I live an abundant life on a small, private pension.

I live an abundant life on a small, private pension.

This website provides tips and encouragement for others that want to simplify their life, reduce consumerism, reduce the waste of the planet’s resources, and be more content with what they already have.

Recipes & Food
Saving Money
Toni G

Hello, I’m Toni.

Being frugal is not about deprivation and ‘being cheap’. It involves making the best use of your resources and skills to enable you to have more choices in how you live your life.

Toni G signature.

A simple, frugal life does not have to involve feeling poor without luxuries, or be just about surviving.

You can feel rich in so many other ways. Through planning, having a positive mindset, using nature’s resources, and by reducing waste, it is possible to thrive, and live your best life, even on a small income.

Simple.

Stay close to nature in all that you do.

Frugal.

Mindfully use your money and resources.

Heart.

Life.

Find joy every day, make time for self care, and be your authentic self.

Latest from my blog

  • Vegan chilli in the slow cooker

    Published On: February 5, 2025Categories: Mains

    Vegan chilli is a cheap and tasty meal and, although we are not vegan, it is one of our staple meals as it is full of goodness and easy to make.  I don't always have [...]

  • 11 ways to earn money if you do not have a job

    Published On: February 4, 2025Categories: Saving Money

    Prices are constantly increasing, and I know a lot of people that do not want to go to work in a proper job, especially retired people, but need a little bit more income.  Here are [...]

  • The importance of cleaning your bought fruit and vegetable

    Published On: February 1, 2025Categories: Healthy food, Wellbeing

    Fruit and vegetables are a really important part of our nutrition. I hold my hands up that I never used to wash my fruit, and would eat an apple straight from the fruit bowl, or [...]

  • January gardening gifts and getting organised

    Published On: January 29, 2025Categories: Growing Food

    It has been a beautiful, sunny day today and so I thought that I would go outside into the garden and get some jobs done.  I usually don't go any where near the garden until [...]

  • Stretching a bar of chocolate

    Published On: January 28, 2025Categories: Snacks

    I am trying to eat dark chocolate as I know it is healthier than my normal choice.  However, it is so expensive, and tastes a bit bitter to me and so I don't enjoy it.  [...]

  • Drinking home made teas made from what we have

    Published On: January 28, 2025Categories: Healthy food, Saving money on food

    Coffee and tea have really increased in price.  I don't actually drink either, but Mr S drinks both.  This year I am trying to embrace winter, and so have decided to try to make 'teas' [...]

  • Growing food without a garden

    Published On: January 26, 2025Categories: Growing Food

    Lots of people tell me that I am privileged and that they can not grow food as they do not have a garden.  Yes I know I am so lucky to have a garden   The [...]

  • Baked Egg custard tart

    Published On: January 23, 2025Categories: Desserts

    This dessert was very fashionable when I was young and can still be found in supermarkets and bakeries.  It is easy to make from staples in the cupboards and fridge.  Mr S loves them and [...]

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Fresh, organic produce on a shoestring.

Growing your own food.

Grow Your Own Food

Slow down, relax and start…

Living simply.

Living Simply

Favourite recipes

Using affordable ingredients and what you already have in the store cupboards, as well as what you can grow and forage.

Salmon.
Ripe blackberries.
Lemon balm iced tea.
Four Lollies.
Pasta and tomatoes.
Herbs and pan.
Padding out salads.
Pasties a frugal filling meal.

You might not be able to control how much money you have, but you can control what you do with it.

I hate to throw left over food away, there’s almost always a meal you can make with it. Once you change your mindset, it’s surprising what you can save with a little thought and a little planning.

Saving Money