Buying where it helps...

I'm aware that I do quite a lot of my shopping on the Internet for a variety of reasons. This next little group of ideas from my scribbled notes that I've been trying to implement look at how I've been using my purchasing power!

Month 11 - Bite 18

First of all I needed to move on some more of my clearing out so this first isn't so much shopping as going into a shop!

I've been into town with my bags of rather nice bits and pieces that need new homes. I deposited them in one of our many charity shops around here ready for others to pick up and use for their Christmas lists.

Month 11 - Bite 19

While I was there I took a good look round. I can see that I've only been doing half the job. It's no good just restocking the shelves there with my decluttering, however good the items are. I need to be shopping there too and I've already bought some yarn odds and ends (yes, I know I need more yarn like a hole in the head) ready for the dolls' clothes I've been asked for.

Month 11 - Bite 20

I've also noticed some flyers for local artists and makers so I'm looking out for exhibitions events so that I can support buying direct from the originators, especially where they are start-ups that need to get off the ground. There's some in our indoor market as well as around the galleries hereabouts. 

One of our local galleries/coffee shops also donates a percentage back to community art projects too so a double whammy from them (and some really nice Christmas cards too.

Month 11 - Bite 21

I'm also checking the local press and social media pages for other craft and art fairs many of which are being held in aid of schools and charities. Good place to invest some time - even if there's not anything directly on my wish list I can always support the tea and cakes!

Month 11 - Bite 22

The last place for this section is back to online. Not a national organisation this time, but the local neighbourhood pages where people around here list things they are passing on and where I can also put some free and cheap bits and pieces to help spread the cost of Christmas for others - some of my handmade decorations, for example, can be donated using this route.

 

Points mean Prizes

I forget the TV show with that as a slogan - seems to fit with the last few bites and one or two that follow here!

Month 11 - Bite 15

I've found that I've got some loyalty points for small amounts that need using up - I've discovered I can donate these too as they won't really buy anything I want .. that's next on the list.

Month 11 - Bite 16

I've also got cards or accounts that I buy things physically of online that will donate automatically as a reward for buying with them as long as I nominate a charity. No cost to me and a benefit to a good cause - win-win I'd say.

Month 11 - Bite 16

I did download a couple of apps that are supposed to reward you when reaching a certain number of steps. Most of those I've tried don't seem to provide any vouchers or rewards that I want or can accrue enough points to get - even if I do the whole South West Coast Path in the next few days! Again these provide the option of donating the points to charity so before I delete the apps that's what I'll do..

Month 11 - Bite 17

and finally (for this frantic catch-up) 

Some coffee shops also make it easy for you to 'buy' a coffee to be left for someone who needs it. You just donate the amount at the pay desk or from your app and they gift it to the ext person they identify as being in need of a hot drink!

Phew!

I'll get back with the next round up soon - just got some 'paid for' writing to catch up with - watch this space...

Giving without spending!

Okay, ready for some more quick catch-ups from my notes?

Here goes, then.

Month 11 - Bite 10

I questioned myself last time about donating stuff I didn't need while buying two for one items. The donation bins at the supermarket were for food so I did have some toiletries on two for one along with some perfectly good items, still in their wrappings from my sort out last month.

I noticed while in town that one of the shops is taking toiletries for their hygiene bank to pass on to those who need them, so no prizes where I'm heading today with my little collection.

Month 11 - Bite 11

The task in hand today is defrosting the freezer and checking my food cupboards. While I know that the freezer stuff can't be passed on, there are some tins and packs in the cupboard that I bought, thinking we'd try them and we didn't! Rather than trek up to the supermarket I'm off to the local community larder that takes surplus food and gives it away to try and stem the food waste that otherwise goes in the bin.

Month 11 - Bite 12

Finding out day next. After volunteering for years it's somehow gone by the wayside a bit so this is a bit of a prompt for me to start again. I could volunteer to help with ParkRun, but as I tend to decide whether I'm going or not on a fairly ad hoc basis that's not really helpful when planning dates. There are, however, other opportunities so I'm going to research a bit more and then dive in.

One easy activity is down at the beach. There's a supply of litter picking equipment by the cafe there so it looks like that'll be first on my list... and a good excuse to walk along the seafront too!

