Frugal Things We have done this Whitsun Week

As ever, we are sharing with you the frugal things we have done this week with the hope of inspiring you to tell us of your frugal escapades. It is not our intention to influence you to buy cheap things so that you can report back that you have done something frugal, Not at all. If you have managed to save some money by paying less than the normal/regular price, then we would like to know how you did it. Our audience is eager to learn too.

So this week is known, in the UK as Whitsun. It is also the time when students get a break from school for a week. So with 9 days to entertain the kids, we had to think fast of frugal ways to do it. Especially since our kids know the ‘agenda’ to be honest, it was not too difficult. So although they were highly entertained, we only paid for a stint of bowling and one ‘eat out’ meal. RESULT!

Learning Opportunities

In our family, everyone is attuned to learning so we try to create lots of learning opportunities that incorporate fun elements. This week, we taught the kids how to make pasta from scratch and incorporate it into a meal. Both Aldi and Lidl had some pasta machines reasonably priced some months ago so we did get one for the purpose of teaching our kids how to make pasta. They learned about durum wheat, that it is mostly grown in Italy and then they each made their own batch of pasta, accompanied by sauce and sweetcorn. In the learning experience was also the opportunity to make a roux (by the older girl) flavour it with pepper, salt, and cheese, whilst the younger child made a basic tomato sauce to which she added some mild spices and mixed herbs. Grated cheese also added more flavour to her finished dish. Everyone was happy with what they made and it served as dinner on one of the nights.

   

Family Game Hours

We have a fairly decent conservatory and at this time of the year, it is not too hot nor too cold so we have been spending a lot of time there recently. It is, for now, our games room. We have a television there and an apple tv so we can do online games including Kahoot! You must check it out. It’s a whole lot of fun.

We also do a lot of board games including Cluedo, Scrabble, and Uno. Many hours of fun have been spent there.

 

 

Spreading the Love

One year, we were able to source some free flower seeds. Since then, we have had a flourishing garden replenished each season by the falling seeds. So much so that each year, we have been able to share seeds or seedlings with friends and neighbours alike. There is such delight to be found in the faces of those who receive a gift especially if it is free. We benefitted as well this week as a lovely lady who used to attend my church gifted me 8 tomato plants, two of which I have gifted to another friend. This gift has saved me quite a bit because I did have plans to buy some tomato plants and pots for this Summer. In addition to the plants, I also had some fresh homemade marmalade. 

 

Ripe Red promises of Summer

As summer approaches there is usually a glut on the market for summer fruits and vegetables. This usually means that they are cheaper than they usually are at other times of the year. So far, we have had luck in getting both tomatoes and strawberries at a fraction of the cost. The fruits are sweet and succulent and are chock full of vitamins and minerals. We use them a lot in food preparation too at this time of the year for the obvious benefits.

Nearly Free Radish Seeds

I bought some radish seeds that were very cheap as they were approaching their ‘use by date’. I didn’t hold out much hope but as they were nearly free, I purchased them and planted them. I have been watering and watching closely and in just under four weeks, I was able to harvest my first radish which I washed and ate right there in the garden. Another win!

 

We hope you continue to make good strides with frugal living. Remember it does not mean that you buy things just because they are on sale, neither does it mean that you deny yourself of your basic needs.

We are linking up with Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Five Frugal things I’ve done this week’ linky. Do check out their awesome ideas too!

Do let us know how you get on. Use the comments box below.