Monthly Archives: December 2008

A Merry Frugal Christmas to You All!

Posted on December 23, 2008 by piperterrett

This is just a quick message to say thank you all so much for all the great emails full of frugal tips and ideas you’ve sent me this year, and all the terrific comments you’ve left on the blog. They’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Homemade Mince Pies

Posted on December 23, 2008 by piperterrett

Inspired by Fiona Beckett the Frugal Cook, and a strange compulsion to get back in the kitchen to cook some homemade grub after all those TV turkey dinners the other week, I’ve been making my own mince pies. My mum … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 3 Comments

The Hidden Costs of Christmas

Posted on December 21, 2008 by piperterrett

Yikes…I was out sending last minute Christmas cards on Saturday. How I hate doing this! Normally I’m much more organised and send all my cards at the beginning of December and save money by sending them either second class or … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 3 Comments

No room at the Inn for King Rat

Posted on December 18, 2008 by piperterrett

I have an awful confession to make. DJ and I have made a small defenceless creature homeless at Christmas this year. Readers who followed our adventures last Christmas might remember that we took a small injured mouse by the name … Continue reading →

Posted in Frugal fun | 8 Comments

Insights from The Frugal Cook

Posted on December 16, 2008 by piperterrett

As an antidote to the cheap budget Christmas food I’ve been sampling, I’ve been chatting to food writer and cook Fiona Beckett about how to save money in the kitchen, as well as cutting costs on festive grub. If you’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and drink | 5 Comments

Budget Brand Christmas: Bucks Fizz

Posted on December 12, 2008 by piperterrett

For the final part of my budget brand Christmas food experiment I had the task of trying out the bucks fizz I’d purchased from Asda and Lidl – a popular tipple at Christmas time. It’s a tough job but somebody’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 3 Comments

Budget Brand Christmas: Turkey TV dinners

Posted on December 10, 2008 by piperterrett

Back in my twenties I often indulged in a ready meal as a) I couldn’t cook and b) I was often too lazy to try once I’d got home from work or a night out. But DJ, who prefers his … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 6 Comments

Budget Brand Christmas – Battle of the Puds

Posted on December 8, 2008 by piperterrett

After doing my best over the weekend to work off last week’s taste test samples – I’m hoping a good trek around our local nature reserve did the trick – I’m back in the budget Christmas food saddle today. On … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 3 Comments

Budget Brand Christmas – taste test part one

Posted on December 5, 2008 by piperterrett

I’ve been busy trying out my budget brand Christmas goodies, as purchased from Aldi, Lidl and Asda. As somebody who loves dessert best, I decided to trial the mince pies and Christmas puds first, so I’m feeling a bit bloated … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 5 Comments

Budget Brand Christmas Grub

Posted on December 4, 2008 by piperterrett

How are you doing today? I’m in a bit of a shopping daze after a whirlwind tour of my local supermarkets yesterday. In true credit crunch spirit, I was curious about the budget festive food on offer, so I ventured … Continue reading →

Posted in Paying for Christmas | 4 Comments