26 February 2017

The Week that Was 26th February 2017

Dried the washing on the line. I love the smell of the sheets and towels when they come in from the sunshine, so much nicer than artificial scents.

Caught the shower warm up water in a bucket and used it to water the pot plants. I explained how I do this here.

Picked zucchini and tomatoes from the garden.

Made two loaves of wholemeal bread, sliced them and put them in the freezer.

Made a batch of Simple Soap and a batch of basic re-purposed soap and used a recycled Pringles can as a mould.

Went through my wardrobe to see what I need for winter. Felt strange, it was 33 degrees while I was doing it, but my clothing budget needs to stretch a long way this year. Hannah did her wardrobe at the same time and I've inherited a couple of tops, a vest, 2 scarves and a jumper that she's never worn. That generous donation means I just need to get some new socks, a pair of runners (mine have finally collapsed after 12 years) and either track pants for around the house or the fleecy to make them.

Big W used to sell ladies basic track pants for $8 a pair, but they've changed the style and the fabric and put the price up. It takes 1.10 metres to make a pair for me, so if fleecy is on sale for under $8 a metre I'll make them. I already have the non-roll waistband elastic in the sewing box so they shouldn't cost any more. Bonus will be I can make them to fit properly.

Made some craft kits to put on the Etsy store.

Made two get well cards, a thinking of you card and a birthday card. That's at least a $4 saving (if I'd bought them from a cheap shop), up to $20 if I'd bought them from a card shop. Cards are so expensive to buy, but I love to send them to special people.

This week I've been batch cooking for future meals; now there is room in the freezer, thanks to the Freezer Challenge, it's time to start getting ahead again. Tuesday I made pasta sauce x 5 and put four containers in the freezer. While I had the big wok out I made four lots of taco meat and froze them in meal sized lots too.

Thursday morning I did an interview for Mamamia.

Skipped the half price specials this week due to No Spending Month, after realising we have plenty of the things I had on my list, or at least enough to last until the next sale cycle. Thank goodness for a grocery stockpile.

What did you do to save money, time and energy this week?



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4 comments:

  1. H I Cath. I am finding it difficult to get proper silicon moulds for making ur soap recipe, I've tried two dollar shops and the reject shop to no avail. You said you used Pringles packet, how does this work, do u cut it and how do u lubricate it. Please let me know as I am itching to get soap making. Thanks Tracie Wallis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Tracie, I just use silicone cake moulds - nothing special at all. I have flowers, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, teddy bears, shells, bars and rounds. Have you tried op shops - they're great for finding the shaped silicone moulds.

      For the Pringles tube I wiped it out a couple of times to make sure it was clean. Poured the soap into it, let it set, then peeled the cardboard off before slicing the soap into discs. I didn't do anything to the tubed before pouring the soap into it.

      Delete
  2. Hello Cath
    You and Wendy have given me the knowledge and courage to say enough and finally start a strict grocery budget. $80 a week for 2 adults. I include food and toiletries.
    Thank you!
    Colette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Colette,

      The first few shops will be difficult for you, especially if you're trimming a lot off your budget. Once you get a meal plan/shopping routine going it will be a piece of cake. Don't forget to let me know how you're going with your new budget challenge.

      Delete

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