How We Live Well Without Spending Money!

 When I read other folks' blogs, I sometimes feel pestery (don't know if that a word) if they repeat themselves a lot. 

I try to avoid repetition as much as I can, but I can't guarantee it today.

Anyway, here are some things we do to live well without spending money.

1. Water.  

We have 8 large jars on the side in our kitchen. When we turn on the tap to run the water hot, we fill the jars with the initial cool then warm water until it is hot.  These jars are used for the kettle, the water filter jug, the dog bowl and for making ice.

2. Food.

I use my garden to grow food. I harvest seeds from the food we have originally, then grow these into plants.  I currently (May) have growing: butternut squash, sweetcorn, broad beans, green beans peppers, chillis and tomatoes.  We are picking and eating green beans daily, and everything else is on their way.  We pick and eat wild garlic, dandelion leaves and blackberries.  We salvage food that is being given away, such as apples.  We don't use apps to collect waste food from shops - we would if we needed to.  We plan our weekly meals based on  what we already have, and only buy what.we.need.

We don't eat out often. We never buy food we don't need.

I make almost everything we eat.

3. Clothes.

We don't buy new clothes except underwear and some shoes. Clothes and some shoes do come cheaply from charity shops or cheap apps online - but only when we need them.

We both have enough clothes and shoes. Shoes and clothing for each season, for rain and hot sun, for freezing cold and summer days.  I do accept free clothes from family if they are being given away, will fit and will be worn.

4. Books.

We are both very keen readers, and love to read books from reviews - however, rather than buying a newish book we write a list of books we'd like to read and use a library app.  

5. Power.

We try very hard not to use Gas or Electric.  In the cold winter the thermostat was set to 14 and additional layers of clothing worked really well to keep us warm.  If the house got colder, the heating was put on in one room.  We shower quickly one after the other.  

6. Entertainment.

We have a small telly, a laptop and two mobile phones; a record player, radio and CD player .. and  a DVD player.  I have a sewing machine and a piano, knitting needles and crochet hooks...and, of course, the INTERNET!!

In 23 years we have never been to the cinema.  We visit the theatre probably about once a year: and watch the local rugby club.

We have two dogs and love walking them.

We play cards and board games with our kids and grandkids.

Please ask me any questions, and I'll do my best to answer you.

FMxx