A simple mantra

Cos love is free and life is cheap

As long as I’ve got me a place to sleep,

Clothes on my back and some food to eat

Well I can’t ask for anything more.

The lyrics from this gorgeous Frank Turner song have been buzzing around in my head for the past couple of days. As I get ever closer to the next stage in my life, I like to keep this positive, simple belief in my mind. Everything will be ok. People move home and get new jobs every single day, there is no valid reason why I should be any different. I just keep plugging away at all the tasks that need completing before the end of the month. It makes sense to be productive, and it makes perfect sense to be frugal throughout this transition period. I’m needing to pay out for travel and various fees so that I can apply for jobs and visit potential homes. This means spending in other areas needs to be tightly controlled. Any money that can be saved is a bonus.

I’ve actually earned money this past week by hamster-sitting for my sister. I made £50 and my sister even bought me this darling gift from the Guinness Factory in Dublin. The retro print is perfect!

It’s the perfect mug for winter time; hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with marshmallows. I don’t know why that sumptuous image is in my head during a time of glorious heat. The weather is beautiful in Winchester today. The sun is high in the sky and a breeze is sweeping through. It makes it a lot easier to type up endless CVs when the weather is so grand. It’s the little things that lift my spirits and remind me what I’m working towards.

My morning oats

In my last post, it was a dinner meal that was being altered to fit the new season. But this time, I’m turning my attention to breakfast. I’ve always been a breakfast type of person, I’m definitely a fan. You know you get people who just aren’t breakfast people? Yeah, that’s not me. Ever since coming to University, my standard breakfast has been porridge, that good ol’ fashioned standby. I would say 80% of my breakfasts are porridge with some sort of fruit (strawberries/bananas/mixed berries). It’s a cheap, filling bowl of goodness – perfect.

But since the weather has taken a turn for the better, standing over the hob stirring hot milk isn’t appealing right now. But neither is paying out extortionate amounts for gluten-free cereal. The solution is simple; make the oats the star of the cereal bowl. Cold porridge doesn’t sound appetizing, but how about bircher muesli, overnight oats or oat cereal instead? Whatever label you want to give it, it tastes good.

Add 4og of oats to 150ml milk (whatever kind of milk you choose) and place in the fridge for a good half hour, to forty minutes. This can be done overnight, but this was just how I prepared mine.

Take out of the fridge, stir through fruit of your choice and serve. I’ve only tried it with strawberries so far (in season and oh so tasty) but I think it would work well with all summer berries.

Cool, refreshing and yet still economical and satisfying. And it tastes even better when you sit outside in the sunshine listening to the birdsong. After all, that’s what summer is all about.

 

Chicken alla Frugal

When I think of stew, I think of beef stew, enriched with red wine and lots of parsnips. Casserole however, conjures up a different dinner, something lighter with more greenery. Am I wrong? Quite possibly, but I had a lone chicken thigh left in the freezer so casserole it was to be.

Into my lovely crockpot went a chopped onion, a parsnip, four carrots and the ends of the asparagus that I bought last week. It’s absolutely delicious steamed, but the bottom part is a bit woody. So I tailed the stalks and threw the ends into the casserole. I ate steamed asparagus yesterday with sausages, and I saved the water leftover. This was the basis of my stock.

The chicken thigh was nestled in the middle and the pot went into the oven at 150 degrees for an hour and a half. Then it was whisked out, the chicken was pulled away from the bones, the flour paste was stirred through and I added some kale to boot.

After a final half an hour in the oven, my casserole was ready. It was truly delicious. Such a simple supper, it made three lunchtime-sized portions. Yes, there is very little meat, but when the vegetables are so fresh and tasty, it doesn’t make much of a difference to me. I’m looking forward to my lunch tomorrow already.

PS The British strawberries I bought in Sainsbury’s this week are perfect. Ripe and sweet and delicious in porridge. Just thought I’d pass on the seasonal food love 🙂

Pretend like there’s no world outside

There’s nothing I like more than a glut of bananas. I arrived home after a visit to the Chap to find four lovely, blemished bananas waiting patiently in my fruit bowl. Their brown spots told me that action was required sooner rather than later. My first thought, naturally, was Happy Dance muffins, but alas, my store cupboard holds no eggs. As I’m still sticking with a slim budget this month, I would have to use what I already had in stock. Cue a rifle through the kitchen cupboards. No eggs, no problem.

I know bananas can be used as an egg substitute in vegan cookery, so I decided if it was good enough for vegans, it would be good enough for me. I did slightly contradict this by adding cows’ milk, but there you go. I also added protein powder because I’ve started running regularly again and my body needs all the protein it can get.