Month 11 - Bite 13

I was scrolling through some of the surveys that I signed up for earlier in the year. Some have been pretty fruitful while others seemed to want loads of time for very little in the way of points. I want to settle down today and go through all the sites I signed up for, check how economic it is in terms of time doing the surveys and then leave those that aren't really worth it. That leaves the question of what to do about the points that I've earned so far. It'll take me a month of Sundays to earn enough points for anything, however I noticed a while back that there are much lower points thresholds for giving to charity.

As I decide which survey sites I'm not going to continue with I can sift through and donate any spare or random points I've accrued. That way I'll have tidied up my inbox and made sure that the charities they support get something too.

Month 11 - Bite 14

As well as signing up for a pile of surveys way back I also started sending for freebies. So far I've only registered for those I'll use or know someone who'll want the items. From today I'm going to start sending for other things that can then be passed on or donated when they arrive.

 

Topping up the stocks

Another day, another attempt to catch up!

So, the cost of living is a huge issue for so many people. There are loads of ways to help without finding too much extra cash so here's my plans to try and find ways to add to the donations within my means!

Month 11 - Bite 7

Most supermarkets have donation bins like these...

 For a while I've popped the odd thing in, but it's not really been at the forefront of my mind. From today (and yes, I'm off shopping - who does eat the food in this house? why does it disappear so fast?) I'm going to put buying an extra or two to go in the donating points on every shop.

Month 11 - Bite 8

I noticed on today's shop that the self-service till is offering me the option of rounding my bill up to the nearest pound for a charity donation. I thought the odd few pence wouldn't make too much difference until I stop and began working out what would happen if everyone going through the tills added 10p in this way. Then I started looking at the numbers of customers through our local supermarket in one hour and it was mind-blowing. So, if I do this every time I shop and so do a significant number of others, it's got to help, hasn't it?

Month 11 - Bite 9

I had to pop in for one or two items that weren't available the other day. One of them was a buy one get one free and another '4 for the price of 3'. I don't necessarily like these as, with only two of us, we just tend to cause a storage problem - and don't get me started on the size of pre-packed vegetables where it's sometimes the only way to buy them and then it's just too much for the two of us!

It was a no-brainer, and I should have thought of it before - all I had to do was donate the spare 'free' item into the food box.

Hmmm.... I wonder if there are any other easy ways to donate stuff I don't need... watch this space.

Playing Catch-Up

I've got a bit behind with all my good intentions!

I don't know why that is.. I've made notes, taken photos (some of which I've managed to lose - don't know how I've done that either!!!

Anyway, the next few posts will need to contain a number of bites written from the notes I made. These may well read a bit like the Strictly Sunday show - with me referring to today or yesterday when it's obviously not - be that as it may it's all in the panicked catch-up of someone who feels the oncoming approach of Christmas and all that entails....

So...

Month 11 - Bite 3

In the sorting out I did last month I did put aside a number of items to pass on to others. I mentioned the tile cutters last time and once they'd gone I took a look at what I'd stashed away in the garage.

There's supposed to be a great photo of empty paint tins here - but it's one of the photos that's gone awol.. and I can't retake it as I've carted the tins off to a repair/art place locally that make good use of odds and ends of decorating materials to help spruce up homes and surroundings at no cost.

Month 11 - Bite 4

I did track down this picture though.

It's the home for retired tennis balls at our local club. People can then help themselves for practice sessions with the worn-out balls if they feel like torture or take them for dog chasing.

I found two or three tubes of balls that haven't been used in a while and added them to the club's collection.

Month 11 - Bite 5

A search in the loft for some fleece uncovered more towels that I must have stored up there a while ago. Perhaps when I was exploring the airing cupboard, who knows?

I've bundled them all up and they're off to a local pet/animal rescue centre where they'll be put to good use.

Month 11 - Bite 6

Time to open the coat cupboard and have another hunt through for coats I haven't used in a while. I know I did this earlier in the year, but there one or two that I thought might be useful until I realised that I already had plenty without them.

Our local libraries have warm rails where they put out donated outer layers for anyone who needs one to take. No prizes for guessing where my surplus is off to!

First rapid-fire selection over.. more soon!

 

Paying it Forwards and Giving it Back

 So that’s another month done and dusted.

As we fast approach the season of giving and getting why not get ahead with the giving bit?

I’ve not forgotten Month 10 and its extra mouthful, but I’ll catch up with that later - more photos needed...

