Coffee chat with money saving tips.

Join me for a coffee and pick up some money saving tips from my blog. Showing off my new fleecy hoodie.

[@butterflyj1967]

Hi Ilona! I've got a tip for keeping your pets warm if you have to keep your heating off. I have a 16 year old cat who doesn't like any form of blanket over her and with us having to keep our heating off she's the one in the house we can't wrap up warm in clothes like us. So I found that if I fill a hot water bottle up and put it under a quilt she'll sleep on top of it and gets some warmth .

[@msjannd4]

That's a great idea! 🐈

[@romans8385]

Oh, I like that idea. Thank you.

[@caterinas6863]

I have an electric heated pad for cats, it consumes very little electricity and my cat sleeps on it! Got it from Amazon

[@dandelionwishes9842]

Absolutely Brilliant water bottle heat warmth 😻

[@asmith9140]

I roler pin my tubes of tooth paste etc and foldcthe flat end over securing it with a peg😃

[@sandradavies2106]

Dare I suggest to folks charity shops are crying out for volunteers , just a few hours helps and it helps yourself confidence and you meet loads of new friends. This also saves you having to heat your own home while you are out.

[@caterinas6863]

I am trying to sign up my father-in-law for volunteering at the charity shops but the process is so complicated! Especially for older people without a computer.

[@rubyjools]

I am crocheting myself a bedspread with odd balls of yarn I get in charity shops (thrift)..its very colourful! 🥰

[@ASmileAdayful]

🤭Im hooking a top like ilonas lol keep crochet alive yahhh

[@lilybee_]

I'm crocheting an afghan to keep warm with this winter too. We found some beautiful, soft yarn at the thrift store.

[@ashleybosvik3031]

My sister made a sweater doing that.

[@juliejr]

Something I do is cut tubes in half, toothpaste, hand cream, moisturiser, shampoo etc etc. It really is quite shocking how much is left in the tube after you can no longer squeeze any out..

[@raven_ous2585]

Awww, it's lovely that Maisie has made a friend in Gloria 💋💞🐾🐾

[@karen4you]

Always love tips on saving. I agree that men's clothing tends to last longer. Their socks certainly do and I can recommend them. The men's sweatpants have deep pockets and wear like iron also.

[@lat1419]

The men's thermal knee high socks are amazing fot keeping ankles warm and are cheaper than womens knee socks *in the UK*

[@cristinaevans139]

If you are pregnant mens underwear is cheaper and much more comfortable especially in the last stages of pregnancy ❤

[@NeKisha_in_Maine]

You are such a dear. I live in Maine, USA. We are very low income. We utilize the paper to find fun free activities at local libraries and some towns have free fairs for kids. We never eat out. We pack a simple lunch and snacks and hike or go swimming. We've all learned hand crafts, instruments, and read. Being frugal is fun

[@DisabledandPrepping]

That coat does look so nice and soft fuzzy warm like like a warm hug from my grandma. Those are all really good ideas. Here's a tip I got from a Post Office worker that delivers mais that delivers mail to people's homes. He said in the Winter he puts deodorant deodorant which is also with antiperspirit most of the time on his feet to keep his feet from sweating which prevents his feet from getting as cold as they would have normally.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Never heard of that one. Thank you.

[@Vegannan]

I used to line my draws in the fridge with paper towel. It draws the moisture and makes your fresh food last longer. I now use tea towels, just as good.

[@ks-ii8th]

Thanks I think I’ll try that in my vegetable drawer 👍🏻

[@cherylT321]

That’s a good idea! I actually rescued a couple of dish cloths that someone had tossed out. There was nothing wrong with them...I just washed them and started using them. I think I will put one of them in the fridge, per your suggestion. Thank you!

[@theclumsyprepper]

I do that as well, works fantastically.

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

I like to take a sketch pad with me on my walks…to do a quick sketch or write down any inspirational thoughts , great tips

[@ShoestringJane]

Great tips! I am avoiding using my electric fan oven as it’s so energy hungry. I use slow cooker, air fryer and microwave whenever possible. I also use the shortest washing machine cycle, on 30 or 40, which also makes a big difference

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you. No need to bash your washing to death in a long cycle. 30 mins at 30 degrees is long enough.

[@CDN1975]

Lol, "kick your arse" sounds so much classier with a British accent ;).

[@jenniferhart8733]

Love your cosy jumper, the hood will make you much warmer. Until about 5 yrs ago I wouldn’t wear a hat outside , but when it snowed I wore one and couldn’t believe the difference it made.

