Frugalleers Spending September Safeguarding our Shiny Shillings

[Wolfcub]

Welcome to mid September frugal folk

Riding in the rain. Ick. £30.

Came home to a hot cup of tea, a warm dressing gown and a sandwich. Amazing. Also saw Ds tearing up and down the living room with his walker. So many steps. Yay!! #proudmummy

Dh has gone for a nap. As has ds. Ddad is debating

£4.09 Tesco, realised after I'd paid that I had a £3 voucher on my phone.
£3.50 ebay.

Lidl £118
All freezer food and store cupboard stuff for 6 weeks plus fridge/lunch stuff for 2 weeks.
Will just need fruit as have daily laid eggs thanks girls and have bread for the freezer.
Aldi £18 -prefer their greek yoghurt and washing up liquid .
I got some pretend JM freesia and pear handwash and hand cream.Smells lovely.
The bottles currently in the bathroom look manky so I will refill these nice ones once finished.
Its cold and drizzly here -meh
I was given a COOK voucher by a friend I did a favour for ,so have the beef and red wine pie plus a shepherds pie for the freezer.
Mmm pie plus lots of veg and gravy tonight Strictly

I've skimmed the loooong (!) thread and you look like a close knit group - I don't want to intrude. May I join in here perhaps just for a short time?

A while back I did my version of a no-spend year. I had a shopping addiction and owned too many clothes, a lot of which didn't suit me. I spent a year doing a massive clear out. It took the whole year because I found it hard to let go of things I'd stupidly spent money on - somehow keeping it justified the purchase, even though I wasn't using the item. I learned a lot about my spending habits and the many little ways I was lying to or undermining myself. At the time I also couldn't afford it, but I could see a future when I could and I didn't want to keep being so wasteful.

Roll forward to a time when I am able to really invest in my savings. I'm not into fashion but I do enjoy having new clothes so I have a shop each Christmas and for my birthday. I return things that I know I'm not going to use and I give to charity things that I later on learned were bad purchases for some reason. My wardrobe is clear, I like everything, it's easy getting dressed.

Here's my problem. I struggled to reign it back in after I shopped for my birthday this year. I've not totally lost control but one of my favourite shops keeps popping up in the advertisement bit on MN and I'm really struggling. (It hasn't got the 'x' that lets you delete it).

I really value having a savings. I value not being anxious that I've wasted money and my account is at 0 or in the red by the end of the month because of my poor choices. I value using the clothes I already have. I do not need anything. I know that if I shop I will buy more of the things I already have... I'm just looking for a place where I can be inspired by how others are managing until I can get back to trusting myself again. May I hang out here for a bit?

Everyone is welcome Duds -see you have a nickname already !
Ive been on and off the thread since about 2015 -various names .
When I feel that feeling I start to look after myself better and ask why I might be feeling that way.
Its usually overdoing it for me and I "treat"myself with hot baths, reading and making sure I get to bed early -my life is so rocknroll
The most important thing is that you have clocked whats happening .
I rarely go shopping,just food shopping and food money is cash .
I think itwas Lonely who mentioned that lots of shopping mirrors the comfort and relaxation we need, cosy clothes and candles,craft stuff etc when what we actually need is the down time .

Hi Duds, we are always open to a new frugaleer. Reading Alvin Halls books might help you if you haven't already. He is no nonsense and I think you will like him. I used to do the clothes thing too. I also shopped for the life I want not the life I have.

In my head I have a job that requires lots of tight dresses from karen millen. In reality I have a health professional job and where a uniform to work. At the weekend I need comfies. Bonkers behaviour but I had so many dresses I never wore and they got charity shopped. Massive waste of money, petrol and time.

A capsule wardrobe is very liberating though. When you shop are you replacing worn out items or buying another pair of jeans that are definitely different to all the other jeans you have?.

Duds you're very welcome to join us.

I came here as a bit of a scrooge, spending no money on myself and too much on ds and have learned a lot here. Mainly what I've learned is that it's good to spend less money on retail therapy and more on actual medical help for real problems. It's amazing what a couple of hours with an able psychologist can sort out, if you fancy a go.

I went and asked for advice and have ended up doing less science and much more in the direction of the arts - music and painting and stuff like that. I feel like a totally different person, which is very good.

Though I am now coveting lovely musical instruments, which is not good news at all financially. Ooops.

Welcome to the group!

Hi everyone, I've had a busy and stressful week so it's been nice to spend a quiet Saturday catching up with you all.

Seacow Happy Birthday to your DS! I hope he enjoys the cable car ride and the family celebration tomorrow and it's not too overwhelming for him. Your cake pops were fab. That's so cute about DD doing fake sneezes!

north I didn't realize you'd gone back to college. What are you studying?

Wolf sounds like you'd a fairly shitty day yesterday. I wouldn't tolerate any moaning from DH. While I don't know the full story, I take it he's the author of his own misfortune. Your job seems to involve a fair amount of travel - you definitely need a long weekend.

