Well not exactly running wild in the aisles but shopping twice in one week seemed excessive to my now finely tuned mindset. This time I went mad and spent a whole 66p ... and five pounds worth of my Nectar points.
The shopping trip was necessary because I had thought that I had enough sugar in the cupboard to be able to make caster sugar to make the cake and enough to also whizz up a bit more to make some icing sugar ... but I didn't. But instead of buying sugar of any description I decided to buy some ready made buttercream icing.
Before anyone jumps on my case about the cost comparisons I will just say that I am having a pretty bad week this week and standing to complete everything is just out of the question. And there is actually very little that I use sugar for, if I need some for visitors I have the little sachets that I pick up from cafés when Alan has a drink but I rarely use it at home, so buying a kilo bag would have been a bit pointless.
I also had used the last slice of bread from the freezer the day before, at first I thought I would just do without, but that one slice of bread each morning before I take my tablet has become a real habit. I took one slice out to have once I had made a cup of coffee and then loosened the rest and put the loaf straight into the freezer.
So I now have 16 slices of bread and two crusts, enough for over two weeks breakfast toasts. I don't like eating toasted crusts so I usually use them either for breadcrumbs, Poor Man's Parmesan or they get torn into chunky croutons and dried out in the oven. Oh and I chose this particular loaf as it was until six months ago my favourite bread and it was on offer at £1.25, a similar price to the Ancient Grains loaf that I have been having instead of it from Aldi which is beautiful toasted.
And the self-serve till spewed out a coupon for me, 100 extra points if I buy a vegan chocolate bar ... oh it knows me so well ... but I won't be using it and it has gone straight into the recycling bin to quash any temptation.
Sue xx
I'm really sorry that yesterday was such a bad day and hope today is more comfortable for you. Well done with the thoughtful shopping!
ReplyDeletexx
I think I just did too much over the weekend, one walk that was twice as long as usual and then a walk on the grass near the river the next day which seems to have really affected my hips. Gosh I sound like an old whinger ... sorry!! I just need to build on my stamina slowly and surely and learn to say no when offered a walk I don't think I can cope with. Lesson learnt.
DeleteI like that this Challenge is making me think about things I need more carefully once again.
The one thing I've realised over the last few years is that being frugal looks different to different people depending on their circumstances. I think the buttercream was a brilliant solution for you just now! I used to love Warburton's bread when I could eat gluten. 16 breakfasts from 1 loaf is well worth it!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit sad when you have to explain yourself so much, but it's easier than an answer being lost in the comment replies and loads of people then asking the same thing.
DeleteI just hope I can resist any that is left over once I've done the cake, when I first found out that this type of buttercream was vegan I ate rather a lot of it straight from the tub!!
That was a good decision in my view, Sue, it makes your life a bit easier. Sorry to hear you had a bad day too. I never realise I've done too much either until the next day when my back and hip let me know. Hope you feel a bit better today. Oh and I look forward to seeing that cake! 🎂😁x
ReplyDeleteI hate it when I put myself back by a few stages but I keep doing it, I hate limitations and what they are doing to my mind. It's been a whole bad week of pain and nonsense.
DeleteHaha ... no pressure on this cake then, it had better turn out well!!
Not surprised you are frustrated by a bit of extra walking causing pain. Drives me nuts that cycling irritates my restless legs tingling, as cycling is something I've always done.
ReplyDeleteThe joys of getting older! although I didn't think bits were going to start failing until I was 70!
The joys of getting older indeed!! I thought I had another ten years of good health at least :-(
DeleteThe buttercream was a good decision. I look forward to seeing the finished cake.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy with it, I almost bought icing sugar and then put it back.
DeleteI had a skiing accident when I was in my twenties and the surgeon told me that I would have pain from it starting in my forties. He was wrong, but I dread the day it starts. I can understand how frustrating it must be to get pain after doing normal activities.
ReplyDeleteAs you say it's pretty sad that you have to defend buying something - it's your challenge not ours.
I hope the cake turns out wonderfully and that you enjoy the slice that you plan.
Helen
There's always someone who doesn't understand a Challenge or feels the need to criticise unfortunately. Not my lovely regular readers though ... they just put up with my foibles and inconsistencies, or ask a question nicely. :-)
DeleteI'm sorry you've had a bad time and hope things improve soon. You made good decisions for yourself and should not need to explain them. I hope you enjoy the cake and celebration.
ReplyDeleteBetter to explain once than answer ten comments with the same answer and get thoroughly pissed off ... to pardon my French. ;-)
DeleteThe Lodge smells lovely at the moment with the smell of the cake cooling.
You know what they say, Sue... a brittle branch breaks in the wind. No sense being so doggone rigid and unbending about your frugality, sheesh. There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying pre-made frosting. Let go and live a little. *haha* You should have bought the pre-made frosting AND a sack of sugar!! :-) ~Andrea xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't use the sugar so no need to buy any. I'm happy with my purchase. :-)
DeleteSorry you aren't feeling great again and hope you recover quickly. Slow and steady is a tough recovery but you are getting there!
ReplyDeleteI did google ready-made frosting and there are quite a few recipes for using it up. I also read that you can freeze it and it lasts for quite a while! So not a bad purchase at all!
Freezing it is a brilliant idea, thank you. I could maybe make a couple of little butterfly cakes for my own birthday.
DeleteReading in comments about your walk in the grass reminds me that uneven ground is merciless when you have knee, hip or back issues. I blew out my ACL and MCL in my right knee when I was in my early 40s (more than a few decades ago) and I still have to be careful about walking on grassy areas (we've lots of moles in our garden), sandy beaches and certain hiking paths. Annoying, but necessary. Hope you get some pain relief this week.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you put a really thick buttercream coating on that cake...so there won't be too much left in the can to tempt you. :)
I honestly didn't think of that. I did move onto the path when I found it hard going, so wasn't on the rough grass for long, but long enough it seems. :-(
DeleteI think I'll use the suggestion above and freeze any that's left over. I can't put too much on the cake as not all of us have sweet teeth, and obviously Alan is a diabetic that is finally starting to pay attention to his condition after many years of nagging from me.
I love Aldi's!!!! Stay safe and warm all weekend!! HUGS
ReplyDeleteSo do I, and I've noticed in this past year that their fresh fruit and vegetables have increased in quality greatly. And I've realised that the Aldi Ancient Grains bread is much superior to this one now.
Deletei hope you soon feel better x
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie. xx
DeleteSometimes ready made is the best time and money saver ever, especially if you are not feeling up to par.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Definintely, ready made things have their place don't they.
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