30 ways to save £1

In celebration of the £1 coins 30th birthday here are my 30 ways to save £1 or thereabouts.

1= Yellow sticker reductions..... these are the end of day items that are reduced right down in price at the supermarket.

2= Look for free local events at your library or information center..... I am taking my 3 boys to a free showing of Madagascar 3 tomorrow if my MD allows me.

3= Invest in a railcard...... it costs £28 a year but has paid for itself and saved me £'s over the year.

4= Make homemade gifts ...... saves you money and is so much more personal than something you have picked up in a shop.

5= My favourite Make Do And Mend....... does that pair of trousers really need to be replaced or can you sew up that hole.

6=Order bulk food shopping online....... this will save you £s on impulse buys and you can often find codes for free delivery.

7= When buying a must have item look for codes and vouchers online first. Incorporate point 8= Use a cashback site such as Quidco and get cashback on your purchase.

9= Always buy second hand where possible you can get good quality items second hand and will save yourself £s

10= Rather than your children having a hot dinner at school give them packed lunches. Based on the average cost of school dinners costing £10 per child per week you can save yourself a good few pounds doing this.

11= Incorporate vegetarian meals into your weekly food planner meat is getting increasingly expensive so by doing this you will save money and there are some yummy vegetarian dishes about.

12= Look out for sales at your local charity shops I just recently got 5 tops and jumpers for my boys at £3.60 for the lot in a half price charity shop sale.

13= Stand by watch...... I go around my house several times a day making sure everything that is not in use is switched off at the mains.

14=   No heating on ......we already use electric blankets and extra clothes to save here but I will be buying a oil filled radiator to replace my electric fire which we only have on for a few hours in the early evening to warm the frontroom when its really cold.

15= Only have the hot water tank on every other day (it lasts really it does)

16= 5 minute showers

17= Set the timer on my washing machine just before I go to bed so that the washing machine comes on at night when the electric is cheaper.

18= First thing in the morning put the washing on the line to dry if its still damp when its brought in or if its raining and cant go on the line put it on airers around the house to dry.

19= Use a mini oven instead of a main oven (I have read that these use a lot less energy and can be purchased at quite reasonable prices)

20= Use a site called Qmee it rewards you for your internet searches I have £2.58 in my piggy bank already.

21= Get paid to read emails, watch videos, and play games it wont pay a fortune but over time you will earn a few £s I have a little over £15 in my account from doing this. www.inboxpounds.co.uk

22= On a day out with the kids take a picnic it will save you a fortune in food costs.

23= Switch your tv package to freeview

24= Look out for clothes swap partys or even better hold one yourself.

25= Save grey water to flush the toilet

26= Use the free Tesco bus most areas have one

27= Ditch expensive party venues and party cakes. Have a party at home and bake your own cake.

28= Stop going to the hairdresser and beauty therapist and do it yourself. If you really cant do it yourself volunteer as a model at your local college its a lot cheaper than going to a salon.

29= Use sites such as freecycle, freegle, and just for the love of it.

30= Switch to value brand foods they often taste just as good and work out £s cheaper on your monthly shop.

I could go on but I wont. If you have a blog and would like to earn £1 per money saving tip upto a total of £30 go to http://www.moneysupermarket.com/30-ways-to-save-1-pound/


Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

My Hero

Hero's come in many different shapes and forms my hero comes in the form of my 9 year old son Ben. On Friday night I had possibly my worst attack in 6 years Ben was there through it all he got me a bucket, meds, phone, pillows, and quilt and laid next to me on the landing holding my hand and telling me I was going to be ok the whole time I was shaking crying and being sick unable to speak or move. When he finally decided enough was enough he got the phone and very calmly called an ambulance. When the ambulance crew arrived he was able to deal with them telling them about my condition how it affects me and all the meds I have to take for it as I could not hear speak or move. The last 2 nights Ben has made sure I have everything I need to hand, he has slept next to me to make sure I am not on my own, and is now helping me tidy up and make a roast dinner as he does not want me over doing it as I am still very weak and shaky. Did I mention this amazing young man is only 9 years old. Ben you are my hero son and I don't know what I would have done without you over the last few days. A nice treat is heading your way just as soon as I am well enough to get out and about again. Love you to bits little monster xxx

