http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/ Frugal Living Forums, a frugal living community with emphasis on debt reduction, responsible spending, consuming less, recycling and helping each other bridge the gaps for a sustainable future. en Fri, 24 May 2013 09:45:30 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/ http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4563-pictures.html Sat, 22 May 2010 18:00:40 GMT Just uploaded a folder full of pictures from the trip me & FDH took to Cornwall, England this month.

Enjoy viewing ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4563-pictures.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4440-pictures.html Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:45:24 GMT I was reading through some comments from a previous blog and i mentioned getting pictures for the street fair that we had last year. So here is the album http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/members/bournecrazy-albums-loughborough-street-fair.html I was reading through some comments from a previous blog and i mentioned getting pictures for the street fair that we had last year. So here is the album

http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/...reet-fair.html ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4440-pictures.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4439-utility-usage-feb-march.html Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:06:55 GMT A little late posting but here goes. Gas usage from Feb - March - 16 Cubit Feet Ive tried my best in keeping the heating off and preserving my gas. Electric Usage Feb - March Electric 1 (Day) - 99 kWh Used Electric 2 (night) - 19 kWh Used A little late posting but here goes.

Gas usage from Feb - March - 16 Cubit Feet

Ive tried my best in keeping the heating off and preserving my gas.

Electric Usage Feb - March

Electric 1 (Day) - 99 kWh Used
Electric 2 (night) - 19 kWh Used

Water - 4 Cubic Ft used

These are much better than Jan - Feb. Hope i can do the same next month. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4439-utility-usage-feb-march.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4415-26-2-green-nature-update.html Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:53:50 GMT Today i cleared out some of the recycling that I had in the flat as well as general waste. Recyclable - 3 bags (YTD - 11) General Waste - 2 bags (YTD - 6) Glass: Coffee jars: 590g x 1 (YTD - 4) Medium Sauce Jars - 269g x 4 (YTD - 19) Small jars - 175g x 1 (YTD - 3) *Total - 1.84 Kg* (YTD... Today i cleared out some of the recycling that I had in the flat as well as general waste.

Recyclable - 3 bags (YTD - 11)
General Waste - 2 bags (YTD - 6)

Glass:
Coffee jars: 590g x 1 (YTD - 4)
Medium Sauce Jars - 269g x 4 (YTD - 19)
Small jars - 175g x 1 (YTD - 3)
Total - 1.84 Kg (YTD - 7.5 Kg) ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4415-26-2-green-nature-update.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4386-sprung-leak.html Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:55:37 GMT As i guessed i did havea gas leak :( Funny enough my 6 month bill come today and i have used £300 worth of gas in 6 months!! Thats shocking! So as i could smell gas yesterday I got FDH to ring National Grid today and within the hour they had sent someone to check it out and they found that... As i guessed i did havea gas leak :(

Funny enough my 6 month bill come today and i have used £300 worth of gas in 6 months!! Thats shocking!

So as i could smell gas yesterday I got FDH to ring National Grid today and within the hour they had sent someone to check it out and they found that i had a leak in a pipe just before the meter.

I am keeping my eye on the meter readings to see if that was the cause, my bill said that i had used almost 4000kWh of gas in 6 months and i know that i dont use it much.


I hope it lowers the usage down as it sent my monthly payment up ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4386-sprung-leak.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4384-jan-feb-utility-figures.html Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:43:09 GMT Begining of January i wrote down my gas, electric & water meter readings to see how much i use a month.

These are the figures from Jan:
Elec 1. 21050(day usage 7am-12am)
Elec 2. 16701 (night usage 12am-7am)
Gas: 4672
Water: 0064 Cubic Ft.

As of Feb 10th they look like this:
Elec 1. 21222(day usage 7am-12am)
Elec 2. 16750 (night usage 12am-7am) (much cheaper rate at these times)
Gas: 6722
Water: 0071 Cubic Ft.

