Another week has passed, And what a week its Been, I’ve not felt the best in the last couple of weeks, so i,m running on a type of go slow, alternating between doing my normally daily tasks, then sloping back off to lay down and read my latest book addiction, (it works quite well for me, I don’t have that endless nagging voice going off on a rage at me for laying about, I achieve my daily goals, just at a much slower pace,(I find after several large mugs of coffee I can think almost clearly, (that is just an almost mind, thinking clearly has been essential or vital for moi) . It has rained off and on for nearly all week now, I’ve spent my time glaring up at the ever thickening black clouds, defying it to rain on my freshly washed, lavender scented line of laundry😁, .. luckily so far the monsoon deluges have seen fit to be obliging, waiting till evening for the clouds to burst open sending sheets of rain that bounce off the black tarmac road, there it forms mini rivulets, rushing down the slight incline carrying away any debris in its path.

As you are all more than aware by now, I am still on my frugal lifestyle kick, this has been one tough month though, I had far more out goings than I would have comfortably liked, although it couldn’t possibly be helped and I suppose in the grand scheme of things these months are going to happen to us all at some point in time.. Even though I know it’s justified, i still can’t help but find it troubling, One of the smaller expenditures was actually to be a necessity, (this of course doesnt help settle my other thinking wired up brain) but when every pair of shoes are increasingly hurting your feet, there little choice left but to address the matter

Recently I had seen these shoes, yes I know we all see shoes 😁, but these made me pause in mid scroll one afternoon, For a start off they had the most peculiar style, I have never seen anything like it in all my years,. firstly thinking this some kind of joke post on Facebook,But no, the shoes are called Barefoot shoes, (I’m no authority on the matter but originally I’m thinking they were in fact designed for beach wear, protecting your feet from pebbles, glass and sharp objects, the mesh like body dries quickly, but is also wonderfully cool in hot weather, it’s sole is thick durable and has an almost tyre like non slip pattern, allowing you to gain purchase on most surfaces, . It seems though that people loved wearing them so much that they didn’t want to take them off, . I can for one understand why now, I bought my first pair Sunday 😁,

They have more than lived up to my expectations, The only other shoes(well type of shoe I’ve had, that’s come anywhere near this is my fake Crocs,) On the whole though I can’t abide anything upon my feet, Shoes, trainers, slippers all hurting, I walk for the most part bare foot where and when it’s possible…It’s an EDS (Ehlers Danlos) thing, Shoes are just a blooming menace to us, necessary at times (but I don’t have to like em😁,. That is until now,. The cheapo knock off crocs I bought some three years back, had not only looked somewhat shabby, (but their thick fur lining that made them so very uber comfy, now I’m ashamed to admit it, but they stank to high heavens, I am in myself a very clean person, showering daily as a rule, but still this did not prevent the pungent pong ponging, .I had taken each morning to creeping up on them, from their hiding space under my bed., Deluging them daily with every scented industrial chemical known to man or beastie, In some vain attempt to rid them of their evil skunkiness,but alas every attempt at making them Rose scented failed dismally, Soooooo one afternoon after I could bare the thought of sulpherous gases following me about like some ancient faithful dog with terrible wind one second longer, I hit on a dastardly plan…

Well actually not just a plan but a back up😁, Plan A was to drown the offensive blooming things….ok stick them in a large of vat of disinfectant, weigh them down firmly, so they couldn’t crawl back out and leave them there at least a week 😁😳, . This I did only taking them out of their confines, on the best drying day, after tying them to the washing line where they swang merrily for two days I bought them back in…I brushed up the now snow white fur liner into its fluffy soft original state,. They I had to admit looked almost new…ok I’ve saved money once again I congratulate myself heartily…mmmm hmmm, that was until two days later..(it’s back!!!!!😳, yes the now even ranker skunk scent permeated the air with added vigour..now it stank with impunity, it stank of DAMP! skunk!😳, ….So straight into plan B…oh yes I wasn’t going to be defeated uh huh not me..(or is that actually defeeted😁,) Now this was personal, picking up a large pair of sharp Orange plastic handled scissors, (fully masked up) I was going to stab them,. Well no stop panicking folks, actually what plan B was in its simplicity was cut the blooming liner out….this was in fact so much easier in the planning stages, …

The Crocs fight back….

When I took the scissors to the first bit of liner, it seems all attempts to cut into it failed(who knew armour plated Crocs), try as I may I could not break through it to begin the cutting, (So taking one section of the scissor or is that still scissors ✂😳?) I quite literally stabbed at the fluff webbing, I could hear the psycho music as I wielded the shiny blade at the offending material, still it resisted me, instead of cutting through fluff, I somehow managed quite easily to slice through a finger😳, ..After taping my fingers back together, drinking a coffee, jumping on the crocs from a great height, (shouting die foul fiends), I decided this was it, …and I won….well I thought I did..finally the liner was out, tied up firmly into a trash bag after first being sprayed from a distance with neat bleach…I was masked also for this folks …Jubilation I can now go back to wearing my crocs once and for all,. I dance a happy dance, I flit about the room singing a victory song….it doesn’t last….

The rude shoes….

Next day to put out the laundry, I slip on the linerless Crocs, safe in the knowledge I’m not leaving a stench trail in my wake, I can almost skip outdoors to the laundry, gamble about the area, peg out my beautiful lavender scented clothes, smell the fresh summer air freely right?…..oh hell no!, Because as I walk out towards the clothes lines, there’s this strange noise, if I had to describe this I would say it’s like a slopping, slurping thing,, erm a sort of disgusting botty burping sound, …I look about me, fully expecting some poor soul with dreadful windy IBS to come walking along behind me…to my shock there’s not another living breathing soul anywhere in the general vicinity, no one, nada, nothing, what’s worse when I stand still, it infact stops😳, ceases, desists, no more, …I walk on and there it is again, only the further I walk the louder it becomes…now either I have a severe GI issue here that I need to see someone urgently about or something is very rather amiss, ….I stop again and silence….it dawns on me then suddenly it’s the revenge of the blooming crocs…they were having the last laugh😁, everywhere I walked the windy sound walked with me….at first I learnt to tolerate it, it wasn’t going to win right?, Then as I carried Jesse about in phone land one afternoon, I become ever more conscious of it…what if Jesse thought it was me?, I tried walking more slowly to no avail, picking up speed only makes it sound like I now had wind, but at Machine gun speeds,. Socks didn’t help, putting powder in neither, that just sent up plumes of talc out the backs, looking even more like gassy emittions floating in the air, or indeed smoke signals telling anyone passing, Jesse including look she’s got Gas…. (Nope couldn’t have it,Simply Can’t) wasn’t happening, I took off the offending shoes, throwing them straight outside in the dustbin then and there, only thing is I instantly felt guilty for the bin men…

So after this somewhat traumatic experience, I decided in a fit of pique, Treez hang the cost, buy a pair of these Bare foot thingies, did I tell you some of them have toes places in them, like toe gloves 😁, others like mine come in the outter shape of your feet, toe spaces inclusive, …I ordered them quickly before my thinking sensible head took over my itchy Amazon finger and banned me from the site…When they arrived the next day, in just a zip lock bag, that alone impressed me, not boxes in boxes, taped enough to hold on the crown jewels, but just an easy access bag…huh I like it….but what’s more from the moment I released the bare foots from their plastic confines, slipped them eagily upon my waiting feet..it was love, instant and no apologies made glorious love…not felt anything like it since meeting my man….😁

They are roomy round the toes, deliberately made much larger to allow your toes to space out, just the same as when you walk about shoeless, their lightweight, breathable, and cushion your walk, for the first time in years I forgot they were actually upon my feet, I’ve in fact read of people forgetting totally and going to bed in them😁, I for one can actually believe it, I left them on all day, another first😁, …I have been so impressed by them, I ordered a second pair, and now have decided that I will go on to order a third..some of the better names are truly expensive, I couldn’t touch those, but scroll on long enough and you will find bargains…just as good and what’s more as equally comfy, fabulous colours too, that don’t break the bank…Anyhow take care out there folks, where ever your hotfooting too, until next time frugally yours ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣

Monday..

