Hello Dear Reader,
Now all that Christmas shizzle is out of the way, I can get on with the part of the year that I really enjoy. I love a resolution, or a target or an aim! I like each year to be better than the one before. It doesn’t just happen, I have to make it happen!
I’ve a different resolution to think of everyday for the last five days of the year. This has been a great year and next year can only be better again. Here’s the first resolution.
1. Fix broken stuff!
Simple isn’t it? I’m going to look around and mend the things that need mending. The heavy rain and water sodden ground has dislodged stones in the raised bed in my garden. I need to fix that. I have hems that have come down on clothes and even if I’m going to take them to the charity shop; I need to fix them. I have teeth that need work so I’m going to save up and get them fixed even if I have to go to the medical school and have the trainee dentists practise on me. My garden was a mess last year, it’s still a mess and the only way for it to stop being a mess and become beautiful is if I fix it. Let’s face it, Monty Don is not going to come round and sort out my herbaceous border so I might as well get on with it!
Now none of this might sound very exciting but it will make a positive difference to my life. I have habits which slow me down and stop me from getting on with the things I actually like doing. I need to fix that too.
This is going to be a year of mortgage over paying so there’s no money for anything new so fixing the stuff I already have will lengthen its life and make sure I have ‘enough’ of what I need. There’s nothing complicated about living with less money, you just have to buy less, make do with less and look after what you have.
Over to you, who else has a whole pile of ‘stuff’ that needs fixing and needs to make that one of their resolutions for next year?
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxxx
5 - 4- 3 - 2- 1!! Prepare for frugal 2013
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Your post is very apt, I have just posted about getting my todo list written for next year. I am hoping to get lots of things fixed too and expand on making savings that we started this year.
I just need the family to fall in line with my way of thinking and I should be able to accomplish this.
As they say onwards and upwards!
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We have three coats that need mending in this house! You have prompted me to get on with it! And yes, the garden is a tip! I have ordered some vegetable seeds today!
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well, I think that's a brilliant idea! I'm with you on that one. Clothes that need a little doing to, zip or two to replace, jeans that need patching - and it's on-trend, curtains to re-jig, and a couple of windows and shutters that should have been painted last year - definitely the first in line when the weather improves.
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DH retires this year and there is sooo much stuff around the house that needs fixing that I can't do alone. He hasn't had time to do any of it while working and we didn't want to pay anyone else knowing we'd be time rich and money poor when he retires. But I can't wait to get it sorted - lucky we both enjoy that sort of thing
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I definately have lots to fix this year- most definately on the top of my resolution pile!
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Righto, I'll go for this one. There's a lot of mending or altering in the sewing department which I shall definitely have to 'fix' this year.
Love from Mum
xx
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I think your resolution is positively brilliant-you will truly derive the most pleasure from the least effort with this one. Wish I'd thought of it-but I am quite willing to steal the idea from you! If you don't mind, “fix-it” is going to be my theme for 2013, too.
My whole house needs painting inside, but especially the woodwork. It is going to happen this year. Lots of other little stuff needs doing, too.
Something I did a few months ago: I went from room to room and made a list of everything that needs doing. So, as they say in baseball, I'm halfway to first base already. Now I just have to make it to home!
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My birthday is at New Year so it always seems like even more of a time for new beginnings!
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For all crafty readers probably the perpetual one is - to finish some UFOs before starting new ones!! I will add to this - keep your fingers busy with crafting so that you cannot eat anything whilst you are doing it - double bubble that way!! Happy New Year to all. X
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Hi Froogs - I came to your blog for inspiration this evening and yet again you have supplied it. I have been following you for quite some time now, and promising myself I too will become debt free. I have cut back on all my out-goings, given up shopping except for food (and still spend too much on that) - I have repaired a pair of jeans until there are more patches than original fabric, made myself an outfit for a wedding, crafted my Christmas pressies etc. However I have buried my head in the sand as far as my leaky roof was concerned. I made a bit of an effort to get a re-mortgage, and was turned down but offered a loan I couldn't afford, while still paying off two other loans. Well, on Christmas day part of the ceiling in my daughters room collapsed. No longer can I brush this issue aside - My first 2013 resolution is “fix broken stuff - starting with the roof!” I am awaiting a new quote, but have booked the builder, and I do not intend to borrow the money - I will bloody well find/earn every penny, then I intend to move on to my two loans, and once they are all clear, the mortgage will be getting over payments.