 

Banana Protein Pancakes

(Makes around 15 small pancakes)

1 very ripe banana, mashed

75g Doves gluten free flour

25g pea protein isolate

1/2 tsp Doves gluten free baking powder

200ml organic skimmed milk

 

Mash the banana in a large bowl. Sift in the flour, protein powder and baking powder and combine with the banana. Add milk and whisk with a fork to make a thick batter. Add spoonfulls of the mixture to a hot pancake pan. They are ready to flip when there is no longer any liquid on the surface.

 

I ate them all and it was glorious! I served mine with a little (read: a lot) of honey drizzled on top and a large mug of tea on the side. It was a perfect Sunday lunch for me. Do let me know if you like the recipe or if you give them a go.

 

PS Who knows the song that my title is derived from? It’s not a tricky one 🙂

 

Adaptation

Whenever the inevitable time comes that you have to leave a job, house, or anything that you’ve spent a long time with, you have to commemorate the occasion with some form of party. The thing with leaving University is that one celebration is not enough.

I’ve been invited out to so many events over the next fortnight, it’s almost like a Fresher’s week. Bar visits and coffee catch ups and parties and get-togethers; all in the next two weeks. The thing is, I don’t want to miss a second of it. I’ve made such strong friendships over the past three years at University that I want to take every opportunity for the last laughs and posing for photos. But, as previously mentioned, I have money earmarked for the next stage in my life.

This is where I think being frugal meets its dividing force. There are some who reject social occasions in order to save money. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, in fact, I think it shows amazing dedication. But on a personal level, seeing people and doing things are what I cut down in other areas for. I would rather eat lentils for a month than miss out on the end of term party.

However, there are things I can do to still save money, even when I’m socialising. First thing, drinks. Alcohol costs money, one of the sad facts of life. But I genuinely can take it or leave it. And I have discovered lime and soda! Especially at this time of year, a cool glass of lime and soda is a real treat on a hot day. I delightfully discovered this week that they only charge 10p a glass at my SU! I couldn’t believe it! Secondly, food. Most students are in the same boat in that they can’t afford to eat out in proper establishments. So taking your own lunch or snacks isn’t out of the ordinary in this group. Thirdly, entry fees. Well, there might be a few ticket prices I have to shell out for, but I will be attending several free events being held at the Uni, including several plays. I’ll get a night out with my friends for free – no travel costs (walking), no refreshment costs (take my own) and no charge for entry (as part of their exam, the drama group offers a free performance).

Cutting back doesn’t mean cutting out important aspects of your life. Balance and priorities, those are the biggest lessons I’ve learnt during my University life.

A new frugal challenge

Oh boy, I’m excited about this one! It feels great to have a distinct purpose, a tangible goal to work towards. This is much preferable to my previous state of anxiety about the future.

Leaving University will be cutting the final string. My balloon will float away and it terrified me that I had no control over its path. But then I spoke to some friends. And then I cried my heart out to my family. And then I had a little chat with myself. I now have something to aim at, the anchor I’ve been looking for.

I have applied for my dream job. I hesitate to expand on the details, in case it all falls through. But this job would help all other areas in my life slot into place. It would be close to The Chap, which would allow us to spend more time in each other’s company. I could start looking for a suitable apartment to set up home. This is the career that would make me happy, which is what everyone keeps telling me to do.

But, if I do get this job, it will incur unavoidable expenses. Not just big things like rent deposits and furniture, but commuting costs from Winchester before I am able to move closer. Yes, I will be earning, but there will be a void between starting work and my first pay day. The bottom line is simple; I’m going to need money, for this year, and beyond. There is talk of more travelling and a whisper about Asia. For me, this is worth being thrifty for.

So, for the month of May, hopefully my last month in limbo, I will be spending as little as possible. No extras or treats, just the basics for healthy living. I learnt my lesson on my last attempt at a budget lifestyle that cutting fresh fruit and vegetables is not an option. They are essential. But I can purchase cheaper options, such as frozen berries and loose carrots. I want all my meals to be as healthy and as cost efficient as today’s lunch.

Salad sandwich; two slices of GF bread (reduced bargain!), spread with red pepper houmous (currently on offer for £1), carrots, cucumber and spinach.

            Since the start of the challenge, I have spent only £9.60 on food. I was lucky enough to come back with a few supplies from Glastonbury, so the stocks are good at the moment. You can bet I’ll be stretching every last penny because I’ve got a major incentive for doing so. My future happiness depends on budgeting successfully, and I don’t believe that’s an over exaggeration.

Big mouth

I must admit, recently I’ve fallen out of love with blogging. I felt like I had nothing new to contribute to The Domestic Storyteller. My writing confidence was ebbing away. My ideas for articles seemed insignificant. My poor camera has been on its last legs and my heart wasn’t in posts with no pictures.

