Stef's frugal Feb

[Stef]

I didn't do too badly last year and it kick started some good habits. So I am back...

1. Lunch must be cheaper.
2. Clothing will not be bought (though I may need an interview suit).
3. Make do and mend will be vital.
4. Cupboard clearance must be done

We don't have subscriptions any more (well, one music magazine that we both enjoy a lot, paid for in January). We don't have gym fees or anything else, I cancelled everything. So my focus will be on what goes out of my purse.

No card, cash only, make bulk lunches, tea's are already sorted.

I have a lot of dried goods that need using, plus a lot of weird out of date tins in the cellar (I mean who buys tins of macaroni cheese??? It feels like someone else has been living in the cellar and we only just found out).

So.... I will spend the week sorting the cupboards and planning what to do with whatever I find!

[perchy]

That's the spirit, have started my cupboards today

[Stef]

This week's diet food is all sorted. Tins of beans with various spiciness and little wodges of Wensleydale (found in the freezer of all places!)

Non diet food is all in the freezer too! Chillie, meat and mash, some pasta thing and the last of the pig - that half pig was £80 very well spent!

So no spend needed for this week - well, maybe a lettuce and some tomatoes!

[Stef]

Good grief there are loads of people joining in this year! Hopefully there will be lots of tips I haven't thought of yet!

No interview, so no need to splash out on a suit - short term gain

We have a HUGE piece of pork, the last big bit of pig, and OH is cutting it up for 'something chinese' and a big pot of something. So that will last us for 4 or 5 meals.

I still have plenty of beans and stuff left so just some fresh bits and I am ready for the week. Having Down Days for three days a week certainly saves money too - so little food is so very cheap!

The first bit of the seed swap is here, I am waiting for the second to send it on, so no seeds to buy either!

I am feeling very frugal

[perchy]

It is good Stef when you feel frugal isn't it, a bit like slimming I think some days are hard but then when back on the wagon so to speak feels good

[Linda Pattison]

Going through the cupboards is liberating, I guess we all have more than we think. Cooking today too, with things already stored, 4 days of prepaid meals! Looks like you`re doing well!

[Stef]

A total no spend week - not a single penny!

All meals came out of the freezers and cupboards for both of us, after finding a bag of frozen green beans under the meat we knew we were all set.

He has gone out this morning as we do now need some staples and a little weekend treat (probably a piece of cheese).

Petrol, clothing, magazines and everything else were simply not bought - I have enough petrol for next week (half term) and will be able to fill up at the cheapest garage as I have to go into town anyway, he has his carpel tunnel op on Tuesday - eek, parking fees may blow the whole month!

I am feeling virtuous and a little bit deprived

[MissEllie]

Well done Stef that's impressive enjoy your weekend treat and hope OH's op goes well

[Stef]

Ach! The bottom just fell out of the coal scuttle! I have no idea how a scuttle, kept by the fire all year round could develop a rust spot... that let to a hole and very quickly to a running crack right round the base, that let go as I carried it in - I heard a ping and a crackling noise then BOOM! Coal all over the hallway - that stuff travels fast and far you know!

Looks like I will have to spend something next week

[Spreckly]

Stef, the bottom went on our coal scuttle. Instead of buying a new one, we bought a large black plastic bucket, and it lives in the wash house. A much cheaper solution.

[Stef]

I shall set aside my long held dream of coal fire, fire irons and coal scuttle and swap the last for a plastic bucket

I had a good day today - spending!

Loads of veg (2 hessian bags full for £3), 12 faggots, 1kg brisket and 12 eggs - £20. That's about 10 meals worth I think, plus cakes!

Gave a workmate a lift, 2 miles out of my way, got a fiver (saved her £10 so she was happy).

I shan't be out buying much more for a week or so! Might spend the fiver on beer

[clunie]

well done Stef! Hope that you got and enjoyed the beer!!

[Mo]

It always amazes me how big a bag of veg you can buy for the price of a tiny bit of meat.

[Stef]

Lovely market, bulk buy always makes me smile. Just don't expect to get fruit for the same price!

Having said that, those faggots were only £2 for six, so I can't complain, that's meat for 3 meals for 2 people!

I'll probably add a breakdown of what happens to the brisket. Current plans are meat and veg and gravy tomorrow. The rest of the meat shredded and:
Cottage pie for 2 x 2
bbq sauced for pulled beef sandwiches x 4, served with coleslaw is almost heaven in a bun!
Spiced for Mexican: burritos, nachos and quesadillas - probably 4 meals

If there is more left over I'll think about chinese spicing for beef dim sum or cumin for empanadas, and I still have pasty veg ready chopped in the freezer! Probably form last time we went to the market!

[Stef]

Just weighed it - that's 2kgs of brisket!

Now, what else can I do with it