Elec 1. Used 172
22.98p p/kWh = £39.50

Elec 2. Used 49
4.18p p/kWh = £2.04

Gas - I think i may have wrote this down wrong to start with as looking on my bill in August it was on 6595 i think it was meant to be 6672 if so i have only used 50 units

50 units works out to be £44.39

Water - Used 7 Cubic Ft. £15 - Approx cost before drainage costs ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4384-jan-feb-utility-figures.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4379-5-2-recycled-items.html Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:52:22 GMT Today i put more bags out for recycling / trash. Being a 2 person household we dont go through a lot of trash but i do like to have a good clear out once and a while. Today i got rid of: Trash - 2 bags (4 YTD) Recycleable items - 4 bags ( 8 YTD) No glass items today. Today i put more bags out for recycling / trash.

Being a 2 person household we dont go through a lot of trash but i do like to have a good clear out once and a while.

Today i got rid of:
Trash - 2 bags (4 YTD)
Recycleable items - 4 bags ( 8 YTD)

No glass items today.

Sugar! just remembered my energy usage log - best go check. Back soon with an update.

Bye ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4379-5-2-recycled-items.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4339-wedding-bargin-year.html Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:46:02 GMT I was shoe shopping for some shoes (obv!) ands come across a nice pair (on sale too!) The box said down from £75.00 to £20.00, further inspection on the actual shoes reveal that they were originally £105 reduced to £75 then reduced agin to £20 Got myself quite a good buy there i think I was shoe shopping for some shoes (obv!) ands come across a nice pair (on sale too!)

The box said down from £75.00 to £20.00, further inspection on the actual shoes reveal that they were originally £105 reduced to £75 then reduced agin to £20

Got myself quite a good buy there i think ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4339-wedding-bargin-year.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4324-12-1-update.html Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:09:27 GMT Today I sorted out the recycling items I have (collection was due today so I got rid of them all) I got 2 full bags of recyclable items and I put 5.7 kilos of glass in the glass bin outside. I am trying to keep tabs on all my rubbish and recycling bags as well as glass items. So far this... Today I sorted out the recycling items I have (collection was due today so I got rid of them all) I got 2 full bags of recyclable items and I put 5.7 kilos of glass in the glass bin outside.

I am trying to keep tabs on all my rubbish and recycling bags as well as glass items.

So far this year I have gotten rid of 4 recycle bags compared to 2 general rubbish bags

The glass I had was all the jars that had been used for cooking sauces and coffee jars I had 3 different sizes so I weighed them and got the following

Coffee jars: 590g x 3
Medium Sauce Jars - 269g x 14
Small jars - 175g x 2

1kg of recycled glass is 300g of CO2 saved – So far I have saved 1.71kg of CO2

The energy saving from recycling one glass bottle will:
Power a 100 watt light bulb for almost an hour
Power a computer for 20 minutes
Power a colour TV for 15 minutes
Power a washing machine for 10 minutes

I will hopefully keep tabs on what I get rid of and do my part to help J ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4324-12-1-update.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4301-2010-challenges.html Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:46:44 GMT I have a few things that i want to get sorted in 2010 and i am hoping i can use them in a way to be more cost efficient and get that feel good vibe going :) 1. Home cook more and freeze more prepared home foods. I would like to get a new to me freezer so i can freeze bread and a lot more than i... I have a few things that i want to get sorted in 2010 and i am hoping i can use them in a way to be more cost efficient and get that feel good vibe going :)

1. Home cook more and freeze more prepared home foods. I would like to get a new to me freezer so i can freeze bread and a lot more than i can now.

2. Look after myself to help me feel a bit better about myself. A new haircut and new glasses are well over due and im hoping the rest will fall into place :)

3. Sew and make things myself with the sewing machine i got (that didn't cost me anything :) )

Anymore i have i will add when i can ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4301-2010-challenges.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4288-utility-usage-watch.html Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:07:42 GMT I am trying to keep an eye on my electric, gas & water usage and hopefully keep them low this year as i did well last year August - October but i dont know about the rest of the year (only get a bill every 6 month)

So as it stands my current meter reading are as follows:

Elec 1. 21050(day usage 7am-12am)
Elec 2. 16701 (night usage 12am-7am) (much cheaper rate at these times)

Gas: 4672

Water: 0064 Cubic Ft.
(im on a water meter so every drop counts)

I will check on these at the begining of Feb to see what the rise was of each and to see if i can keep it steady for the next month ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4288-utility-usage-watch.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4145-update.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:44:16 GMT Evening all :)

I am around still i haven't left just been busy of late.