Goodness how on earth do these weeks go by so fast? 😊, This week despite my very best efforts, has turned out to be a little on the expensive side,. I know full well around this time every monthly, I have these two fairly large bills that need feeding,,(they remind me of hungry baby birds, mouths constantly gaping, just not as cute) it is actually fine though as I’ve factored this into my monthly accounts, but then there’s those things that will creep up on you, like important big birthdays to buy a gift for., My store cupboard choses now also as a good moment to join in, doing it’s best impression of old mother Hubbard’s cupboard, (apart from that is a rather impressive stash of tinned chopped tomatoes),. I had somehow grown low on certain things you always need in., especially those essentials, like herbs, corn flour and tinned soup,,. In all honesty i felt somewhat overwhelmed even panic stricken. Im unsure why as it wasnt anything I couldn’t handle, it’s just I finally have my spending under control, i think if I were to analyse, it theres almost a fear of sliding back and falling into the abyss of the old habits of yestermonths 😊..(Then there’s the other part of me that worries is this in fact becoming a whole obsession.(this frugal lifestyle

Have I? in my extraordinary effort to save where I can, took frugality to a whole other concept,. And i honestly can say with hand on heart, whenever I have to make any purchases other than food or pay those oh so evil but necessary bills😊, I find myself very ill at ease, I check my bank account more regular, mind working overtime trying to conjure up a way to write off some of this expenditure.

Other months when this has happened I’ve paired down my grocery shop to its lowest, even going to the extremes of going without items,. Falling into other bad habits along the way, like eating just once daily again, drinking coffee to stave off any hunger pangs, knowing this isn’t healthy or indeed the answer, but doing it anyhow, its a trap I’ve allowed myself to walk into many many times before,. I’m thinking I may have yet another fight on my hands, thats not to allow this to take over.

Sunday was a prime example of what can happen when things like this occur, I had been awake since fairly early, wanting to get my washing dry before the predicted heavy yellow weather warning, sent storms my way,(as you know I hand wash and this takes far longer to dry) so line drying for me is at a premium, I need to take advantage of every hour to its fullest, if this means early rising then so be it., I soak the first lot of coloured wash while I drink a speedy coffee, this is gulped while just a degree or two off molten😊, by 7am on that Sunday morning, whilst most sane folks relax in bed, having that well earned lie in, Im pegging out my third load of washing, bells peel somewhere in the distance bought clearer by the ever thickening deep bed of cloud cover, birds sing in the now swaying branches and a rather plump bumble bee decided to land on my freshly washed undies, I grabbed an obliging twig, using this to persuade my new found friend that in fact a late blooming pink BlackBerry flower was a much prettier and sweeter proposition. signs of predicted storm are gathering menacingly, but though the sky’s dark and foreboding, there’s also high winds great for drying,

After doing some more much needed chores i note it is still early, my stomach begins to growl, so I made myself another coffee, it normally works for a while, the pangs of hunger delayed for now, I carry on with the day, but it’s not long before I’m reminded I haven’t eaten since the evening before, by now it is lunch time though. I could have a bacon sandwich, but it’s Sunday, and Sundays are actually mine and Jesse,s pizza night(fake away style of course) I still hadnt bought any wheatfree pizza bases running out the week previous, so opting to use bread. But because pizza night is a big deal for us, I chose not to eat much, making myself a pack of instant porridge instead, the thought here was it would hold me over till nine o’clock that evening, (good thought)😊

It did work up to a point, where it no longer did😊, I distracted myself by reading a book on my kindle, it was one of those rare bargains, next to nothing to buy, but a gripping read, (The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellery) I lost myself in its pages, it’s thought provoking paragraphs take you back in time, while losing time for you.

We make pizza around the nine o’clock time, hunger hasn’t taken a back seat now, my mind still full of the story I’ve been reading, . As I said earlier I had to use bread again this week, which is no hardship as I really enjoy it, still using the pizza base sauce, garlic, cheeses, and sausage, …Soon as the smell of warm cheese drifted from the kitchen, hit my nostrils, I felt my stomach strirring awake once more, I was ravenous…

The minute the oven pinged, I spring off my place on the bed and shot out into the kitchen, there gloriously golden slices of melted cheese topped bread awaited, cooked to perfection, to make it easier to eat I cut it into fours, …As I ate the first slice in seconds I realised just how intensely hungry I had in fact been, barely chewing the hot cheesy mouthfuls, and it was this that got me into trouble, one piece slid down my throat, and as it did a hard sharp piece of crust scratched all the way down…I didn’t choke or anything but if you’ve ever done this yourselves you will I hope share a sympathetic thought, …each swallow after this was worse than its predecessor, the scratchy raw sensation only intensifying, ..I thought it would possibly pass after a few mouthfuls of water, only it didnt. In fact by bedtime I was having even more difficulties, my throat felt like I was having one of my many tonsilitus infections, swollen and painful…I’m now on day two and despite, salt water gargles, icy drinks, and taking teaspoons of honey it’s still hurting..hereby ending this lesson do not ever wait until your overly hungry to eat in future 😊.

The other much more positive lesson of the week is how to eek out ones favourite shower Gel, . I love the Source range, normally either buying the Mint Source of the lemon, both have powerful scents that linger in the bathroom long after you’ve left. But the only downside if there is any to be found, is it’s cost,. I have rectified this in my mind over the months by telling myself it doubles as a minty airfreshner, (well it does) but still I was torn by the price, I tried watering it down a little to drag it out longer as frugalers have on youtube, And although it smelt ok still it had for me anyway lost some of its potency, …So it was while doing an online shop last week I stumbled across a bottle of on sale teatree shampoo for just a £1, . It dawned on me suddenly that I could use this to top up the half empty bottle of mint shower gel, it’s cheaper by far but still really strong scented and sudsy, with this, making my own icecubes, foregoing pizza bases I’ve saved nearly £10, ok I’ve a sore throat to boot, but maybe this will in effect give rise to another saving….Jesse’s ears 😳😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁, whatever your up to folks take care out there and look after you 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛❤🌹

Wednesday..

It’s been nearly three months since I left my flat last. Theres reasons,far too many reasons infact to list, but the main one being, I know full well if I don’t go anywhere it’s the sure and only way to prevent money leaking from my wallet,(this is also the reason I have a broken zipper on it, I swear my wallets deliberately denying me access to my card).. Thinking of designing a wallet that either slaps my hands or shocked my fingers when I try opening it,(this could in fact be a thing😁) Anyhow Monday morning I learnt I was in fact going to have to leave my comfy nest and venture forth into the great unknown(ok the pharmacy to pick up my prescription, (same thing) my delivery service aka Dave was on his holidays….

