I enjoyed Shoestring's post this morning, maybe more so because of my current major saving campaign. I would never describe myself as frugal and anything I do is not enforced, apart from the fact that I wish I had learnt my lesson sooner that would certainly have made the financial aspects of life less painful. I have choice and I am being careful with my choices. Whilst I know a healthy economy is good my new mantra is 'I am not here to make everyone else rich!'
I made a supreme effort to limit non essential spend last week by;
Soaking and cooking a pack of dried chickpeas; one pot of hummus and five further bags in the freezer for future use. Delia has a recipe for amazing chickpea soup, which is very cheap and cheerful.
Using some previously frozen chopped leeks and carrots to cook up a large pot of soup in the pressure cooker.
Eating leftover spaghetti bolognese with homemade frenchstick turned into garlic bread (both previously frozen).
Cooking up a red lentil and chicken curry for both an evening meal and lunch with leftovers in the freezer for another day.
Making a loaf of bread from out of date flour (would have thrown out previously). It tasted great and every last piece used.
Made lunch boxes for a very (very) long journey.
Had lunch out one day (no choice being so far from home) but used Priority Moments to receive 10% off.
Saved £s through various offers which, bar a couple of £, covered the cost of eating out.
We also took advantage of free entertainment including Grayson Perry's Provincial Punk exhibition at the Turner (not too sure about his pots but I love his tapestries and the messages they contain) and the annual classic car bucket and spade run. Imagine the petrol required to keep this thirsty beast happy.
The money saving continues with a few freebies today, including a cappuccino. Free frothy coffee and chocolate, who can complain about that.
All in all it has been hard work but with a little forthought great strides are being made.
Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Xxx
I love the thought of all this resourcefulness. It always makes me feel satisfied when I use up leftovers and have a kitchen purge.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of the chicken and lentil curry.
Great post, just the sort of thing I enjoy reading. Hope you manage to save some money and continue to do so creatively!
S
Thank you, husband is using the last of the out of date flour to make a loaf today so we are all pulling together.
DeleteYou have inspired me to get more organised! I have a bag of chick peas in the cupboard which I could cook and freeze, rather than relying on the expensive by comparison ( and inferior, in my opinion) tinned ones. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it. I do mine in the pressure cooker which takes a lot less time.
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