[@veemcg3682]

When I was younger and very slim I bought children's clothes and footwear as they were cheaper and there was no vat to pay. I can't give blood either as I've had cancer and like you am always anaemic so have to keep taking iron.. Yuk! I used to love sitting on the mat with my dog and cat reading... now if I got down there I'd never get up again! I love your hooded top and wish you good health to wear it. Love vera in Northern Ireland

[@one-and-only_]

Excellent tips so many wonderful advices in one video,thank you!

[@MarieHolliday]

Awesome video

[@margaretpiddock455]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Gloria.. makes me laugh. Love the outfit, looks cosy, just what we all need. Silly as some sound, every penny counts. But some sound so obvious to me, is it because we had to do this years ago. They now call it ECO, but you could wash clean cloths, and nappies, and make up removers etc. everthing was washable, nothing was disposable. And take aways never existed, we had to cook, or at least try lol. We certainly are going back to how things were. Rant over 😅. Enjoy your week xx…..spoilt cat or what 😺😺

[@romans8385]

I wear hoodies alot but haven't seen one as fluffy as yours. It looks and I bet feels great. I like the money saving tips. My favorite is from a previous video about putting hand soap onto dry hands, working it in and then rinsing. My parents came of age in the Depression. Mom guarded the electric meter: "why is this house lit up like an airport?!" She'd laugh as she said it and switched off the 3-bulb ceiling lights ("only lamps, Joanne!"). I laughed writing this, remembering. Mom was right, as moms usually are. Thank you for this video, Ilona. Masie and Gloria make me smile, as do you.

[@anneosullivan4107]

'Boys knickers last years and years' 😂 shame if you have a big bottom 🤣 you'll need to slim down for this money saving tip. Anyway, eating less saves money too!! 💷 Luv your hoodie Ilona. 😉

[@gerh.7507]

Great refresher course, Ilona! I had forgotten some of these tips. They've seen me through lean times in the past. Ger in Ireland

[@portiabrown2913]

You generate happiness Ilona, thank you 😊 XX

[@paulagarcia7777]

Hello! Cheers to you 😊 I look forward to all your videos! Nice Snuggly Sweater. Hello to all the cats 🐈🐈‍⬛

[@ruthie2222]

Never thought about the children’s tooth brushes! 👍

[@cherylT321]

Me either and I actually have some sitting in a cupboard. I’m now going to use them!

[@amandayeager4356]

Your looking good girl ! love your chat .Thanks for the tips.

[@dawnmorandin541]

we don't have a car so I have to carry the groceries home, you will buy less and eat less when you have to lug it home, eg when we are low on food we'll have a quick omelet instead of driving to the store for more food. when the urge to order take aways come on, take the money out of your wallet and put it in a envelope, eat a sandwich instead, after a month check how much you now have saved.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I have a shopping trolley. Very useful.

[@cherylT321]

Get a small trolley to pull it. I keep one in the back of my car in case I end up with something heavier than I had anticipated!

[@rickwalker5203]

We never buy coffee out, hubby and I enjoy one pot of fresh brewed coffee at home, buy bulk beans and grind them each AM. Afternoon is tea time. This saves about $ 150 US a month.

[@cherylT321]

A guy who works with me, goes to this expensive coffee shop every single day for a coffee and a pastry. Every time I see him doing that, I wonder how much that’s costing him a year!

[@dianeb7420]

Thank you for all your tips! You suggested great ones! 🎃🍁💕🙏

[@Daisyandchlo]

I like your hooded top, Ilona. It looks very cosy. I've had a target for not putting any heating on until 1st November for about 15 years, now. It's worked pretty well over the years, but I've had the odd year where it's had a few days of really cold weather in Oct, so I've put it on just for those few days. My monthly direct debit has almost tripped with the rise in fuel costs, so I'm determined this year, to go even longer before putting the heating on. I'm just going to put several thin layers underneath and a thick layer on top. Moving around doing housework also keeps you warm, so my house is going to be spotless this year lol

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I think I'm in for a shock when I get my quarterly utilities bill.

[@lisasmith2103]

You make me smile Ilona 😁love the warm gown , must say I sit here with just a negligee on with no heating on due to the hot flushes I have been enduring for 6 years 😬 I will take on your money saving tips and say hi to Gloria for me 😂❤

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Dodgy comment removed. Ignore someone calling themselves Luca.