Anyway, here’s Month 11’s elephant to start on.

Month 11 - Bite 1

I remember a story from Richard Carlson’s ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ about motorists on a toll bridge. The driver at the beginning of the queue paid his toll and that of the following car. When the next driver found his toll had been paid, he paid for the car behind and so it continued. Everyone gave and all but that first driver received. One small act that made a whole lot of people’s day better.

In the spirit of that this month will be a whole heap of stuff I can do to contribute to others, while not breaking the bank myself!

Here’s the first...

I mentioned last minute month about how the neighbours round here tend to help each other out... well, I got a chance today. Often my next-door neighbours on either side go away. Today one of them popped in to say that they’ve got the chance of a quick break before Christmas. The only problem is that, being Christmas, they’ve ordered a number of things for gifts that would be delivered while they’re away and they are reluctant to go with so much due for delivery. So it was easy to agree to collect up their parcels and pop them indoors while they are away. First pay it forwards achieved.

Month 11 - Bite 2

While chatting to my neighbour I remembered her telling me about some friends of hers that had started mosaic work. I had a brush with it a number of years ago and made a fish ornament for the garden.

Somehow I haven't got around to doing any more, but still have some of the tiles and the tile cutter I used so they are gathering dust and spiders in the shed.

Time for me to pull them out and see if the friends want them - giving something away to someone who will use it has got to be better than it languishing round at mine!

Getting Together

 To finish off this month the bites return to the idea of doing 'stuff' together and being social.

As the nights draw in it's good to have some fun in company. I've mentioned playing games before, but recently we've had a couple of sessions with little outlay, no technology and time to gather with others.

Month 10 - Bite 28

A Sunday session of a numbers game which usually leads to hilarity (and a ruthlessness that I don't always associate with particular people) was a welcome diversion from TV and the (at the moment largely depressing) news.

I've also enjoyed breaking up a never-ending train journey being taught some new (to me) by a five-year-old - so you're never too old to learn or young to teach it would seem!

Just two ways of enjoying ourselves with no energy expenses...

Month 10 - Bite 29

It was nice to be able to answer a call for help from a neighbour. We live in a really friendly neighbourhood with lots of very talented and skilled people who are always willing to help - today was my turn. A neighbour has got a new printer and is having a bit of a time of it getting it up and running. In a former life I was the ICT person in school and so am used to trying to figure out how to get recalcitrant tech to do its job. So I've had a phone call to help and I'm only too happy to - I certainly owe her for the stream of dolls that keep coming my way from her grandchildren for my nieces' girls!

This give and take is a good way of saving cash between ourselves so I'm off for a cup of tea and a rummage through an instruction book and (I guess) a tussle with her router.

Month 10 - Bite 30

We've been chatting among ourselves around here about who can do what and how they can offer help. None of us want to deny work to specialists, but many little jobs, like my computer help yesterday, are almost impossible to get someone out to see to, or require booking a paid-for chunk of time for something simple from someone at a huge (or so it seems) cost. Where one of our neighbours has a profession - like the plumber across the road - we wouldn't dream of asking him to repair anything without proper recompense. However, helping each other with anything from putting up some shelves to checking brake lights on a car and saving a trip to a repair shop or paying for a worker in times like these makes sense. So it's time to start recognising the skills that we can offer each other....

Lighting up Time

 Just now when we're getting used to the clocks changing and the timing of darkness falling (well, when I started writing this anyway), here's a quick one I've just completed.

Month 10 - Bite 27

Decorating meant getting the light fittings down so they didn't get covered in paint. Obviously, they were all cleaned up before being replaced. It did remind me though, that in my efforts to keep the place tidy and clean during the decorating process I hadn't been that fussy about ALL the dusting.

Today then, I'm attacking all the light bulbs - and boy, are some of them dusty! If the light and energy from the bulbs in going into their dust blankets, then I can't be surprised if the lighting is a bit dim and the bulbs are working harder to shine....

From finishing to starting..

 Okay, the finishing off is well underway so what's next?

Month 10 - Bite 24

Just so I don't get stale and revert to slumping in front of the TV, undoing all my good work, I must think of what else I want to try.

I want to carry on with the hobbies and pursuits I enjoy - and add to them...

