Yay! My longed for trip to Dorset is happening. Today it’s all about getting there….the first glimpse of the sea…..and exploring my digs. Welcome to a few days in beautiful Swanage on the south coast of Dorset.
Beyond Frugal: A low spend year – day-trips & holidays.
Are you having a low-spend year? perhaps panning one for next year? Today I’m talking about how I manage my low-spend life when it comes to holidays and day-tips. Including: where to stay, how to get there, getting out and about, food and drink……and avoiding gift shops and spending.
Beyond Frugal: A day in the life of a frugal girl – late summer.
As we near the end of the summer, and as the weather changes, certain jobs become a priority. Join me for a day of getting on with the jobs and organising my day to fit in as much as possible…all the while keeping myself frugal.
Beyond Frugal: Have I got enough food?
On this year’s hottest day I’m doing a stock-take of my food; both stored (frozen and in the cupboard) and fresh to come from the garden. I’ve grown a little less this year so I want to see where I’m at and see if I have enough to get me through to next Spring.
On the Sofa: Camping, Countryside & Dorset Trip.
Today I’m all about camping, the countryside and planning my trip to Dorset. A letter I received prompted memories of camping and running wild in the woods….it coincided with watching a series of programmes about the British landscape and its influence on artists, writers and composers…..it all seems rather perfect in my run up to planning a trip back to Dorset…..and possibly a bit of house hunting…..
On the Sofa: A spanner, a moan and a book.
Today I needed to find my spanner……which sparked memories of the game of Rattlebag. Spanner located, yay, in readiness for fixing the new bath taps which have just arrived……and then I have a bit of a moan about a recent customer service experience – grr! Plus a book review and it’s an absolute corker.
Beyond Frugal: Food Shopping & Meal Planning.
The fridge is almost empty, it’s time to go shopping……the frugal way. Once my shopping is done I can start planning meals for the next two weeks using a little from my store cupboard to supplement today’s ‘basket’.
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden: At last!
At last! It’s time to harvest some tomatoes…..a moment I dream of for 10 months each year! My first fresh tomato since last October. But, first, I need to give the plants some care…bearing in mind how much longer they will have before the weather changes for the worse and the warm sunny days disappear. I’m also chatting about blight and how to spot it…….and the pros and cons of ‘Gardener’s Delight’ (the only variety I’m growing this year). Also, cucumber seed saving.
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden: Calendula, Gratitude & Quiet.
Oh dear! A three week absence from the garden is not ideal at this time of year. I feel a little overwhelmed and, frankly, despondent……so there’s only one thing for it…..get stuck in to the harvests and the work again and be grateful for what I have! Apologies for the low volume towards the end……it was so quiet in the garden I didn’t want to disturb the peace.
On the Sofa: Bathroom shopping & unboxing new iron.
Eek! It’s a time of spending…..quite a lot! I’ve had to buy a new iron, which I’ll unbox in the video, and I’m starting to think about the work needed in the bathroom….starting with new taps. I have been saving hard for the last few years to cover both emergencies (the iron) and the improvement/remedial works for the flat………so off I go on a tap hunt.
