This was intentional: choosing the word and choosing to live by it. We are always tempted to overspend at this time of the year. So I have deliberately planned to make it a frugal week. I have a saying that the same thing that the shopkeepers and online sellers are waiting on (money), is the same thing I want more of. So things will be a necessity if I exchange money for it this week.
On Sunday Leisa made a lovely beef stew with rice and, as it was my turn to cook on Monday, I secured some of the rice with a few other bits to make a nice egg-fried rice.
As it’s getting closer to Christmas, our meals will be made up of things we are trying to clear out of the fridge and freezer. We have lots of little odds and ends that could do with being used up. I love meal-planning weeks like this. I bet if you search your fridge and freezer too, you’ll find lots that you can use up. One of our favourites this week was a pizza made with fridge leftovers. It was amazing if I should say so myself! It was in two halves as some people didn’t want certain ingredients.
Sunday night we had a lovely games night which was so lovely and cosy and one of the best parts is that we went live on YouTube with our subscribers giving us advice on the best plays to make. it was really good and relaxing and didn’t cost a penny!
We are also doing Vlogmas and this year instead of spending any extra money on treats and snacks to sample, clothes to try on, etc, we have decided to either do a short video of what we get up to in the day during the festive season, or we go live with our subscribers. So far we haven’t missed a day yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
Ok, we did spend a bit on a whim. For one, we bought four crisps to sample on the vlog for vlogmas. Two were okay, but two weren’t all that. Also, we decided to do some good deeds and spread the Christmas cheer so we bought some groceries and donated it to a food bank on Thursday. We also paid for someone’s groceries at the till. She was a bit suspicious at first and even refused but afterwards, she said thanks and seemed truly grateful. It feels really good and we hope others will spread the love too. We are blessed and feel blessed to be able to share too. On the news this week we heard that thousands of individuals and families will be without a home in Birmingham this Christmas. That was part of our reasoning for doing some spending outside of our frugal mindset.
We hope you have had a special few days leading up to the big day. Next week it’s our big day but we have no plans. We don’t enjoy going out in the dark and cold days. Evenings are worse so we’ll be home. If you’re up to it, send us your suggestions for a cosy day at home.
I am planning on not spending any money until we get the Christmas food shop a week tomorrow. I need a frugal week!
That beef stew dish looks so good. Well done Leisa and the pizza too! It is fantastic what you can do with leftovers.
I have cleared the freezer and filled it back up for Christmas so we’re eating Gousto meals from now until Christmas.
It sounds like Vlogmas is going well. That was so lovely to do some good deeds. You are so kind. x
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I must admit I think I could do with not spending any money for a month never mind a week! But everything is either already here or on it’s way so I shouldn’t need a big spend. Doing good deeds for people is a really nice thing to do.
We often have a rummage through the fridge and freezer to see what we can put together, I do actually call it a throw it together night. As for things to do at home, well most of my days are spent indoors and my favourite things to do, crochet, reading or learning something new, there are plenty of free online courses. I do like a good games night though, we like to play as a family but I often just play with my Little Man.
How wonderful that you are thinking of others this time of year. It’s worth breaking your frugality for that.
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It’s heartwarming to hear about your spontaneous acts of kindness and spreading the Christmas spirit. The gesture at the food bank and paying for someone’s groceries truly embodies the season’s essence. It’s amazing how you’ve been able to share your blessings. As for a cosy day at home, how about indulging in homemade hot cocoa, cozy blankets, a good book or movie, and maybe some board games or crafts? Wishing you a wonderful and warm holiday ahead!
Thanks so much for your lovely thoughts. All the best for the season to you too.
It’s good to have days when you use up the contents of the fridge and freezer. I need to have a few days doing that once we get past Christmas! How lovely to have a games evening too. Love your acts of kindness this week as well #WotW