Thursday, 4 February 2016

Feather your Nest Friday, 5th February, 2016.

This week has flown by! On Sunday I didn't sit and write in my goals for the week and things I normally do. I should have as I felt like I went fast all week and in every direction! I felt less organised. So this is a reminder to me that my hour of planning the week is a big help.

Anyway I still go things done it just felt a bit more chaotic!

Thank you to everyone for Wednesday's photos and emails and also for all the replies to requests for patterns and methods. This is a help to everyone and very inspiring!

Some of the ways I saved money this week...

I made Bubble Bath for gifts and for myself. Mimi reminded me about it as I haven't made it in a while and she decorated lovely bottles to make Hollywood Bubble Bath.


It is beautiful and luxurious. Normally I use crystal decanters from op shops but they are all full of something! So these are the 50c bottles I got last week.

I did more painting and now the inside of the house is starting to show it. The hallway looks good, bright and fresh. 

Mum gave me a Woolies gift card! I am using this to stock up.

I also made lovely gentle Wool Mix that I really like. I had none left and went to wash a winter cardigan. So I decided to make up a heap and will give some as gifts. This makes woollens smell beautiful and very soft. Soon it will be autumn so before then I will wash lots of woollens ready. 
I have yet to decorate these jars, so far I just painted the lids white as they were all re used ..


I will get them decorated over the weekend so some are gift worth with instructions for use and a scoop or spoon to tie on. Inside they are set to a soft soap.


You use a small spoonful which you dissolve with hot water in a jug. Then pour that into your bucket, tub to wash or you can pour it into your washing machine and use a gentle cycle (I would for blankets etc but I would hand wash jumpers etc)

This is the recipe, I double it and use about the whole box of flakes...

Place 4 cups of Lux soap flakes or grated yellow soap into a big bowl. 
Add four cups boiling water and blend. I use stick blender.
When smooth add 1 cup methylated spirits
And 2 tablespoons eucalyptus oil.
Blend a bit more. 
Pour into jars.

It sets overnight into a soap white soap. 

Thats it! It is really good.


Mum was getting rid of some old jewellery and I salvaged thesis to make something...


I just realised the bracelets would be great around the tops of jars!

Some ways I got ahead....

I added coffee and a few other things to our holiday basket. I add things on special for a couple of months before we go away. This saves a fortune on holidays!

Two birthday gifts are ready for birthdays later in the month.


Things that built up our home:

I painted our coffee table. It looks dingy to me so now it's freshly painted. Now it looks fresh and lovely!

I also painted a tiered wire stand I use to keep coffee and tea etc on plus a tray I use for the kettle. Both look much nicer!



This week Aldi opened in Adelaide! I have never shopped in an Aldi but am so excited. Several friends tell me how much they save shopping there. Helen reduced her grocery bill by half changing to Aldi.  I did not go to the opening as I really dislike crowds but I have a wonderful introduction and chance to learn how to most benefit from it coming up. Cath from The Cheapskates Club is conducting and introduction evening at Hallett Cove Aldi and we will have the whole store to ourselves! it will be shut to everyone but us! We get tastings and a tour, can buy what we want and all kinds of insider tips. This is next Friday evening. If you are in South Australia and would like to come this is the link.
I will be learning as much as I can! I am pretty excited!
If you are an Aldi shopped please tell me what you like best and any tips at all.

During the week we had heaps of rain. Andy cleaning the gutters was a very good thing as many people had flooding. But it has done wonders for the garden.

How did you build up your home or save money this week? I hope February started well for you.

Have a lovely weekend! xxx




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64 comments:

  1. Unknown4 February 2016 at 20:06

    Hello Annabel, it has been a quiet week again for me but I managed to save $20 on my groceries by using a coupon code online. I am making fried rice for tea using leftover rice from last night instead of going out for tea, I have been doing more decluttering , I am making myself and some cousins some bracelets. I think that is about it Annabel , there could be more but I cannot remember. I love the bubble bath and those bottles are lovely Annabel. Thank you for another great post , have a great weekend Annabel.love Barb.

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    1. Anonymous5 February 2016 at 02:17

      Hi Barb!!

