Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not stressed by the thought of what to cook - helped in part by so many of you proferring some great suggestions; soups, rice dishes and anything egg based - but mainly because my money making idea this week takes the shape of a 9 month old doberman puppy who is staying with us whilst her owner is on holiday.
She is an absolute joy, but I had forgotten how exhausting puppies are, let alone one who's the size of a small horse. With four walks a day and both her and Toby wanting to play with me, but reluctant to play with each other, plus the fact that I have a social enterprise to run, it really is proving to be a shattering week. Still, despite this being the hardest money I've ever earned, I'd say she feels right at home wouldn't you?
And so back to the budget...
Nothing more has been spent since I last updated you, though recent circumstances may see this frugal February extending into miserly March. In truth, I'm not sure whether that would be a good or a bad thing. The budget is tight, but it's fun hunting down bargains, blagging freebies and cooking up crazy concoctions in the kitchen. There's also quite a good community of super scrimpers out there, all of whom are willing to share their frugal tips and indulge information regarding the places to find the best bargains.
Having an extra dog this week has led me to search for more doggy related #frugalfeb tips; as what is the point in having a best friend if you can't spoil them now and then? I've learnt that if you ask nicely, your local butcher will provide you with a shank or two that he would otherwise have no use for. And so my kitchen concoctions became doggy friendly as I slow cooked them - To stop them becoming brittle - stripped them and offered them in place of 'paid through the nose for' shop bought treats with limited nutritional value.
Needless to say I am currently their best friend as well!
Finally, just because I'm being frugal doesn't mean I can forget about our feathered friends. I added the fat that came off the shanks to a bag of birdseed, melted it all together, placed into containers then chilled and now I have some tasty treats for the birds who are really struggling to find food during this cold weather.
Not a scrap wasted and everyone is happy. Job done.
mwah x
