Hello and welcome to my five frugal things weekly round up. I hope you are all well and enjoying the better weather. The sunshine has been fabulous, even if the wind is still a little cold. I have spent some money over the past few days, but it has been a week of frugal shopping, buying only things we need, groceries or items to sell on eBay for a profit.
The first boot sale of the year
We dragged ourselves out of bed early (ish) for the first boot sale of the year last Sunday. It was busy when we arrived at 7 am and we had to queue to get in. By the time we left at about 9.30 it was rammed, with even more cars queuing.
The fine, sunny weather helped. Sadly, the sun didn’t bring out the amateur sellers – those who were clearing out their own cupboards and sheds. That’s where the best bargains lie! Instead it was mostly traders, selling tired looking second hand stock or cheap new items we weren’t interested in.
I came away with shabby chic style stackable mugs for £1.50, a pretty tie dye summer dress for £1 and some walking boots for my daughter’s friend for 50p. Usually I have bags and bags of bargains, but I wasn’t going to buy things just for the sake of it. Still, it was fun to be out and browsing and boot sales are still the best place for a bit of frugal shopping.
Charity shop bargains
Talking of frugal shopping, I have had more luck in the charity shops, especially since we have a new Cat Rescue one just round the corner now. Their pricing is very reasonable, so I have popped in a few times as I have been passing.
Mr S was really pleased with this waxed biker’s jacket I found him for £5. He doesn’t have a bike, but it’s perfect for walking the mutt.
I picked up quite a few nice dresses and other items to sell on eBay, and I am going to give Vinted* another go too and sell off some of my cheaper things on there.
Finally doing the YouTube thing…
I have filmed a couple of YouTube videos recently where I have made some simple, natural cosmetics. However, I hadn’t plucked up the courage to do a sit and talk to the camera one. Until this week anyway, when I finally made one called 10 ways I embrace frugal living.
I am really pleased with how many views it has had just in the few days since I published it, which has buoyed me up to create some more. If you have a topic you would particularly like me to talk about, please leave it in the comments. Mr S thinks I should share some of my frugal shopping hauls showing the second hand bargains I have found.
I am hoping to build up enough of a following on YouTube to actually make some income out of it long term. If you feel like giving my video a bit of love, please come watch it. Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe, as YouTube like that sort of engagement.
Keeping food bills low
All month I have been keeping our grocery bill as low as possible, using up some of our stores. It’s useful to have food items in the cupboards and freezer, and was very handy at the start of the pandemic, but I also like to use some of the stuff that has been around for a while.
I haven’t picked much up from the Olio app for a while, as really we just haven’t needed what was on offer. There were the huge packs of pheasant casserole and pheasant curry from a few weeks ago, though. I thought they were going to serve two, but each bag serves at least six!
The casserole was quite nice and tasty, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I portioned up what we didn’t eat immediately and put it in the freezer.
However, the curry was horrible! It tasted really bitter and was almost inedible. Mr S ploughed through his, but mine went in the food waste bin. This was a shame as I hate throwing food away. Still, at least it didn’t cost us anything.
Eating from the stores has meant that I have spent about £20 a week in the past month. In fact, I think I spent more on pet food than human food!
Cheaper pet food
Having said that, I do try to find the most cost effective way to feed our animals. For a while, Archie would barely eat anything. He turned his nose up at so many different brands of dog meat and biscuits, and we ended up feeding him chicken and beef mince. That’s not frugal!! He even ended up refusing that, so we knew we had to get tough, offer him actual dog food and trust him not to starve himself to death.
Fortunately, he has got better over time and will eat a couple of different biscuit brands that B&M sell and the Earls wet food from Aldi. This is only £2 for 12 sachets, so that’s great! Luckily the cats are less fussy and are happy with Purina biscuits for breakfast and a pouch of Felix for dinner.
B&M or Home Bargains are my go to places for pet food, and occasionally Poundland for treats. They are a lot cheaper than actual pet stores I have found.
Having pets is not particularly frugal. Nevertheless we love them and wouldn’t want to be without any of them. For the joy they bring us, the costs are money well spent.
Anyway, that’s my round up of my frugal shopping and other thrifty activities for the week. Don’t forget if you want to chat about all things money saving, come join the lovely community on my Facebook group, My Second Hand & Frugal Life. See you there!
*This is my referral code. If you use it and list three items within seven days, I will earn a small commission.
I’m linking up with this Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Frugal Friday’ linky.
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