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Original poster

Frugal February continued....

487 replies

SpottyTeacakes · 18/02/2015 08:49

New thread Smile

OP posts:
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6
Breadandwine · 19/02/2015 19:08

Just came across this thread. Here's a cheap 8" choc cake - costs around 70p. And it's so easy to make, even 17mth-old grandsons can make it!
Sugar
Cocoa powder
S/raising flour
2 mashed bananas (instead of oil)
Water

7 minutes in the microwave - ready to eat!

fuzzpig · 19/02/2015 19:41

Thanks, that cake recipe sounds easy enough even for me! What kind of dish do you make it in? Or could I do it in mugs do you think?

Pass our minimum spend used to be £40 too, which was why we stopped doing two a week as it meant £80 minimum. I'm not sure why Tesco dropped the minimum but I was very pleased!

fuzzpig · 19/02/2015 19:48

Thank you so much for that explanation NK, that makes sense and is very reassuring :)

Does that mean his take home pay will be reduced by exactly £243 a month, or is it different due to the effect it has on tax?

NK5BM3 · 19/02/2015 19:58

Hi fuzz
It will be different because of the tax. So say he earns £20,000. He will get the first £10k (or thereabouts) tax free. So he will be then taxed on the next £10k. But he's claiming the £243 of childcare, so he will be taxed only on £9757.

TeWiSavesTheDay · 19/02/2015 20:12

NSD!

Laska42 · 19/02/2015 20:21

OI! You again B&W ??! Grin
(ive popped up on tread 50. Sigh.. but I have to do something am such a fkg sad/fat thing again and its so embarassing to have to admit it

( choc cake looks good, have you calorie counted it? ive not tried cake making with Marcus)

Laska42 · 19/02/2015 20:22

..oh and look at those curls! cute cute ..

fuzzpig · 19/02/2015 20:27

Ah I see thanks :) so definitely worth claiming the full amount I guess. We are hoping not to have to use much in the holidays - the CM has agreed to a term time only contract, but will be able to do ad hoc sessions if necessary - but TBH I will look at cheaper options then, like the council run holiday clubs.

Breadandwine · 19/02/2015 20:27

Now on my MacBook, so I can post links.

The first thing I want to say is that I teach Family Learning (breadmaking) at a local primary school - I'm in my 13th year there, now.

I tell my students that making their own bread is one of the best things they can do to save money. In fact, I've put together a post on my blog with many money saving ideas in the breadmaking line.

But there are many other recipes on the blog which will save you money. For instance, pancakes at 1p each! Made from just self-raising flour and water, they're simplicity itself - and jolly tasty.

I'll be back later - I've just remembered it's #veganrecipehour on Twitter!

needastrongone · 19/02/2015 20:51

Evening. Been a bit of a day.

DH has been involved in a serious car crash while on business in Turkey. Thankfully he's ok apart from being battered, bruised and badly shaken. However, there were 2 fatalities (father and child) and one of the guys in his car had had surgery, two have head injuries. DH pulled them from the car. The driver of the lorry that shunted them into the path of another lorry then smashed into the family has been arrested. DH is the only one that walked away.

I can't think too much about it as I just crack up. Hopefully he's going to get home tomorrow.

Spends. £35 for a hacking jacket for DD, from our pony's lovely owners, however they've visited today and left us a huge pile of tack to use. They are very lovely people, we are lucky to have them.

£60 in Sainsburys. False false economy as I had a voucher saving £7.50 if I spent £50. Probably would have been better ripping up the voucher. Topped up washing powder, jars, toiletries, bread etc and bought some provisions to put in the horse box for nights away but didn't need to spend any of it. Sainsburys is so expensive and I just can't put brands into the trolley these days. Unlikely to need anything other than milk for ages though now I guess.

needastrongone · 19/02/2015 20:52

Oh and £40 cash for my hair cut.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/02/2015 20:55

I love your recipes Bread. Love them.

fuzzpig · 19/02/2015 20:57

Oh god need. That is horrific. Your poor DH :( :( thank goodness he's ok. Awful for the family :( Thanks

Passthecake30 · 19/02/2015 21:00

Maybe asda will copy Tesco with the minimum spend - then I can get 3 orders a week ha ha.

blueteapot · 19/02/2015 21:00

Phone has lost my post 3 times! Will update later!

Passthecake30 · 19/02/2015 21:02

Omg need. Sounds awful. Someone was looking out for your dh today Flowers

babsmam · 19/02/2015 21:04

Jesus need . I'm so sory to hear about your Dh. Be kind to yourself too you also might be in a bit of shock. Shock is awful. Are you in the uk or near your DH?

babsmam · 19/02/2015 21:04

That poor family.

NK5BM3 · 19/02/2015 21:07

Omg need!! So glad he's safe but the others?!!! ThanksThanksThanks

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/02/2015 21:12

Oh no Need, your Dh is very lucky to be alive. Horrible thing to see isn't it though?.

expectingnumber3 · 19/02/2015 21:31

Need, that us so scary! Hope you are ok and that your DH is home soon.

£4 for soft play as we got there before 10am.

Ememem84 · 19/02/2015 21:34

NEED Oh my gosh. if ever your username was apt this is the time....

i hope your dh is ok and gets home soon! x

nsd here today. hooray!

fuzzpig · 19/02/2015 21:37

Agree, please be gentle with yourself too need - a near miss like that is horrible xx

19/2
£10.85 cafe with DCs. Really don't get much for your money there Hmm

Ordering tesco now for tomorrow but we've only got £71.93 left this month.

Breadandwine · 19/02/2015 21:41

Bloody hell, need! That's awful! Flowers

Laska, did you guess I found this thread whilst stalking you after that abortive post of yours on the 5:2 thread! Smile

Thanks, Fluffy!

fuzzpig, I made that cake in a silicon cake former - but you could use any shallow microwavable dish. And I do have a recipe for 'Cake in a mug' on the blog. Any 8-yr-old should be able to manage the whole thing from start to finish, since the mug handle wouldn't get too hot.

Laska I have a 5:2 calorie counted version of the cake on there - plus carrot cake, parkin, trifle, frugal crepe Suzette, and more!

Talking of 5:2, someone was talking upthread about joining a slimmers club - but the 5:2 way of life (WOL) - it's not a diet - will help you lose weight, and save you money in the process!

Here are some inspirational stories, which might well..inspire you I guess! Grin

CremeEggThief · 19/02/2015 22:23

Thanks Thanks Need. Take care. X

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