This was going to mean either a cab ride at £20 a time or reaching out to ask my friend Debbie for help!!!!!, as Luck would have it though Debbie was indeed off work this week, So being kids about town😁, we decide to throw in a crafty hot chocolate and a delectable moist slice of chocolate brownie while out, (yes we both know this isn’t good for either of us, but somehow knowing it’s naughty just adds to its temptation😁 , plus it’s been an age since we have caught up with each other, and there’s nothing better than a slice of cake with your hot serving of gossip…

This is Monday when we make these arrangements, leaving plenty of time for me to work myself up into a right screaming meany(I do excel at this 😁) by Monday night I’m already nice and edgy, I know full well as much as I enjoy Debbies company(not to mention the cake of course) I will have developed some sort of Berry Berry,Small pox, Consumption, or Parvovirus anything to avoid stumbling about mixing with real live human people type beings 😁, but this time I cannot excuse myself, I need to pick up my meds, I’m down to the last three of both tablets. Being without either med, is far more serious than any uncomfortable sensation I could ever feel of being outside.

I woke up Tuesday morning to a bright sunny Dawn, but there was already the weight of doom and gloom weighing down heavily upon my chest., With that and one very swollen painful left leg that kept waking me throughout the night, I feel a justification creeping up here to cancel the arrangements for the next day, (never thought I would see the day when my leg became an enabler😁,) but pain in the leg or no, still I know full well I have to leave the safe confines of home, but I don’t wanna!!!! sighs.

So all day Tuesday even though I’m doped up on a wonderful mixture of strong pain killers and caffeinated to the maximum amount, I keep busy, I do things I have put off for weeks, things that don’t require my attention, both Sage and Cinnamon hide cowering in the corners as I thoroughly clean their homes much to their disgust, I do anything to keep occupied, my mind away from the next day, (I’m even putting off going to bed that night, because like any child excited knows, it makes the next day come around all the sooner..but I do so in the knowledge,I now have an exceptionally clean house and pets..😁

Wednesday..

As my eyes flicker open, and the light streams in from the cracks in the red striped curtains, unwelcomely hits my startled eyes, I feel like I’m about to be thrown into a large pack of underfed hungry lions, not in reality go out to enjoy an hour or so with a friend, everything feels like it’s running in slow motion, moving requires energy, and my reserve’s are already flashing on the red warning light, to make matters worse I cannot boost it with a healthy shot of caffeine, last thing I need, while out is my stomach going into an oh gawd blimey rebellion mode…as it only it knows how…my mind confused and sleep befuddled, I mumble profanities to myself as I hobble into the bathroom, flinching instinctively as the first drops of stinging icy cold water hits my skin, like a thousand mini electric shocks, I had just seconds previous been partially warm still, from my soft fleece clad bed, by now though I am all too wide awake…

I dress more for comfort, never being someone who dresses up unless it’s required of course, still shaking from the chill of the water, I sit on my bed, trying hard to focus on the early dawn chorus(this would normally sooth me) today though I’m already far too agitated, even at this 11th hour I long to call the whole thing off, I’ve already cleaned out the pets hoping their presence will warm my mood., instead though later as I try without success to apply my make up, streaking a long black line from my eye down to my cheek, Sage the budgie swinging back and forth on his cage swing comes out with a well timed Ha ha, (could be a coincident but knowing him I doubt this…no Solidarity there then…

Jesse is by now awake, and we chat back and forth, his voice is rich, soft and soothing, I feel my breathing drop from an unhealthy hyperventilating, to a calm distracted normality, I’m almost relaxed, I say almost…😁,

The morning escapade does indeed go by without disaster, and as always once I’m actually prized kicking and screaming out of the front door, things go ok, soon we chatter away like a couple of excited sparrows, between Debbie and Jesse I find I can cope with just about anything, Plus Debbie knows how to lure me out, just mention cake of some form of another. Going out did as expected come with a price tag, we let ourselves loose around the shopping aisle of a super market, bad bad idea, I spent £2 over my carefully planned budget, I hate doing this, I know it’s not a vast fortune, and doesn’t drastically alter the economy, but it bugs me. That said I now have enough soap powder here to last month’s 😁

We also sat in a lovely clean cafe indulging ourselves to the full with a scrumptious chocolate muffin each, soon as I tasted it’s rich smooth moist chocolate softness, being out among others hit the background, I no longer saw anything other than the task at hand, my hands and t shirt were soon covered in a multitude of crumbs, but I cared not, I ate every delectable mouthful and even licked my fingers, this was a rare treat and I found myself enjoying it tremendously…

The day had been a far cry in fact from how it started out, I had long since forgotten the panic of leaving the safety of my cave like home, there were indeed no lions, Tigers, Dinosaurs lurking round street corners ready to snap my head from my shoulders, Even the endless earworm(song) of the last three days ceased it playing in my head in repeat(Bad moon in the rise) it’s predictions left unfulfilled, I had survived intact, my wallet somewhat lighter but a trifle price to pay even for this frugaler….until our next adventure, stay safe, stay well and look after you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤, I see a bad moon a rising ! 😁 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

It’s been some months now since I first began the challenge of living Frugally, it’s a quest even as early as six months ago I could not have foreseen myself upon, One indeed I doubt if I had had the remotest choice about I would not of undertaken, but though I protest the path did lead me on this never ending journey and although it’s not always proven the most scenic, there’s always some joy to be had if one really sees rather than just looking..

Monday.

Last night was mine and Jesse pizza night, We are both as you well know real foodies, it’s a joy neither of us is prepared to forgo and make no apology for, food is our one true weakness😁, the other pleasure we enjoy about our Sunday Pizza nights, is that making our of own…ok we don’t make the bases 😁, Jesse buys cauliflower bases, which we just can’t get over here in the UK just yet(sure we will catch on eventually though) So I will go for instead, a wheatfree option by Schlar at £3:75 for 2…they are a somewhat different texture to those that are wheat based, but turn out perfectly for all that. slightly crisp and golden around it’s very edges, yet soft,pliant but never soggy in its centre,

Jesse never strays from his choices in toppings, loving, his peppers,onions, cheeses and pepperoni slices, where as I’m all over the place😁, I regularly change from a strong cheddar/Goats cheese collaboration, with spinach, red onion and pepperoni, to Blue cheese, tomato, garlic, spinach, sweet corn. There really is nothing I’m not afraid of trying..I say this somewhat tongue in cheek as I flatly refuse to consider anything in a cheese and pineapple, (I know it’s popular folks and many like it, but the mere thought of that sweet, soggy, healthy fruit on my not quite so healthful combination just leaves me all of a shudder.😁,

Last night’s pizza night was to be slightly different however, because I had in fact run right out of pizza bases, now I know what your thinking,So why didn’t I just get online and have Morrisons deliver some more,?, That’s the usual way of course.But In my defence though, in order to order😁 those pizza bases I would have had to spend a further £40 or most likely more, Now my weekly budget allows for just that amount only, (it’s a figure I adhere to strictly, I have thought over even more greatly, some weeks ago now, the original budget being £50.. I had already spent this weeks allotment on Tuesday, it however with some great determination that i would wait a further week to buy more groceries, …So it’s Sunday and Its still Pizza night, so what do you do about it?, well You cut two thin slices off a loaf of bread you made fresh just yesterday, Cover it in your pizza sauce, Garlic paste, pesto, spinach, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, pepperoni, and put it in your air fryer oven for 12 minutes.. I hadn’t told Jesse of the great pizza base shortage as of yet😁,. Quite simply because he would do one of two things, order them from Amazon or call off this great weekly event(and that my friends just ain’t happening). I sat waiting for that most elusive of sounds, the ping of the bell saying it’s done..I will never understand why 12 minutes feels like a whole day when your waiting for food and very hungry.?