But alas, there is a new dawn on the horizon, a new age approaching with a newcomer. Thanks to the marvellous Mr Argos, I am now the proud owner of this stunning camera. It’s the fanciest electrical item I’ve ever been lucky enough to own. I’m not one for the latest phone or other such gadgets, but not having a fully functional camera was like losing a limb. I would normally take so many photos, both for blog purposes and otherwise. I consider photos to be a real treasure, either kept electronically on a laptop, or printed out in a physical copy. It’s a joy to be able to indulge my passion for photography once more. I hope to show you the products of my new camera, as soon as the cable arrives to connect it with the laptop.

With my trusty sidekick, I feel more secure in posting to my blog. I find myself conjuring ideas about the various topics previously discussed, and some shiny new ones thrown in to boot. I’m entering such a transitional stage in my life that I would really like to record it in order to reminisce in the future. I want to get back into regular posting because ultimately, I’ve still got so much more to say.

And so we keep on writing

I have attended my last formal class at University. In truth, it was a tad disappointing. My lecturer was forced to cover another class, so we were permitted to leave after only half an hour. A shame, but I did spend the next couple of hours chatting with dear friends.

Although classes have finished, my University experience isn’t over yet. I have two assignments to be submitted after the Easter break. This period after Easter will also be filled with lots of social events. Graduation takes place in October, so it will be autumn by the time I close this particular chapter.

But, until then, I have plenty to be getting on with. Now we are on holidays, I can increase the intensity of my job search. I need to have the guarantee of secure employment before I can commit to a new home. I can admit, I’m very much looking forward to living by myself for awhile. As much as I adore my housemates, the thought of having an entire kitchen to myself can only be compared to paradise. I cannot comment on long term plans, as there are too many ifs and buts to contend with. As it stands currently, I’m seeking a suitable job and flat to allow me to remain close to the chap. Yes, moving to the parental home is the most lucrative option, financially. But I know in my heart of hearts that such living arrangements would make me miserable.

So I’m taking the difficult route, but this path isn’t foreign to me. I know I can take all of the knowledge I’ve gathered at University, academic and domestic, and employ it correctly during the next stage. The margins and budget might be smaller, but hopefully, my happiness should be greater. I plan on making the next chapter just as successful as its predecessor.

Cheap and cheerful

The end of my time at University is creeping ever closer, but I’m not fretful. As much as I’ve enjoyed myself throughout these past three years, I know it’s time to move on to the next stage. The job hunt has begun in earnest and I’ve started browsing online for affordable flats. Those are my most important objectives for this summer; income and shelter. I’m trying to remain within budget for the remaining months I have left in Winchester, as it would stand me in good stead to have money in the pot when I move on. I have saved over the years, so money for deposits and preliminary rents is not a primary concern. But I know I will need cash to furnish my new place, buy suitable uniform for my new job and possible travel expenses too.

In order to keep adding to this saving fund, I’m trying to make my money last as long as possible. The food shop is controlled, but not so much that I’m missing out on vital nutrients. I have cut down on other areas of my life as I see fit. I’ve been relying on the library rather than buying (albeit second hand) books. I try to only buy one magazine a month, not four! And I’ve taken a long hard look at my cosmetics box.

I’m not one for make-up. I probably don’t spend more than £5 a year on the stuff. But I do like my hair products. I could spend a fiver on a bottle of shampoo quite readily. I decided this would be a good area to reassess, so I spent a grand total of 49p on this beauty.

I went for the baby shampoo, as I thought it would be more sensitive for my hair. I have long, thick hair so I was interested to see how this Basics bottle would hold up to my normal brands. I have been genuinely impressed. My hair is just as shiny as previously, and stays looking fresh until my next shower. You do have to use more of the product than I would normally, but for the price, it’s no hardship. I was comfortable using the Basics baby shampoo because of its against animal testing logo. It was clear that care had been taken with this product, and I appreciated that. It’s made me think about what other branded cosmetics I use, and whether I truly need to replace them when the supplies run out.

 

What value range beauty supplies do you use? Any tips for a recent convert?

The wanderer returneth

I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see the WordPress “New Post” interface on my computer screen. It feels like it’s been too long, which of course it has. I handed in my completed dissertation on time and to the best of my ability. I shall bear that in mind when I finally receive the mark back – I know that I tried my best. Since then, my attention has been occupied with other assignments, as well as various social outings to celebrate such a momentous stage of my University life. That life will soon be over, but I’m determined to fully enjoy my last few months as a student.

This was just a quick post to announce my return to the blogging world. I shall now proceed to browse around various blogs and catch up on all that I have missed. I may not be able to leave comments on every single post, but I will be reading through the archives to familiarise myself with my favourite sites.

Hopefully, I shall return to more frequents posting as soon as possible. It feels good to be back in the saddle.