Free stuff, frugal fun and a very muddy dog #fivefrugalthings

This week, we have found some free stuff, got a little more organised and cleaned some clutter, but have also made time for some good walks and frugal fun.

Although it has been cold and damp at times, we have seen the first signs of spring at Shoestring Cottage. It has been a little warmer, we have had some welcome sunshine and the bulbs are peeping up through the soil.

I have been trying to be quieter and more mindful as I have gone about my business, rather than always in a rush. To be honest, I think I am actually more productive taking this approach, rather than feeling overwhelmed by my to do list.

It definitely helps my mood when I can see the sun! I have been trying to get up a little earlier to make sure I have time to practice my yoga first thing, which also lifts the spirits. Anyway, here is this week’s round up of free stuff and frugality.

Free stuff

Because I have been tied up with painting recently, I haven’t had much time to look on Olio to see what free food is available locally.

However, over the past few days, I have been checking often. I picked up 10 eggs, 2 packs of bananas, five loaves of Hovis, two packs of rolls, a 4 pint bottle of milk, a large lump of delicious Stilton cheese as well as four balls of mozzarella.

This was to share with Mr S’s mum and our lodger.

Without Olio and the volunteers who run it, all of this perfectly edible food would have been binned!

I heard that my daughter’s friend had to use the food bank recently, so I am encouraging him to sign up, and will drop some bits in for him if I collect from the Olio near his flat.

Frugal fun: A walk in all weathers

Getting outdoors makes me feel so much better, physically and mentally, especially whilst we are in lockdown.

I love to go somewhere with lots of trees and plants. The quiet energy that runs through the woods is guaranteed to lift my spirits.

There is a country park close to where we collected one batch of our Olio haul, so we took Archie. It was extremely muddy! Archie looked as if he was wearing thick, black tights and had to go straight in the bath at home.

Walking is free and healthy, so get yourself outside every day of you can. Kids enjoy a walk in nature too.

Continuing the decluttering

Being forced to sort the cupboards in the hallway has inspired me to reorganise some of the others. I love opening a drawer and cupboard and being able to see exactly what is in there!

I was also inspired by the fabulous Niamh at Fairyland Cottage to reduce some of the visual clutter in the kitchen. The windowsill was crammed with plants and cleaning paraphernalia, so I have reduced that. I moved a couple of the plants elsewhere and put all the cleaning stuff away out of sight. The many cooking oils kept next to the stove have also gone in the cupboard. 

I forgot to take a before photo, but here is the after.  It’s amazing how these small changes make such a difference. I will never be a minimalist, but I can stop crowding every last surface with stuff. 

Reducing the clutter makes for a more restful home. 

Using my candles

I lit a candle on Thursday to remember all of the victims of the Holocaust in Europe.

I met some concentration camp survivors when I lived on a kibbutz for six months in my twenties.  Whilst I was there, I visited the Yad Vashem holocaust museum in Jerusalem and it was deeply emotional to find out more about the suffering of the Jewish people.

Lighting the candle made me realise just how many we have! I find them soothing and comforting, so will light one each evening rather than let them gather dust on the shelves.

An alternative to soap

I ordered some natural soap nuts* this week, which I plan to experiment with.

They are well known to use in the washing machine as a more eco friendly alternative to washing powder, but I am thinking of trying them to wash my hair and for washing dishes.

I’m going to do some research for recipes and uses. If you are interested in using fewer chemicals on your hair, face and body, check out this post I wrote in the week. It features some interesting ideas for frugal and simple DIY beauty products.

I hope you have had a fun and frugal week. Remember to come and join my Facebook group to share and discuss frugality and buying second hand.

I’m linking up with this Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Frugal Friday’ linky.

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