When I do finally rush out to the kitchen and open the little airfryer/oven door, it’s to find a sight to behold, The cheese is now golden, bubbly and even distributed, the bread base is cooked to perfection, And that glorious cheesy smell has filled my kitchen…I cut it into squares, as I do I can even now feel that slight crunch under my knife, the cheese stays perfectly balanced upon the other ingredients, As i get to enjoy this wonderful concoction, it’s as glorious as it’s pizza cousin, I was not to be disappointed or feeling left out of our usual Sunday night feasting, if anything I was delighted at its simplicity, but morishness, I finished it in quick time.

This has though in its wake created somewhat of a dilemma, I love pizza and I loved my Italian Rarebit,(a spin on that good old fashioned delight of Welsh Rarebit, cheese on toast) But I could save nearly £8 monthly by going down the Italian rarebit route, no great shakes to some right?,(agreed) but I look at that breakdown over a year. The figures are an impressive £96 a year, again your sitting there saying so what right?, That’s over two weeks grocery bill, two months paid off one of my utilities, in the great calculation of things it is in fact a very big deal…

Over the weekend I also learnt another thing, (I know right this old dogs learning a whole gambit of new tricks. Right so ponder this?, let’s talk dirty…..dirty laundry😁… When those civilised amongst us do a load of washing, how much detergent or powder do you use?, I bet you, like myself too at one point fill up that bottle cap to the very brim right?. This being what I remember the grinning perfectly Coifed lady doing on the tv adverts, so it just has to be right?, Well actually no,would you be shocked if I said it could in fact be wrong?, The detergent we use is mostly double strength to begin with. And if you check out the handy measuring cap there is down at the bottom of it, two faint lines, A and B,. A being for the clothes that are not really that grubby, B being slightly more so…but both are no where near that whole Cap full we have been lead to believe we need to use,. Why did they show that on the commercial?, I won’t insult your intelligence by proffering an answer, . And most of us never get our clothes in a state bad enough to need that second line let alone a whole capful, so the math is plain to see. No wonder we never get as many washes per the bottle as it states.

If this wasn’t enough after that little Gem I started seeing all sorts of possibilities, I was already getting a further weeks teeth cleaning by merely squeezing the tube to the bottom,. Adding water to shampoo bottles gives two to three further washes, I do this to detergent, washing up liquid, mouth wash, the list is endless, …so this in mind on Sunday after a trip to the bathroom, I saw a bar of soap I had bought weeks previously, that not only didn’t really larger up, but to add insult further it didn’t smell of mint, in fact actually it didn’t smell of much of anything…now in my no waste lifestyle this neglect was non allowed 😁, especially as I have run out of hand wash, also I had to factor in cost, this wasn’t just any soap..nooooooo this was in fact A environmental animal friendly mint and lavender soap…(still didn’t pong any better though folks) so what shall we do with it?. No not throw it in the bin(the old me would have too readily done this very thing). An idea but out of nowhere..I did no more than boiled the kettle up for coffee 😁….ok plus used the left over water to melt down the bar of scentless soap…I had to stir vigorously for some time before the white bar began to disintegrate into a liquid state..this achieved it still didn’t smell right?, Wrong I added a few drops of Sandalwood essential oil, tipped my newly fragranfed soap into a reusable pump bottle and hey Presto I now have a full bottle of hand soap…and scented😁, .

So let’s go back to my original question here?, some may call this penny pinching, others of you thrifty, there are even those on the other hand that have been pretty nasty, calling it miserly, they are of course entitled,. And in truth I wouldn’t not inflict this lifestyle on everyone, not even myself if it wasn’t I need to do this until I’m Solvent again, But what I have gained from this there cannot be put a price tag upon, ..For the first time in as many many months now, I realised something while sitting enjoying a rare moment devouring a scone complete with jam on, The taste had somehow increased, no that’s wrong!, Not just increased, but each and every mouthful exploded with flavour, it had been so long since I had indulged in anything this frivolous, That’s not the end of the story though, I’ve also learnt to really appreciate the things that in the past I had in fact taken for granted, Simply things, like an unexpected letter from my daughter, a text from a friend I hadn’t heard from in a while, that first coffee while sitting listening to the cool crisp notes of a Blackbirds song at dawn, the smell of fresh line dried laundry, that months supply of sweeties from Jesse I wasn’t expecting, it’s strange how by giving up something that in truth, really didn’t bring me any joy,(being part of the great consumer rush) I’ve gained so very very much more. So is this in fact penny pinching, frugal, or just being blooming careful…you decide ?😁 well enough for now folks I’m going off to enjoy my dinner, I’m starving …so whatever you get up to folks enjoy and as always take care of you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤x

Thursday 6th

Recently I joined a new group on Facebook, it was recommended to me by a fellow Frugaler after one of our many discussions, Its centres around food and recipes while living through the Great American Depression era. But alongside the recipes, ideas, and learning about making ends meet, there’s the fascinating stories,

Back to the future..

It seems to me that alongside the ever soaring prices of food, fuel, and the cost of living in general, people are adapting to a whole new style of living,(well no I’m wrong there, we are going back in time to learn new/old skills, evolving thwm to fit today’s new world, Several people in my new group have dug out amazing hand written recipe books from the Great Greatmothers, Wonderful women who not only fed large family on little to nothing, but the children tell of how they never went without . Foraging, hunting and kitchen gardens providing the bulk of provisions, only visiting stores to buy coffee, flour, sugar and bare essentials,…clothes were handed down, either being patched up, altered or the odd scrap of fabric found to make it look new..

Now though I didn’t grow up in the mountains regions of America, and we didn’t have a depression hanging over us. I did however Grow up in a rough industrial town in the 70s, We had a large family of seven, a three bed council house, and like most of our neighbours at that time just the one wage coming in, My father being quite literally the sole bread winner.

We were lucky in one respect, because we had with our house a decent sized back garden, My parents with the Dig for victory(second world war reference) mentality still fresh in their minds grew most of our veg . There was always row upon row of Garden peas, Dwarf runner beans, radishes, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes and onions, when things were harvested, cleaned and stored in our huge metal blue shed, the soil was prepared for the following year,

Clothes were passed down from my older siblings, cousin’s or neighbours children, receiving a black sack of second hand clothes was something akin to Christmas, there was no thought of where they had come from, I had never worn them before so to me they were new, other sources were charity shops or my favourite the jumble sale😁, .Normally held in the local church hall over the winter months, money raised there went to the church found,.I remember mother hurrying me out the door, me barely getting my coat on before we were off rushing down the street, my little chapped legs encased in thick wool stocking going two to the dozen trying to keep up with my harassed mother pulling me along the road, Mum’s florid faced friend Beaty doing her utmost to catch us up, These Gals were of one mind only, to get to the jumble sale early before the best stuff went..

