FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About
    • PRs Work With Us
  • MEDIA
  • DIRECTORS CUT
  • Contact Us
Joleisa logo
  • Frugal living
  • Eat for less
  • Start a blog
  • Recommendations

Frugal Things I’ve Seen, Done and Heard

This post may contain affiliate links

So it’s been quite a while since I shared with you some of the frugal activities in my neck of the woods. It’s about time then that I share with you not only what I have done but also what I have seen and heard that make me think: ‘The frugal train is running alright, and not only that but more and more of my friends are getting on board too!’

Here are some of my frugal exploits this week.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

Decluttering

Purely by chance, I came across the work of this organizing guru called Marie Kondo. She has a number of systems in place to help people organize and get rid of stuff they don’t need.  She thinks it leads to less stress in your life and I must say I agree! I wouldn’t say I am a hoarder (at least not an extreme one) but when I checked all around me, I came to realize that I do have too much stuff, stuff that I don’t even use at all for anything! I even found boxes and bags of stuff in the storage space under my stairs that we had moved with from the previous house nearly 5 years ago! We had done without them for all that time, so even though they were perfectly good, we boxed and bagged them up and gave them to charity.

In total so far, I have donated about eight bags as well as some furniture and I still think my house is too cluttered. So the decluttering continues. Of course, I still wear my frugal hat, so instead of dumping the stuff, I donate to charity so they can help those who are less fortunate.

I have saved a few items for people I know personally who would love them.

Some things I definitely found hard to get rid of though and I will talk about them in another post.


Purposeful Shopping

I went to get toothpaste today. I know what I want. I know where has it the least expensive and all that. As I stood in line waiting to pay, the shop assistant was introducing various perfumes to the lady in front of me. In my estimation, she was a little too pushy! That lady buckled under the pressure. So when it was my turn to pay, the shop assistant tried the same tactic on me. ‘Could I interest you in some of our lovely fragrances especially seeing as tomorrow is Valentines Day? Me: ‘No thank you. These tubes of toothpaste are all I need’. I was so super proud of myself. I don’t need any perfume. I get enough free samples to last me a lifetime and I hope to continue getting them from Magic Freebies UK and Debenhams (I have a Debenhams Beauty Card).

In fact, I got quite a few bottles of perfume over the years for Christmas and birthday (they are only 3 days apart), and I was literally running out of space so I gave away some of those too.

Curvy Ladies

Did I tell you we have become influencers? Well yes! We are influencers for clothes of all things! We are curvy too so clothes for us can sometimes be more expensive. So when we were approached by the first fashion brand and asked if we would like to model their range of clothes. we were delighted to accept. So since then, we have showcased a few pieces and now we have caught the eye of another fashion brand and they too have asked us to feature their clothes. Let me declare right here right now that we are not paid for the service.  Instead, we get to keep the clothes. That does allow us some relief from spending on clothes, shoes and other accessories. especially since we have some shoots coming up where we need to be fashionably dressed.

We are well aware that some influencers are paid big bucks to showcase clothes. Sadly, so far, we are not. We tell ourselves that everyone must start somewhere though. So, one day, it will be our turn too.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

Kitchen essentials

We tend to buy a lot of certain food items when they are in season and much cheaper than normal. In particular, I think of garlic. Did you know you can make your own garlic oil. Simply get a clean jar, pour olive oil in it, remove the skin of garlic cloves and dunk said garlic in. Keep it in your fridge for when you need garlic at home and have no fresh garlic. The oil itself can be used for stews and to saute vegetables and any other recipe that requires garlic. There you go: savings to be had.

There are many food items that can regrow from cuttings made in your kitchen. Pinterest has a whole host of these. So why not see what you can regrow.


Most supermarkets sell growing herbs in little pots that you can buy and grow at home. In our household, we leave the pots on the window sill in the kitchen until most of the leaves have been used. We then plant them in the back garden and they are resplendent when they grow there. Granted they do die down in the Winter but it is always such a delight when they regrow in Spring and you don’t need to keep paying for fresh herbs.

We love infused mint as a hot beverage. Mint is so easy to grow. In fact, so much mint grows wildly in our garden. So in the Spring and Summer months, we pick a lot of leaves, put them in those mesh bags you get oranges or other fruits in and hang them on the clothesline to dry. After drying, they are good for use during the Winter months when the plants die down.

We do like to use teabags occasionally, and yes we do reuse the teabags. We don’t refrigerate it or any such thing. However, if we have a brew in the morning and feel like another brew later that same day, we will often use the same teabag.

Cutting Out Snacking

We have made, not really a New Year’s resolution but a conscious effort to snack less or to snack on fruits and vegetables whenever we feel inclined rather than the usual cakes and cheesy snacks. Since we were little we have been major snackaholics, sometimes even eating snacks instead of real meals! I know! Abominable!

We are not great at eating up our raw veggies sometimes. What we have been doing recently is to cook them or add them to soups and stews. Better still, the Nutribullet has been working overtime as every day we make and have a green smoothie. It usually consists of spinach, one green apple, and almost any other vegetable in the fridge. They are not the tastiest, but we know we have got our 5 a day in.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

Well like I’ve said, we are turning a corner where that is concerned. So since we started in January, we have saved enough money from avoiding snacks to pay a decorator to redecorate the living room. When it is all done, we will share some of the photos with you.

Meal Planning

This has been where we have made the biggest savings. Just have a look at how we do it and propose that you do the same. We can’t stress enough how much meal planning has saved us money.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

What a lovely array of fresh vegetables! We have this at least three times per week and it makes us feel so much better and lighter too!


We also do a lot of juicing and also making smoothies with whatever we can put our hands on. Sometimes these fruits or vegetables would be in the fridge for too long and then they are thrown out! What a waste we use to have.