There are so many things I'd like to experiment with and discover that the task in hand for this bite is to begin to list and research them. I've started learning Italian so the next step is required to make sure I'm better with the language for our next trip in the Spring. Then there are other crafty pastimes to explore - my crochet skills are so basic that they need some work. Then there's the music that I've ignored for quite some time. My guitar and concertina are gathering dust and certainly aren't earning their keep in my home.

On this tick list item then is the planning to see where I can commit some regular time to one or all of these to get them underway and where I'm going to find the information to polish the skills.

Month 10 - Bite 25

While I'm in finishing and starting something new mode - both at the same time - I want to look at what keeps me warm. I'm going to raid my yarn stash to make something warm. Will it be a hat, or a scarf, or a cowl, or socks? Let's return to this later and I'll show you.....

Socks it was then!

I don't want you to think that I've abandoned the 'learn/try something new' idea - I've attempted a different way of joining the heel and toe seams.

My next adventure will be into the world of crocheting a scarf - I've only ever done squares and blankets before - so going back and forth in rows could be a challenge!

Month 10 - Bite 26

Finally, I know I'll need help with some of these bites. Bite 26 is to give me time to find out where I can get some of that help. I know that my spinning group will assist and I also want to explore any courses that are free or cheap locally so that's my project for today.

Naturally, joining a group of like-minded people should be fun and supportive - I also think groups like this gathering together has got to be good for the energy bills! After all, we'll all be using one heat source (not just the hot air of our conversations either) by not using all those individual homes during our time together.

Most of all I'm looking forward to the fun bit (oh, and the tea and cakes that such courses/groups excel in!).

Let the sunshine in..

 We've been so lucky lately with the weather. It must be helping with the heating costs having such a mild spell. My next task is to load up with some free health and wellbeing.

Month 10 - Bite 23

In amongst that reading I was doing I decided to work through a small pile of magazines. One of which was detailing how sunlight affects wellbeing. I guess I already knew most of it - there's no harm in refreshing the memory though of just how much good fresh air and natural sunlight does for you.

It goes without saying that if you are feeling good and positive then the urge to look for ways of cheering yourself up by spending diminish. So, today's bite involves raising my melatonin levels and improving my mood (which, to be fair, isn't too bad anyway) for free.

I'm off to soak up a bit of sunshine without spending a penny... or paying for a holiday... or getting on a plane... I'm off for a walk..

More finishing off!

 Now I'm on track with the bathroom and kitchen my attention is focussed on all those other projects lying around. 

The feeling of anticipation and excitement when starting a new project is exhilarating, but somehow, if the project stalls or seems bigger than intended it can make the completion a bit of a chore. All those unfinished projects are a weight on the mind (however hard you try to forget or hide them) and on the wallet. After all they've been bought and paid for so they need to be completed or moved on.

This group of bites is a bit of a double whammy bonus. On the one hand there's the projects themselves and on the other they do beckon involvement away from the TV and the electricity that consumes. So, how to get motivated... well one project at a time I guess...

Month 10 - Bite 19

My favourite part of any sort out is when I empty a cupboard, box or bag to rediscover what's in there. This is the first port of call for me then. The craft cupboard and loft are the focus of my new found finishing zeal. They'll both need emptying, sorting and then the specific projects listing. The list can be prioritised - especially with Christmas on the horizon - so that I can tackle each one in order of urgency, breaking up some of the larger ones with quick, nearly finished jobs.

Month 10 - Bite 20

Where to start - simple - books! I've got library books, books on the e-reader, books leant to me by my neighbour and some from my sister too. Again, priority order please! The library books need to come first so they can be returned, then I'll decide on those that I can finish quickly to reduce the pile and immerse myself in them all - starting tonight (well after Only Connect obviously!).

Only the tip of the iceberg here!

Month 10 - Bite 21

There are still one or two home projects lurking so they need bringing into the light. Preparing for these takes a little longer as choosing paint colours, sourcing the right paint or enamel and clearing space for painting take time. Making a decision about whether it's the stool or table that need refreshing has to be the starting point and then it's full steam ahead.

Month 10 - Bite 22

Now for the difficult one - finishing a hobby project. I'm great for starting these and then something always crops up.. shortening curtains, making dolls clothes, cushion covers, finishing a writing brief, having COVID, lots of things so I get diverted. Then once the diversion is over I do the sensible thing... and start another new project!

