Monthly Archives: November 2009

Incapacity benefit challenge: Disability & the workplace

Posted on November 27, 2009 by piperterrett

Politicians are keen to get as many people as possible on incapacity benefit/employment and support allowance back to work, which is no mean feat in a recession. But just how easy is it for disabled individuals who are well enough … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge | 5 Comments

Incapacity benefit challenge: Week two

Posted on November 24, 2009 by piperterrett

It’s only the second week of my three week task to live on the equivalent of incapacity benefit (£89.80 a week) but already it strikes me how different this challenge is from others I have undertaken on the blog. Obviously … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge | 19 Comments

Incapacity benefit challenge: Diane’s world

Posted on November 19, 2009 by piperterrett

I did something amazing today. I showered by myself. I walked into town for 20 minutes. I got into my car by myself and I drove. A typical day for Diane, who suffers from back problems, arthritis and chronic hypermobility, … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge | 26 Comments

Incapacity benefit challenge begins

Posted on November 17, 2009 by piperterrett

It’s challenge time again on the Frugal Life blog. Cast your mind back to October this year and you may recall that the Conservatives revealed plans to review incapacity benefit if they come into power. Party leaders say they are … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenge | 84 Comments

A frugal war on waste

Posted on November 12, 2009 by piperterrett

I’ve been thinking a lot about my bin this week, which sounds a bit eccentric now that I’ve written it down…Oh dear. Perhaps I should get out more, as DJ suggests. OK – what I mean to say is that … Continue reading →

Posted in frugal activities | 12 Comments

Fireworks, cats and carpets don’t mix

Posted on November 10, 2009 by piperterrett

It’s hard to believe, but the frugal life found its way into the Sunday Times this weekend. Eco-journalist Gordon Miller braved the wilds of Essex last week to interview me at home about winning the Energy Saving Trust’s Green Voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost of pets | 11 Comments

Remember, remember the 5 November: Gunpowder, treason and…compost

Posted on November 5, 2009 by piperterrett

It’s Guy Fawkes’ night again and I can almost smell the bonfires. I’m not a big fan of fireworks as they frighten our chickens, but there’s something satisfying about a good bonfire this time of year. We didn’t used to … Continue reading →

Posted in Food from the garden | 10 Comments

A frugal mushroom foray

Posted on November 3, 2009 by piperterrett

If you go down to the woods today you’re in for…well, probably not that big a surprise for anybody who reads this blog regularly. It’s that time of year again when strange fairy rings of fungi appear in fields and … Continue reading →

Posted in Wild food | 1 Comment