And if this meant waiting on the steps of the hall for those doors to be swung open in the winters icy cold, so be it, anything in the name of a bargain…Some of the more seasoned professionals, stood out there for over an hour to get front on queues,(Others bribed their children to stand their for them to save a place) I’m not too proud to say I did this more than one 😁,

What were we all waiting for?….A Jumble Sale was in fact trestle tables set against the walls in a horseshoe shape, each table heaving with second hand clothes, shoes, handbags, Others had books, tools, puzzles and games,. Anything deemed a little bit upper crust was hung in neat rows from clothes rails, stood behind each table was normally two very eagle eyed determined looking ladies, between them a lidded biscuit tin to collect money in…

Once those doors were opened to the public, people thronged in like their very lives depended on getting in the tiny building first, when small I got pushed away from my Mum by some woman, bag tightly clutched over Her arm as she elbowed her way through, I tell you Rugby had nothing on these woman when they scrummed through those doors and saw those tables,😁, I can still to this day hear those excited womans raised voices, and smell the strong musty scent of second hand clothes plus moth balls 😁.

Times back then were so very different, we had less expectations, we didn’t want the latest big screen tv, iphone, or computer ..If someone had a car in our street they became Posh😁, if their children got new bikes, scooters or skates for Christmas the parents had more money than sense according to the mother’s meeting standing on the corner of our street gossiping behind their hands😁.

But one thing living in my tough little town taught me was how to thrive in the little you have. Now many years later those very same lessons are as vital today as they were then, And others are finding out the same thing, more and more you read of food banks cropping up, Facebook freegal sites, people upcycling, recycling and repurposing, we are using skills of yesteryear to make it through our modern day lives, and I have become no exception.

I no longer take for granted those things I possess, they have to last, I have to make them..I no longer just buy replacements items for things that break, i either try to repair it,adapt it so I can still use it or go without, I’m also finding I have a need for far few things,..I’ve not owned a tv in over five years, I don’t possess a tumble dryer, stereo, mainly because there’s no room😁, but neither do I want them..

Living within a frugal lifestyle however means there’s something else of even more value I’ve learnt to appreciate recently, this is to maximise the pleasure I get from things I do have, over the weekend for instance I splashed out on a pack of four scones, yup that’s it…just scones😁, I already had jam in my store, so there I sat a large mug of coffee, one scone with jam, it has been weeks since I enjoyed anything other than my two regular meals per day, eyes closed, head tilted back, the sweetness exploded with a tart sharpness from the Blackcurrant jam, upon my tongue, the scone crumbled with freshness, there I savoured every single last mouthful, I found for the first time in an age I not only found the food alive with more flavour, but I was enjoying it to the full, . And there it is folk, we have become so used to treating ourselves all the time, anytime, that treating ourselves means upping the stakes, spending more money to achieve that enjoyment…there’s other things too, like a letter from my daughter, finding a book I really enjoy and reading a chapter each morning between chores, writing a poem, the smell of fresh laundered sheets straight from off the line …suddenly I’m no longer taking for granted simple things I had once, I’ve realised with some shock, much is infact no longer equated with happiness, and as I listen to the lone clear sweet voice of a blackbird after rain, the church bell ringing softly in the distance blown in by a soft evening breeze, these are riches and sometimes it takes losing things you didn’t need anyhow to gain even more.anyway enough from me folks, take care out there, until next time ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

July is now well and truly upon us, even before we have begun to adapt to the fact it’s even summer. I for one have barely witnessed the changes that the summer season brings, Frugal living and going out do not make for good bed fellows..everything these days requires money, and as we are all well aware plenty of it,.Even something as simple as going out for coffee can cost as much as £5 in some places, that simple five pounds, at one point,(which was nothing to some) I would have too just months ago , somewhat without thought even, but this is no longer the case, I have become that boring person in my pursuit of saving a pound here and there, a spendthrift.

I find I can indeed tolerate the self enforced incarceration, if it has an end game, there is you will be glad to hear a method to my madness, a reason for all this penny pinching, And the main point to all this is the need to be solvent, and as its possible to achieve this,. The mere thought of leaving behind a whole bunch of debt for my loved ones to deal with leaves me cold, and with some stubbornness and determination it will never happen, I will make sure of this.

This infact is the very first year I havn’t bought any plants for my garden, (it’s with a feeling of loss for me), gardening being a hobby I’ve enjoyed since early childhood, especially growing things from seed, (mostly vegetables), and I know what your thinking now😁,packets of seeds are inexpensive right?, And I agree they really are on the whole, but getting to those shops that sell them would take a car,(In my case a taxi) then there’s compost, pots needed to plant them in, because there’s no real garden here to speak of, instead I trawl the shop I use for home delivery groceries, buying large cheap bags of frozen mixed veggies, it’s very cost effective, doesn’t go off and surprisingly contain as many vitamins as their fresh veggie counterparts.

The discipline it takes to live this life can infact be somewhat harsh, Today for example there have been times my foody past comes tapping at my door 😁, and I crave those things I used to readily buy.. One of these for instance are good old Crisps,(potato chips). It’s not just a want, it’s that midnight calling, mouth watering, you can almost taste those salty, crunchy mouthfuls, this week was to be no exception, Crisps even starring in several dreams, now youve two options here, give in to ones temptations or dig your nails into the palm of your hands until you’ve crescent moon indents and wait for it to pass…I have many of these indents from sleepless nights believe me, but up until now I have not given in,

Then there’s the hand washing of clothes each and every day, sighs!, It’s avreal chore on the best of days, then there’s the other days, ones youve just taken pain meds because that also so happens to be a day your hurting more than usual. Those are hard to push through, but somehow I always have,usually with much bribery and corruption,once the wash is done I allow myself a curl up on the sofa with a passage or two of my latest read and another coffee, works every time,. After this peaceful well earned respite theres always the taking of the rugs outside to beat,(this is somewhat satisfying in an odd sadistic kind of way, teach those rugs to attract crumbs😁)we also have the joys of sweeping with a carpet sweeper rather than vacuuming,. I never in my wildest dreams thought there would come a day, when I would look longingly at Henry(My Hoover who sits idoly by in the cupboard gathering much dust, while I do all the work😁, yes it would be easier and less time consuming to vacuum, but not less electricity though, (and there’s the nub of it all) , There are those days when it’s all up hill, and I long to bellow “I hate this!!! “, those are the days remembering my cause is not only much needed, but in fact rather crucial.

Friday dawned way too early for my liking, for the past two weeks I’ve slept badly at best, during which the heat in my tiny room can become unbearable, . I’m not sure if its connected or not, but each night my sleeps abuzz with countless nightmares,. what I do know though is I wake up even more exhausted than when I went to bed the night before, . Something else I know through my own experience, is lack of sleep causes sugary food cravings this is indeed connected, so it’s not my fault right ?😁…

All day Thursday I had longed for something sickly sweet ,anything sweet would do it, Ok if we’re breaking this down, Cake was in fact the main culprit,cake always is 😁, being more precise chocolate fudge cake😁, . But of course there’s none to be found, as if to rub salt in the wounds, all my face book pages are filled with endless delicious cake recipes, every type of cake, it’s like Facebook reads my mind and is determined to make me pay😁, I slather as I scroll almost tempted to lick the tablets screen, it’s only Jesse is watching that I enforce some self control😁, but as I continue on scrolling nonchalantly, I come across something that instantly catches my eye, I slam on the breaks, reverse, and there in a haloed glow is a three ingredient recipe for home made fudge…

Oh Boy…

Firstly and foremost at the same time as I’m enraptured at the idea of partaking in soft creamy caramel fudge, a little niggly voice murmers, “well you know Treez your bound to not have all the ingredients” , (Even if there is only three needed), I watch the video three times over, the smiley man repeats over and over how easy it is to make, his looks perfect, but there’s always does right 😁, he talks on about how there’s enough to store in the fridge for three weeks, ..I on look enviously at the 24 tiny perfect cubes of fudge, (hang on a moment here!!!!!!, 24 tiny cubes are meant to last you three whole WEEKS!!!?, Nah surely not?, Well not in my house anyhow…some of us have this thing called a healthy appetite, AKA..gluttony😁,. But what I will make Mr perfect smile, fudge maker right about for once, I do have all the in ingredients here right at home in my store cupboard yayyyyyy!.

