T6 thought of the day

"Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship."

Benjamin Franklin
(& the T6 Crew)

One thrifty step forward, three or maybe four steps back...

On the 31^st May, I sent the following text:

‘Ken, I’m a fraud – I’ve not tried to be thrifty at all this week.  I’ve gone out of control. SOS!’ 

Following a month  where I ate lots, drank lots, went out lots and took taxis.. lots,  I fell off that ‘Thrifty six’ bandwagon with a massive thump. I just don’t know what has happened. It’s been one massive sunny haze of excess where all my money is now lining the pockets of others but certainly not mine and I am left dazed and very confused. I reflect back on T5 and falling off the ‘Thrifty six’ wagon doesn’t feel good. In fact, it’s pretty rubbish, almost the same as when your parents say they aren’t angry with you, just disappointed but there are no parents, just my conscience.  However, I’m 26 and mature enough to admit my mistakes and as a mature adult, I’ll be visiting Ken tomorrow and return to where it all began – Nottingham, in the hope I am enlightened once again (I hope to start the trip off positively by spending £3.95 departing from Worksop instead of Doncaster which would have cost £15.)

But I should sandwich the bad with some positive thrift tales:

 Arty times in West Yorkshire

 I have done some things which were free including my afternoon of culture in West Yorkshire!  First stop was the Hepworth gallery.  Besides holding collections of art created by Barbara Hepworth, there are plenty of other workshops and activities that seemed to be going on as we strolled through this wonderful building.  My favourite piece was the 'winged figure' We only saw the prototype and it was pretty amazing.  I think the real one is at John Lewis HQ.  Click on this link to find out more www.hepworthwakefield.org

'Winged figure'

 Following our stint at the Hepworth (armed with my free balloon) Jenny and I drove to the Yorkshire Sculpture park.  By parking on a side street outside the Yorkshire sculpture park, we avoided the £7 parking fee which we would have paid if we were there all day but this was justified as we just wanted to nip in to see the Miro exhibition which made me all nostalgic for the good times I had when I went to Barcelona, particularly when I saw the random lady legs sculpture – something I never thought would come in to my life again.  

Miro - common themes in his work include birds, constellations and...women.

Fitness

I would also like to blog about an extremely friendly and welcoming fitness company in Sheffield which was recommended by my friend Kirsty called www.fairplaysport.co.uk .  It’s mainly personal fitness training but I attend their group circuit training sessions which I am going to for £4.50 a time and it almost feels like you’re getting your own personal training session as groups are so small.  Alice (the owner) is very encouraging and supportive even when despite her patience and excellent instruction, I’m yet to master the v sit-up.   Combined with circuit training, I am gearing up for the summer by getting involved with some tennis at school (free courts!) I think you can also check out Bingham Park and Weston Park if you feel inspired enough to get your tennis on and want to do so for free.

The number of tennis balls which I have hit over the school fence :(

 Music

 In an effort to redeem my bad T5 ways, I have also been streaming music whilst I’ve been writing my blog confession and currently enjoying the delectable delights of the new Hot chip album for free.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CGQQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fmusic%2Fmusicblog%2F2012%2Fjun%2F06%2Fhot-chip-in-our-heads-stream&ei=sd_RT6_JNsaX1AWb5aSWBA&usg=AFQjCNFVhv5vKx-cpmg9MRhNqJcioU2mtQ&sig2=MXkO4-8AptV-2-zH8myhog

   Warning: This video makes me a bit sick when I watch it.
   Click and you'll find out why. 

Keeping my fingers crossed for a better T6 month. Until the next post, take care.
Peace and T6 love,

Chi x

The Pennies Jar

Good morning thrifty people!

Firstly, many apologies for my lack of posts  - however luckily Chi has been all over it with a series of hilarious and informative thrifty tales! A particular highlight being the errors and fails section...Chi...I FEEL YOUR PAIN! Ebay is heralded as a great thrifty place for scrimpers and savers...however the pitfalls are endless! Great tips from Michelle on remaining strong and winning the ebay race.

Anyway, today's post brings a thrifty positive from what was frankly a major fail! Fiona and myself, accompanied by her friend Ciara attempted a Car Boot sale last Sunday. In theory this should have been a brilliant thrifty trip...Fiona was selling and I was attempting to find some thrifty bargains (in particular I was after a jar in which to save my pennies - as mentioned in a post about a piggy bank back in T1...). The car boot didn't go so well...clearly no one else was stupid enough to go car-booting in a torrential downpour that lasted the entire day - we were the only people that actually turned up! However, the positives gained are as follows:

1. This failed event has not put me off car booting - we will return!
2. Wetherspoons do a bloody good breakfast for £2.99 at 8am on a Sunday morning.
3. Fiona was kind enough to donate one of her demi-john jars from home brewing cider to my penny saving cause - and here is the result:

Big thanks Fiona! Just need to put a few more pennies in it now....!