Love hope your college course goes well. That's annoying about your slippers. Get well soon.

Summer this made me laugh - "We have a standing arrangement that people give me money to spend on my current project and then for extra niceness they all pretend to be really impressed at whatever it is that I do with the money."

Girlie sounds like the pain in your arm is limiting your life quite a bit and you're (understandably) getting frustrated. Are you planning a big birthday celebration? That was nice of your friend to offer to do the flowers. Re: birthdays and Christmas, I'd cut out all the birthday presents and just concentrate on getting DD sorted for Christmas. If the birthday people are all adults, they'll understand. I'd hate to think someone was stressing over my birthday present.

em I'd also hate to be a SAHM. I have some very good friends at work and I'd really miss the social aspect of work. I've met a few women through DD (parents of DD's friends) but I didn't find any of them to be kindred spirits (can you tell I've been reading all of the Anne of Green Gables books lately?). But maybe I'd have tried a bit harder if I didn't have my work friends to fall back on? I was very lonely on maternity leave and was glad to go back to work when it was over. I think there are a few SAHMs on this thread and I hope none of them think I'm denigrating them or the contribution they make to their families. But it wouldn't have been the right choice for me. Btw I also loved 'Bank of Mum and Dad'. I think there are some episodes on YouTube - I might check them out.

Also love this comment from em - "How did my life turn out this way. Ds has farted in our bed and it stinks. He’s happy with it though.

We’ve also had baby shark playing since 630. "

Cag really annoying about losing your bank card! DD sounds so cute talking into her assorted 'phones'.

Lonely congrats. on getting through your trial period.

Wrongway hope you're feeling a little better today.

Born enjoy your weekend away. Hope your throat eases soon.

Wreck you're having a bad week. Can't believe DH wasn't paid . Has that happened before or am I mixing you up with another poster? I'd be raging about that e-mail too. And then the prescription mix-up on top of everything else.

Snuggly we're watching Strictly later too . DD and I have booked our place on the sofa.

mammy get well soon. We've a lot of sick frugaleers .

Curvy hope your course work goes well.

Not much news with me. DH gets paid on Tuesday and he gets his annual bonus so we're hoping to buy a new dishwasher. We've been hand washing dishes for the past few months but they seem to pile up quicker than we can wash them. And we've been putting on the immersion a lot to heat up water for them.

DH is away for the weekend so DD and I are having a relaxing weekend. DD spent the afternoon sorting all her Lego pieces by colour and putting them into clear plastic bags. We're having baked potatoes with tuna and cheese for dinner.

A friend contacted me earlier about going to the 'Wild Lights' experience at Dublin Zoo in November, so I'll have to sort out payment with her.

Glad you all survived the storm. A Swiss tourist was killed here when her caravan was swept off the cliff into the sea in Galway . And one man was killed in NI and another injured when a tree fell on them.

Thanks Tayto.

I'm a SAHM mum and I totally understand that others have different needs. I have a friend who went back to work because her kids were so lively that they'd have finished her off and they'd have done it to me too. My ds is a bushbaby and so am I, and we'd never have managed if we'd been uncoupled too early. It just wouldn't have worked. I love that we have a degree of choice in this generation.

Mega catch up there tayto my dc have just been playing with Lego too, ours reside in three large Lego containers usually on end of dining room table
Ds spent €7.36 on Lego magazine today, not sure he grasped that it was 3 weeks pocket money but he's only 4. There were two kits to make cars so that's something

Spends today
€15 class for dd, ds refused to stay
€2.60 on newspaper and can of Pepsi max
€2.45 tables book for dd, last years has vanished
€17.90 on chippy late lunch/dinner
€10 approx on toothpaste, hair treatment & actifed, I'm hoping it'll give me relief

I've a basket open on snazzal, has anyone read the adult roald Dahl books? I've £5 more for free uk delivery

@dudsville you're very welcome here we're close knit but not cliquish so everyone's welcome

Welcome duds

Tayto yes that's dh he never gets paid on time ah well onwards and upwards he's been paid now. I can buy the libre sensors at Asda for £44 so I'm going to do that (although it's an hour away) and combine it with food shopping. What do I need from Asda? What should I avoid?

Lost a big post. Welcome Dud’s everyone is welcome here

Been out for a few pints with da and friends (his and mine)

Looking forward to strictly later even though I think this year’s celebs are pants.

Wow tayto that was a mega catch up! Hope you and dd have a lovely weekend together.

Welcome duds

I wish that very nice clarinets didn't cost £1500+. Why does everything nice cost such a lot of money?

Dh threw a strop and told me I had to go into town with him this afternoon with ds as we “never do anything as a family at weekends because I spend the whole day riding” he said this in front of Dm and ddad.

I was raging.