So - Thank you for your wonderful inspiration. Just knowing you have managed all these things, I know I can do it too! Have a wonderful New year. (I am off to try and finish knitting hubbys Birthday jumper for the 31st December!)
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I need to have my sewing machine fixed so I can start crafting
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Hello Froogs
For me it’s to continue up scaling the house with what I have on hand
This means moving the furniture around so I get maximum use out of it. Buying scripted meds on line for the animals will save just over half by doing that and like you mend clothing patch jeans and invest (as promised myself and funds set aside for it) A good pair of walking boots.
Sell stuff on line and begin making gifts for people much much earlier this year.
Finally truly once and for all sorting out my craft and fabric bits along with my wool stash!
I don’t know if you saw on line or in a newspaper the avaricious insanity in that people were displaying in Selfridges at the perfume counter on Boxing Day? It was to me sickening. http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/fashion-news/video/boxing-day-sales-off-to-early-start-2012122616549.
I will be looking for alternative ways to wrap presents and to make gift boxes, bags and bows and making cards.
Switching the printer to draft quality for everyday printing. Like you frogs it’s necessary for me to do this but at the same time I’m up for the challenge.
This Christmas i kept things so very very simple and I realised even though by others standards my was low key by toning it down again made for a truly peaceful and want free time. loved it!
Bring on 2013 in ready!
All the best
Rachel
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Another great post, Froogs. I hope that 2013 will be the year of savings and low spending here. I did have to invest in some household furnishings-second hand of course, some repairs-quite costly reupholstering but well worth it and it was saved for, required new tires for the car as well as general car maintenance this past year as I started over as a single Mom. We're in good shape, now, and while I do have a wants list, I can not find what I want (in this case a living room rug) that is in my price point so we do without for the moment. I begin Jan with a very full cupboard, pantry and freezer. Beyond milk, a bit of produce, I envision very little expenditure. Whatever is not spent will be added to my ever growing downpayment fund for my future home.
I asked for and received a rotary cutter, measuring board, and cutting board for Christms this year. I hope to follow your lead and come up with some very inexpensive and hopefully cherished, homemade quilts. I also need to finish curtains and window coverings for this house of many windows, but I am using what I have (in this cases many double bed sized white sheets, old mattress pads). I have refashioned existing curtains to work with windows here as well. I also have supplies to make Christmas stockings for the children for next Christmas.
I am seeing what my energy costs are in this new home, and adjusting my budget accordingly. I am pleased that I have added to my home account every month, and quite a sum at that.
Additional goals include scheduling a physical with a new physician (mine retired), scheduling my woman care exam and mamo.
I also have some projects: sanding and painting an old, metal table to use as a picnic table on the deck; repainting a decean's bench that is used at the breakfast table, stripping old, dirty wax off of the kitchen floor (whomever waxed the floor before me used dirty water)-have to wait until I can do this with proper ventillation. So, I aim to make this house more comfortable as a home for us, using resources available and doing so as cheaply as possible.
I also aim to cull thru my and the kids' closet and dresser drawers and donate excess to charity or cut it down to use in one of the aforementioned quilts.
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We are renovating our lovely old relic(a victorian house)so most things have to be repaired as the previous owners did very little in the way of maintenance.Some of the jobs we have already tackled and will continue to do so ie decorated the bedrooms(six) fitted a kitchen,created a garden to grow,now we need to sort out the kids area.This year we need to repair the roof and replace the guttering we have not.Another greenhouse will hopefully ensure more garden produce.
