Hello. Here we go again.
Another story out this morning.
I thought they might have dumped this as it's been over a week now since they interviewed me.
Off to Crafty Club now. Back later.
Toodle pip.
And breathe.
7 hours ago
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Enjoyed reading that, Ilona!
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
We're called tight all the time, I wear it as a badge of honour!! only Mortgage debt to go.
ReplyDeleteJust read your article in the daily mail. You put your views about the way you live very well. All the best.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your article again, but now I am starting to worry that the DM are taking advantage of you. I know you don't care, but why did they run the article again? Probably because it wound people up sufficiently to warrant round 2. 'Pensioner is frugal' isn't as alarmist as the article they run regarding a cold house and no teabags. They are making you out to be a caricature of your true self. I hope you get lots of publicity for your blog though and I also hope you help someone who is struggling to take control of their finances.
ReplyDeleteI saw this. Didn't they just recycle some of the stuff that was written before?
ReplyDeletegreat video, I think it best when you can speak for yourself, they can't change your words that way,, you are an inspiration, I know you've helped me ,, I thank you for that,
ReplyDeleteIt's obviously caused quite a stir this frugal thing. I bet it's made a lot of folk re-think their expenditure. I bet there are loads of folk envious of your financial freedom. Keep up the blogging - I always pick up a tip!
ReplyDeleteDM are always filling gaps with old news. I stopped buying it because the news would appear on line before the newspaper.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are jumping on the bandwagon but I do think in some parts she is a tad condesending towards you Ilona. People live their life to suit themselves not everyone else.
ReplyDeleteSue R
Hopefully some will take note of the fact that you purchased your first house before you were 30 - bet quite a few wish they could say that. Glad there was a little mention of some of the things you do for enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteI am with those who say carry on with your blog - I have picked up a few tips and sometimes ask myself "what would Ilona do"
I wish that the DM would not call you stingy in the headline. You are so generous, far from being stingy. (I'm not sure, though, if stingy has the same meaning in the UK as in America.) You often give excess produce to neighbors, make bags to sell for the cat rescue and share your money-saving tips with us without trying to make money on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really love your lovely kitchen. Love the cabinets and hardware and that everything looks so modern.
Whilst I enjoyed reading it Ilona, I totally agree that the headline is out of order. You are a lovely woman, kind and thoughtful and please don't stop blogging because of a few idiots.
ReplyDeleteX x
Just a PS to my earlier brief comment and that is you've made me recognise where I could make economies even though I would have to keep the heat on and still use a tumble dryer - Devon is notoriously wet and clothes would go mouldy here before they were dry on the line (the alternative would be to have them draped over the radiators and I'm not prepared to put up with that.)
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is, Ilona, how you live is how so many people lived - including my own parents - in the 1940s and 1950s when things were either in very short supply or very expensive or only on ration. We never cut string around parcels (Sellotape was seldom used before the late 1950s) and brown paper had to be neatly folded and reused (no padded bags for posting things then, either.) Jam jars were always re-used, also the waxed paper around a sliced loaf was used for packing sandwiches in. We bought little and often (mainly from the village shops) as we didn't have the luxury of a fridge, either. As for a washing machine ... Mum simply washed everything in the sink and wrung it out before hanging it on the line, even the bedding. The kitchen was really just a scullery - a sink and draining board, a couple of shelves above it for Rinso or Tide (remember those) and soap flakes (before washing up liquid); a gas oven, an old wardrobe which Mum converted with shelves to make a larder, and an enamel-topped table on which she prepared the meals. And that was in the 1950s - as far as convenience was concerned, it might've been the Dark Ages. And, of course, no central heating.
The one blessing? We lived in our newsagent's shop so there were plenty of sweets and chocolates, although I was forbidden simply to "help myself"!
Margaret P
keep flying the flag Ilona, let the papers have their fun, I know that most people take what they say with a bushel of salt. We know that you are on the right track, as Margaret says we all lived like that a very short time ago. When the oil runs out many of us will learn to live like it again. I do use a tumble drier at odd times, it has not stopped raining since the beginning of November here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ilona, I came across your blog by chance - so glad I did!! Love your advice and your writing style!! I don't like the slant of the DM article at all - why don't they also mention that you are living a great life - have a great social life- whizzing around in your car, going out on your trips and holidays, crafty club, your pets etc etc. Keep up the fantastic job you're doing, helping so many people - if more people lived like you the world would be a much better place!! Less is truly more. Greetings from Barcelona (you are truly international!) All the Best, Diana
ReplyDeleteI read the DM article and loved it. Even with all the negative posturing of the writer, you sounded lovely, authentic...and an inspiration. Well done, you. Ever so glad to be reading your blog. SH
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the comments here about how the interviewer was a bit condescending. It's like those of us who enjoy being frugal and in turn saving the planet, have two heads!
ReplyDeleteI live very well and enjoy life to the full on very little money. I relish the challenge of seeing what I can get for very little money, if any at all! Money isn't the be all and end all. We all have our own ideas on how we choose to live, and in these days of a wasteful society...being mindful of what is a need or a want, should be commended.
I'm so glad you let it all go over your head and carry on regardless. Well done!
Actually rediscovered your blog today, and very pleased to do so and can relate to alot of your remarks. I would say that I still cling onto 'creature' comforts, except that it's the very fact that us humans have wandered far and wide from what would 'comfort' any creature that got us into this state in the first place. So, I'll just say I like my material comforts, but have begun to get increasingly aware of how we need to downsize on every level to appreciate what we do already possess or is simply around us and doesn't need possessing. Love your cats, by the way - have to explore your blog a bit more to see the felines past and present that have been the ultimate creature comfort in your life!
ReplyDeleteIf only those who commented on these articles knew you as we do, Ilona, how wrong they would see they are.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful, happy life, living it exactly as you please and not following the masses who are told by the system how we should live. Your ideas as completely your own, you are a free spirit. If only more people could experience the joy of living ` free`.
I also do the sniff test on clothes and think heating is for softies. I refuse to donate my money to the energy thieves when heavy sweaters, cosy blankets and hot water bottles are just as warm. I also now do my shopping in the evening and it is surprising just how long the reduced food lasts.
When I have visitors they know that the coffee (do not buy tea either) will be without milk. We do not use it, so pointless having it in just in case.
I can honestly say that living as I do now is so much more fun, only wish I had discovered it years ago. I live by the saying...I am me I am free.
A day late with my best find, sorry,.......two beautiful, tiny, scruffy little kittens found many years ago huddled in a field when walking home from work. So into the shopping bag with them and home they came to join the rest of the gang.....that made 7.
Keep on trucking Ilona, you are our inspiration. x
Ilona next time you do a media interview please show them your hanging basket, gorgeous wall hanging etc. You are now famous in Australia, you are on this website http://www.mamamia.com.au/the-worlds-thriftiest-woman-money-saving-tips/
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment suggesting they read your blog to get the facts of how creative, kind and sociable you are to animals and humans. You are also on Simple Savings a website forum and Facebook in Oz. a more like minded audience, everyone loved you on there. I know we are a country with only 24 million people but you have a fan base here already. Keep on keeping on.