[@loveconnection1118]

I love these money saving videos x 💛🌻

[@pattycake8272]

A flask to the library...you make me laugh. Bring a wine bottle and little Dixie cups and make a lot of friends. Lol. With our small town library the smell would be wafting throughout. I don't smoke anymore and have a lap cat to keep me warm, plus hot flashes.

[@katekate5130]

Hello Ilona! Many moons ago, on a shorthand course, we were advised to write small, not to save lead, but to save milliseconds and get our speeds per minute up!

[@ruthie2222]

Some great tips! 😊

[@pipfield1901]

I wash in cold water and wash my hair in it too, even in winter, wakes me up and so refreshing and no cost of heating water! If it makes me cold, I sit on the sofa under my quilt and soon warm up, plus I wear thermal socks, if my feet are warm, I'm warm!

[@davidthomas-ot4cl]

Talking of McDonald's, you can often get vouchers for a burger and fries for £1.99 in the Metro newspaper. Of course they hope you'll buy a drink with it but I just take my own with me. It's a cheap meal out. I love their filet of fish and fries and they even do a veggie burger now that tastes just like meat. And of course you can take as long as you want eating it so you get free heat too!

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you for that money saving tip.

[@christinephillips3435]

Love your dressing gown.i just stopped smoking nearly 3 years ago.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Good for you.

[@tmarie7463]

I like the snuggly thing your wearing...Gloria needs one too. Maize blends in with the carpet. Good tips from your blog. Take care and stay warm in your snuggly pull over.

[@sheilafisher7255]

Lovely to see you, enjoying the tips. Enjoying some Autumn sun here in Essex,time for a brisk sea side walk. Keep the old joints moving!

[@pearl2910]

I’ve got that same ‘Hoodie’ my friend bought it for me ! It’s so nice !! 💗

[@tammylynn5238]

Mother I just love rewatching your videos. You always put a smile on my face. Your optimism spurs me on to say everyone else can bug off! I will be the pilot of my own life!! ♥️😊😊

[@natalieosborne-thomason7794]

I would add cuddle your cat or dog for warmth . The pants idea made me laugh I have always worn mens shirts as they last from the charity shop of course. Love and blessings from damp Northampton.

[@cherylparkinson6136]

Your new fleece hoody is same as mine , Mine is grey , my mum got me it last Xmas & it’s so warm . Glad your ok & keeping well Ilona x

[@ian1184]

children's toothbrushes is a good tip.

[@Aquietlyfrugallife]

This was a good one! I didn't know you have a blog. I'm looking at it now and I'm enjoying it!

[@Lee-fb4oj]

since you eat a vegetarian diet, multigrain cheerios is very high in iron and can be eaten as a snack along with dark green veggies added to a meal.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Funny you should mention Cheerios. I do have some. I put them in a mini chopper with seeds and nuts , then add milk and half a banana. Can also be used to bulk up stew.

[@Lee-fb4oj]

@@meanqueensuperscrimper8908 great! - the multigrain seem to have the highest iron.

[@marypetson]

Another brilliant video thanks so much. 🇮🇪💚

[@bettygraham818]

You mentioned making your own sandwiches. In today's news I read that Tesco is increasing the price of their *meal deal' for the first time in 10 years. I understand that you get a drink, a snack and a sandwich which will now cost £3.40 instead of £3 ( clubcard holders).Why anyone in their right mind would pay someone else to make a sandwich and buy a drink when we have excellent tap water amazes me, If it is for working people for their lunch, that is 5 x £3.40 and for £17 I could feed myself 3 meals a day for the same period of time. If we are in a time of austerity, how do folk find that kind of money?

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Sandwiches sold in supermarkets are made in a factory and shipped in a lorry. No thank you.

[@bettygraham818]

@@meanqueensuperscrimper8908 I agree ! I remember reading a novel once where 2 friends cleaned houses and one said to the other that she always made her own sandwiches because you never know if other people wash their hands! Ugh !!

[@rainyday4884]

Apart from the shocking price, freezing cold butties are horrible to me.

[@bettygraham818]

@@rainyday4884 I agree !

[@cherylT321]

It’s like people being broke yet somehow always having money for drinks, fags and drugs!

[@InaWorldfullOfHearts]

I could go on in lengths on how I adore your channel and what you share. I'm so grateful you are here! In my mind you are a true dear heart and you share so many valuable things with us and make us feel like an old friend. Thank you Ilona for being You and for sharing your tips, tricks and your journey of life with us. Big hugs! Your friend, Dawn Hall

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Hello Dawn, nice to hear from you. ilona

[@tammylynn5238]

Awww love love the wooly shirt mother!!!!! You shall be warm for many winter nights to come..

