Hello Dear Reader,
Today’s post can be found HERE. If you like what you read when you get there, can you ‘share’ the page by linking it to Facebook, or by Tweeting or Google +. You do this by hitting the respective button at the top of the article.
I’m amazed and incredibly grateful to everyone who reads. I started this blog when we were in financial difficulty and had to dig our way out of debt. I used the blog to record the days and weeks where we went without, made extra money and paid off every penny and then paid down our mortgage sufficiently that we’d accrued enough capital that we could move, downsize and live comfortably.
Now we live that life, I want to share money saving ideas and especially my love of frugal food. I really believe that we can eat well, healthily, menu plan and shop carefully and not live on lentils. I’ve had the opportunity to take Frugal Queen out on the road and hold workshops, to the radio and take part in phone in and now to the Money section of the Daily Mirror online to share thrifty tips. My tips today have been about eating really luxuriously on Valentine’s day for less than the cost of a fish and chip take away for one!
I’m still here, I’m still careful with money, I still save more than I spend, I’m still menu planning, buying second hand and I’m not going to give up. I lose and gain readers along the way as some don’t like the new successful me who’s using every opportunity to increase my income and further pay down my mortgage and further increase our pensions. I gain new ones, especially via Twitter and other social platforms. However you got here, or why ever you read thanks. You encourage me to put finger tips to the keyboard and as ever, the saving money, earning extra money and thrifty living continues.
I hope you like the article in The Mirror, share it if you do and it’s always great to get your comments.
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxx
Good for you.
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Keep on blogging, Froogs. You are an inspiration. It's great that you are now reaching a wider readership.
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You've inspired me froogs, we have just 11 mths left to be morgage free ! I've made many of your recipes, not had new clothiers just made do. We can see a light at end of tunnel
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Excellent. I've been reading for a long time but only recently got to grips with the commenting. I've found your journey inspirational and I am glad you are able to get this platform to benefit a wider audience. CP
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Great recipes the last two days, I shall be cooking both menus. Thank you.
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Brilliant article Froogs, I have shared on Facebook.
Have a fabulous Valentines Evening with your DB xx
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I still hope we are going to see a book one day. I rarely miss your blog each day. I am so happy that you are writing in other places beside the blog. Your message is important for all of us to hear.
Thanks kiddo,
Tana
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Great job! I'm pleased as punch for you. Why wouldn't you take these opportunities to add to your coffers and goals? You're going to be cooking dinner anyway! And for those who tisk at getting free food or products for review on your blog, would they really do any differently? And if so, would that be the smart, frugal thing to do? You are always clear to say what you really think… not providing insincere advertising. For example, stores will give you vouchers in exchange for your opinions, but you also point out you buy your meats at a local butcher shop AND you list the cost savings.
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You have had the strength and determination to change your lifestyle , to go without, to mend and make do and save hard.
You deserve any extra income you can earn. Well done Froogs x
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Hello there, thank you so much for following my blog. I'm in the middle of reading yours from the beginning, although I've known it for a few years. Who could begrudge you the fact that you've been successful in putting your money situation in order ? After all, you didn't start on your frugal road to fail but to achieve something and as ever, you are a model to follow. I hope I'll be half as successful as you've been though I came to my senses much later in life than you did ! x
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I was in exactly the same situation as you Froogs, up to my neck in debt and needing to clear it quickly. Your blog and your very helpful emails and advice kept me going through 3 years of scrimping and saving to clear all our debt. When I was despairing and sick of the whole thing, you never hesitated to respond to my emails. You and I both became debt free at around the same time and I honestly couldn't have done it without you. Like you, we're still living frugally and watching the pennies but thank goodness we have a bit more to spend on food, warmth and clothing these days. I don't have a problem with you making some money out of what you've learnt over the years, or enjoying a bit more comfort now that you are free of debt. Why not? You give more than enough free advice and help to people in need of it. When I look at the photos on your blog, I wonder how much time and effort it must take to photograph every stage of your food preparation and cooking and I can't imagine telling my family to wait to eat their food until photos have been taken!! Same with you sharing your days out and crafting etc. Your success and achievement should be an inspiration to those trying to become debt free or live a more frugal life. Keep up the great work xx
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I read every one of your posts but rarely comment, but just wanted to say well done - you deserve every success xx
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You are an inspiration Froogs - love your blog 🙂
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You are so inspirational! I really look forward to my 'daily fix' of common sense! My life has changed dramatically in the last year and I have used your blog as guidance on many occasions, dipping into your recipes and following your up cycling ideas. Keep up the good work Froogs! Xx
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Froogs - I love the sound of the mushroom starter - I cannot see how much butter is required though?
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Just enough to fry the mushrooms . I hope that makes sense
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Brilliant - thank you!
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I am very pleased for your success. its great to see the change over the years.
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I have read your blog for a while now and it has always been interesting and useful. Thanks for all your hard work and inspiration. You deserve any rewards that are coming your way.
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I have read your blog for quite a while now and I have always found it interesting and useful. It is great to know that other people enjoy being frugal and it is a great way to ride the wave of the economic downturn. I t has taught me to be resourceful and creative. Thanks for your inspiration and enjoy the rewards that come your way because you deserve it.
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I for one don't begrudge you doing everything you can possibly do to earn money to carry on with your fantastic savings and mortgage reducing, but I don't read quite as often now, with the adverts on your blog it takes an age to load up, even with our faster than before connection, and once loaded moving between pages to read older posts takes forever and the whole thing is jittery if you know what I mean. So I can only call by if I have lots of patience and enough time to read.
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I am delighted for you Jane. Well deserved. I look forward every day to catching up with you and your inspirational posts. I particularly like the costing of your meals which are very inspiring. You have achieved so much and you deserve every success that comes your way. You are generous with your time to help others who are in need. Ones past gives one great empathy for others, I was reared very poorly with a single mam who was not brilliant with money unlike you Froogs. Terrible housing and no family support. A lot of lessons were learnt along the way and I will never forget how tough it was for us. I don't have to worry too much about money now but I feel for those who have very little. Your posts in the Mirror are excellent. All the best to you and before you know it you will have your mortgage well and truly paid. Recently after a fall I was off my feet for about 10 days and I read every single post you have written. Thoroughly enjoyable. God bless you Jane
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