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Monday 14 October 2013

Bits and pieces ...

A rather random post today my lovelies, hence the title! Sometimes a song pops into my head and I think "I'll have to do a post around that" or I think of a post and then try to find lyrics that fit.  Does anyone else do this? Erm, probably not! I'd love to know how you think of your post titles though ...


Have been a bit thrifty this week, not only with the treasures that I usually bring in, but at the supermarket too ... I don't want to bore you all with shopping lists, but on the way home from school this morning, I bought this little lot for less than £13 from the Co-op ... I would have bought more,  but wasn't in my car! Vegetarians please look away ... 'Best' crumpets,  Lean minced steak, 6 free range chicken breasts, 3 pork steaks, 4 Thai fishcakes, hummous, bread, red onions, and four packs of canneloni, which come in when sustenance is needed very quickly.  Oh, and the beautiful roses above were a bargain last Monday and have lasted a whole week for less than £3! My freezer is full of red, orange and yellow stickers, but who cares? We eat well for very little and it's getting to the stage were I don't want to pay full price for anything. Then again, we are Thriftwood, so it's to be expected!


I've been enjoying some lovely reads (I love the Autumnal covers on the mags out right now)


and I've been busy with my Tattypics ... I've sold this one and received several commissions ...


Quite a cottage industry ... except I don't live in a cottage ...

Last week I visited the lovely little market town of Kirkby Lonsdale (forgot my camera, doh!) and went for lunch in a swanky restaurant.  It was my friend Tracey's special birthday and I was treating her to lunch.  We had been before and opted for our favourite dish Gambas with Chorizo and Tagliatelle.  It cost about £11 and was delicious, but thought I could probably recreate it for much less.



Tagliatelle with Tiger Prawns & Chorizo

First of all I make a basic Tomato Sauce (with a few additions!) no weighing or measuring, this is just how I've done it, but I'll put some in the freezer.

Sweat 2 red onions and 2 white onions in olive oil.  Add finely chopped chillies, garlic and ginger (I strongly recommend using a Kenwood Mini Chopper, they are worth their weight in gold!) and fry for about 2 mins.  Add 3 tins of chopped tomatoes and any tomatoes that may be lurking in the fridge,  bring to the boil and simmer for as long as you like.  The longer you do it for (up to 5 or 6  hours in a slow cooker) the more intense the flavour will be, and your home will be filled with delicious, rich aromas.

When ready to eat, cook some tagliatelle (I usually use 2 rounds per person), chop some chorizo, add to pan, and then add cooked King or Tiger Prawns and heat through.  Serve on a bed of tagliatelle with a lemon wedge, black pepper and a sprinkling of Parmesan.  It cost me less than £6 to make all this and there is probably 10 portions! (Using Aldi Chorizo and King Prawns).  You can of course add your own ingredients to the tomato sauce.


Thought I'd just leave you with these two cheery chappies! Wonder where they are now, and what on Earth he's pointing at?  Love a man in a balaclava ...

I've done a fair bit of advertising today, but swear to God I'm not sponsored by anyone ... just over-excited to share my bargains!

Have a warm and wonderful week!

Love from Claire xxx

51 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Ooh I know, Sharon! It gives me a real buzz finding one xxx

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  2. Love the two men in the balaclavas - very vintage!!!! You have been busy haven't you, might have to try that pasta, it looks very tasty. Yesterday I posted with the title "what a difference a day makes" about a days gardening, but I keep wanting to burst into song because of it (the post title and the gardening!), so glad to know that I am not the only one who does these sorts of things!!

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    1. I've been singing 'what a difference a day makes' ever since reading this comment Amy ... love that song! xxx

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    2. Sorry!! Glad you like the song though. xx

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    3. Ooh, don't apologise Amy! If it was something like Agadoo, I would be annoyed! Now my turn to be sorry ... Xx

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  3. Where would we be without song lyrics, in pieces, I expect! What do your Tattypics say? I think that chap is saying ...I worried my girl is two-timing me, does yours knit all night? xx

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    1. My tattypics say all sorts of things Ethel! Love you to the moon and back; a kind word is never wasted; Believe; and anything that you want them to say ...