      Remember, the little things add up. When things seem quiet, you can come up with fresh ideas & solutions to problems. Also, I really like the quality & beauty of your card making.
      Rachel Holt

      Delete
    2. Unknown5 February 2016 at 13:19

      Thank you Rachel, I love making cards, I am happy when I make cards or do other crafts.

      Delete
    3. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:04

      Dear Barb,
      Fried rice is a great dinner and way to use things up! Left overs are good for lunch too. I can't wait to see your bracelets!
      There is nothing wrong with a quiet week, it can be very nice and give a chance to get bits and pieces done. I think I will hope for a quieter week next week! With love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  2. Maria4 February 2016 at 20:24

    A lovely lot of gifts you've made there and the painted tiered basket looks wonderful! Despite the heat, I've continued knitting my yarn scraps throw...it's nearly long enough!! And instead of buying meat I've been working my way through the freezer and using that meat; it's surprising how much is in the freezer! 😐

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:45

      Thank you Maria! I hope you will show a photo when your throw is finished. Using scraps up and turning them into something is really good.
      Also using up from the freezer now and then is great. We kind of forget what we have in there! Big saver.
      Have a wonderful weekend! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  3. Anonymous4 February 2016 at 20:25

    Annabel,
    What a busy week you've had. Everything does look so fresh and lovely. I am coming along on snowflakes and gathering needed items for my project that I will be working on. When not babysitting I stayed home and caught up on things since all next week we will be boxing everything up at Mama's house I wanted things in order here. I am going to be doing some painting and I think your going to love it once I get the details of it all figured out! I can't wait for you to see it when I'm done. Have a wonderful weekend!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:46

      Dear Vicky,
      I know you have a big week ahead of you but it is for a good reason and getting things done that will benefit everyone. Good stuff.
      I can't wait to see your painting!
      Have a good weekend to you too. With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Anonymous4 February 2016 at 20:27

    As usual you have made such beautiful things You really inspire me I am excited to make some wool wash Your recipe sounds lovely How much do you use for each wash compared to commercial wool mix sounds like a lovely recipe Shelley

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:48

      Dear Shelley, Thank you so much!
      With the wool wash dissolve about a teaspoon in hot water in a jug or jar, mix then use in a bucket for hand washing. Maybe a bit more for in the washing machine. I don't know about front loaders though but it is fine for a top loader. It really makes things soft. I hand wash woollens except blankets etc which go in the machine on very gentle. Also use warm water not hot... and use same temperature rinse water. Then nothing shrinks! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. Jen4 February 2016 at 20:49

    You are so in the painting zone at the moment Annabel!! I love it when you keep finding things to paint lol. The bubble bath looks lovely, just before Christmas I was in pharmacy and a lady was trying to find bubble bath for her teenage grand daughter. They only had young kids bubble bath, something like what you have made would have been ideal.

    First week back at school here, and two of my boys have been home with food poisoning. Poor things, it's been horrible. Though I am very grateful it is two of my kids and not all five! So we've been home all week, and just getting jobs done as I can. I have managed to clear out some clothes, linen, toys and kitchen stuff we don't need anymore. Great feeling taking those bags to the op shop today.

    We have decided to make February a no spend month bar the essentials. It's amazing how empowering it is. I have seen some great specials this week, but have simply ruled them out because we are not spending on that kind of stuff this month. It doesn't even require a decision, it's already been made.

    Hope you have a great weekend, we are having a low key one here!
    Jen

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:56

      Dear Jen, Thanks. I will keep finding stuff to paint for a LONG time. Today I am attacking a coat rack. It has always bothered me that it has a bright contrasting border. By tonight it will be all white! One day I will run out of things. I really want to get the front fence and front of house done as these are big and will make the house look so much better.... but last week it rained and before that was hot! So soon I will start on those.
      Oh no! Was the food poisoning related to the lettuce, spinach recalls? I had eaten the spinach but t was well cooked and I was ok. But food poisoning is so terrible. I hope everyone is ok. That is awful.
      I hope your no spend month goes well and gets you ahead with savings. These times are good for using things up from the freezer too! And using up craft supplies!
      Have a good weekend, with love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Jen6 February 2016 at 01:21

      No the doc is fairly sure that it has been caused by chicken. I had no idea how much pain food poisoning can cause children. One of the boys is loads better and I'm hoping the other has seen the worst of it as he has really had a rough time.

