The local Rag

 My local newspaper asked if they could do a report on my this week.

I was happy to, if it helped others discover the joy I'm getting out of our own personal Year of Thrift. 

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10960002.Darlington_mother_aims_to_revive_make_do_and_mend_lifestyle_with_a_year_of_thrift/

One remark in the comments page was that we were 'copying the 'Year with out SuperMarket' guys and their superb blog

 http://ayearwithoutsupermarkets.com

This is an understandable mistake an we are leaving the supermarkets for buying produce etc at local markets, indoor markets and farm shops, we haven't totally abandoned supermarkets per say. Our on personal approach is to be as Thrify as we can, it would be madness of we spent more on an item that cost us less at a shop or supermarket and quite frankly go against what we have sent out to do. So not to cause confusion here are  our rules 

1. Be thrifty and enjoy it! Think carefully about every purchase.

2. DONT impulse buy-Buy in sales, second hand, etc

3. Food bought locally from markets, farms and sustainable sources where possible but keep to the budget and with in the Thrity ethos

4. Learn new skills or trade our abilities 

5. Repair, reuse or recycle.  

6. New isn't bad, justify the longevity of a more expensive item against something 2nd hand with out a warrenty etc. 

7. Don't bulk buy-no stock piling or hoarding.

8. No pre-packed meals/take aways.  

And finally, I understand, we can't please all the people, all the time. We will always have critics. To them I say, I'm giving it a go-may be you should too!