This needs to STOP I tell myself, but do I listen, well, what do you think?

Anyhow, today's the day to go for it. And the first hobby project to finish is an obvious one for me. I've been putting this off for ages.

A long time ago, further back than even the pandemic gives me an excuse for, we went to Widdiecombe Fair and I got an alpaca fleece to spin. He, himself wasn't sure I was going for a big enough quantity so treated me to a lot, one and a half kilos to be exact. I enjoyed spinning it and that was fine, then came the knitting it up task.

I started with a hat for himself to test out the tension, and as an easy to finish project. Then I took a big breath and started. I have begun the back of a cardigan with this yarn no less than eight times. Each time it's not been a success - the pattern is hidden by the texture of the yearn, it's come up to big, too small, too heavy... and so on.

Finally, I announced to my spinning group that no matter what version 8 was to be the last one. I'm nearly there. The bulk of the knitting and sewing up is done, it's just the edging. I'm putting it off no longer. The cardigan must be finished first, no more prevaricating.. here goes...

I've made myself hang on to this post so that I could add this...

Ta-daa..

It may not look like much to you, but to me it's a huge mountain climbed and my central heating for the winter..

So, what's next?

Warming up

 Following on from the last few bites my list now needs to move onto some planning and more sorting.

After all, being warm on the inside always feels good.....

Month 10 - Bite 17

I next have to address what we're eating. With the freezer looking remarkably organised I can begin to look at cooking for restocking it.

Before I start a rummage through the cupboards to get the pots and crocks I need more readily available. They've been languishing towards the back while I haven't been doing so much long cooking so a reshuffle in the kitchen is number one item on the to do list today.

Once that's done I can look at adding a few ingredients to the shopping list to start making some stews, casseroles and curries to eat (and some to store for later).

I have got some chicken from yesterday's sort out defrosting, so I can start with a chicken curry tonight!

Month 10 - Bite 18

As we change our eating habits to fit in with the weather it occurs to me just how far we have moved away from seasonal eating in general. All those foods flown in from all over the world to give us strawberries at Christmas and so on. Time to rethink for me. I know that once I get to the end of my cereal box it'll be time to go back to porridge for two reasons. Firstly, it's a good warming start to the day and secondly, at under £1 a bag it's really cheap (oh and additionally hasn't got any added sugar hiding away either!).

Then the soup stocks need bumping up, both bought and made - that'll be the last of the fridge clearing for stock this time round.

Menu overhaul today then!

Finishing Up and Clearing the Decks

 All the sorting out and decluttering around the house seems a long time ago and it seems like the right time to revisit one or two areas. This will help sort out exactly what I've got at the moment and clear some space for what's to come (errr Christmas!)

So, here's a selection of bites to sort out what's about, what's needed and what to put on a Christmas list!

Month 10 - Bite 14

I'd got very efficient on the bathroom front, finishing odds and ends, not buying extras and more than one spare for when things run out and then it all sort of slipped.

First task on the list is to collect up all the 'nearly finished' and ends of things and put them somewhere obvious to use up. There's some samples I sent for but didn't use on holiday and a few squirts of perfume to be finished. I'll make a note of some of the items too as my sister's doing me a hamper for Christmas and some of them - hand cream, face wash, moisturiser - will be going on that wish list to replenish my stocks then.

Month 10 - Bite 15

Now onto the kitchen....

The fridge is groaning with stuff that really needs using up. While we've been decorating and generally working on the house my neat and tidy shopping and cooking timetable-ish planning has fallen apart a bit so order needs restoring.

This is just the first batch of stuff I've rescued from the fridge. Pasta for dinner I think and then time for a series of 'make what you like as long as you eat it' lunches. The principle is simple. Once all the available ingredients are put on the table, everyone can choose whatever they like to put in a sandwich, however strange, off the wall or downright disgusting it might seem to anyone else. The only rule is that it has to be eaten before any other combinations can be tried. This is about not wasting rather than seeing how novel or revolting a sandwich filling you can make.

It does help to finish off the last scrapes of jars that seem to congregate at the back of the fridge and also makes me think of how I can use up what's there (particularly the fresh stuff) before going out and raiding the supermarket.

Month 10 - Bite 16

Freezer next..