I am going to try hand at curtain and blind making as they are so expensive for our windows.I will be trawling through sites for ideas as this last bit is new to me wish me luck.I love how Froogs brings so many like minded people together and each week i learn something new.
Love Leebee
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Very apt as usual Froogs, thanks to your many 'water saving' posts, I am starting a bit early as we have a burst water main outside which means that we have low water pressure that can just about fill the kettle. Can't even put the washing machine on. However, we can manage with flannel washes, a small glass of water each for cleaning teeth, and we have rain water butts in the garden for flushing the loo. We did know about all of this water saving from one of the big droughts years ago (1976?) but you kindly reminded me through your posts this year. I will have the luxury of going round to my Mum's for a shower between now and New Year, but for the rest of the time, we will manage.
By the way, fortunately it is United Utilities bit that is broken, so we won't have a bill. Can I ask if the lady whose ceiling has come in due to the broken roof has home insurance? It may be worth checking if it is covered?
Happy New Frugal Year
Janet
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I am already planning next years 'must do's' though I have a few this years to finish. I am trying to pad out my bank account for emergencies so more E baying in my future. I am mostly sorted for January for food so that means a chunk of cash to add to the pot, although I may try to get a little ahead on February. I also wan to tackle a patchwork quilt (machine sewn) for my Grandson and have rescued an old fleece blanket for the wadding and a very good but worn cotton sheet for the backing I am all ready. Just need my son to decide his blue check work shirt is past its best as I need a bit more fabric. Fab post Froogs xx
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I would like to do a seed swap or seedling swap or both even. this could be something frugal. I may even try a car boot with seedlings… I have never tried that before.
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I'm right with you on this one! I have a pile of Unfinished Projects hiding around the house. And there are also the invisible jobs to do. These are the ones that need doing but because I pass them everyday my brain doesn't see them anymore.
I'm making a list!
Linda xx
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My daughters bedroom desperately needs replastering. I have given myself three months to save up for it - that's three super frugal months ahead of me!
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I need to use the paint I've had lurking around and get the bathroom painted.
The spare room needs decorating or at least painting and the curtains need hanging properly.
I also need to take the stuff to the charity shop instead of kidding myself I'll use it.
Everywhere seems more shabby than chic at the moment so I will spend the next few days sorting stuff out.
I have made quite a good start on the garden and stacked all the logs in a dry place but there is still alot to do.
Good luck to you all.
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I need to use the paint I've had lurking around and get the bathroom painted.
The spare room needs decorating or at least painting and the curtains need hanging properly.
I also need to take the stuff to the charity shop instead of kidding myself I'll use it.
Everywhere seems more shabby than chic at the moment so I will spend the next few days sorting stuff out.
I have made quite a good start on the garden and stacked all the logs in a dry place but there is still alot to do.
Good luck to you all.
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Outside of house:The garden fence needs repairing, the path is crazy paving which also needs repairing thanks to heavy rain.Will have to buy some sand and cement. Windows need repairing, i refuse to buy double glazing-I know it is energy saving but i like my windows, so have bought necessary wood repair kit. I have wood stain.
I am going to try some square foot gardening, and am sourcing pallets, and little orange boxes-if i had a wood burning stove they would be on that..lol, but instead they will be knocked out and shell used for mini raised beds. Wood is then going to be used towards repairing of fence.
In house-decorating: I have some free rolls of wallpaper so am going to decorate my daughters bedroom. Repaint bathroom (have paint left over and also touch up kitchen) Doors and stairs are going to be repainted.
General: I quite fancy having a go at shoe repairs and heeling. I have some shoes that have the heels worn down-so sorting those out via ebay.
Repairing clothes/hems, and having a go at making some of my own clothes especially tops for the summer.