      Ahem, I think I could go several months (or years) using up craft supplies!

      Delete
  6. Anonymous4 February 2016 at 21:11

    I forgot to mention Annabel that if your Aldi's are like the ones here you will like it lots! They have good products at good prices! I used to exclusively shop there when Coty was little and on a single mom income got quite a bit!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  7. Mimi4 February 2016 at 23:07

    Annabel, I love the vintage look of those bottles! And what did you use to get that milky effect for your bubble bath? I'm thinking it's a body wash?? You made some lovely additions to your gift stash, and what a beautiful idea to include the wool wash. As part of a Winter Comfort Basket, that would be divine. I'm so excited for you that Aldi has finally arrived there. You will just not believe what a difference it makes to your grocery bill! This week I made more candles and bubble bath (thankyou again for this idea), finished the pastel pink snuggle rug I'd been knitting for what seemed like ages, started another one in a gorgeous neutral colour for a male gift, baked for my daughters school lunches, made a huge batch of fresh dog food, and fertilised my roses in the hope I'll get a fresh flush of blooms soon. I added half price body wash, Sorbolene lotion, shampoo and conditioner to our 'Shop', and cleaned and deodorised the lounge suite. That's a huge job that professionals want $500 for and it's so easy to do yourself with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush. So a good week here. I hope everyone else had a great week too. It's lovely to see what we all achieve. Mimi xxx

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  8. Anonymous4 February 2016 at 23:34

    OH im really going to make that bubble bath, ive been look for nice bottles but as yet have not found any to suit, i'll keep searching though. Have fun at Aldi's with the girls :) xo

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 17:00

      Dear Karen,
      If you know anyone who drinks, owns a pub or bottle shop or anything like that then take a look at spirit, liqueur bottles. Many are divine! This is a free way to get gorgeous bottles. Yes they need washing and soaking etc but many are so lovely! Once I did this as a friend worked at a hotel. I got a few dozen amazing bottles. Then you have them for anything from bubble bath to herbed vinegars etc which are lovely gifts.
      Now I have said all this I must see if I can get some more this way! With love, Annabel.xxx


      Delete
    2. Mimi6 February 2016 at 15:41

      Oh my gosh, Annabel. Are we connected by mental telepathy? I just suggested the same thing on my blog yesterday, and I hadn't even seen this comment yet...lol! You might be interested to know that you can buy gorgeous ornamental bottle stoppers on eBay for under $3. They are often used as wedding bomboniere, and fit easily into the opening of most domestic recycled bottles, as well as wine bottles. If you can source the bottles for free, $3 for a pretty stopper is a nice touch to dress them up :) Mimi xxx

      Delete
    3. Annabel9 February 2016 at 02:52

      Dear Mimi, This often happens with us! I didn't think of using pretty stoppers.... I need to get some more as then the fitting tops is not an issue. The neighbours had a big party... yes I was checking out the bottles! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  9. Wendy Gower4 February 2016 at 23:41

    Annabel, I can't wait to see you in Adelaide next Friday. I'm so excited.

    Your photos look beautiful and you've inspired me to make wool wash to give as presents.

    I'll post my frugal list tomorrow after I post it on my blog xoxo

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 17:02

      Dear Wendy, I am so excited you are coming! This is going to benefit my shopping budget greatly I think!
      Wool wash is a great winter time gift. It works so well and things smell lovely. Now I will come over and read your Saturday post! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  10. Anonymous5 February 2016 at 03:05

    Hi Annabel!!

    Thank you kindly for the wool mix recipe! It's about time I expand my laundry & cleaning repertoire. What nice gifts, too!!

