Put those purses down and enjoy an austere August instead

[economymode]

A new thread to support those wishing to rein back their spending - come one, come all.

[AdoraBell]

Hi 2Old and welcome

I've done a bit of shopping, £25, I'm planning to buy the bare minimum this week as freezer is pretty well stocked, again.

I've remembered a mum at school has a shop where she does courses in ceramics for children. I'll see how much she charges, I think both DDs would enjoy that.

[ValiumQueen]

2old sorry to hear about the dodgy tum. Sounds unpleasant for all. You would actually be surprised how good washables are these days, I sure was, although I would not fancy washing them out with his tummy.

adora that sounds a lovely idea, but the ones around here are pretty pricy.

[2Old2BeABluePeterPresenter]

Thanks AdoraBell - Pratchett fan perchance? :)

Thanks Valium, it's getting better he's 13 months now but until he was about 9 months I hated going out as if he pooed it resulted in a whole change of clothes too! :(

But hopefully he'll grow out of it :) (no sign yet though)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Quidco finally paid my national trust membership cashback! 4 months later.

We did use the cards three times this weekend so I am happy that were getting lots of use out of them, plus I took the picnic hamper with us.

Forgot to continue my project of storing an aldi magnum so we don't pay £2.10 for them so dh bought one and a latte for £2.25. It was the smallest latte ever and rubbish apparently. This is where my milk allergy saves me money.

Got to ring gas Reading through to edf because I've changed suppliers. Hopefully it will pay off.

[AdoraBell]

2Be how did you guess

Valium some things like courses can be really cheap here, I'm abroad, despite the general cost of living going astronomical in recent years. I'm going to have a chat today at pick-up and see if it's affordable.

[ValiumQueen]

adora I forgot you are abroad. I guessed that from mention of Road Tolls and Doctor Visits I think.

[Leilandri]

Had a lovely party for DS2's 1st Bday today. 5 of his little friends came, along with my DS1. Did a selection of snacks for the kiddies (and mummies) but it was constructed mostly from what we had here already, so spend was £3.20 in Morrisons on some snack pasties, beetroot hummous and mini babybels :)
Then went for long walk in afternoon to library and park which wore out both boys. Hope for some tea - then bath & bed = blissful day!

I'm getting chickens TOMORROW Can't wait. Have bought everything for them already, except for some sawdust for their coop. So will pop into petshop to get that before going to collect them. They will cost me £18 for the 3 of them, but my Mum will pay me back as they are an early Bday pressy from her. DS1 has decided on their names in advance - Patch, Donut and Bogey

[Fluffycloudland77]

I am so JEALOUS. I would love chickens, unfortunately so would the cat and he is more than capable of killing them too.

Very right now!.

What breeds are they?

[ValiumQueen]

I prefer a cock personally

[Leilandri]

We're getting light sussex. So they are mostly white, with black tail feathers and neck feathers. We have a cat, but she is a complete wuss - even scared of her own shadow They will be kept mostly in their run/coop. But will be allowed to free range in the garden when I am out there to shoo them off my plants
Valium I find any type of cock abit too noisy and messy!! (and I have 3 of them in my household already) ;)

[AdoraBell]

oh poo, the other mum has stopped doing courses for children, but I could do one for about 50 quids, give or take depending on exchange rates, then teach the DDs. Not the same as getting a birthday present, but I am tempted.

I couldn't have chickens here, one of my dogs is a hunting champion, but I hope you enjoy yours Leilendri.

[ValiumQueen]

leila

adora that is a shame. How about giving the girls a choice. Party or present. Likely they will get gifts from their guests.

[Leilandri]

WE HAVE CHICKENS!!!!
(Sorry about caps - but so damn excited!!)
They are beautiful - have added a pic to my profile. 3 white ones are 12 weeks old, so will be seeing eggs in about 6-10 weeks. Brown one is 16 weeks old, so could be seeing eggs as early as a fortnight, can't wait :)

[ValiumQueen]

Very exciting! Welcome chickens!!

[2Old2BeABluePeterPresenter]

Yay for Chickens :) Wish DH would let me have some :(

[AdoraBell]

Glad your chickens arrived Leilandri, hope you enjoy keeping them.

Valium that could be an idea, they would indeed get gifts from friends. I cant get out to look until next week now.

[CremeEggThief]

Looking forward to reading more about your chickens, Leilandri.

[economymode]

Blimey, I somewhat over-ordered the couscous with Approved Foods. 12 cases (6 packs in a case, 2 sachets in a pack) of spicy couscous, 12 packs of another type and 6 couscous snackpots. I'm going to have to give some away at this rate. And 4 packs of plain couscous.

However, the 12 cases only cost £3.48 so not as if I'm losing loads of money. Seriously, the cupboards are rammed with the stuff. I did get a load of other stuff, too, but am wondering why on earth I ordered so much and only 6 cans of chickpeas, for example.

Off to Bath tomorrow for an afternoon without the boy. Lunch with the inlaws at Pizza Express beforehand and have found a 25% off voucher. There is a 40% off one, but that's only valid until today. Shame.

[Fluffycloudland77]

You can never have too much couscous .

Check for that 40% off voucher again tomorrow, sometimes they expire only to come back the next day.

[ValiumQueen]

economy I got my approved food order today and also have far too much couscous! I think their description could have been a bit misleading as I had no idea so much would arrive. Thankfully I love it. Only 3 of the pots of couscous though. Did you get cupcakes? I did not get chick peas though. I love Approved Foods!!!

[economymode]

We just worked out that I bought 144 sachets of just one variety of couscous alone. Oops.

Didn't get cakes etc, as I tend to make all those at home anyway, baking is my therapy!

Will check to see if that 40% is back tomorrow, thanks for the tip, Fluffy.

[ValiumQueen]

I thought I was bad with 36!

[Fluffycloudland77]

Brilliant day (easily pleased me)

Got a coupon for £1 off nestle cereal or coffee, so cheerios only 14p in morrisons.

Got two huge pieces of beef sirloin roasting joints for £11, should have been £22 and when I got home there were two free twinings tea bags waiting.

And I rescued a baby sparrow off the yellowlines on a busy road and put it at the base of a hedge. I have plastic gloves in the car for work and minor animal rescues.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Economy, I just spotted this on freestuffs website, No good now but maybe for next time?

[ValiumQueen]

Aww fluffy how sweet of you.

Couscous for lunch today

Another no spend day today, but did go to BK for lunch yesterday. Less than £9 for me, DD1, and my parents as we all shared. It was the first time I have been out for 5 weeks and it was a treat for DD after being at the hospital.