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

Clothes, Octopus, And Fun

We have had a lovely few days here as the Mr was off of work so we got him for a whole 3 days. Today we went to have a look in the charity shops for a water proof coat for the Mr. He cycles to and from work so he needs a good warm water proof but the one he has needs replacing as it has a big tear in it. We didn't find one but we did find a few other goodies. I got Brandon a Thomas the tank engine train for 50p and a teddy bear (he loves and collects teddies) for 50p and I got Ben an xbox game for £1.50. The prices some of the charity shops are charging now has gone through the roof however we do have a local air ambulance charity shop who's prices are very reasonable. Today they had a half price sale on all clothing bedding and linens. I got 2 long sleeved t-shirts for Ben, a jumper for Brandon, a long sleeved t-shirt for Brandon, and a Lonsdale sweater for Brandon total price came to £3.60. We also took the boys to the park for an hour on the way home and let them burn off some energy which they really enjoyed. The Mr has now gone home as he has 3 day shifts to do starting tomorrow and then he will be off for 12 days straight something me and the boys are greatly looking forward to. Lee is an amazing man he came into my life a year ago on the 21st of this month knowing I had MD and that 2 of my 3 boys have Autism. None of this has put him off in fact he is a major part of the family and the kids have grown very attached to him and love him just as much as I do. I love the way he cares about the boys he always ask how their day was at school, plays games and puzzles with them, helps them in anyway he can. He cares about their education asking if he can come to parents evening with me and last night he rubbed vicks on Ben's chest and neck because he could not breath, he always comes to their school plays even if it means taking a day off work to do so. I have no doubt that one day he will be an amazing step father to my boys and I am so thankful that they finally have a stable supportive man in their lives.

It is our one year anniversary on the 21st and we are going out for an evening meal to our favourite italian restaurant. As I very rarely go out in the evenings and it is a special occasion I wanted to get something nice to wear but did not want to pay the earth. I got this little beauty this evening on ebay it is brand new with tags and cost £75 when bought from the shop. I paid just £2.78 with £3.80 p&p so a saving of £68.42. I will wear it with a pair of black leggings (already have), silver costume jewellery (already have), and a pair of flat black dolly shoes (already have).

I have been doing a little more work on the scarf I am knitting as a xmas present I still don't know who this one will be for but will probably give it to one of my sisters as they are both fans of pink.

I also made a toy octopus for Brandon this week. We saw it on a kids television programme and Brandon mentioned he would like one. It was quick and easy to make and I had all the needed items laying around the house. Here's the how to

You will need one large sock, an elastic band, a piece of ribbon, dry rice, a pair of scissors, 2 googly eyes, some felt tip pens, and PVA glue

Take your sock and fill with dry rice till you have the octopus' head shape. Use your elastic band to section off the head from the rest of the body making sure it is nice and tight so none of the rice leaks. Now tie your piece of ribbon around the elastic band this will disguise the elastic band and give the octopus a nice looking neck tie.

Now take your scissors (I used my dress making scissors) and cut the sock from the ankle up to the head shape to create the octopus' legs. Use a small blob of PVA glue to stick the eyes in place and use your felt pens to draw on his nose and smile.

There are so many possibilities with this you can use different size socks to create a family of octopus', you can use different coloured socks to give a funky appearance, you can do different facial expressions, you could even use wool to give him a bit of hair if you want to. 

Give this boy a pad of paper for drawing and a homemade teddy and he is happy as Larry.

So as you can see we have had lots of fun over the last few days we have got some good quality clothing very cheaply, I made an octopus for Brandon, and we have had fun for free.

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

Free Ben And Jerry's Icecream

I meant to post this link last night but forgot so here it is hopefully in time for you all to grab your free icecream.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-restaurant-deals/ben-and-jerrys

Most Ben and Jerry's icecream stands can be found at your local cinema just pop in mention free cone day and pop out again you don't have to see a film to receive your free icecream and apparently you can go up as many times as you like according to the link.

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

Hello and welcome to my little blog

I have only just noticed that I have a few followers so let me take this opportunity to say hello to Frugal Queen, Trudie, and Dawn Rose and thank you for joining me on my frugal journey to debt freedom and a simpler life. As promised as soon as I hit 10 followers I will be having a little give away my way of thanking you all for joining me on my adventure.

Well I didn't get out in the garden today as planned but that's ok as I need to get a stiff broom on Wednesday when we get the free bus to Tesco so that I can clean the side of the shed and the patio. I have however got lots of other little jobs done today. I tidied up, got two lots of washing done dried and put away, spot cleaned the downstairs carpets, cleaned the radiators upstairs, and gave the animals a good clean out. I had a very early night last night which seems to have given me a much needed boost of energy so will continue doing this.

MD what MD I have not had an attack for a few days now and it is heavenly I am finally able to get up and get on with some jobs. I have however changed the way I go about doing my daily jobs and it seems to be working for me. I have always beaten myself up when I have not been able to get everything on my list done. I am way to hard on myself at times and it has taken a fellow MD sufferer to help me see the light. From now on I will do what I can when I can and if I don't get everything done that day either through MD or other circumstances then so be it it will still be there tomorrow. I have also always been very big on lists but have found recently looking at all the jobs that need to be done that day has overwhelmed me and caused me to put them off therefore not getting very much done at all. As a result I have ditched the list and am just working through the list in my brain and somehow not having a huge list of jobs written down in front of me has eased the pressure and I seem to be getting a lot more done. I will continue with this method for a while and see how I go if I feel the need to return to a daily chore list then I shall do so.

