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February faffing, wig mischieving, pancake stuffing, bargain gymnastics and looking forward to Spring Shenanigans ❤️

1000 replies

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 05/02/2026 18:07

Welcome to our new thread everyone 🤗. All are welcome to our supportive, kind , frugal thread .

OP posts:
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DirtyGertiefromno30 · 13/03/2026 18:13

Here it is l love it ❤️

February faffing, wig mischieving, pancake stuffing, bargain gymnastics and looking forward to Spring Shenanigans ❤️
OP posts:
MuddlingLong · 13/03/2026 18:17

Aw that is cute <3

Frugal25 · 13/03/2026 18:57

Oh I love this cushion!!!! 😍

Double porridge? That's hardcore!

Feeling even worse but, DD has now started projectile vomiting over me and the carpet. So that's obviously made me feel so much better.
I did have a night to myself which I was so looking forward to and needed after this week but OH now on way home which I'm grateful for but virgin river will have to wait....

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 13/03/2026 19:10

Oh thank you for the cushion love @MuddlingLong & @Frugal25 😁
Your poor little Dd bless her heart . Aw l hope she's ok soon 🙏

OP posts:
RumBananaSundae · 13/03/2026 19:41

Spending yesterday was £25 on dinner and £5 or so on snacks. Today £3odd in Budgens on hula hoops and milk.

How was the Importance of being Earnest @DirtyGertiefromno30? That’s my plan for this weekend. A rather lovely cushion from John Lewis.

We saw Hamilton @Frugal25. My friend hadn’t seen it before. Win on the fish (and the fence). Sorry you’re still unwell and blimey with your poor daughter. I hope you’re both feeling better soon. Happy birthday to your brother.

Well done on the porridge @ChipshopPickledEgg.

Glad your happy with your hair @MuddlingLong.

Very glad it’s the weekend. Am looking forward to doing not a lot. Was thinking of going into town for an exhibition but I’m always put off by the train fare these days. Booked a day off work to have an extra long weekend later in the year. I’m not sure when I’ll take all my leave without not having an actual holiday. Was thinking of maybe something later in the year but then think better leave it until I know how much clearing up the mess will cost.

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 13/03/2026 21:15

Are you back on the hula hoops @RumBananaSundae?
Good because l love them too 😁👏. Still not found those spicy ones though 🤔😟.
Imp of being Earnest was so funny , loved the costumes and the set it was amazing 😍
Thank you re the cushion love too 😊 . I don't blame you waiting to book your holiday. We are in limbo here too because of my Mum so will probably do days out this year . Or we may squeeze an overnighter in but nothing longer. Hope you have a lovely restful weekend off 🤗

OP posts:
chimichangaz · 13/03/2026 21:46

Ah @Frugal25 get well soon! Can’t believe your neighbours haven’t paid towards a shared fence!! My plans are unclear so I’ve ended up paying for replacement panels both sides when the wind has blown them out.

Glad you’re happy with your hair @MuddlingLong!

@DirtyGertiefromno30 you had some bargains there!!

Had my PT session today and I am really enjoying my gym training - I love the feeling of getting stronger (shame it’s not working on my weight or measurements though 🤣).

This week I seem to have somehow got my shiz together quietly and my sleep is much better and my house is clean and tidy. Long may it continue.

Really enjoyed the film tonight - wasn’t sure for the first half hour but then it got much better. Called in at Tesco on the way home for something for dinner and bought one of their premium meal deals, printer paper, some silicone lids, bread and three Paperchase large notebooks reduced to £3 each (two will be presents). Spent £27 but it should have been £50 so I think I did okay!

Have said I’ll meet my friend at the gym at 7 in the morning - just wondering who I am…..😊

Frugal25 · 14/03/2026 07:32

Hope the gym is ok this morning @chimichangaz well done on getting shiz together!!
The fence is actually theirs and I've been paying. It's even worse! Hopefully new neighbour will know it's theirs and I'll just pay for the two that are actually mine.

Holiday plans can always wait for any reason I think. No rush :)
Spicy hula hoops. Delicious.

Cancelled hair due to not being well and will pop to chemist instead. That's £35 saved.

MuddlingLong · 14/03/2026 11:04

Good to know about the fence for new neighbours @Frugal25 as we’re in a new build estate we’re surrounded by neighbours and there’s nothing in our paperwork so the general feeling is all fences are shared.

