Living the good life on as little money as possible

One of the scary things about resigning from your job without another to go to is the realisation that you will have a lot less money. Now there's something about this that appeals to me as I really dislike how money focussed society is but at the same time I'd like enough to get by whilst being able to have the occasional treat and beautiful shoes.

I also don't want O to grow up thinking that she needs lots of money or stuff to be happy. Even before making the decision to quit my job, I had very strong opinions that I don't want her to be surrounded with piles of toys. I want her to really appreciate and use what she has and be able to play imaginatively. I am so looking forward to us building tents out of bedsheets, making 'rose perfume' (those who did this know it's amazing!), making robot costumes out of boxes and reading fabulous stories from my childhood that I can't wait to share with her.

So I have decided to try and get better at being thrifty but still trying to make sure that life is full and exciting.

So far, so good.

I started my weekend with a trip to Lidl. I have heard mixed reviews but have some friends who use Aldi and Lidl regularly so decided to give it a go. I was very impressed with how much I got for my money. Just over £17 bought me...
Steak
2 packs butchers style sausages
Bacon lardons
2 cartons of peach juice
Potatoes
Peppers
Satsumas
Strawberries
Bread
Salad

Pretty good going I thought, and the thriftiness didn't stop there. We enjoyed some excellent free entertainment including a trip to the park, a walk to the beach (I love living by the sea) and seeing wonderful friends.

We were also very fortunate to be given some lovely gifts which will be enjoyed over the next few weeks. These included...
Home grown runner beans
Freshly foraged blackberries
Home made blackberry jam
A box of maltesers
A big bag of milky buttons
Locally pressed apple juice
A huge box of tic tacs (those who know me know that this is a particularly fitting gift)

We are so fortunate to have such brillianty generous people in our lives and I really much appreciate the variety of goodies we now have to tuck into!

So all in all, had a pretty low key and cheap weekend but one that felt very rich.