The low down…

What you need is either a bar of dark chocolate, or a bar of milk chocolate, you can alternatively use half and half..I only had my bar of emergency dark Lindt(why emergency?) well I know full well I won’t eat the whole bar at once, then it’s there at real times of crises, like nuclear holocaust or just because I need something yummy. The next ingredient is a tin of sweetened condemned, I mean condensed milk. Everyone has one of these in the cupboard right? (Mostly handed down as a family heirloom from your great Gran twice removed, once poured over tinned fruit cocktail on Sunday teatime😁), .last but not least half a pack of salted or unsalted butter..

You pour the contaminated(whoops condensed milk into a heat proof bowl(microwavable) add the butter..microwave this for two minutes. While this whirls about and your waiting impatiently for it to ping…begin chopping up your chocolate into small pieces, unless you have chocolate drops then use those, now as you chop always chop more than required,(why?) Because your going to shove some in your mouth as you go along!, (Oh you don’t do that!!!?, Ooops thought everyone did sorry)😁 .Once the milky buttery gloop is heated, shove in what remains😁, of your chopped chocolate😁, stir until it thickens into a lovely silky shiney Ganesh type consistency, line a small brownie tray with Parchment paper, then pour and smooth over, leave to cool for ten minutes before you lick the bowl😁, I mean place the flattened tray in the fridge for four hours, then wash the remains off your face, and change your t shirt….oh that’s just me again ok is it😁…!,

Tomorrow I’ve decided to invite a group of large burly work men in for after high tea😁. Well actually what’s happening is I’m joining the age of connection, broadband connection, I’ve ordered in extra milk and Kitkats as they may like a choccy biscuit, but if their all watching their figures that’s ok too because then it can live out it’s days in my store cupboard….ahemmm, stop laughing you lot, you never know I may surprise you all as well as myself….well I might!, Anyhow dear folks be careful out there and look after you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🍰😉

This week has been somewhat varied, strange varied but mostly just audaciously varied, It all began when i received an early morning phone call on the last Monday in May, now my phone rarely if ever rings, but when it does it’s invariably for news I’m wanting to hear, that day was to be no exception, my estate agent were calling to inform me I was in fact due my annual inspection, (not me personally you understand), but rather the rental property i live in, Now if you have learnt anything at all about me over the months of these missives, its that my tiny apartment maybe on smallish side, but ive always strived to keep it neat and tidy, Mainly if I’m being honest because any more than two things out at any one time and I would have to take up mountaineering, there is absolutely no room for clutter of any kind, even if I were to be predisposed,. Plus cleaning without the aid of electrical gadgets not only is much harder, but takes far more of your time, this taught me very early on to clean up as I go along….Something that is on the whole preferential for myself anyhow.

But even though I clean daily, still that panic button was well and truly hit, for the next three weeks everything within reach was not safe from my ministrations, either i polished the woodwork until it gleamed,bleached thoroughly, or just have things a damn good scrubbing 😁, Jesse watched on the sidelines at a safe distance, somewhat bemused by all the fluried activity, he had already tried to reassure me to no avail,,..Finally realising the best plan of action was no action and just to let me go about my merry way, cleaning up things that really didn’t require it, much less tiring that way😁,as the days grew closer, I became not only more fractious,but industrious in my work, …

Inspector without gadgets..

The morning finally arrived, I awoke stupidly early to a glorious sunny dawn,(least I had that going for me, everything looks so much better in the sunlight right?) throwing open the windows to emit fresh air, trying in vain to dilute the stench rising up from copious amounts of Lavender disinfectant, orange pledge polish, and the peppermint oil percolating away in its change colour air humidifier,. I began running about hyped up further by goodly amounts of gulped down strong hot coffee, I had started the second my feet touched the ground, tweaking last minute things, plumping cushions, putting away things in places I’ve got small chance of finding ever again without the aid of either a pack of sniffer dogs or a Satnav, maybe a water deviner?😁

The Eagle has landed…actually I think it was Walter Pigeon…

I had finally got to a point where I felt everything was acceptable for receiving visitors, or at least someone coming in to check things over, …after finishing up, I take a minute to finally just breathe!!!, It’s as I’m sat staring out the window, that i realise this flurry of activity is just me being pro active,(the need to have control over something (I know full well, I can never like it though, when they go I am left feeling somewhat invaded, my privacy interrupted, I am I’ve discovered over the years a very private sort of person, my bedroom particularly an inner sanctum, a barrier against that outside world, so this fills me full of dread and unease.. I am if nothing else a very good bluffer., when finally the very nice smart gentleman arrives, I do my up most to hide the turmoil i find myself going through,, Manners taught once, very long ago go into auto pilot, I play a good hostess and everything works out fine…

Over the weekend temperatures have soared, and during the day despite lacking air conditioning and loathing to use fans, since the cost of electricity like the temperatures is still soaring , I’ve managed this well enough so far, it’s amazing how far a bucket of ice in your thermal beaker will go to cooling one down, I make sure to also take full advantage of any cross breeze blowing from my living room and bedroom windows, nights I have very little choice in the matter though and am more than a little glad of my tower fan whirring away moving the stuffy warm arm about in an attempt to fool me it’s cool…being on the ground floor means the Windows are shut firmly after dark.

Sunday morning dawned just as hot as it’s predecessor’s, once again I am up with the lark, sleep becomes increasingly difficult with the sun shining through my bedroom window…plus I want to get a start on things early before the sun really gets its dander up…Washing is always first on the agenda, this is mainly because hand washed clothes takea that much longer to dry, . I always soak clothes first over night, cutting wash time, but that morning before I could set to, there was a knock on the door,. I’m only too glad at this point, I had had the forethought to get showered and dressed, because answering the door in one’s pants with bed hair is indeed frowned upon here in blighty…

On answering the door I see stood a delivery driver, in his hands a rather large cumbersome box, he does no more than places it upon the floor, turns and leaves, I’m left saying thank you and bye to his retreating back.😁, first I established that whatever the package contains is in fact for me, I’m not to my knowledge expecting a delivery…but on closer inspection I see yes it is definitely addressed to me, hmmmmmm.

washtub Willy

After breaking two nails trying to peel off the copious amount of tape, I decide scissors are in order..😁, I tackle the tape, many layers of cardboard to reveal a large plastic drum…no I’m not joining a band,(and be grateful I dont ever!!!!😁) This if you can imagine the inside of a washing machine, then make it plastic, you have what I was looking at…Jesse worried about my endless amounts of washing, and the fact my hands would survive to tell the tale, has bought me what I could only describe as a type of hand cranked washing tub, picture a salad spinner…now make it larger, then you have it…😁, I was excited to give this ingenious little gadget a whirl, . Pleased now I hadn’t already begun my washing, I set too.