BigSkies2022 · 14/03/2026 13:25

Glad you enjoyed OBAA- I loved it. Also Mary Supreme, so my loyalties are torn for the Oscars this weekend ! I think I can get both Sinners and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You on streaming services. So I might play the Mothering Sunday card and pick one of those for tonight.

£32 in Sainsbury’s yesterday. Made a chicken stew from a YouTube short - a guy doing all 50 of the NYT top recipes of 2025. That’s tonight’s dinner.

Went into town to meet DH yesterday evening. I’d suggested we go get a croque monsieur or a bowl of ramen somewhere. And he took me to Ottolenghi’s Rovi! Surprise ! Luckily I had changed out of my supermarket/dog walking/chores gear. So now I need to organise something nice for us to do in April. I don’t have an ottolenghi budget, but I’m thinking a night at Wigmore Hall (£80 for two seats tops) and the Hockney at the Serpentine (free! Leaving enough got a croque monsieur !)

Clothes steamer has arrived so I will be practicing on my shirts and getting outfits organised today.

Frugal25 · 14/03/2026 15:08

Oh you lucky girl @BigSkies2022 that sounds a perfect evening. DH did well!

Been to the chemist. £13 got some pills and drops and already feeling so much better I've dug up two massive shrubs in the garden that have been getting on my nerves (and rotting the shed) for 5 years. All ready now to plant some gorgeous flowers for the bees instead.

Redone budget. This week's shop may have to go on the credit card as I overspent for two weeks on food shopping, but I'll keep it small and use up things in the cupboard this week I think. I'll also make double from what I'm cooking the next few days to freeze and eat that too.

Today is just gorgeous.
Hope everyone is ok.

BigSkies2022 · 14/03/2026 16:05

Well, Tefal Pure Pop steamer turns out to be a chocolate tea pot and I will be returning it. Two water chambers worth of steam producing zéro discernable change in the state of a cotton poplin shirt. If anyone can recommend a good one that is also suitcase sized, I’d be happy to heat about it. So £50 will be coming back to me, but I’m still short of a useful device!

RumBananaSundae · 14/03/2026 18:55

Bought some peaches for just over £3 today.

That was a good Tesco stop @chimichangaz.

Rovi is great isn’t it @BigSkies2022. I used to love going there. Boo to the steamer. I hope you find one that works. Sorry no recommendations here.

Glad you’re feeling a bit better @Frugal25. And shrub moving too.

How is your mum today @DirtyGertiefromno30?

Took a trip into town. Compromised and went by bus. Went to the Hawaii exhibition at the British Museum. Managed to not spend anything as they had no postcards in the gift shop. Can’t believe how long the queue was to go in and it was so busy.

Rainbow1901 · 14/03/2026 19:04

£9 in Iceland for Pizza and Fries for tea. Also bought a loaf of bread and a box of Honey Nut cornflakes because they were on special offer and because we also didn't have any cereal in only porridge and I just like them!! 😋15p added to Xmas Bonus savings which is at £5.90 now.
Talking of Xmas (already!) I paid one of the other grandmas for the annual Xmas Train trip but that came out of the Xmas pot so not really a spend. 😏
Two long term debts cleared this week with another to finish this coming week. 😇So we are heading in the right direction - but that said - the bedroom project is now well on it's way. New plastered ceiling has had two coats of paint, DH has installed a new light which is so much brighter than its predecessor. We have a new radiator ordered and some pipework so DH can drop the pipes below the floor boards next week. Paint for the walls was bought earlier this week so we can start painting them tomorrow. Carpet needs to be paid for and that is being fitted the following week. We have been told that our new bed has arrived but we won't take delivery until the carpet is fitted. The new wardrobe and bedside cabinets will be a few more weeks yet.
But decluttering continues - more trips to the tip were done this week. Scrap man took the trailer cluttering up the drive and that has been jet washed too.
Work today was busy hence quick and easy tea and DH is now busy connecting up the new router which will be a few quid cheaper (for 6 months at least) 🙄
Car Insurance is due next month as we are now at Martin Lewis' sweet spot for good deals in terms of weeks - so will crack on with that soon. Waiting on the dreaded new council tax bill to see what that will increase by.

MuddlingLong · 14/03/2026 19:38

Hello everyone, hope you’ve had nice Saturdays. @Frugal25 glad you’re feeling better.

Spent £50 at m&s tonight. Why is it so easy to do that there?! Cheaper than going out for dinner anyway. And a lovely treat for us all.