    This week, we built up our home by guarding against power pole suppliers & electricians who must have golden spanners & golden trucks to pay for. We are taking our time, running our own generator for power while we either organize repairs ourselves or move right off the grid. Tonight, I find that we are living better than when we're on mains power. We bought lamb offcuts (sold as "meat bones" by Coles) for $4/kg, & had them cooking for half a day in cast iron ware on the fireplace, as soup with barley. We're eating better!! I also value added my passionfruit by making passionfruit butter for the first time - on the fire. I used the olive oil can water bath method & small jars. To stop them slipping through the egg rings, I made a false floor using the base of another olive oil can. The jar work was awkward, but I ended up with jars of passionfruit butter that should store for a few months. Some will be gifts, & I'm having fun planning who to give them to. I am not sure if I like the passionfruit butter, so I will try some more soon!!

    Others helped build up our home, too. I was given quality kitchen scales which are designed to attach to a wall. That is something else I won't need to buy for my kitchen. Another person gave me a wonderful old fashioned baking book - including recipes for baking on a griddle, & making tiny cakes that could be worked into fireplace baking!! Then, of course, there was "Bluebirds". They make homemaking more valuable.

    The olive oil candle is alight, along with a couple of tea light candles. The house is cozy & warm, while the weather outside is cool, soggy & windy. That's Queensland for you!!

    I hope your weekend is refreshing.

    Regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 17:05

      Dear Rachel,
      I would love to go off the grid. I think power prices are crazy and who would have thought power would become a luxury item for so many people? My main issue is cooling. I would be ok with winter, cooking etc but cooling is my worry.
      Well done with your cast iron cooking. I think that is a very good skill to have. My Nan could cook anything in her wood stove and preferred it. Plus people gathered around the warmth. I loved it!
      Thank you so much. I think you are very inventive and I love that! Have a beautiful weekend. With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  11. Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden5 February 2016 at 04:31

    I love your Bubble Bath jars -put the link was not working for me.

    I'm sure you will love Aldi- I shop there frequently. Such good deals! Here in the United states we can't forget our reusable bags, a quarter for the cart, and cash or debit card. Look for top produce picks of the week. Have a great time!

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:38

      Dear Vicky, Sorry about that, I fixed the link! Thank you for telling me. Aldi is the same here I think re the coin, the bags and the deals.. and not sure about cash and cards. I am cash only anyhow so I will be ok.
      Many thanks Vicky, love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  12. Greg and Donna5 February 2016 at 05:18

    The bracelets would look perfect around the jar tops. When I saw the picture I thought that and then saw you had the same idea!Hope you have a great weekend. donna

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:36

      Thanks Donna. Also I thought bracelets would work around candles. Now I am looking at old bracelets differently!
      xxx

      Delete
  13. Rhonda5 February 2016 at 05:31

    What a pretty post, Annabel.
    How nice you will be able to shop at Aldi. I have a few ways I shop there but I am not sure if the American Aldis do things just like the Aus. Aldis?

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    1. Annabel9 February 2016 at 02:50

      Dear Rhonda,
      I think its basically the same but you would think there would be some regional variations? In any instance the mere opening has caused the other supermarkets to have heaps more specials! A win, win for the consumer. I am loving that part and go to Aldi Friday night for the first time! Have a good week, it is busy here already! with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  14. Janine5 February 2016 at 05:43

    Thankyou for the wool mix recipe,Annabel. My mother was a beautiful knitter and would only ever wash with this mix. Sadly I mislaid the recipe some time back. I remembered some of the ingredients but not the quantities.

    Thanks again for posting
    Janine

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:35

      Dear Janine, Im so glad you have it back and can use it. It brings things up beautifully i.e. an old icky blanket even becomes soft!
      I really admire good knitting and after all that work things deserve care so I totally understand your Mum on this!
      Thanks Janine, Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  15. Unknown5 February 2016 at 14:13

    Greetings from Tennessee in the USA! You will love Aldi's! I don't like crowds either so I always shop there when they first open in the morning before many people are out. Much more pleasant for me then.

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:29

      Thank you! And welcome! I can't wait. I am a willing learner so I think I will find good savings! Have a great weekend! xxx

      Delete
  16. Lana5 February 2016 at 14:21

    How exciting to have Aldi in your area! Iam not sure my USA Aldi is the same but here there are sometimes several choices of one product such as orange juice and I find that the lowest priced ones are fine for us.