I did freeze some produce when we were tidying up the garden, and there's also the last few bags of food I had to cook and store after the meltdown incident. There are, however, some other containers lurking that need liberating.

I'm sure there's at least the makings of a pasta bake and a bolognaise sauce so it's time to go through it all, defrost something for dinner and then list what's left...

By the time I've finished I should be ready to start the thinking process of what needs preparing for the festive season with nice, clean, empty storage for it all!

Where’s Your Warm Place?

 Back inside now.

Time to consider where it's warmest and comfiest as the weather begins to change. Here's just two ideas about warm places..

Month 10 - Bite 12

Where's your warm place indoors?

For me it's either got to be the bedroom or the garden room. As I can't spend all day in bed to keep warm (!) I'll have to settle on the garden room. Even in the depths of winter all the glass means that any sunshine warms the room and makes it a light and pleasant place to be. As it's also got one of the best views in the place it's got to be my favourite.

It's become one of our most used rooms because it's so comfortable. It does mean that we can be a bit choosy about heating. I'm not saying we turn all the heating off everywhere else, but there is some sense in heating a particular space at certain times of the day while keeping the other rooms cooler and saving on energy costs. Thankfully all the radiators have their own thermostatic regulators so they don't need to be on much more than a frost setting unless there's a reason - going to bed or having a shower tend to prompt them being turned up.

The next job on the list for me is to begin to check what these radiators are turned to each day in order to make the most of the heating we are using.

Month 10 - Bite 13

Now where's your warm place outdoors (well out of the house anyway)?

One of my favourites used to be our local bookshop with its lovely upstairs cafe. Sadly, it's about to close so the hunt is on for another place. Fortunately, there's plenty of coffee shops round here - one of the bonuses of a seaside town needing to provide for holidaymakers!

I know it costs cash to sit and drink (usually chocolate in my case) in a cafe, but often when I'm planning or trying to write something I find moving location away from home and the temptation to 'just' put some washing on or make a phone call or clean the bathroom calls to my best procrastination instincts. Some time in a different 'office space' with hot drinks at the ready seems to solve the work block and I can get on - and the energy costs are all included with my hot chocolate.

The other warm place for me is the library. It's got the added advantage of peace and quiet and books for research - never something to be sniffed at...

So, where's your warm place?

Clean and Tidy

Now onto a few tasks I find boring, but quite pleased when they are done! It's a bit more maintenance and tidying which doesn't sound like it's greatly financially rewarding. However, with these jobs off the list it means that a whole host of bits and pieces are put to bed for the winter in a way that means they won't need replacing next year - and that can only be a real life saving!

Month 10 - Bite 8

Driving home yesterday and noticing that one of the running light bulbs is out reminded me that a proper winter check is due. Not the drive-it-into-a-main-agent just to hear a whole load of expensive 'you-ought-tos'. A simple checking over at home so... I need to test all the lights (including the fog lights that I so rarely use) and pop out to replace any that are needed. A search for the ice cover, scraper, screen wash and so on are on the list so they are ready and waiting when the time comes. Then an oil check and washer bottle top up and I should be good to go.

Month 10 - Bite 9

 

The garage is today's port of call. 

Since we've now finished the decorating all those tools and materials can be safely cleaned up and stashed away. I know there's a growing pile of paint cans, but I've got a plan for those in next month's round up so it's just a matter of storing them away along with a collection of sheets, towels and tennis balls. Sounds an odd selection but bear with me on this one.

The garden chairs, ladders, outside table and lawn mower can be cleaned and put in their hibernation locations - although I know the mower will be called into action again before the final winter slowdown in growth.

Month 10 - Bite 10

Now onto the shed while I'm in an outside tidying mood!

There's still a number of gardening tasks to be done, but I'm getting started on checking and cleaning the tools and equipment, sorting out the bamboo canes, that kind of thing. As I mentioned earlier, keeping what we already have in good condition is always going to be cheaper than having to go out and buy new because it's rusted or blocked or whatever. I'm not talking about replacing worn out stuff, just making sure that what we've got lasts as long as possible in good condition.

By hanging much of our stuff on hooks it doesn't rest on the floor and has good airflow around each item to keep off the mould, damp and wet - it is a shed after all.

The secateurs, shears, etc. need attention today for sharpening and then we know they'll be ready for action in the spring.