I have hada good month money wise - FDH pay covered all the bills that pay period and so all the money that i got paid we used to get a few things and it was one of those times i could go and buy something without having to check to see how much i had left but i needto get a start on finishing my xmas shopping off next week.

We got the loan paid off and FDH got himself an iPhone on contract £24.99 p/m plus £10 insurance with a discount through work so its a lot cheaper than the regular price and is affordable due to having extra money.

Work has been busy lately 2 weeks ago the annual street fair came into town - It is huge and has been coming to our town every year for over 800 years! Ill see if i can find any pics to show you guys.

That was here for 4 days so i got extra work that week, i did about 12 hours extra i think and FDH got an extra day of work too so a few extra pennies gained there.

2 weeks ago i came down with yet another cold :( and it took ages to shift that finally went last week and i have now picked up a tooth infection. The dentist game me antibiotics so that should clear up in a couple more days thankfully.

Another reason why i haven't been around much is that i have got into Geocaching in my local area and its become quite addictive. lol. Only problem is that we have had some really bad weather lately so i can't go out much :( Ive been doing it two weeks now with FDH help - he seems to be enjoying it - we have found 18 so far.

I have recieved the card exchange email so i will have to get sending those out soon :) I can't wait for xmas and looking forward to recieving the ornaments from the exchange too.

Hope to be back soon. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/4145-update.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3873-cant-post.html Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:15:07 GMT I have to post here as the boards are really messed up tonight I went to view a thread clicked the title but when the page loaded up i got a completely differnet thread to the one i wants to look at and its happening with all the ones i want to go on - i cant even get on the help section to... I have to post here as the boards are really messed up tonight

I went to view a thread clicked the title but when the page loaded up i got a completely differnet thread to the one i wants to look at and its happening with all the ones i want to go on - i cant even get on the help section to post this. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3873-cant-post.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3778-keeping-track-costs.html Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:40:03 GMT I am keeping track of cost for the wedding and so far i am doing good i think Intention to marry, marriage ceromony and marrigage certificates at the local registry office will cost *103.50* Rings will cost *15.00* each Buttonholes brought on ebay for about *15.00* not got all of them... I am keeping track of cost for the wedding and so far i am doing good i think

Intention to marry, marriage ceromony and marrigage certificates at the local registry office will cost 103.50

Rings will cost 15.00 each

Buttonholes brought on ebay for about 15.00 not got all of them yet tho - i have 8 so far.

One place i looked at for a reception with buffet will be about 500 thats my only quote so far tho.

Dress is costing 48.00

the mention of suit being hired has come up but we will leave that for now

The honeymoon will be in Turkey at my cousins place she has out there - needto get in contact with her once we set a date - if that fails i think maybe go Majorca - its fairly cheap if you can book flights seperate some low cost airlines offer flights for 7.99 oneway

we need to get the date set first, once we get the intention to marry we have upto 12 months to get married before it expires.

So far i have 220 saved - i was going to use this as savingsfor a vacation but it is being used for better uses. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3778-keeping-track-costs.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3769-sigh.html Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:20:12 GMT its 3.15am i am still awake after being up since 9.30am the same morning had really bad sleep pattern over the weekend. Went sleep about 1am-ish sunday morning and was meant to get up for work at 3.30am but phone went off at about half 2, the alarms at work was going off because DBF was on lock... its 3.15am i am still awake after being up since 9.30am the same morning had really bad sleep pattern over the weekend.

Went sleep about 1am-ish sunday morning and was meant to get up for work at 3.30am but phone went off at about half 2, the alarms at work was going off because DBF was on lock up that night didnt shut the door properly and something set the alarm off.

I was not impressed.