    Our kitchen renovation is coming along. By Saturday night we should have stove, sink and water and dishwasher again. YAY! It has been a long week without a kitchen.

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 16:30

      Dear Lana,
      Maybe they modify slightly in different countries? I am not sure but I am excited.
      It will be fantastic to have your stove and appliances again! I remember WELL what it was like with no kitchen. It was kind of like camping.
      Hope it goes well! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  17. Cath Armstrong5 February 2016 at 16:04

    I love that woolmix recipe! I was given it by a colleague when I first started work a long time ago. It was wonderful for baby woollens - I actually used it to wash all my babies clothes until they were about two. I've never thought to give it as a gift though - something to add to my laundry hampers perhaps. Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you next week :)

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 17:08

      Dear Cath,
      This would be lovely in laundry hampers. And you only need small jars as you don't need much in a wash.
      See you Friday! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  18. Jane5 February 2016 at 16:35

    We had a lovely couple of days with out beautiful daughter visiting. Whilst I was at work, my husband took her shopping and managed to purchase quite a bit of essentials and a couple of luxuries, cheaply, by careful shop hopping. So he really helped her feather her best. Clever hubby also shopped about and found a plumber to provide, install and remove an old toilet for new at a fabulous price. We now have a reliable flushing loo. Amazing how easy it is to keep me happy. I washed all the couch cushions using your wool wash mix.these had to be dried over various chairs and things on the veranda as we have been getting some much needed rain. Love the wool wash mixture. I'm glad my pantry is in a healthy state as we are now on flood watch. I made your brown sugar scrub and have say it is very messy to use, Glad I was in the bath when I used it and left my super sensitive skin feeling lovely. You really are powering on with your house painting. Well done you.

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    1. Annabel5 February 2016 at 17:10

      Dear Jane,
      That is lovely to have time with and helping your daughter.
      Yes the scrub is messy and the bath is the place for it! But it leaves your skin lovely. If you have sensitive skin use honey just as a mask when laying in the bath. Put it on dry skin or basically it just slides off! But you will be amazed how good this makes your skin feel and how soothing it is. Best mask ever. But also messy.
      Thank you so much! Have a lovely weekend. Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  19. Leslie McKinley5 February 2016 at 18:01

    Thanks for the recipes. Can't wait to see your house when the painting is all done! Enjoy your time at Aldi's.

    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  20. Anonymous5 February 2016 at 18:20

    Dear Annabel, I'm sure your house looks so fresh with all that painting. I have been wanting to make the bubble bath, as well, so I asked my father-in-law to save some of his bottles for me. He asked what I wanted them for, and you should have seen me try to explain why I needed to put bubble bath in them lol. My husband refers to these types of things as "decorations." It is so funny. If I find something like the white window shutter and he asks what I'm going to do with it, I just smile and say, "Decorations." We always laugh about this. He is strictly practical but he knows I like things to look pretty :)
    Well this week was very busy for me. It started off with my washing machine smoking very badly during a cycle! Thankfully I was inside and able to turn it off, that was a bit scary to have my house full of smoke! I have thanked God several times the house did not catch fire. Also my husband was home, so I did not have to go into complete panic mode. I have been shopping for a new machine, and I am glad we have been saving- this purchase won't be too much of a set back.
    Other than that my week was great lol! I trimmed the hedges outside, made hamburger patties for the freezer, made four sweet potato casseroles and seven batches of sweet potato fries for the freezer, saved $21.61 on groceries using coupons and shopping the specials, and used Amazon credits to purchase some craft supplies (really happy about that one). I also purchased some bone meal for the garden on clearance and received a free carton of ice cream and a free bag of ice.
    AND I had a lightbulb moment... I know what to do with my windows! Well, at least one. I am going to cut out my favorite hymns from a hymn book I have and place the pages behind the panes. This will be hung in our music room/guest bedroom. I am so excited about this! I can't wait to do it and send you pictures! I hope you are having a lovely weekend. With love, Kelsey

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    1. Anonymous6 February 2016 at 02:46

      Hi Kelsey!
      I am curious to know how you prepare sweet potato fries for the freezer, & how you cook them after the freezer. It sounds like a yummy idea!
      Rachel Holt