Month 10 - Bite 11

Finally, in this section, it's the cuttings. The plants we saved last year meant that we didn't have to spend out to fill all our pots. They are far too large to save this year by bringing them inside - the shed isn't that big! So, as I've mentioned previously, cuttings have been struck and planted. 

They are thriving well and growing strongly at the moment. Of course, they'll need protection as the weather gets colder and darker, so today's mission is to track down and organise the insulating materials used before. This comprises of wood or small crates to layer bubble wrap on to cover the cuttings without touching the leaves - and the bubble wrap itself of course. With that to hand the plants have a fighting chance of gracing the garden next year.

Warming up

So as the night's are drawing in and the bills are going up it's time to look at preserving the heat we've got!

Here's my next few attempts at doing just that...

Month 10 - Bite 3

Having got used to lowering blinds and drawing curtains in the daytime during the hot weather to keep the sun out and the rooms cool, now we'll be doing the same at the other end of the day! By using the sunlight during the daylight hours to heat our home, from now on the blinds and curtains need to be closed as the temperature drops in the evening to keep the warmth in.

Month 10 - Bite 4

We love the flexibility of the internet controlled thermostat and heating system that's been in for a year now, but have got used to switching the heating off when we're out to come into a cosy home. That's not going to happen this winter. As long as the property doesn't get too cold the heating won't get fired until we're in. The inconvenience of keeping outer layers on until we switch the thermostat up and the house warms to a reasonable temperature in minor compared to the savings it'll represent. So from today that's it, no driving back home and turning it all on half an hour from home.

Month 10 - Bite 5

Back to the wardrobe and drawers for me today. It's time to sort out my jumpers and cardigans. I've got some 'nice' ones I wear out and about and some 'comfy' items that are only for indoors. One or two I've spun from pure wool fleece are really warm and I rarely wear them. Why? Because it's always been so easy to turn on the heating and wander around in a t-shirt! This is a habit that's got to go too. Once I've got the woollies sorted today then it's out with the light gear, on with the cosy stuff and no to too much heating.

Month 10 - Bite 6

It takes a lot more energy to heat a room than it does a person so the task in hand to tackle next is the search for our warm-you-up items. Somewhere around this place we've got hot water bottles and oat filled cushions or pads that take little to heat up and keep warm for ages. Once I've tracked them down and double checked they have no leaks (!) they can be employed in the evenings to stave off putting the heating on.

Month 10 - Bite 7

While on the search I need to explore what's in the ottoman in the bedroom. It's a treasure trove of goodies that don't really have a place anywhere else. I'm sure there are some really warm blankets nestling in there so it's time they came out and went on the beds and in the lounge for snuggling into during the colder evenings.

I may even start making some from my wool stash rather like those I made a while ago....

Phew - with all that searching around I'll get quite a bit of heat up from the exercise too.....

So another month arrives!

 

Okay so there's two elephants for the price of one...

Well, the nights are drawing in so now we need to keep chirpy and cheerful - and what better way to start than to involve a few others?!

Month 10 - Bite 1

First up some necessary maintenance...

It may not be snazzy, exciting or sexy, but today's task is to book a boiler service. Last year when our regular man came by, he fixed a huge hole in the boiler and so saved us the cost of a new one. Once it's been serviced it runs better, quieter and more efficiently. Just what we need to start the month off as the nights draw in and the weather changes.

Month 10 - Bite 2

Following on from our recent spate of decorating and the fact that we're beginning to switch the heating on the central heating system needs some TLC too. Decorating means radiators being disconnected, drained and lifted off the walls so now they are back they need some attention. 

Bleeding the radiators is the first task for today. Making sure that there's water in the pipes and radiators rather than air is a much more economical way to run them!! Then the system needs balancing, and we can check out that everything is working as it should be.

Finally, a check on the thermostat setting on each radiator means that we don't inadvertently turn the system on and find we're heating rooms that don't need it!

A sign of the changing season

 Month 9 - Bite 28

Just recently there's been the usual round of fairs, goose fairs and carnivals that proliferate locally at this time of year. Many have ancient roots and most are only just making a comeback after the great lockdown and its aftermath.

I had a lovely time with my spinning group demonstrating at a local fair near to where we meet and it was good to get back to showing all comers how we convert fluffy, tangled stuff into useful items with wheels, looms, needles and so on.

