Saturday 6 August 2016

My Frugal Tasks 7/8/16

The bargain bed.


-I have been pricing new beds for the teenagers.  I ended up finding a double bed base and mattress for Miss 17 from Gumtree for $30. We had to hire a ute to pick it up and also petrol so with this included the bed was $90. Coincidentally the lady we bought it from had done volunteer work with my husband years ago and she kindly included and foam underlay, wool underlay, double bed sheet set, quilt, quilt cover and pillows. These would have cost around $200 to buy brand new. I also found the bed base is being sold at Super A Mart for $189 plus $150 for a mattress! We got $539 worth of goods for $90. We could have saved more if we didn't have to hire the ute. Never underestimate the savings of buying second hand!

-Made some more butter blend.

-I baked Annabel's golden syrup pudding, a chocolate cake and a berry and apple crumble using apples from the freezer and the free berries from our neighbour.

-Made all meals at home from scratch.

-Picked some rosemary which was growing in a car park. This has been chopped and is drying out to be used later on.

-Its been really cold here so I turned the heater on in the evenings. I'm making the most of it by putting the clothes airers underneath it to dry the clothes.

-Started sewing an Autumn page in the quiet book I'm making.

-Used the carpet sweeper and broom instead of the vacuum cleaner.

-Washed dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher.

-Used up some frozen baby potatoes and cooked pumpkin I had in the freezer.

-Picked some oranges from our tree and used some for juicing. Also picked kale and silver beet.

- Picked up some free rolls and pizza bases from the op shop.

-Hubby and Mr 10 started building a frame out of free pallets for our blueberry bush. This will be enclosed with netting to keep the birds out.

-Made some face scrub for the teens.

-Went to a few op shops looking for double bed sheets



Golden syrup pudding with cream.



Free citrus fruit.



Free bread and crackers.



Apple and berry crumble with homemade custard.



Hubby and Mr 10 making the frame.


The tea towel from the op shop.




10 comments:

  1. Dear Mel,
    The bed is great! And just a wool underlay is almost $200 I know because this is something my daughter wants and I went looking at them at Spotlight! So that whole package is worth such a lot. What a handy coincidence that the lady knew you!
    When winter is freezing and things are dark and miserable that pudding is a cheer up meal. We had it twice this winter and I have a spare in the freezer (although I haven't frozen one before so Im not sure how it will thaw out and heat... but hey Ill give it a go!)
    We have had some sunshine! I even finally got my op shop pure wool blankets washed up and on the line. They came up so soft and smell beautiful... I used that homemade wool wash. It is so good. They are soft and fluffy.
    Have a very good new week. With love Annabel.xxx

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    Replies
    1. Dear Annabel,
      Thanks so much! $200 for the underlay? I only added $50 in my estimate! So it looks like I've saved well over $500 then. Wow! It was such a great bargain and in fabulous condition too. The bed is so comfy and warm from the underlay, my daughter has been a bit slow in getting up for work. Absolute coincidence my hubby knew the lady, yes. And funny because he was complaining because it was a 1 hr drive away, but I convinced him it was an absolute bargain at $30! Your pudding is delicious and not to sweet, which we like. I'm so glad you've had some sun! It is pouring down here as I type and it will continue to rain all week apparently. There was a few hours of sunshine on Saturday and I rushed to get all our jumpers and sheets on the line. I will have to keep an eye out for some woolen blankets here too. xx

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  2. Hi Mel,
    I've just found your blog and have spent quite a bit of time today reading your posts.
    What a bargain with the bed! Your daughter's room looks great (and a heck of a lot tidier than I remember my daughter's room at the same age).
    I'll be interested to see your quiet book when it's finished. I made one for my DGS(2.5yo) last Christmas and need to make one for his sister (1yo)for this coming Christmas. I grossly underestimated the time it would take last year, so I really need to get started soon.
    Thanks again for your blog - I've bookmarked it now.
    Janine

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janine,
      Thanks for stopping by! Yes, the bed was an absolute bargain. We are currently looking for a bed base for Mr 14 after getting a free mattress and can't find one for under $50! My daughters room is quite small, however she hides most of her stuff in her built in robe ;)I will definitely post pictures of the quiet book when its done. I was worried about how long it would take so mine is pretty basic. xx

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  3. Hi Mel,
    You have had a great week of savings.What a great deal on the bed and all the goodies to go with it. We have been watching for a bed here in California and it is about $1,000
    just for mattress. We do not want our sprayed with the fire retardent (fermaldihide Sp?) I think I might start looking into used. I hope you are having a wonderful week.
    It has finally cooled off here today. So no AC. The soft are wonderful.
    have a great week and stay warm.
    Patti
    PS I saw some bed frames made from pallets on Pinterest

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    Replies
    1. Hi Patti,
      $1000 for a mattress? Wow! We have only ever had used mattresses and they have been really comfortable, so I would definitely keep and eye out for that. I'm glad the weather has cooled down for you there. We are keeping warm with lots of blankets and hot chocolate. School work has been done snuggled on the couch as well. Our original plan was to build pallet bed bases for both the teens, however uniform pallets are quite hard to find around here and we would need 2 of the same size. I love pallets and we have made raised garden beds with them in the past. Have a great week! xx

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  4. I am so far behind on my blog reading and commenting Mel and I do apologize. I really enjoy reading about all your savings and frugal doings. :) That bed, with everything included was quite the deal! I'm seriously impressed with your savings for the week. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie,
      Thank you so much. It was an absolute bargain! I always enjoy reading your savings too. xx

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