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    2. Anonymous6 February 2016 at 06:32

      Hello Rachel, I love sweet potato fries! I have never actually tried this method before, so it is a bit of an experiment. I have had issues in the past with my sweet potato fries not getting crispy (they still taste good, but they are more of a limp soggy potato stick lol), so I thought I would try doing something different. I peeled and cut up my sweet potatoes into fries, of course. Then I fried them briefly in oil (I used coconut to be a bit healthier) for about two minutes and immediately put the hot fries into a bowl of ice water. This blanches them. I drained them well on towels, sealed them in serving size bags with the air removed, and put them into the freezer. When we want to eat them, I will just thaw them, toss with a bit of oil and salt and pepper (you could experiment with seasonings) and bake in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and crispy. The recipes I have looked at say to bake at 425F for about 40 min, but with the blanching I imagine it would take far less time, as they are already partially cooked. You could also just fry them instead. Like I said, I haven't actually tried this method before! I will be sure to let you know when we eat some how they turned out, probably within the next week or so :) Love, Kelsey

      Delete
    3. Annabel6 February 2016 at 17:06

      Dear Kelsey, Thank you for the information on the sweet potato fries. I love them and agree getting them crispy is the big thing.
      Smoke pouring out of an appliance is not a good sign! It was good you were both home and it didn't lead to a fire that is for sure.
      It is very sweet about your husband and your "decorations" ... they may not understand it but they kind of think its cute and thats what you like. Andy was at first MYSTIFIED why I would LIKE things that are chipped, old, rusty etc when his instinct is to repair, clean up, fight rust... so I was very confusing to him lol However now he will come home with something he found that is wrought iron and chipped and know I will love it... even if he doesn't understand why! :)
      You had a good week (other than the washer) and I just love your idea for the window! Please take photos of this! You will have a unique and charming "picture" for your room and I think its a great idea! If you have trouble with the size of the hymn sheets... you could enlarge or decrease them on a photo copier and age the sheets with tea or something like that... anyway I hope it works out easily as it is going to be beautiful!
      Have a great new week! with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6 February 2016 at 20:15

      Thank you, Kelsey!
      I'll keep your sweet potato work in mind for the future. My Dad grows sweet potato!
      Rachel Holt

      Delete
  21. Wendy Gower5 February 2016 at 18:54

    Here's my frugal list Annabel -


    * Picked tomatoes, beans, raspberries and the last of the lemons for the season.

    * Cooked up some tomatoes from our garden. There was enough for two meals of spag bol sauce. I've frozen the sauce for future use.

    * Cut up a cereal packet liner to use as go between for crumpets, chops and hamburger patties.

    * Made a double batch of pumpkin scones for the freezer. I used cooked, pureed pumpkin from the freezer that was bought when pumpkin was in season and really cheap.

    * Made a double batch of raspberry and white chocolate muffins to sell to a cleaning client. I also sold two dozen eggs to this client.

    * Topped up my car with petrol when it was 98 cents a litre without a docket. Every time the fuel gauge drops to 3/4 full, I keep topping up. Buying petrol this cheap is a real blessing to many people's budgets right now.

    * Gratefully received a couple of fuel discount dockets in the mail from a blog reader. Now that we have three cars in the family and very little spent in the supermarket, these dockets are a blessing to us.

    * Gratefully received some card making supplies from my lovely friend Leesa. I received some stickers, embellishments, pretty papers, stamps and lots of other bits and pieces.

    * Made lots of female birthday cards using supplies I had on hand. Over the next few months I'll concentrate on making some male cards. My stocks are getting low.

    * Saved some tissue paper and gift bags from belated birthday presents Megan received.

    * Kept the evap. cooling off most of the week. The mild weather has helped.

    * Did the usual water saving tasks ( washing machine and shower water ).

    * Ate out of the pantry and freezer. I only spent $4 at the shops on milk this week.

    * Picked lots of lavender from our garden. I'll be drying the bunch and using it in my next batch of soap I make.