Ken x

Swishing

I had never heard of the concept 'swishing' until my friend Helen mentioned it to me a few weeks ago. Sounding a little bit ominous and conjuring initial images of car keys thrown into a fruit bowl etc, I decided to find out a bit more. It turns out swishing parties involve the swapping... of clothes and is very legit! Everyone needs to bring in an item of unwanted clothing (still in good condition), socialise a little bit whilst browsing and then swapping commences.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed Helen will run one but if not, I think Ken and I should definitely get some 'swishing' on the go. What could be better, upcycling 'new' clothes', good social times and saving money? It's what T6 is all about!

According to www.swishing.com, running a Swishing party is simple, just follow the rules of the rail:

1) Everyone must bring at least one item of quality clothing.

2) You will have half an hour to browse before the swish opens.

3) No item may be claimed before the swish opens.

4) As soon as the swish is declared open, everyone may take what they want.

 5) Remember no scratching, spitting or fighting.

Vintage kilo fairs

If you happen to be in London or Edinburgh on these dates, pop into a kilo fair ran by www.judysvintagefair.co.uk. Pick your items, go to the scales and pay for what they weigh.   That simple. At £15 per kilo, there's every chance you could get several bargains!

• The Vintage Kilo Sale Edinburgh 21 Apr 2012

• The Vintage Kilo Sale 29 Sep 2012 London

• Bethnal Green Kilo Fair 12 Oct 2012 London

• The Vintage Kilo Sale 15 Dec 2012 London

'One man's trash is another man's treasure.'

Chi x

Human errors, wins and fails

As we approach T4, I need to perhaps confess this month has not been as plain sailing as one would have liked and hoped for. Like Ken, I too have made a few slip ups albeit ones with good intentions. Like Ken, pre T6, I would have reacted similarly and just buried my head in that metophorical money sand pit until it all hopefully blew over.  However, following Ken's posts and realising that if I just blogged it out, other T6er's wil take stock and realise sometimes there are times when  I shouldn't lead by example.  So here's my comprehensive list.... 

Errors and fails

• Ebay

Personally, I have nothing against Ebay when used responsibly. Around the time of T3 and at work, I wondered over to the reprographics room for no other reason than to drop some papers off and procrastinate with the repro lady legend that is known as Michelle.  During our conversation, Michelle said she got all her clothes from Ebay saying it was great for bargains and she recently bought a Monsoon dress for about £3 which looked practically new. So I thought yes, definitely a thrifty way to buy clothes (my Achilles heel). Anyway, I signed up and hunted for a Topshop tshirt I have had my eye on for a while, setting my budget no higher than £10. Like I said, I had good intentions. As the bidding frenzy ensued and I was clicking that 'place bid' button, the excitement of winning my potential item took over to the point where I ended up getting that t- shirt for £11.26. So, over the intended budget when P&P came to £4.00 too.  Here's the life lesson and one which I reflected upon. As you're clicking on that 'place bid' button to get one over the other bidders, you don't win. No, what you end up with is an used dinosaur t-shirt and paying more than you would because you want poll position in the eBay bid battle.  I can only blame my childhood memories of 'Sports days' where getting that 'good effort' sticker for taking part does not make you feel any better for coming fourth in the wheelbarrow race.

Anyway, if you are sensible like Michelle, Ebay can still be a place for bargain hunting. Just go in with a sense of awareness and use the tips below:

• Set your budget and don't go any higher, unlike me. Be strong!
• My sister told me to bid at the last minute as this is when you are more likely to get the best deals so bookmark the page and keep an eye out on the watch list before swooping in with your bid.
• Watch out for P&P costs. They add cost to your bid which only gets added on after you are the 'winning' bidder.

• Rail ticket fodder

I can only blame human error for not making the mistake once but twice! As you may recall around T2 time, I placed my tips about getting some good deals which I still stand by but not when you do stupid, frivolous things.  My friend Paul and I went to Liverpool on Wednesday but I can only blame myself for the mistakes before.

Error 1

When your friend texts you to say he is free to go on Wednesday 11th April, don't book your tickets for Tuesday 10th April. So, I got those bargain tickets but on the wrong day! Oops. Train companies don't let you change the days for free either. I rang their customer line and was told the following fees would result. So if you wish to amend your tickets, there is the initial admin fee of £10 then a charge of £10 per ticket you wish to change!Wanting to change four tickets is pricey! Being told this, I opted just to book new tickets.

