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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask, in these times of financial struggle, what free or very cheap things do you do for yourself that make life that bit nicer?

108 replies

FattyAirways · 19/10/2022 21:00

For me, I love going in the garden if it's a clear day, and as lots of planes go over I love to look them up on Flight Radar 24 and see where they've been or where they're going. That's the geek in me!

I also really enjoy lighting tealights (you can buy loads for £1 or £2) or burning incense sticks.

I have recently rejoined the library and mine gives free access to magazines, even the good ones and hundreds of titles. All I do is put my library card number in and away I go. It's just brilliant and if I can afford a slice of cake whilst I read, even better!

I like to research places to visit. I might not ever get there, but it doesn't mean I can't plan for if it might happen!

OP posts:

Runninouttatime · 07/01/2023 20:58

FuriousFurious · 19/10/2022 21:31

Every time I go out, I tell myself that this is my world. I explore as much of it as I can and really admire everything around me. All the sights, sounds, smells, taste and things I can touch. It's amazing.
Even at night, on a clear day, I can look out into my universe.
I tell my dc that it's their world, what are they going to do in it?

Another thing that matters to me is making my home clean and comfortable, so it feels calm and welcoming.

You should download the Sky View app. It’s wonderful and great at pointing out the planet positions as well as constellations and our moon

Pheefifofuckthisshit · 09/01/2023 19:28

Bumping this thread back to life as reading a similar one posted today I can't afford 99% of the stuff on it! 😱 Made me feel a bit blah but I remembered this thread and had a search for it. ❤️

SophieJo · 09/01/2023 19:56

ParentallyUnprepared · 19/10/2022 21:05

I look to houses on Rightmove. A lot.

Houses I've seen for sale in the area.

Houses that I might be interested in if I were to move.

Houses I can't afford.

Houses miles away.

I love it.

Same here!

Ericaequites · 09/01/2023 20:02

The Libby app is wonderful. I can read a book review and read the book five minutes later.
Sewing with fabric I already have is a real mood booster. Putting the pedal to the metal on the sewing machine makes my heart sing.

Olio · 09/01/2023 20:03

reserve a book at the library, I see what I like in the shops and then order it through my library app and then pick it up a few days later.
bonus is people using these services keeps our libraries open!

Tiddler39 · 09/01/2023 20:08

I like to browse in Waterstones on a Sunday afternoon. It’s never busy and it’s so cosy and comfortable in there. I don’t buy anything (sorry Waterstones), so it’s totally free.

If I’m feeling flush I’ll get a takeaway coffee or go for a sauna at our local leisure centre. It’s £8 to use the health suite for an hour and no one chucks you out after an hour.

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 10/01/2023 11:11

@Tiddler39 I luffs Waterstones! I very rarely buy stuff, but I have the Loyalty Card, and have been bribed with free cake before now. The cafes are averagely priced, IME, and their (free) courgette and lime cake is lush.

Tiddler39 · 10/01/2023 16:46

I thought of another one - potted spring bulbs.

I pot some cheap little narcissus bulbs up and let them flower in the house then just put the pot outside all summer and winter. When I notice them coming up again (usually just after Christmas) I bring it in again, and this time it’s free!

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