After a few minutes of cursing trying to set it’s lid on straight, I decide the bath is the place for my new toy, and I’m thrilled with it from the off set..I find washing I didn’t know I had and begin the clockwise cranking , the outter drum is filled with soapy water, while the inner one spins agitating the clothes within, it’s a bit like churning butter must have been, but I love it, . Turns out Jesse had spent an eternity searching through pages on Amazon trying to find just such a thing to aid my work load, and it’s not only perfect for this it’s fun..who knew 😁, like all gadgets it had to have a monika, name..(hence washtub Willy😁..better still batteries and electricity are not required… Anyhow folks enough from me, I’ve my trusty carpet sweeper to run up and down with, take care out there now all ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛.

There are times when life boots you up the backside so hard your unsure while your flying through the great blue yonder in which county you will land in, since February I’ve been forever free falling,

I’m Not sure if you can remember or not but back throughout the long winter months, I took to feeding the wild birds,(I was pleased to see my old friend, white feather was still making his presence well and truly known, I’m somewhat convinced he thinks his king of the bird table) for a Blackbird of no large stature his a feisty wee devil, Scars upon his dumpy body are a tell tale signs his been in more than a few wars and still lived to sing out about it…over months hes plucked up the courage to get nearer, as I sat out on those rare occasional sunny winter days, wrapped up warm against the chills,with a coffee close at hand. i would scatter suet pellets upon the grass for him and my little companion obliging ate while sat ridgedly still watching him feast.

After some months he took to following me about the gardens, sitting upon the fence while I went about chores, hanging out my laundry, although he flew away if I became a little too near for comfort, I have in fact seen this plucky little bird chase off one of the many local cats, singing out his indignation at a feline on his manner, the poor cat ended up cowering under a car😁, we had been enjoying coffee mornings together for some time, when I noted him following me while I walked locally, (now I know what your thinking,it could have been any old blackbird right?, but no I know this wee man from the others, recognising a scar upon his cheek, the odd white feather in his wing, plus the way he looks about us in order to chase off rival male birds. I’ve no illusion that it’s because he has formed a bond, hes just protecting his meal provider…😁

But after a while white feather was joined by other diners, he was not amused at this audacity at first, but when he realised they were not in fact interested in his suet pellets or dried meal worms, they all settled down forming a healthy respect, his new Dining companions were none other than my flock of cheeky pigeons. I say cheeky because these guys are brazen😁. I can move about, wave things around and there they sit, heads cocked, for a moment watching me before they carry on eating ignoring me totally 😁…

The flock went from just 15 regulars, then expanding with into growing numbers, now bringing down their youngsters, I could tell each and every one apart by their colouring, wing Patten or in several of their cases their nerve…some willingly feeding about my feet, So of course they now had to have names..😁,

The longer I’ve been feeding my merry band of birds, the more attached to them I’ve became, rarely seeing anyone other than Jesse in phone land, it tells on me greatly at times, solitude is fine in small doses, but it does become tiresome over time, . It is though only what I myself have done, over the years my trust slowly worn away, eroded with abrasive hurt and pain…so my little flock became not only entertaining, but real live sentient beings where previously there was nothing.

I would tell Jesse about how close Dave came to me while feeding that day, or that Red had a baby out with her that looked almost identical, .I don’t gossip about my neighbours as many do.. No my days were filled with stories about my bird friends and their antics..

Well as I started with, over the weeks things have been somewhat overwhelming, I try to keep a positive frame of mind, but some days just are harder than others..(today being one of these days.. Earlier on I sat outside for a while watching the sun set below the local houses estate, trying to pluck up the energy to water my plants, it’s been a somewhat busy day today, Busy days are ok when you have the energy to go with them 😁, and I certainly didnt! So I took the opportunity to relax some while it cooled down, and as I sat in silence, one of the pigeons flew down at my feet, I knew who it was instantly…it was Walter, his bigger and braver than his counter parts, there’s no fear there as his shiny beady eye meets mine expectantly, I talk away to him, his head tilts looking up at me…his not interested in conversation of course 😁, he just eyes the seed bucket beside me, as I reach out and grab a hand full he watches my every move intently, I lowered my hand down ready to scatter his food. He boldly pushes up to my outstretched palm, I feel his soft downy feathers against my hand, he reaches out and takes the proffered seed, I,m holding my breath,frightened that any sudden movement will shatter this moment and scare him off, but over the months he has grown to know me better, trust has been formed unspokenly, a bond betwixt two entirely different species grown.

This privilege never fails to overcome me with emotion and gratitude, from the times Ive worked with young abused horses spending weeks, months, gaining their trust, or sharing my home with a multitude of waifs and strays, Each and every time catches me in the chest, Each time is always precious and that Gift. ❤

Well it’s yet again another beautiful warm sunny afternoon, there’s not a whisper of cloud up in the sky, a real far cry from the bleak grey heavy blanket of cloud this time last week..,Furthermore As you may or may not know the freezers where all down in the shop, I have my food delivered from, so all my usual frozen staple food stuff was unfortunately missing in action, Not being able to just jump in a car and go buy whatever went awry, meant two things for me, either sit in my flat feel sorry for myself and starve or the alternative option which i must say i preferred somewhat, was use my initiative and become inventive with those few things I had left laying about.. As you can imagine I did indeed go for that second choice…

Now I must just say at first I was a wee bit disappointed to say the least, (ok I blooming sulked for an hour 😁, (But after Jesse had me face the wall for half an hour to think about it 😁) I decided that actually this could be kind of fun, a challenge if you will.And no one loves a good challenge like myself, . So first things first, I did a quick stock take of everything that I had left in my freezer from the previous week,(my freezer is small and I usually only shop from week to week ..so infantry all done in two seconds then😁, So our menu options were, six sausages,some pieces of nondescript cheap white fish, well It says it’s fish on the pack anyhow😁, a chicken breast that had managed to evade capture up till now by cowering behind a packet of mixed casserole veggies and some other frozen vegetables..

The store cupboard here also having limited space(this is putting it mildly), although they do still hold a multitude of different stock cubes, that ubiquitous bar of lindt dark chocolate for sweet tooth emergencies only!😁, a mountain of tinned chopped tomatoes,( my excuse,these have been on a sale at the moment), then there’s that battered odd can of soup, whose flavour I’m not so fond of, but i could be persuaded to eat if I’ve run out of every other option available known to woman kind,😁(you’ve all no doubt got this same can lurking in the rear of the cupboard someplace.(best place for it folks) …fortunately though while looking through my staples, I came across a rather large bag of whole meal flour, plus half of spelt(an ancient bronze age flour), Noooooo it hasn’t been at the back of the cupboard that long, I do clean them out eventually😁)both of these i had forgotten about, but with this added bonus find, it a least meant I could set the bread machine to work for its living during the week to make me a loaf if and when it was required,(Bread like cake here is always required plus breads a great filler for hungry stomachs,…

I had decided that very night after giving it some thought, I would cook all six of the sausages at the same time, this not only meant I could infact use them in different things, but save on electricity., For lunch the very next day I made myself a lovely sausage sandwich, I sliced one sausage very finely,(easier to do when straight from the fridge by the way), Added some fresh spinach not just for effect, but it’s healthy I’ve heard 😁, sliced cherry tomatoes, then adding finally a large dollop of garlic Mayonnaise just for good measure, it was not only a delight but very Satisfying. This left me with five more sausages also…For dinner that evening I settled on making a spicy sausage casserole…I used two tins of tomatoes, two sausages chopped, a red onion, garlic, frozen bean mix, frozen mixed veg, garlic salt, pepper, paprika, two beef stock cubes, mixing this well in the slow cooker, I set this on high for four hours…i have to say it all surprisingly worked well, It was thick and hearty plus there was actually more than enough for three more meals,(I could easily have got more but ermmmm I like my food 😁)