      You're probably right about balaclave man, haha!

      Love Claire xxx

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  4. Lol don't you just love old knitting patterns. No shame back then!

    Its a great feeling when you know you have saved money either by buying something at a knock down price or re-using/purposing what you have.

    You stitcheries look lovely no wonder they are selling so well.


    P x

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    1. Hello Paula, they wer3 so cheesy, I've got a big wad of them but this was my favourite!

      Thanks for dropping in

      Love Claire xx

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  5. Ah...I' m in good company then concerning post titles and lyrics, because that sounds very familiar.Love your Tattypics and thanks for the recipe, always nice some new inspiration concerning....what will we have for dinner today! Have a good week, Anita xo

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    1. I agree Anita! I've started trying to sort tea out early in the day, usually n the slow cooker ... xxx

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  6. Oh I'm rubbish with post titles :) Love to hear about bargains, I'm not too good at that either, though do try to keep my eye open for them. Can't imagine my hubby in one of those balaclavas :) xx

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    1. Don't put yourself down Cheryl! I'm sure you're a fabulous bargain hunter, and your post titles are great xxx

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  7. can we have more information on the tatty pics please? are they stitched sayings? what material do you use as a backing and what do you use to do the stitching? sorry to be nosey but have noticed that quite a few people stitching names or words and when i've tried to do it it just looks rubbish!!! well done for finding your bargains - it's always lovely to feel you've done well!! xx

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    1. Hi Lynne, just stitch phrases or single words onto thick cloth, that has been cut to size, then add decoration! Simple xxx believe me, if I can do it,anyone can. Try Pinterest for inspiration xxx

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  8. I love a bargain too Claire, I'm always buying random items just because they're almost past their sell by date & reduced!
    I think of some brilliant post titles when I'm driving about, sadly they're forgotten by the time I get home - Not too keen on the balaclava men!

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    1. Hi Jay, if I think of a really good I create a new post, and just put title in, and then save it to draft!

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  9. Great little pictures there too Claire, I'm on a thrifty quest too, funnily you've been in my thoughts a lot lately! More thrifty tips please! :) x

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    1. I like random posting too Claire, just going from one subject to another. Sometimes I get stuck asto what to post about so it's nice to do little bits of everything. You always have lots of lovely things to see on your posts anyway. Those pictures are especially lovely xx

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    2. Aw thanks Ada, that's lovely! I've just read your new list and am very mores sed! I should be taking tips from you!

      Love claire xx

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    3. Hello Anne, thanks for dropping in! I think the replies and comments have got a bit mixed up, sorry! Love a bit of random ...

      Claire xx

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  10. Great tips, Claire, I enjoy reading about your money saving ways. I am finding it so much easier to stay on a budget with just 3 of us to feed, and we're eating our way through our garden produce: runner beans, apples, plums feature quite heavily at the moment!

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    1. There are just 3 of us at home most f the time now, and I make meals for 6 as usual, but freeze the rest so when I want a day off from cooking, there's always something in the freezer.

      Your garden produce sounds fab, we've finished all ours, but used to love a completely free meal from the veggie patch!

      Love claire xx

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  11. Oh what a lot of bargains. I do like a toasted crumpet when the weather gets chilly. I might give your lovely recipe a go, with my homemade tomato sauce. (I never got round to trying out the jam, my Mum made so much). Your tatty pics look really pretty. I have a pile of vintage patterns from my Aunt and the poses the models have are hilarious. Have a lovely week.
    Ali x

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    1. Hi Ali, home made jam and crumpets ... What cold weather was made for!

      Thanks for dropping in, you're always welcome xxx

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  12. Recipe sounds great! Love the balaclava guys!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  13. You're certainly living up to your thrifty name! It amazing how little you can spend with a spot of careful shopping isn't it :)

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  14. Hello Annie, I just don't see the point in spending a lot if you don't have to ... Leaves more money to go treasure hunting!