[@mandyfortune7992]

My menopause will keep me warm this year lol x

[@janeburke147]

Me too,I have to wear a zip up or dressing gown because it’s on,off all the time.One minute I put the electric blanket on to get toasty with Netflix & dogs ,the next I’m searching for a cool spot in the bed. 🤪

[@cherylT321]

Good one!

[@junemarshall6680]

I just LOVE your fleecy wooly top! Where did you get it? I want one as I am diabetic and have just had a low and couldln't get warmed up at all even though I had a fleece on and went to bed. Thanks for all the money-saving tips. I don't think I'll bother writing small to save ink he he. My writing is dreadful as I have shaky hands so I tend to write big. I think I can afford to buy a second BIC pen, what fun you are iLona, from junOmars from Ireland. xx

[@leighwiseman8389]

Hi Ilona, a pleasure to hear from you. Love your fleece top and your meal sounds lovely. Nothing like a nice long soak in the bath. I bought some of them trifles from Sainsbury's they were delicious. I've tried different veggie sausages but I just don't like them. Good driving tip by the way, honestly them people that zoom up to roundabouts, don't know how they stop. Keep the heat on for Maisey lol, beautiful cat, take care xxx

[@kerryjames6312]

I have free bus pass will stay in library to keep cool thanks I walk a lot I make my own sandwiches

[@denisekarding1844]

People don't mend clothes like they use to. They throw them away. I'm glad i know how to thread a needle and sew. Some things are beyond repair and can be used as rags. Who polishes shoes anymore when their worn in spots? They just get thrown away. I just bought some black polish and my boots look as good as new.

[@MarieHolliday]

Awesome money saving tips great channel

[@RhodaStone]

I Love Your Tips!❤

[@keithcitizen4855]

Greetings from down under, ah yes winter soon for you

[@mandie3049]

I'm putting my hand up in favour of the men's pants. They are the best knickers I ever had.

[@susanyates4233]

Hello Ilona, thanks for all the tips. Your fleece looks gorgeous. Cut wiping down cloths from an old t shirt, using half water, half laundry liquid in my thirty degree wash. Sitting with a hot water bottle and blanket during the day, filling a flask with boiling water. I rarely buy clothes but have bought two pairs of leggings, which I am alternating with above knee socks, purchased years since. I re-elastic waist slips, and my pants, as well as darning the latter. Best wishes, Susan.

[@cherylT321]

I wear thick tights at home that I use as pajama bottoms. They’re all fuzzy and stretched out, but they are very warm and cozy and have lasted me about six months so far. I wash them in a mesh bag so they don’t get messed up in the wash!

[@dominiquelydon118]

Hi Ilona! Please prioritise Iron Deficiency, so very important for our healthx Important to have replete levels of Vitamin B12.

[@lorriross3885]

Hello and thank you! You are absolutely adorable and I love listening to your dialect! And my beautiful mama up in Idaho, where I soon will be headed, has a wonderful kitty named Maisie also!! And they are quite a team together. Offering support and love and conversation even! So thank you for all your tips they're so smart and cute and simple for us to follow or just be remembered to follow:-) keep doing what you're doing you got a new subscriber in me God bless you and your kitties. And your crackling fireplace that's a luxury!:-) :-)

[@mrsc3120]

Having an electric shower installed has paid dividends for me. They're very economical to run as I'm not having to heat a large water cylinder.

[@christineconnor4413]

Good advice as usual . I use my gears to slow down at roundabouts etc then brake if I have to . I bought a lovely pair of boots at charity shop for £5 brand new . Fur lined velcro fastening and strong soles . Bargin ! Easy to put on and Soooo cumfatable . Ideal for walking this weather . Have to be careful not to slip on leaves on paths . We used to have winter and summer curtains when I was little. Fashions change over the years . 🥰 X

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Fantastic price for the boots.

[@christineconnor4413]

Yep I can sniff a bargain out at 200 paces ! I've got loads if stuff over the years . New winter jacket for £5 label still on - £20 ! Trousers / tops etc . All good quality stuff 👏👍☺️

[@kellyvargas6986]

Mushrooms on toast are delicious.

[@kackleful]

Love your Fleecy Hoodie, and enjoyed yoyr Video, stay warm!😻

[@marthaross6301]

Your warm blue fuzzy is called a Hoodie with a Kangaroo pocket

[@rhondacontino8250]

Good morning, drinking green pomegranate tea with you Love your videos, good tips, thoughts, etc!… I’m in America, just insane what this administration is ruining 🙄 Keep up the good work!!