So 2 hours sleep that night - stay up from then until about 10.30pm sunday night - struggled to get up at 9.30 this morning so im wide awake about to wake up DBF so he can go to work. I feel like staying up all night/morning but i would like some sleep but my body doesnt want to shut down.

I hate days like these. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3769-sigh.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3767-august-challenges-results.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:51:44 GMT *Make a set of fabric cash envelopes *Done* *start using the envelope system for irregular items i.e; grocerys/ petrol/ fags for DBF. *Did it for first pay of August but forgot about 2 weeks...opps* *Start some sort of planning for xmas *Done - managed to save £200 in AUgust :)* *Save any... *Make a set of fabric cash envelopes
Done
*start using the envelope system for irregular items i.e; grocerys/ petrol/ fags for DBF. Did it for first pay of August but forgot about 2 weeks...opps
*Start some sort of planning for xmas
Done - managed to save £200 in AUgust :)
*Save any money from ebay sales. Aim to get £100 or more
£200 saved - went to xmas fund
*finish the paint job in the kitchen (or it will never get done)
Finally got done last week
*save some cash i could save anything last month Could do better but i have set up regular savings for next month onwards :) ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3767-august-challenges-results.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3730-homemade-jam-use-frozen-cc.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:26:14 GMT I made a second batch of plum jam today i used 2kg of fruit and got 7 1/2 jars out of it - DBF wants plum and apple jam and apple and rhubarb crumbles next thankfully i have tons of fruit still to pick. As i was potting the jam i dropped some on my finger - i dont think i need to tell you how... I made a second batch of plum jam today i used 2kg of fruit and got 7 1/2 jars out of it - DBF wants plum and apple jam and apple and rhubarb crumbles next thankfully i have tons of fruit still to pick.

As i was potting the jam i dropped some on my finger - i dont think i need to tell you how much it burnt and hurt. lol

I left it and carried on potting - after i raided the freezer and found my CC frozen in water - out it come onto my finger. The CC come in useful for nice change. Now im left with a huge blister, horrible pains and unable to type properly as i can use my index finger. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3730-homemade-jam-use-frozen-cc.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3693-its-time-year-again.html Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:41:21 GMT My plums are ready to be picked :) i can make my very first batch of jam on Sunday :) I can't wait.

i will only make a small amount of jam first to see how it goes and if its good i will make more. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3693-its-time-year-again.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3678-planning-advance.html Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:48:54 GMT I have been looking for the last week for a wedding dress - i am not getting married yet but i found something i really liked and the price i didnt want to let it slip away. Its 19.00 + 5.00 for alterations and 14.00 for delivery A dress made to my shape and size for only £48.00! I... I have been looking for the last week for a wedding dress - i am not getting married yet but i found something i really liked and the price i didnt want to let it slip away.

Its 19.00 + 5.00 for alterations and 14.00 for delivery

A dress made to my shape and size for only £48.00!

I bought it from a store of ebay but they make all the dresses to your size if you want (thats what the extra 5 is for) and ship it too you. all brand new looks great.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

thats the link to it - hope it works. i love it.

I couldnt say no at that price and i do not want to spend over 1000 pounds on the future wedding in total so this will help with the budget.

I am planning a few things now as i do not want to wait over a year to get married and it will help if i knew in advance how much items will cost.

ETA: Forgot to mention that i paid fo it using the money i have recieved selling items on ebay, So it has paid for itself. nothing out of my pocket! ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3678-planning-advance.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3668-christmas-cash.html Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:04:33 GMT I have in a week saved up enough cash to get me though christmas :D I have 200.00 to get me all the gifts i need plus some decorations. I have been making salt dough decorations all day and i hope they are ok after painting as my snowmen look awesome. i am proud of those. Also went to the... I have in a week saved up enough cash to get me though christmas :D

I have 200.00 to get me all the gifts i need plus some decorations. I have been making salt dough decorations all day and i hope they are ok after painting as my snowmen look awesome. i am proud of those.

Also went to the bank to put all my change in the bank. I put in 43.00 which is an achievement im impressed on how much change i had. Now to start over again saving the pennies. ]]> Bournecrazy http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blogs/bournecrazy/3668-christmas-cash.html