puzzle rules.

Lemond1fficult · 10/01/2019 00:23

Cup of Lady Grey (cos it feels posher), porridge, banana and honey in bed on a Saturday.

Doing yoga with Adriene on YouTube

Watching old SATC with a friend and chocolate, marvelling at how un-PC everyone is, and how awful Miranda's outfits are.

Having the cat come and sit on me of her own volition.

When DP comes home and sits on my lap with his ridiculous gangly legs.

Lemond1fficult · 10/01/2019 00:25

Sorry - just realised we're supposed to be sharing the frugal pleasures, not listing our own. DM me, and I'll send DP round. Grin

SimplyPut · 10/01/2019 00:43

A cup of tea, a good book and a blanket on the sofa.

The joy on my children's faces when they get home from a cold winters walk to a hot drink and s slice of cake (currently apple crumble cake) and knowing it's cost around 50p a head. Using up the frozen glut of fruit from last year in cakes, crumbles and puddings.

Pyjamas at 5pm because it's dark!

VeryFoolishFay · 10/01/2019 01:05

Waiting for the school bus this am, watching a beautiful country sunrise and listening to the birds singing their little hearts out in the tree opposite. I know it's January and cold but it felt like spring was around the corner. The snowdrops are up in the lane too.

SecretWitch · 10/01/2019 01:15

Hopping into bed, early with my book and cats for company. Knowing I can read for hours if I wish..bliss

OhioOhioOhio · 10/01/2019 03:47

Being first up and getting a heas start to the day.

DisgraceToTheYChromosome · 10/01/2019 06:13

Waking up early, snuggled up in a cool bedroom, and anticipating the heating coming on so I can go and make breakfast for DW.

Ofthread · 10/01/2019 06:24

Cinnamon toast, blanket, pot of tea on a tray with a jug of milk, cat on lap.

TheMincePiesAreMine · 10/01/2019 11:13

Oh @Ofthread cinnamon toast! I'd forgotten all about that. Fab username btw.

Also real butter, in a butterfish for spreadability

TheMincePiesAreMine · 10/01/2019 11:16

... butterfish? That's not even a word,, why would it autocorrect to butterfish?

Butter. Dish. Obviously.

Stopwoofing · 10/01/2019 11:24

yes to gingerbread - makes the house smell amazing too. And candles - excellent time to scoop up candles in sales. Baking anything makes me feel like a domestic goddess.

troubleswillbeoutofsight · 10/01/2019 11:55

The birds had disappeared from my garden probably because they didn’t like the boring seed I put out for them. I’ve stocked up on peanuts and fat balls and gradually they’re returning this week. So from my kitchen table I can watch them and smile

Marcipex · 10/01/2019 12:07

A crescent moon with golden earth light, yesterday's was spectacular and totally free.

Urbanbeetler · 10/01/2019 14:37

Lemon Does your DP really sit on your lap after work? Hehe I would be squished if my she did that.

Urbanbeetler · 10/01/2019 14:37

Dh

oohyoudevilyou · 10/01/2019 16:27

Fresh pillowcases halfway through the week. Less hassle than washing a full set of bedding, but still makes bedtime a little bit nicer.

madmum5811 · 10/01/2019 16:37

Am pinching that idea Devil. Inspired.

dinkystinky · 10/01/2019 16:41

Agree with the winter sun - really beautiful skies in the winter.

Other frugal pleasures - walking around listening to music, tasting free samples at food markets, finding a new veggie recipe that's a hit with all the family

April2020mom · 10/01/2019 16:44

Body butter
Makeup
Books
Clothes
Free magazines

IdentifyasTired · 10/01/2019 16:46

Returning home from the library with a stack of new books. Hard to beat that. Add a mug of good tea, get the fire going and that's an evening well spent!

TootTootPeanutbutter · 10/01/2019 16:48

Trying a new soup recipe especially if it's made with reduced veg.

Battenburg1978 · 10/01/2019 16:48

Lndnmummy, oh I remember the lovely times of having a sleeping baby snuggled on my chest! Truly lovely.

Kemer2018 · 10/01/2019 17:24

Cuddling dd whilst she falls asleep on me. It's so rare now..she's 12 and needs less sleep than me.
Cat on lap. Love it.
Candles
Fleece blankets on me
Hot, deep bubble bath with my fab blue tooth speaker listening to tlc on amazon music. And singing for an hour....amazing how I truly emptied my mind whilst singing in the bath.
Egg n cress sandwich on wholemeal bread
Crispy hot bacon sandwich with white bread
New contact lenses
A clear, crisp morning for my daily cycle to work. It really helps.