Anyway I am off for that early night now

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

What a beautiful day

Today has been really warm here in Wiltshire it has been lovely. Also (touch wood) I have felt incredibly well today with a sudden burst of energy which I took full advantage of. Nothing special has been done just lots of catching up on housework. I did find a bit of time to do some more work on the scarf I am knitting as a xmas present. Yesterday I had to drop Brandon in town for a birthday party and there was a chap handing out cards detailing free events taking place locally over the next few weeks. One of the events is a showing of Madagascar 3 a film me and the boys have not yet seen but really want to see. It will be a completely free outing as we can walk there and back, the film itself is being shown for free, and I will do my usual of taking snacks and drinks in my over sized handbag. There is also a great British bake off day which I hope to go along to providing my MD will allow me and a showing of The Hobbit a film we have seen but are happy to watch again especially as it is free.

For tea tonight it was just me and Brandon. We had ham and cheese tortillini with mixed salad costing is as follows half a bag of ham and cheese tortillini 27.5p (yellow sticker reduction), half a bag of mixed salad 2.5p (yellow sticker reduction) Total cost 30p so 15p a serving. This has to be one of the cheapest dinners I have ever made and it was nice and light and just right for the warm weather we have had today.

If it is nice tomorrow I hope to get out in the garden and give it a bloody good tidy up. It is in a terrible state there is mud all up the side of the shed and patio from the boys playing football in the wet weather, there is a bit of rubbish that needs cleaning up, and I also have to trim back the back hedge and try and do something with the fencing that has been broken by someone on the allotments.

One of the main reasons I moved to this house was the allotments that back onto my garden. I had hoped we could get friendly with the chap who owns the space directly backing onto my garden and maybe barter homemade cakes and bread for veg. As it turns out his a bit of a grumpy git and when you say hello to him he just grunts at you and carries on as if your not even there. I put up a small fence nothing special just a thin bamboo half height screening so we knew where our garden ended and the allotments began. A few months ago someone decided to cut back all the conifer trees and some of the bushes not only did they throw all the waste in my back garden but they also completely damaged my fencing beyond repair. As I don't know exactly who did it I am unable to challenge them and demand they replace the broken fencing. As a result I have decided that as soon as I have paid off all my debt I am going to have a tall sturdy fence erected. It is a shame but I feel its a step I must take.

Anyway off to bed now for some much needed sleep

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx

A good few days and more debt reduction

After two weeks of not seeing the Mr we have had a lovely 4 days together. We both missed each other very much so it was nice to get some quality time together. He also had a nice surprise for me he has booked  some holiday and we have a block of 12 free days to spend together which coincides with our one year anniversary. We was hoping to get a few days away but I am having trouble finding someone to look after the boys for a couple of nights. We have decided on a movie (Lee has 2 free tickets on his loyalty card and we will take snacks and drinks in my over sized hand bag) and a meal (we will decide where nearer the time and research for deals and vouchers beforehand).

We had a lovely meal out the other day with 2 of my little monsters don't worry it was done on the cheap but it was sooooo nice to get out the house for a bit. We went to a hungry horse where you can get 2 good sized meals for £8.49 they also had a deal on the kids meals of £1 a meal for each paying adult so a meal for 2 adults and 2 children cost £10.49 we also treated ourselves to a huge candy mania dessert which was enough for the 4 of us and cost £4.99 not bad for a family of 4 and the boys got to play on the adventure playground for free to.

I have been shopping today and got quite a few yellow sticker reductions. I got 2 stuffed chicken joints with bacon reduced from £4 to £2, I got a 4 pack of breakfast muffins reduced from 50p to 25p, a pack of ham and cheese tortillini reduced from £1 to 55p, 3 packs of 2 steak slices reduced from £1.60 to 75p a pack, 2 large cottage pies reduced from £2.30 to £1.25 each, 3 packs of 2 chicken kievs reduced from £1.29 to 55p each, and a pack of Thomas the tank engine yogurts reduced from £1 to 50p. Original price £23.77 price I paid was £11.70 a saving of £12.07 and there is enough food here to provide the 4 of us with hot evening meals for the next 8 days.

I have reached another milestone on my debt reduction journey today I paid off the balance on my second debt a store card for £500. This is the second debt I have cleared completely now. I have also reduced my overdraft by £700 saving me £31 a month in interest charges. In total since starting the snowball method mid February  I have paid off £2300 reducing my total debt from £9500 to £7200 my goal of being debt free by xmas 2013 is looking very good I just have to keep this up.

Much Love
Claire xx xx xx