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    1. Annabel6 February 2016 at 16:56

      Dear Wendy,
      Excellent week! You know I thought about how amazed I am how many new ways I found to save last year. And this week I expect to find many more ways with our Aldi trip. And that being willing to learn and try new things is a big part of it.
      See you Friday! With love Annabel.xxx

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  22. Anonymous5 February 2016 at 20:08

    Aldi is a great place to shop and saves a lot on your grocery bill. You will find most things taste the same as the things you get from the major supermarkets. Our family uses most of the items offered. In the past I have purchased lots of items on the weekly specials and they are great for home use or as presents. Kids books are sooooo cheap when they have them out you will save a fortune for presents. Their bath towels are superb to use and so are the t towels they quite often have in 3 packs. I also use the sensitive toothpaste you buy at Aldi as it works the same as the other much more expensive brands. Good luck and enjoy the experience but mostly, don't forget your shopping bags.

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    1. Annabel6 February 2016 at 16:54

      Thank you so much for your Aldi tips. I didn't know about the kids books!
      Or the bath towels! I will remember my bags and coin! Many thanks! xxx

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  23. terricheney6 February 2016 at 07:26

    I started shopping at Aldi about 5 years ago and I can say honestly we'd never manage half so well without that store. I buy at least 80% of my grocery there and have converted all my girls by my rave reviews, lol. I suggest you try everything. I have only found one or two items I don't like but many are comparable or better than name brands they mimic.
    Here's what I did this week to be frugal and to participate in the Vickie Challenge. http://bluehousejournal.blogspot.com/2016/02/assigning-value-to-our-days-frugal.html

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    1. Annabel6 February 2016 at 16:44

      Thank you Terri for this! This is what many people are telling me! So it should be revolutionary for us! We are getting given samples Friday night so that will help me try more things. Where we live there has been a monopoly of a couple of grocery stores and the opening of a whole new chain will increase competition and will benefit everyone.
      I am coming over to read how you went in the Vicky Challenge! With thanks, love Annabel.xxx

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  24. Anonymous6 February 2016 at 13:29

    Annabel, even though things felt chaotic you still achieved quite a bit. Love those bottles even without the filling.

    My week has been a mixed bag, we had heat and humidity at the start of the week which knocked me around quite a bit then it started to cool down with rain and even storms at times.

    I have added to my pantry, coffee was on a good special again at Drakes IGA so I picked up 12 500 gram cans, I also picked up toothbrushes and a few other things via an order from Kogan. So the store cupboard is looking good, just a couple of other things to add.

    I went to a women's lunch on Friday - if we lived elsewhere I probably wouldn't have gone but seeing as we live in a small town and I know no one I decided to attend. It was pay for yourself so I could make the day as expensive or cheap as I wanted - roast pork was good and one of the cheaper options.

    It was a good event with 27 turning up - I was able to meet some older women who have lived here for 30 or so years as well as a young newly married woman who conducts yoga classes ($10- a session) who is battling chronic fatigue. Doctors have not changed since our daughter was diagnosed with it over 20 years ago.

    I am looking forward to the next event in a month's time.

    So much better than joining a group, I get to hear about various things on offer and can ask others what they have heard or think about things, which doctor they go to or where they shop.

    Not having children at school it is hard to meet people and make friends.

    My husband heads to Cairns this coming week so I am going to spend some of the time cleaning and reorganizing a few areas. Getting my sewing machine out and giving it a test run is also on the agenda.

    Annabel I am sure that you will love Aldi - enjoy the evening there.

    Have a good weekend


    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Annabel6 February 2016 at 16:41

      Dear Lynette, Im glad your outing was good. It can be surprising who you meet and how helpful it might be.
      It must have been hard with your daughter and Chronic Fatigue 20 years ago... it is a terrible thing and getting a diagnosis back then would have been difficult. It is still difficult! Then I guess some things are mysterious and very hard to treat also. There is a lot to be discovered yet about these illnesses.
      Have a good week Lynette. I hope the weather is good so you can get things done that you want to.
      With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  25. Anonymous6 February 2016 at 21:17

    Hi Annabel

    I am sure you will have a wonderful time shopping at Aldi and the savings you will make. This is one of the things I do miss most, when we moved almost 4 years ago. There is nothing here except for your Woolworths, Coles and IGA. I find the prices here a lot more expensive for quite a few items and whilst I used to shop at Woolworths so we could get points for us being able to fly home, I have now switched to Coles as I find I am getting more of a discount at the end of the year by being able to get a weeks worth of shopping from the points I have collected during the year.