I think that will do for starters. 🙂
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Inspired by you yet again froogs. I have a pile of mending to do at the weekend. I am having a massive crafting material sort out. I have set myself a goal of making all cards and gifts for birthdays etc with fabrics etc I already have. I have fabric to make at least three summer dresses. I hate clothes shopping. I am banning myself from buying magazines for patchwork etc. I am determined to pay off at least a quarter of a loan in the next year if not more. I am going to walk and cycle more, my health allowing. I have lots of things to mend or revamp to make our home more cozy. You have inspired me so much froogs.
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Inspired by you yet again froogs. I have a pile of mending to do at the weekend. I am having a massive crafting material sort out. I have set myself a goal of making all cards and gifts for birthdays etc with fabrics etc I already have. I have fabric to make at least three summer dresses. I hate clothes shopping. I am banning myself from buying magazines for patchwork etc. I am determined to pay off at least a quarter of a loan in the next year if not more. I am going to walk and cycle more, my health allowing. I have lots of things to mend or revamp to make our home more cozy. You have inspired me so much froogs.
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Love your blog, debt free for us is five years away, but not bad! We were smart in 2003 when we downsized despite having two almost on their own sons still at home. But the small space was also a small mortgage, under a $100,000, so we've been frugal and efficient to get to being debt free in 2018. Do visit my blog as I talk about being frugal in quilting, sewing and home decor.
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lots of resolutions from you, I told my daughters that I was going to conquer the Kenwood food mixer that has been in the cupboard since 1995, sent it back once to Kenwood who returned it saying there was nothing wrong but I cannot get it to turn on, roll on jan 1st maybe just maybe I will have it working, if not maybe take it to a charity shop and let someone else get the use out of it.
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The first thing Im going to fix is ME….had so much on my plate this past year, had to be everyones net with no net under me or hand to hold, and Ive sort of lost me somewhere along the way…. and cos of my job situation money has been almost non existent, but I tick along and ticking is much better then tocking lol…… Ive always made meals for my sons from scratch and crafted things, I knit and sew and bake and keep chickens and I live a very frugal and simle life, I love my allotment and this year coming year after an horrendous weather wise year in 2012, my aim is to grow as much home veg as possible…. there is much other fixing I need to put my mind and hands to around here to….. but if I fix the pin (me) first, then the cogs will follow…..
By August I should be mortgage free 🙂 WOOOO HOOOO and having raised 4 sons completely, emotionally and financially on my own for 13 years, no one will realise what a great accomplishment that is for me… no family around just me and my 4 sons….. ok, so my house is not posh and NEXTed out like many of the people I know, but it will be mine and its filled with love and laughter and nothing out of the next catalogue LOL….
so dear Froogs, Ive loved your blog and attitude and strength from the first day I found you…… even though different circumstance we find ourselves in…… me having no spare money and even though being frugal is in my blood it is also a case of having no choice unless I wish to 'go under'… your blog has inspired me daily to keep at it…. keep at it…..
Happy new year Froogs….. and I thank you for being you…… x
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Great idea for January! No expense involved really as we ususally have the tools to fix things, but hardly use them. I do procrastinate about odd jobs, but yes this can be the month to get them niggly things out of the way!
I have picked up an embroidery project this week, that has not been touched for about a year, so that can be the first craft project to clear too. Then I think I am going to set myself a challenge to make my daughter's prom dress, instead of buying one. So hopefully (fingers crossed) she will also get just what she wants as she cannot find exactly what she has in mind.
Hope you have a great New Year and to all your followers too!
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Our main to do thing is re-vamp the fruit cage. It was new up last year and is in itself fine. However, all the rain this year (and currently) has shown that the plants in the cage are continually drowning. So we need to remove the wood chipping, decide whether to dig up each plant (or work around it),add gravel to the soil to help it drain better, then replant etc. Put paving slabs under the compost bins to stop rats getting in. First time this year and we think we have killed it but not taking any more chances.
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Thanks for the inspiration, Froogs! I need to process the leftovers from Christmas and pop them into the freezer. We are getting quite tired of eating the same thing…even the sweets! I do not want any of this food to go to waste!
