Five Amazingly Frugal Things I’ve done This Week

There’s been excitement galore this week! If you follow closely, you would know that we have been away again this week filming for the new show #shopsmartsavemoney. It has been so much fun and we consider ourselves really lucky (blessed really) to have this part in this television show. It has its challenges, the main one of which is being away from home. Another is the uncertainties of trains which is our main form of transport to get to the shoots.

With all the whirlwind going on around us, we have not forgotten our frugal hats at all. NO SIR! Here’s how we got on.

So in this television programme, we are up against another blogger to source and pay for a number of items for a family. In the first challenge, we were required to suggest 3 meals and source and pay for the ingredients. We had to try and get them as cost-effective as possible. Well, I am delighted to say that we won the challenge (in the eyes of the family, because they preferred our selection of dishes) Yes! Joleisa won! A few days after we returned home from filming, we received two beautiful bouquets of flowers from the producers to say well done for the hard work.

Spreading the Love

During this week as well, a very good friend of ours celebrated a special birthday. One of her gifts was, you might have guessed it, one of the bouquets we had received. She was delighted to receive the flowers and we were pleased to share the love.

Altered Trousers

One of the event we attended this week required us to wear black trousers. We have not worn black trousers for ages although we do have several pairs. Sadly, the trouser legs were quite baggy and we would have to purchase new ones. ALMOST! But with our frugal hats on, we thought why not alter the trousers. Afterall. we are quite capable of doing that and we do own a sewing machine. So that is exactly what we did. So the skill of sewing came in quite handy there, don’t you think?

Reduced Price Movie Treat

Once in a while, we take the kids to see a movie. It can’t be too often because it can be quite costly. Usually, when we do go, we bring our own popcorn, drinks, and sweets. Why? Because the same treats cost an arm and a leg at the cinema and we already have them at home, purchased at a fraction of what they are being sold for.

In addition, I have discovered that the ‘early’ movie is much cheaper than the ones that are shown after 10:00 am. So for a fraction of the cost, we get to watch a movie as long as we get there before 10:00. There are a number of advantages. There is very little traffic to get there. There are options in terms of parking and there is no long queue to join to purchase the tickets. You can choose to sit in any section of the cinema because more likely than not, the cinema will be almost empty. There were only 7 of us at the movie when we went on Sunday.

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Travelling by Bus – Double Frugal Delight

During the super hectic week, we have had occasion to travel by bus for a section of the journey. Usually, if I do get the bus, I pay for a day saver as it is cheaper than paying for each stage of the journey. Well a dear soul I met at the bus stop told me recently that you can ask for a ‘local’ day saver which is, even more, cost-effective, It cost £3 as opposed to the regular £4.60.

One of the frugal things I’ve done this week did not benefit me but that is not the idea. And I know that some of you might think this is not to be done but I do it all the time. It would be good to hear your thoughts. Whenever I have used a day saver, when I get off the bus, I try to find someone who is in need of a bus pass. I think it is okay to do. I have paid for the pass, I do not need it anymore and it is valid for the entire day into the night. So rather than throwing it away, I give it to someone in need.

Maintaining My Garden Myself

My garden is usually well manicured (most of the time anyway). Some may wonder how I manage it without parting with too much money. Well here’s how:

At the back, there’s a hedge between my house and my neighbours’. I pay someone £20 to trim the top and sides once a year at Spring when it is growing at a fast rate. Throughout the Summer months, I maintain it myself as it is not fast growing. In the front garden, I have a lawn which is easy to mow. In the back, I have mostly lawn as well for the same reason. Pots are dotted about, These are easy to maintain too and I try to use mostly plants that come back year after year. I sometimes have to buy replacement flowers but it is not as expensive as having to pay someone to maintain my garden. So all in all, doing my garden myself is a frugal triumph. I got these free flower seeds one year and since then, I save the dried flowers to make sure I can always replicate the look in my garden. I also spread the love by giving away some of these.

Feel free to share with us any frugal triumph you have made regardless how small.

we are linking up with Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Five Frugal things I’ve done this week’ linky.

Have a frugal week.