Another day I made fish and chips using the cheap and cheerful white fish pieces, Giving it a rather delicious crusty coating using pesto, herbs and spices, then slicing some ropey carrots up for chips, they thought they had escaped my notice by hiding in the salad drawer😁, the whole meal probably cost around £2 max, it cooked up in no time with the aid of my trusty air fryer, you could of course add a slice of bread and butter if your really hungry…

The following night I made fake Kfc, using the chicken breast, Coating it liberally in corn flour, salt, pepper, paprika, basil, thyme, mix, air frying this and serving with corn and veggies, all in all with just my meagre food store there was not one day I didn’t eat, (eating quite well to boot, I’m finding that I’ve come to grips with eating on a tight budget, there’s far less waste these days and as I said in the very beginning I love the challenge.

I’m on week 6 of budgeting my electric usage, those cold showers certainly wake a body up in the morning, between that and my penchant for extra strong coffee, I’m pretty much wired by the time 10:30 comes around. I have though at least been fortunate with the weather, it’s far easier to bake your hand washed clothes dry on the line with the aid of the suns cooperation, it’s not on the other hand quite so much fun running up and down with the carpet sweeper or beating the rugs outside I’ve found, this though too can also be got round if you start that bit earlier. Plus it amuses ones neighbours.

What I have noted from living frugally these days is that I’m far less inclined to spend money, in fact if I’m being totally honest I hate it, I will do anything to avoid it, Amazon that one time best buddy of mine has even fallen by the wayside, Now instead I put things in the basket, leave them there for a week, if I still want it or need it then I can buy it, mostly though I’ve found I delete it, this is a huge turn around for me, I’m no longer that die hard shoppaholic, I believe I’m becoming far better for it, Theres much to be said for living this lifestyle, even if it’s meeting hundred of other people doing exactly the same, swapping stories,sharing recipes that have been handed down for generations, plus ideas on how to eek out your money just that wee bit further, these people are all ingenious at it..search them out on Facebook there’s lots of groups out there…Anyway enough from me for today, take care of yourselves out there folks❤❤❤❤❤💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤x

This week has been what some may call, you know the kind I’m on about, every little thing you try thwarts you in every way possible. I tried in vain to clean off the top of the freezer only for a bottle of dried parsley to tumble to it death, by leaping off it’s shelf not to be content with this, covering all over the freshly washed freezer top, plus the once clean,but still wet floor, myself, and everywhere else within its radius, leaving my tiny kitchen looking as if it has had an attack of the H bomb(herbal bomb), who knew those tiny pots held so much?😁,

This was just one of many many incidents to befall me, I went out while Jesse slept, to cut back the massive waving vine like BlackBerry branches, that I swear were gradually winding their way over to where I hang out the laundry, some had grown as thick as ropes, each menacing hanging branch covered in sharp pointy evil looking thorns, ready to impale any and all comers, I didn’t fancy becoming one of their victims, So my hands incased into two thick pairs of gauntlets, pruning shears sharpened to their utmost lethalness, fuelled with strong coffee, I walked out into the wilderness to lay siege on the thorny undergrowth, . I stood back regrouped, planning my attack, these vines almost sensing their impending doom, waved their arms about in the breeze, using their best threatening manner, banging against the fence, almost drumming out a battle cry… I waged war bravely for half an hour, before admitting to a somewhat bloody defeat, my arms covered in scratches, thorns embedded through both sets of gloves and into my fingers, my t shirt ripped, I had cleared what I thought a goodly patch, but gave in before another vine smacked my face just missing my eye….

Strimmer…..

If I couldn’t Savage the briar patch into submission, I was going to whack these weeds into next week come what may..I had had the strimmers battery plugged in for 12 hours now, the knee length grass, nettles and forestry had better watch out im in no mood to be messed with, adding the battery to the strimmer, I match out to hack down a patch of grass that has been soaking my feet and legs for weeks…I push the button and the strimmer vibrates into life, I rev it a few times to show my intention, I’m ready, in fact I’m more than ready…I face the grass aim my implementation at it with some vehemence, ..it cut a measly two blades of grass and died, ..I pressed the button again, again it fired up, I put it to the grass, another two blades meet their doom and stop…I do this several times, several times the same thing…I have managed to cut down an inch maximum, . Now either I’m going to be out here till next month covering a six foot stretch of grass, get down on my knees with a pair of scissors or something has to give here…I recharged the battery, checked the cutting blade, washed it off with a damp cloth because that always makes things work right?, I polished the blooming thing, it sparkled like new…either it then didn’t want to get dirty again or something was seriously adrift as it still refused to cut more than two blades of grass before cutting out…I had the only go slow strimmer in the country, and I had barely used it..Jesse emailed the company that very afternoon, and in all fairness to them they sent out not only a brand new strimmer but battery pack too.😁

Monday …

Monday I had put in my usual carefully gone over and budgeted shopping order..I meticulously had gone over my that weeks grocery order, until it came to under £50 pounds, mainly by putting things in the trolley, taking them back out again..weighing up what I could and couldn’t live without basically… I checked then rechecked the order, before finally pushing that little check out button thingy.. This was infact Friday, the shop was due around Monday lunchtime,. I Gave it no more thought all over that weekend, . Monday morning came and i set about my usual routine, washing done and blowing out upon the line, I had swept the floor vigorously with the carpet sweeper, beat the rugs half to death out in the front garden(I dread to think what my neighbours make of all this 😁😳), then I sit over coffee, checking my phone for substitutes on my shopping list, great nothing!!!!!, Well that’s nothing until an hour before it was due to be delivered…then I look down at my phone in horror to see half my shop wasn’t coming😳, all the frozen items were now amiss. And that was all my meat, fish and veggies for throughout the week…too late to cancel though as it was on its way …sighs

Rations anyone..

I couldn’t even reorder another shop, because this would mean I would have to spend yet another £40 to £50 pounds, blowing not only a whole weeks budgeting out the water, but throw out the rest of the month also…so I begin looking into my meagre box freezer, there and then i decide to make do with whatever is in the house, you can call it madness, call it canny, whatever you like, but im this far in and I’m doing ok, it’s meant getting somewhat creative with the ingredients I have here in store, but like the true war time spirit us Brits are known for, I’m doing it, in fact not only am I doing it, but I’m enjoying the challenge of it, it’s going to work because I will make it…throughout this frugality lifestyle I’m learning less is indeed more, just by cutting portions, eating some very odd concoction or another I’ve nearly made it through the week, I know for a fact I couldn’t get by next week without doing a shop, as my cupboards are dwindling fast, but this has been no hardship,. And another plus side to this experience is ive met some wonderful like minded folks on some brilliant frugal forums, full of ideas and recipes to stretch food further..this may just have to become a regular occurrence in my new lifestyle. ( just to keep you up to date, the reason half my shop was missing in the first place was because the shops freezers had broken down, wasn’t their fault at all, but could and would only happen to me lol) well my mother didn’t call me calamity Jane for nothing 😁, until next time good folks, take good care of yourselves out there ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