    Love Claire xx

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  15. Some great bargaintastic purchases there Claire - and I agree - what's the point of paying full price for something if you can pay pence and then whack it in the freezer? Your meal sounds divine and just up my street - may have a have a go at that one! Your 'tatty' pics look very sweet - and all the best to you if you are indeed looking into setting up a little biz with them. You deserve to do very well :)

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    1. 🎄Aw thanks Kim, you're a very lovely lady!

      Hope you're feeling a bit better now, and your pain is being controlled.

      Love Claire xx

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  16. Your recipe looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. New Follower.
    Jody

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    1. Hello Jody, welcome to Thriftwood!

      I've popped over t you too

      Love Claire xxx

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  17. Love the balaclava guys. Some great bargains. Good Luck with your tatty pics x

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    1. Thank you Jacqui!

      Lovely of you to pop in!

      Love Claire xxx

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  18. I love Kirkby Lonsdale, I had a holiday there in 1988 & it was fab! Co-op is great for orange stickers, we buy loads of bread & freeze it. x

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    1. It's really pretty Jo, one of my favourite places to vists!

      I've just called in the Co-op and filled my freezer with lovely bread and rolls!

      Love Claire xxx

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  19. ~ Hello Mrs Thriftwood! ~ Am a chuckling at those guys with their very fine balaclava's .....Ooh the fashions...I bet they are itching like mad in those..I made your very spicy soup with peanut butter last week! and am going to make again today.....Must pop me head in the coop more often....Thank you for sharing, Mrs! Titles oh i love post titles....and often change mine even when even posted....I wonder has any one noticed....hehe...hugs and kisses xxxx Maria x

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  20. Hello Rosey Maria! I'm glad you tried the soup, it's perfect for Autumn!

    I never thought of balaclava itchiness, but now you've got me scratching ...

    We need a trip out soon, what do you think?

    Love Claire xxx

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  21. Always nice to stop in for a few 'bits & pieces' Claire! That last photo has me laughing ... they look like they're ready for space travel ;) Today I'll be making my own soup ... turkey soup from our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. I love how many meals we can get out of one 15-pound bird! My daughter came home for the weekend, and I begrudgingly sent her back with a tub of turkey dinner leftovers. The little embroidered sayings are very cute ... you'll soon be opening your own Etsy shop! Enjoy the rest of your week Claire. Wendy xo

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    1. Ooh Wendy, I love a good turkey dinner! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving ...

      Have thought about an Etsy shop, have actually got one, with nothing in it ... Don't really feel good enough to be honest, everyone else's stuff seems really professional ... Think I'll stick to what I'm doing for now, but thanks for the vote of confidence! I really need a little shop to potter about in!

      Thanks for popping in, you're always welcome Wendy!

      Love Claire xxx

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  22. Oh I have loved reading this Claire, you make me feel all warm and cosy,,I love a bargain too
    Well done on your little frames, it makes it all worth while when buys from you

    The recipe sounds yummy I am off to look for some lurking tomatoes
    and I might even knit one of those balaclavas for Fin !!
    Keep a twinkle in your pocket
    Thea x

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    1. Hello Thea, thank you, you're very kind!

      Please share your pictures of Fin I his new balaclava, won't you?

      Love Claire xxx

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  23. Hi Claire, I love late night thrifty shopping too,its the best :)
    XXX

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  24. Ooh definitely ... But now it's getting chilly at night, sometimes I have to really drag myself out ...

    Love Claire xx

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  25. Just love that knitting pattern - wonder what they look like now! x

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    1. I was thinking that myself Daffy! They're probably in their 60's now ... wonder if they still do modelling?

      Love Claire xx

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    1. Hello Mason, welcome to Thriftwood!

      Claire x

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  27. Oh Claire isn't Co-Op brill for reduced loveliness! I filled my basket there recently. TBH I dont much care about best before dates and if it smells good it gets eaten! Julie x

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I love to hear what you think of my ramblings and value all your comments ... I will try and get back to you, but am sorry if I don't always manage this ... sometimes real life just gets in the way! Claire xxx