Error 2

Yes, book two single tickets as they're cheaper but always check you put in the right information! I put in the wrong days again for our outbound journey didn't I? Because I am an idiot.... When we got to the station, to see if they could change it, the computer does always say 'no'and thus, it ended up with not a very thrifty costing trip.  We did have a great time though despite the farce that is me. See below. Thanks for reccommending Crosby beach Ken - loved the outdoor sculpture 'Another place' created by Antony Gormley! We got acquainted with number 64 and it has become one of my favourite places to visit.

'Crosby beach' with our main man '64'

 To get here: Walk to Liverpool Central station, head for platform 2 for the train to Southport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and you can get a ticket for 3.50 which can be used as a public transport pass all day. 

Albert Docklands - also showcasing some very blue skies :)

Spent sometime pondering where 'This morning' was broadcast.

Despite these errors, we should take stock and move forward. Rachel is a teacher and she says that when she conducts parents evenings, she tries to use the positive, negative, positive sandwich when meeting parents. So, despite the errors above, I will apply this sandwich metaphor accordingly.

Wins

• Blue rainbow Apartments...

have been a nice discovery. I went to a hen do recently in Manchester and stayed in these apartments where we paid £38 per person for the night which I thought was great, particuarly when some hotel rooms for the same standard can cost more and are less convenient for socialising in.  Costs were also kept down as we bought food and drink in too.  Here's the link. We had a great stay. Thanks blue rainbow apartments!

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/blue-rainbow-aparthotel-manchester-central.en.html?aid=311076;label=hotel-36120-gb-K9zOf1BsbzWLmN7FplL_1AS10600685820;ws=&gclid=COyq2tO3tK8CFYwMtAod1UBFjQ

• Ipod headphones

I like music and I listen to it alot.  I am fully aware following my degree where I was made to study audiology that my hearing is impaired and I predict full loss in the year 2022.  This means I have gone through a lot of pairs of ipod headphones which are v.pricey at £27.99 if you get them at HMV. However, my sister Po is a smart cookie and she took out this great insurance where you can hand in your damaged ones and get a new pair for £3 so definitely worth checking out!

• Summer Camp

Along with continuing thriftiness and good times. I paid £5 to go see a band called 'Summer camp' at the Harley. I knew nothing about them and am happy to say, the duo were definitely a lot of fun to watch.  

Don't let the red polonecks and cats put you off.

• Spotify

I'm not on 'Facebook' but my younger, much cooler sister is, so if you want to stream your music for free, I think you log through your fb account and sign up to 'Spotify'. On the other hand as I'm about five years behind when it comes to catching onto tech trends, I suspect everyone and their pet dog is spotifying as we speak.... I still find it advanced, we can watch 4od for free - I have been amusing myself with the delights of series 6 'Peep show'. Just ace.

Nothing to do with thriftiness but I am very glad I made a few rail ticket errors and it hasn't left a permanent reminder on my face...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2128662/56-stars-tattooed-Belgian-womans-face-visible-year-planned-laser-surgery.html

Keeping my fingers crossed my T6 fortunes will change. Until next time, like Ken said, keep the faith!

Chi x

London T6 Style!

Hello all!

Had to share this thrifty wonder...

http://uk.megabus.com/megatrain.aspx

Me and my mum went to London last week for £27.50 return (yes that was for both of us!) thanks to the MegaTrain! Absolute bargain!

Here's a cheeky tourist snap of St Pancras to prove it...



Ken x

Hitting a thrifty bump in the road...

Well.

I've got to be honest.

I've not been doing quite as well on the old thrift this month.

Chi - you've been an absolute legend with all of your thrifty ways - I am truly inspired! Things are not quite so rosy down here in Notts..

A good friend of ours, Jess, once compared saving money to being on a diet. It's really hard to start with but then once you get into it, it starts feeling really good, and becomes a habit. This is very true. However, as I have discovered this month, when you hit a time of stress - all sensibility can tend to go out of the window. This month I have definitely become a bit lax on the old saving - buying lunch rather than taking a packed one and going on a fair few impromptu dinners out (I'm afraid the list goes on...)

HOWEVER. Before T6 I would have given up and started ignoring my bank balance - shoving my head very firmly and quickly into the sand. But I am a changed women. Tonight I sat down with my online bank and my Filofax and forced myself to face up to my spending this month (which turns out wasn't as bad as I had initially thought), and make a plan for the month ahead. In doing this I have realised I will soon be back on track with my saving plan, and it's served as a good wake up call for future thriftiness!

So to all fellow T6ers...keep the faith!

Ken xx