DW gets her bonus this payday and we are going to pay off one credit card fully and add 3k to another one. Then there’s a few expenses like the boiler service, our driveway is getting redone too. But it feels like free money and clearing one credit card will feel so good.

MuddlingLong · 14/03/2026 19:39

@Rainbow1901 well done on paying off the debts!!

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 14/03/2026 22:15

Been a busy day today , went to see Mum who was ok there and then went to Cardiff to see the match . Didn't spend anything thankfully except for the tickets £120.
So glad you have got your 'shiz' together, well done @chimichangaz 😁
Glad you enjoyed the film and your gym session with your PT you are doing brilliantly 👏💪
@BigSkies2022 oh you lucky thing Ottolenghis such a treat and Wigmore Hall 😁👏❤️
@Frugal25 so glad you are feeling better today sweetheart. Well done in the redoing the budget and the gardening and yes it's been a beautiful day, one of those glad to be alive days ❤️
My Mum was fine today ❤️ thank you for asking after her @RumBananaSundae 🤗
That Hawaiian exhibition sounds amazing 😍. Well done in a NSD too!
Peaches sound yummy 😋
@Rainbow1901omg you have been absolutely smashing it this week well done to you sweetheart 👏👏🤗💪.
Oh a lovely day for you too @MuddlingLong, so glad you are doing so well with the CC absolutely made up for you and your DW sweetheart 🤗 👏

OP posts:
DirtyGertiefromno30 · 14/03/2026 22:17

Hope everyone is ok and having a lovely weekend 🤗.
Happy Mother's day to all of us

l hope everyone has a lovely Mother's day tomorrow
❤️ 🌼 💐🤗🙏

OP posts:
ArmDimples · 14/03/2026 22:56

Hello, I’ve not posted for a couple of weeks, been really busy with work and kids. Prompted to get back to it today by having time to catch up… Also, I went to Waitrose specifically for 00 flour and their nice loo rolls (the not-quilted ones that they discontinued and then brought back when there was an outcry from people like me, lol) and managed to spend over £50. I haven’t done that for a while and have remembered how important it is that I never set foot in there 😫😂. I definitely won’t be able to stick to the grocery budget this month, sigh.

Rum and Blue I take it you are both in London? I am too (outskirts) but you both seem to get around more than I do! I must try harder. I was thinking about taking out membership of the British Museum this year as I’d love to see the Bayeux tapestry and I also quite fancy the samurai exhibition. I haven’t been to the BM for years though as the one time I tried last year the queue was impossible. I wonder whether members can skip the queues.

I can only remember about the last 5 posts but great news on paying off the card Muddling! bedroom makeover also sounds great Rainbow, you are inspiring me to pull my finger out with jobs that have needed doing for a while. I must make an effort over the Easter break to paint something, anything.

Now, some of you may remember I ordered a pizza oven a few weeks ago. It finally came and I gave it a go this evening. It was brilliant! It is an electric one (I know this will not impress the wood- fired purists but this one can be used indoors, ie all year round - I couldn’t resist trying that!). I was sure I was going to burn my first efforts but they came out great! This is going to be ruinous for my diet but I reckon once a month might be manageable, though I may use it more often for the DC. I only used 1/3 packet of cooking Mozzarella today (the Galbani cucina block stuff, not the stuff that comes in saline but still fresh cheese) … so I need to work out whether I can freeze that at all. And also where I can store the pizza oven as it is a bit of a beast 😳.

Financial stuff is going okay, Waitrose aside, lol. I still haven’t bought lunch at work since the new year, I’ve taken it in every day. Hardly bought clothes except essentials for the kids (though I do need bras soon). Still lurve YNAB. I’m currently updating all the things that increase in cost next month as and when I get the letters - council tax, all our insurance premiums (life, critical illness etc) will be material, and then the mortgage is also going up almost £300. We are definitely going to notice it!

Lockin26 · 14/03/2026 23:56

Lovely hairstyle @MuddlingLong pleased it went well

More cushion love here @DirtyGertiefromno30

Well done @Rainbow1901

Lovely that your DH picked such a nice place @BigSkies2022 boo to the clothes steamer

Get well soon @Frugal25

@ArmDimples I got a Ninja outdoor oven before Christmas with a Martin Lewis code. So far I've used the pizza function and the smoker function. The indoor option on yours is great. Ours is outdoors only which is a bit of a pain if it starts to rain but can't wait for the summer with it.

Feel like I've done a lot of shopping and eating over the last two days but this is a busy weekend.

