Freebies, Frugal Measures and Frugal Fails 11

This week I spent quite a bit of money, as soon as it came my way. Most of my spending happened on account of a couple of trips to the local mall to get my hair cut in readiness for a job interview and any subsequent spending has been on groceries only. So here goes:

Frugal Fails:

1) I bought two new tops and a pair of pumps that weren't budgeted for, to wear to work at my new job.  Well, strictly, I purchased one for the interview and a similar one because I liked the first one and then saw a sweet pair of (not very comfortable when you wear them for a long time) pumps.  In total I spent £15.50, as I bought a small bottle of perfume too, for my handbag. (Yes, natural intentions temporarily on hold at the moment, as I can't afford the expense) I didn't know I'd got the job when I bought these items, but now I have, they should come in very useful.

2) Unfortunately, I may have just missed the payroll deadline to get paid at the end of this month from the new job, so it might be a tight month next month while I'm waiting to be paid at the end of August.  I'm sure OH will help me out if necessary.

More positively:

Freebies and Frugal Measures

1) I used a couple of small Tesco vouchers  to get a little bit of money off a loaf of bread and some cherries this week. I told you I had no shame when it came to money off vouchers. I also used another of their £3 off a £30 shop vouchers on my grocery shop this week.

2) I used a 20% off voucher with ASOS to buy LB's new school bag for the next school year. (More early uniform shopping!) I had budgeted for it this month too.

3) Within the Home budget, I bought a fab pair of oil and vinegar bottles from Lakeland for just £5.79, which was a great price.  These were on my list of things I needed to buy for the house and I was willing to pay up to £15 for some, but these came in well under budget.

4) I did a huge food shop the week before I started my new job, partly because I figured if I got the job I wouldn't have so much time to go grocery shopping. Stocking up meant that we were able to get through quite an intense period, without running out of food. I will be meal planning simple quick meals for the days that I work, so that either OH can make supper if he so wishes or I can do it quickly when I get in late.

5) I caught the bus to work every day, which cost £3 in total each day, as opposed to £6.60 on the train/tube.  This more than halved my travel costs and as I don't get expenses for them now, it's all good.

6) I packed my own lunches to work each day, so I didn't spend any money save for travel expenses. I intend to continue to do this for the duration of the contract.

7) I got my wristwatch mended this month.  It needed a new battery and the back had to be removed with a special tool, so I had to take it to a watch repairer.  It would have been £15 for a new battery (insane!), but lifetime battery replacement was £20, so I went for that instead and just hope the watch will last me at least another year so that I get my money's worth.

8) The allotment is finally producing vegetables.  We harvested lettuce, courgettes, a kohl rabi and some climbing beans this week. Plus more salad and a few onions from the garden too.