[@rhondacontino8250]

I love your coffee cup:mug!.. very pretty!!!!

[@rhondacontino8250]

I watch you on my tv… bugger/better that way but need phone to comment

[@redshoesnz2720]

Maisie is cute 😍

[@tanyaframe3201]

Lots of handy tips. Used children’s toothbrushes for years 4pack for £1.👍

[@brendaalexander1923]

😊 Thank-you for sharing water down you washing up

[@maryfennell9672]

Nice hoodie!

[@sewmanythings8616]

Thanks! Good to see you!😊

[@niamhosullivan1291]

Make sure you use Epsom salts from dealz/Poundland in your bath Meanqueen. 🌹🇮🇪🇬🇧

[@kimpatterson8741]

❤

[@joyofthings]

Hello mother you look so happy and full of it.xxxxx🐝

[@nikkijackson2981]

You look so snug Ilona! Xx 🤗💜🖤

[@dandelionwishes9842]

Good ideal your snuggle an warm ,you look so cute in it with hoodie part on

[@andrearyan816]

Lidl red bush tea for me 😋

[@quailqueen6530]

tape up bubble wrap to your windows to keep cold out and warmth in.

[@carolinemarshall8782]

Thank you

[@cristinaevans139]

Hello from Australia it will be very hot by the end of the week here❤

[@jellytot9838]

Watching now with a brew 😊

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Two replies removed. Please ignore Luca. He/they posts multiple times. Sounds well dodgy. Stay safe.

[@kerryjames6312]

Beautiful video as usual

[@deborahbain9915]

Hi in New Zealand they call those snuggle tops Oodies

[@Katherine-zp4bq]

Hi I've watched your videos for a while now. I've only just discovered your blog. I really want to create a blog & have been looking into it recently. Now I've seen yours it's inspired me to go for it. 🙂 I also didn't know you used to be a truck driver. That's good for a female to have done. You obviously like your freedom. It makes sense now with some of your videos where you sleep in your car when on holiday etc. Good for you, I enjoy all your tips & advice & totally agree with you on the COVID jab opinion but each to their own. 😺

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you for your comment. Good to hear from you.

[@stylinggg]

What you wearing,have you joined a monestry?

[@ruthie2222]

Awwww Maisie 🐈 ❤

[@valerieclorley7806]

AAh, love Masie x

[@suerobinson3738]

Hello Meanqueen, I was wondering if you may be able to show us how to make a draught excluder. I have a couple of old pillows & didn't want to take them to the tip. Any suggestions or creative ideas of yours would be most welcome. Alas no sewing machine to hand though. By the way that cosy hoodie will keep you snuggled up nice and warm.

[@Daisyandchlo]

If you have an old pair of tights, cut a leg to the size of the door (add a little extra for tying), stuff it with the pillow filling and tie a knot at the end. No sewing needed.

[@suerobinson3738]

@@Daisyandchlo Thank you Teresa . Easy when you know how. Think there may be a pair somewhere hanging about. If not could use a pair of old trousers, leggings. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@anoodono1841]

Inspiration indeed

[@tanyaframe3201]

If you have a real fire collect twigs and small sticks when out walking.

[@barbarabrookes1]

A hot bath keeps you warm all night,where as a shower is very cold when you get out unless central heating is on.😊😊.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

You are right. As soon as you step out of the shower it is a rush to get yourself dry before you freeze to death.

[@alisoncotterill4048]

I wouldn't be able to afford to eat if I smoked... so expensive!!! I can't believe how expensive it is!!

[@Daisyandchlo]

I was in the newsagents earlier today and the chap in front of me paid £10.30 for 20 cigs. That's eye-watering to me. Many smoke 20 a day, so I don't know how they survive with that extra cost every month

[@kerryjames6312]

Library is a good place free heating take packed lunch eat outside in the park

[@lesleythomson2823]

I’ve frozen 2 whole carrier bags of apples , cut up , added cloves and cooked , they’ll last us until next Autumn , free from local church orchard ( help yourself )

[@bethel1019]

My tip is to use a flask to keep water hot so you don't have to boil the kettle so often.

[@kerryjames6312]

Exactly about smoking it's terrible

[@raven_ous2585]

Richmond vegan sausages are lovely 👍👍

[@annathomas4932]

A step too far...I will not be wearing boys pants 🩳 😆 🤣 !!

[@braineytroyandbracci]

Cheers :)

[@kerryjames6312]

I live thrifty money saving frugual life age 54