It did make me think about a lot of the odds and ends I've still got stored in the loft that need using up so today I'm starting to make a list of how I can turn some of them into Christmas presents to save them going to waste and me spending money when I don't need to.

There's also a number of crocheted squares up there I know that will come in useful for one of my ideas for next month, so I need to track them down.

Month 9 - Bite 29

While concentrating on not wasting, recycling and such it occurred to me while I was emptying the bin that I'm wasting far too much time, effort, paper and printing ink when using the computer. I don't need most of the things I print off and even then I should be using both sides of the paper. For instance, I changed credit cards and renewed some insurance lately. I was about to click on print when I noticed one of the documents ran to 17 pages. It's been emailed to me so I can keep a digital copy, I've saved it to my portable hard drive too and I can access it through the company's website - so why was I printing it? Pause over the button time. We're pretty good about using scrap paper for notes and lists, but there's a lot still wasted so today's the day to track down where I don't need a hard copy and start the habit of not printing anything unless it's really necessary.

Month 9 - Bite 30

Time now to look at that revised spending list started at the beginning of this month. It needs to be compared with the one made at the beginning of this process. A number of the items just don't seem to appear now - through the season in some cases, but largely through the slimming down of spending that became a habit until I didn't miss them. One item that seems to have crept back in is the occasional hot drink out. I'm allowing myself to keep that though as it's a particular treat rather than a regular routine and I do enjoy it a lot. I also tend to use the 'sit down with a drink' time to plan or think things through and it's been truly valuable, especially when deciding on what to do next, including a new project for next year!

And so onto Month 10!

Recycling and Reusing

 

Month 9 - Bite 24

Having shortened the curtains to save buying new ones there was some fabric left.

Today was about using the offcuts to make some storage without it costing anything.

Thanks to the internet there are plenty of videos showing how to create items and so the ends of the curtains are now a fabric box and a bag to use in the bedroom to keep a certain someone's toys together!

Month 9 - Bite 25

One of nature's big pluses is that it regularly provides the opportunity for reusing and recycline, thus saving even more cash.

The next task on my list is to tidy up the garden as many of the plants are reaching the end of their season. By gathering the debris into a heap it can easily turn into compost over the winter. The ever growing pile of leaves that have been falling on the lawn and under the shrubs is being collected in a corner ready for its transformation into leaf mould - a great mulch for next year.

So, with very little effort the garden is crating its own produce from its cast-offs! 

Month 9 - Bite 26

Although the mint here will happily grow on throughout the winter there are other herbs that need a bit more care if we are to continue to make the most of their free bounty.

These - the basil especially - are about to be transferred in smaller pots onto a light windowsill where they can continue to grow on and provide ingredients at a fraction of the cost of buying them in the shops. The basil is a particular favourite as it helps to create very cheap pesto extremely quickly...

Month 9 - Bite 27

Some of the plastics haven't made it as far as the recycling bin.

The containers with holes are for planting seeds to grow on in the kitchen (think rocket or small sprouting greens). Those without holes are for trays to capture the water underneath the planted ones. Then some are put to use to cover the seeds and seedlings as min propagator/greenhouses.

Much better using these free materials rather than buying seed and drip trays - and when they're finished with they can be cleaned up and put in the weekly recycling collection too.

A Change of Scenery

 One of the reasons I’ve got a bit behind with posting is because we’re decorating! Not my most favourite of activities, but needs must...

Month 9 - Bite 22

We really need to do some decorating - fading paintwork, repairs to the wallpaper from moving sockets, all that sort of thing so it's an expense that can't be avoided.

However, wholesale decorating isn't the only way of changing things up and refreshing! 

At my niece's place they've been moving the furniture around. It's made me think about how a couple of our rooms are arranged and so that's the next step for me.

By moving some of the furniture we can change the look and feel of the rooms without actually spending a lot of time and money so that's the next job on the list.

While we're at it I've got some throws, rugs and cushion covers in the loft so I'm off up there to see if they'll complete the transformation. If not, buying some new ones won't break the bank and will be a lot cheaper and time saving than a wholesale redecorate!

Month 9 - Bite 23

While they were moving things in the children's bedroom my niece found that the curtains that she'd used from her previous house were too long for what she wanted. The curtains are still in good condition and look just right. They were just too long. So, out with the sewing machine and that's a new pair of curtains without spending any cash!