Along that line I desperately need to purge through my fridge/freezer, upright freezer, kitchen pantry and basement pantry. I know there are some food items in there that are getting VERY old. I want to spend 2013 using up what I have while restocking during sales.
I have two pillows to make for family members. After that I will begin work on another quilt or two. I am also going to cull through our clothing to determine what can be mended, what should be tossed and what should be cut down for sewing/quilting material.
My goal for 2013 is to make the most use of my time, as I am able. My health keeps me from doing much on most days…but when I have a good day I really want to get done as much as I can, making things to sell on Etsy, purging through our home to list as many of our “not needed” items on Craigslist as is possible. I really need to pad the emergency fund and pay off as much as I can, as quickly as I can! I also want to try to get most, if not all, of the things I need for my sewing/quilting and work around the house from Freecycle. My goal in a nutshell…do as much as I can around the house for no cost, and bring in money selling the things we don't need. You have inspired me to look at that mountain of debt…square in the eye…and determine that I WILL take back control of my life. I WILL BE DEBT FREE!
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Our main goal this year is to write in our journals. And to stop spending and to stay away from the shops as much as I can. And stick to just a me and mum saturday!!!!Also to sort out that hell hole that is a craft room. If anyone wants some Holla and I will post it out to you!
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I'm going to sell stuff online…and get over my eating disorder!! I spend over $500 a month on eating disorder treatment even with health insurance. I've spent over $10,000. Just 6 more months in recovery! I can't wait.
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My resolution this year is “Spend Less—Do More”…..My children and I have a goal that we will be on a money diet yet still do lots of fun stuff! We are hoping to pay down some serious debt but not to be sad or stifled by the process..
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What a great goal. I'm not good at resolutions, I make them, but find it had to complete them. Fixing everything broken sounds great!
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Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return. Plots for sale in Hyderabad
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wow thank you for this, i will be reading and taking notes, im planning a frugal 2013 so your fab blog will give me the inspration i need, cant wait to see what you have to bring in 2013
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Alison we would love some please as were planning on making all our gifts in 2013 so any little helps, ill gladly pay of course 🙂 happy new year
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Hi Froogs,
I hope you had a Merry Christmas. I have been having a think about resolutions too. I have made myself about 4/5 so far I think.
One of the 5 is to find me again but I think I may change this to the fix me things. I found the last few years since the kids have come along I have somewhat lost myself and need to get back to being me and enjoying things I like to do. My boyfriend is very much an unsociable person and we barely do much together so I want to get the kids out and enjoying things again , plus quality time with them when they are young is never a bad thing.
One of my other plans is to get myself debt free this year(I am only ever so slightly in debt still - I missed the mark by £210 but to us that is a lot) so this year I will accomplish it. Then I want to try and find a way to get some savings together for us as I presently have nothing to my name to fall back on incase the SHTF.
This will also help with resolution number 3 which is to get myself a few dress sizes smaller!
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Being everyone's net, I can totally relate to that! It's been like that for me too, for different reasons but still, I'm suffering burn-out. I have a few plans to take care of “me” this year as well. Good luck with that goal for yourself, MarmiteToasty!
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I need to start with my loveseat. I dragged it in from next to the dumpster when two college students dropped it off. The one side was weak but nothing I thought I couldn't deal with. I kept putting it off, then Sunday night (two days before Christmas mind you) I forgot to mention to a guest not to put too much pressure on that one side, and sure enough the arm/leg combo broke off in the front so that now I have books propping it up. I hadn't gotten to it as I keep changing my mind on the fabric I wanted to reupholster it with. Guess now I have to make a decision.
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yeah I feel a bit worn out …… lets make a deal…. lets both take care of ourselves for a bit and see what happens….. Im sure those whose nets we provide will actually survive on the end of a line for a while whilst we recharge 🙂 x
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I LUFF fixing broken things. You are going to be my inspiration for 2013 xx
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