    This week saw me with a terrible ear and throat infection so I was not able to make a start of sorts on my crafting but I have been able to go through some older magazines to find some lovely pictures for card making, so will be looking forward to getting started on this.

    As always your items look like they have come out of an expensive gift store. The bubble bath looks gorgeous in those bottles.

    Have a wonderful week ahead

    Aly
    xxx

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    1. Annabel7 February 2016 at 17:18

      Dear Aly, Woolies system is awful now and I also get more out of Coles points that is for sure.
      I hope you are feeling much better! Ear and throat infections are dreadful enough on their own let alone together.
      Thanks so much Aly! Have a good new week. With love Annabel.xxx

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  26. Unknown7 February 2016 at 01:03

    Dear Annabel and Friends,
    Thank you for the recipe for the wool mix Annabel. We always made this recipe while I was growing up but I had lost it. It is excellent. I have just emailed you the tips I know about Aldi, but I'm sure that you will learn so much with Cath and Wendy. It might be nice to track your savings at Aldi to see how much difference it makes over a year. I read through the comments, which were just wonderful as always. Love Helen. xxx

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    1. Annabel7 February 2016 at 17:19

      Dear Helen,
      Thanks for the Aldi tips. I am accumulating some information now and much of it is surprising to me!
      With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  27. Debbie Lever8 February 2016 at 12:06

    Thanks for the wool wash recipe, I use to make that years ago but had lost the recipe.... I will definitely be making some.
    Those bottles that the bubble bath is in are beautiful and will be loved by whoever receives them.
    You will love Aldis, There isn't much that I have tried that I don't like and I shop there weekly. They have a lot better variety now then they did when they first opened. Shopping with Cath and Wendy will be a great experience and they will have a wealth of information, wish I lived closer.
    Debbie xx

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    1. Annabel9 February 2016 at 02:54

      Dear Debbie, I wish you could come! Thank you for your thoughts on Aldi. I hope to do a post one everyones tips all together plus what I learn Friday night. Also... the local supermarkets have had big specials this week... shaken up I think! Yay! With love Annabelxxxx

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  28. Nana18 January 2019 at 14:56

    What is mentholated spirits that is used in the wool wash

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    1. Annabel18 January 2019 at 15:29

      Dear Nana I have discovered in the US it is called Denatured Alcohol and is the same thing. I hope this will help you find it! With loveANnabel.xxx

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  29. Nana19 January 2019 at 11:10

    I am sorry but I want to make this recipe and I am not sure I have the right ingredients for it.
    Can I use zoto (Mexican feels Napa) as I don't know what lux soap is and the eucalyptus oil are you talking about essential oil as that. Would be quite costly?
    Again, thanks, Nana

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    Replies
    1. Annabel19 January 2019 at 15:48

      Dear Nanna, I think you could grate zote. Lux is a gentle pure soap designed to wash babies cloths and delicates. So a gently stop should be fine. The eucalyptus oil we get in supermarkets for about $8 a big bottle as overall the recipe is cheap to make up. The Eucalyptus oil tends to come in a larger bottle and isn't very expensive and is sold on Amazon. The gives the woollens the most beautiful fragrance . I hope you can make it as it is just so nice! With love Annabel.xxx

      Nana you could grate any gentle laundry soap.Lux is a soap for softening baby clothes etc. The Eucalyptus Oil sells in big bottles I think you can get it in Amazon. It is not expensive to make up. You get a lot and it lasts just ages. Good Luck! I want to see how it turns out. I ahem some pink zote here that Vicky gave me so I could try making pink wool wash! With love Annabel.xx



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  30. Nana16 March 2019 at 18:02

    I made the wool soap and have used it .. Smells wonderful! Not a lot of suds but it does the job. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. Love chemical free ingredients❤️

    ReplyDelete

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