Can you see my chia and flax jars? Those are black olive jars that I have repurposed and labelled for use int the kitchen. They are ideal for keeping my smoothie extras handy. Loving the way my sister has labelled them for me too.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

I am back to sharing some of the frugal things I've seen and done over the past week. Here are lots of ways that you can save money and stay in your budget too.

These smoothies make a delicious, wholesome meal replacement. Hardly any fat, and because I use one or half of a cooked beetroot from Aldi, I don’t need to add any sugar.

What other frugal savings have you been making? Keep in touch and tell us how you get on.

I’m linking up with Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Five Frugal things I’ve done this week’ linky. Do check them out too, I am always inspired by the things I learn from them.

Cheerio

xxx

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn
  • More
  • Print
  • Email
  • Skype

Related

Filed Under: Frugal

About Joleisa

« Sprightly Spring Giveaway
Frugal Things We’ve Done During the Last Week in February »

Comments

  1. Deborah says

    February 18, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    You are doing well on quite a few fronts… Good on you! Wow also to be able to do some modelling as well… I’m curvy and would love to model… – just don’t know that I fit the bill – 🙂 but you never know what happens in the future.. Thanks for your inspiring post

    Reply
  2. Shirley says

    February 18, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    I am so looking forward to Lent! I’ll be going through my closet Maria Kondo style and donating 40 items, on for each day of Lent.

    Reply
  3. Allison Waken says

    February 18, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Great tips and reminders! I’ve been on a roll with meal planning but could definitely do better on the kitchen essentials front!

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 18, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      It only takes a start and then you will find it becomes a healthy habit. You can do it! We are cheering you on.

      Reply
  4. Sara | mshealthesteem.com says

    February 19, 2019 at 3:34 am

    So many wonderful things! And now I need to go make my own garlic oil. It’s been too long.

    I love how little things can often have the most powerful impact. Meal prepping, mindfulness, decluttering. They can lift us up more than we often think. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Susan Clark says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    Some good tips here. I need to declutter too. (Sigh.) It’s not one of my favorite jobs. Your smoothie looks wonderful.

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 24, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by Susan. The smoothie was indeed yum. And it helps us to consume all the fruits and veggies we spend money to buy.

      Reply
  6. Dani Schultz says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    I love to hear how other people are being frugal, keep up the great work! I am also a blogger and would love to join your Frugal/thrifty 101 broad on pinterest. My blog is called Bucks & Dough, Wealth Building.
    Dani Schultz recently posted…12 Benefits of Fitness You May Never Thought OfMy Profile

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 24, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      Well, I will add you to the board now. Happy pinning and remember to pin from the board as much as you pin to it.

      Reply
  7. Alaya@Hope+Cents says

    February 23, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    All great ways to live frugally and how fun to get free clothes! I’m sure it will eventually lead to paid opportunities!

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 24, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      Well, keep your fingers crossed for us.

      Reply
  8. Debt & Cupcakes says

    February 24, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    I love frugal living tips!! Especially the purposeful shopping tip. Buying little items you don’t need everyday really adds up and those tiny money leaks can sink a ship!

    Also, would I be able to be added to your Pinterest Group Board: Frugal/Thrifty 101? My pinterest ID is:https://www.pinterest.com/debtandcupcakes/

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 26, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      Sure. will send you an invitation

      Reply
  9. Alicia says

    February 27, 2019 at 2:22 pm

    I’m trying to get better at making my own things and didn’t know I could add garlic oil to that list. I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for the tip.

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      February 27, 2019 at 5:55 pm

      This is just one of the many frugal living tips we share. Come back soon!

      Reply
  10. Katelyn says

    February 27, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    I love how you include meal prepping and healthier eating as a way to be frugal! So often, it feels expensive to eat healthier, but this was a great way to present it differently!

    Reply
  11. adam wisnewski says

    March 1, 2019 at 1:07 am

    So many good tips on so many topics! Thanks

    Reply
  12. Momy says

    June 11, 2019 at 6:20 am

    We have made, not really a New Year’s resolution but a conscious effort to snack less or to snack on fruits and vegetables whenever we feel inclined rather than the usual cakes and cheesy snacks. Since we were little we have been major snackaholics, sometimes even eating snacks instead of real meals! I know! Abominable!

    Reply
  13. R killen says

    April 22, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    There’s nothing wrong being frugal specially if its for a cause. Its like doing a little sacrifice for a much better situation and besides it won’t be forever that you have to do it as long as your able to get enough fund for your target project then it will be also over.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hey guys and gals!

Hi, we're Jo and Leisa, twin sisters and authors of Joleisa.com. Originally from the sandy beaches of Jamaica we now reside in England where we followed our calling to teach. But sometimes that call changes and our new passion is writing. We're here to give the ups and downs of it all with our lifestyle tips and tricks to help you avoid the sour lemons that can get in our way of frugal budgeting, intentional living and happiness. Join us and learn more about how we found the simplest ways to achieve easy living. Read More…

AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 5’S

We are Sociable

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Taking Action When You’re Deep in the Debt Spiral
  • Cheap, Clean and Cheerful Homes
  • Five Frugal things we did this Easter Week
  • What We’ve Loved in March This Year
  • Cost Effective Home Renovations to try out

MOST POPULAR POSTS

Why we left teaching

  • Be your own boss
  • Set up a blog
  • Making money from your blog
  • Using Pinterest to help your blog
  • Fixing sleep problems
  • Frugal family fun at half term
  • Having to plan a funeral!
  • Let’s show you how we save money on food
  • Our time on Channel 5’s Shop Smart, Save Money
HIBS100 Index of Home and Interior Blogs HIBS100

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 ·Tasteful Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress · Log in

YOUR PRIVACY

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.