Asked why dh needed to go into town on a shitty windy rainy Saturday afternoon. And why on earth he wanted to take ds. Turns out when I asked dh earlier in the week whether he’d bought “his” present for ds he said yes. But he’s apparently only thought about it and that’s what he meant. Ffs.

I told him to go on his own. I’d drop him off and ds and I would go for a drive. So that’s what we did.

Dh got soaked. And still bought nothing. He ordered things on amazon. Which he could have done from home. Twat.

Dh only wanted to buy a present for ds himself because his dad paid zero attention to his birthdays when he was a kid.

dudsville, welcome! We are always glad of new victims . It looks like you have a really good level of self awareness regarding shopping, and a capsule wardrobe seems like an excellent idea. I need to be mindful in the same way as fluffy describes, that I don't buy for the life I think that I have, rather than the one that is casual dress for work and includes two dog walks a day, and that doesn't go out much

curvy, would you mind posting your quinoa curry recipe please? Sounds lovely.

quite you have chickens too!! I suspect if we met for a chinwag in a cafe we'd still be there three hours later

Spends.
£40 Sainsburys
£20 Home Bargains
£25 Boots.
£2.50 sandwich, I was just so hungry, this is really unusual for me.

DH has spent £20 or similar on ordering the Anthony Joshua fight, trying to do stuff with all members of the family before DS goes next week. Home cooked tea, jacket spuds already in the oven.

I've a Year 6 SATS maths book going spare if anyone wants it? Dd bought it for DS as a joke. He'll be in trouble doing a maths degree if he struggles with this

em sometimes men are twats, unfortunately.
Jam yep, it's a recipe from vegangela, she is a vegan blogger and all her recipes are good.

Quick & Easy Indian Curry Quinoa

Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
30 mins

By cooking the quinoa in the coconut milk and tomatoes, you get a very quick and tasty meal that is ready in no time! Vegan & Gluten-Free.
Author: Angela @ Vegangela.com
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed & drained
1 can (400ml) coconut milk
1 can (400ml) diced tomatoes
3 tbsp curry powder (note: curry powders vary in heat. If in doubt, go with less, and add more later)
2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
2 tbsp coconut oil (or other vegetable oil)
1 large onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained
2 large handfuls of chopped spinach or kale
½ tsp crushed red chili pepper
salt and pepper
cilantro (fresh coriander) (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, mix quinoa, coconut milk, diced tomatoes (with juice), curry powder and ketchup/tomato paste, and bring to boil. Lower heat to lowest setting, cover saucepan and simmer until quinoa is ready, about 15 minutes.
While quinoa is cooking: in a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat and stir-fry the garlic and onion until translucent.
Add the carrot and sauté for a couple minutes.
Add the chickpeas and cook for another couple minutes.
Add the spinach/kale and cook until wilted, about a minute.
Mix the veggies with the quinoa, season with salt, pepper and crushed red chili pepper, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Thank you. That sounds seriously tasty, and speedy and frugal. I've screen shot, that will be on my next plan

Oh yes please jam we are looking at y6 sats for dd3!

Welcome duds

to em DH

Very impressed with your mammoth catch up tayto

Wet and rainy here. We couldn't think of any where to go this afternoon, which didn't involve lots of money and suitable for 3 and 7 year old. So we stayed home and just chilled.

Weekend now feel like weekends to me again, now I'm out of the house all week. It appears I appreciate my time off more now 4 weeks until half term and counting though

£70 in Tesco

Funny the conversation about dressing for the life you think you have. I have always had a few smart work dresses and shoes I have never really needed, in my new job I wear them everyday. I quite like getting dressed up for work Will probably change my mind when it gets cold!

I'll pm lonely, you'd be very welcome indeed.

Jam, it is and I make it at least monthly at this time of year and you can add loads of different veg too, red pepper and butternut squash work pretty well.

Hi all, welcome duds really liked what you said about keeping something so you could justify the purchase, I've def been guilty of this as well!

Great catch up tayto!

We've had a busy day, dd had a good riding lesson although I'm starting to wonder if she is being stretched enough? There seems to be a lot of repetition atm.

I went for a massage which was really relaxing, my back feels a bit twitchy now but she was very gentle so hopefully not done any harm! My mum paid.

Have booked tickets to see Annie next year, mum has also helped with this! I decided rather than drive back after the show that we'll stop over so on impulse booked a room via air bnb £40.

Re Christmas I only buy for my mum,dad, step mum, one brother, one niece and three nephew's. Obviously dd as well 😉 I will be looking to do it as cheaply as possible. I don't buy for my other brother and sil as we have an agreement to just buy for the kids.

I bought a sequinned diamante satin bustier from karen millen for £100 in 2000.

Charity shopped it 13 years later, unworn.

I was looking at fishnet tights and t bar courts to go with hotpants yesterday, then I remembered I'm 41 not 21 and people will laugh.