£28.95 at a retirement meal for a friend last night

£40.25 Morrisons
£43.31 Lidl
£36.39 Costco (friend wanted to visit and I ended up getting cake and supper for DS / DH)
£35 meal for friends birthday. For me and DD.

So quite spendy with nine days to go until the next grocery and eating out spending cycle reset. Still got £153 in the budget so I may make it. Last month was £258 over budget.

What a week with my DM still in hospital and DB drinking himself into an early grave in her house. She can't be discharged as it's unsafe to go home so we have her social worker involved and think there will be a professionals meeting next week. On top of that I've been put on the two week pathway for a prolonged breakthrough bleed and pelvic pain. GP told me to stop HRT and within 24 hours the bleeding and pain stopped so I feel pretty reassured that the GP is right that it is likely hormone changes. Had a clear smear last year. But I'll have a scan to check all okay and I've acted quickly.

Oh and lastly our fence blew down on Thursday in the storm. Someone coming to quote on Monday. It literally never rains but it pours!

Tomorrow we aren't going out as we've had a few meals out so going to visit DM in hospital and have takeaway.

ArmDimples · 15/03/2026 07:53

Lockin you really do have a lot on with your DM and DB. I hope you get the all-clear on the pelvic pain soon to put your mind at rest 🤞🏻

Happy Mother’s Day to those who are a mother, have a mother or miss a mother. I am grumpy as it’s my turn to get up with DS (I had the ‘lie in’ yesterday, except I didn’t as I woke up when everyone else did and had to get up shortly to make bread for their lunch). And I had terrible insomnia last night so I am shattered.

Today is DH’s ‘weekend birthday’ as his birthday is next week on a day when I am in the office and then at a meeting in the evening. So I am cooking his choice of dinner etc today. I’m not high maintenance about these things but I hope I get a card at least! DS appears to have made me a card at school but them opened it himself - he can’t resist an envelope. I found the envelope yesterday but no sign of the card!

I still need to find a couple of gifts for DH, maybe beer /chocolate.

DD went to bed complaining of a sore throat and ears. Today my throat is a bit sore, so let’s see. She hasn’t surfaced yet.

lifelongfrugaleer · 15/03/2026 08:14

Nope it’s just a precaution the 2 week pathway lock
will done on paying off the cards muddling
i need whatever rum is on. You go girl. What’s the secret
hope your day gets better arm or have a delayed md next week?

Not much to report here. Budget appears to be off in the distance and not at all stuck to

have some options for treatment now but the decision making is fucking with my brain so not much head capacity for anything else

happy Mother’s Day to those celebrating and huge hugs to those it’s not a nice day for

Lockin26 · 15/03/2026 09:38

Thanks Life and Arm.

Mothers Day is a mixed bag of emotions. Hope everyone has a nice day and for those that find it hard, you have some nice down time 🩷

That decision making does sound like sh*t is real kind of stuff Life. Hope you can have some down time from that today.

NursieBernard · 15/03/2026 09:42

It's been a busy exhausting week, going back to work has been a good distraction but it feels like I'm living in 2 parallel worlds atm.

Thank you all for the kind comments about my meal plan, you're all welcome any time!

Money wise this week has been good, with not too much spent. I did have to buy DS3 a new school bag unexpectedly, I got student discount and have put in on my CC with the goal to pay it off using survey money before the end of the month. It was £35.99 and I have paid £10.99 towards it already.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.x.

chimichangaz · 15/03/2026 10:35

So I made it to the gym for 7 yesterday but my friend messaged me to say she was hungover and wasn’t going. I was a bit cross but actually so glad I still went as it gave me a burst of energy for the day. I was literally on the go all day and absolutely exhausted last night. Very productive though as I did the shopping, washed and cleaned the car, swept the drive, changed the bedding and did some annoying house jobs that had been in my head for ages. Managed to lift my heaviest weight for deadlift too which I was chuffed with. But my goodness I ached and was tired last night!!

@BigSkies2022 if you watched Sinners I’d be interested in what you think. I’m a bit of a wuss but have FOMO about this one!!

Shopping was about £40 yesterday, car wash £8, £7.50 on a bottle of wine I decided to get when I was feeling sorry for myself in anticipation of a mother’s day that my DS didn’t remember (it’s in the car boot!), and about £10 on going out with friends last night.

Planning a small spend of about a tenner on flowers as I’ve been invited to lunch at my DS’ parents in law (sort of, not married but DS and his gf live together!)

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