August 2017 (part 2) More New Beginnings

 For as long as I can remember, these frugal living challenges have always been about breaking the shackles of consumerism and escaping to debt freedom; our quest for self-sustainability has never waivered. Over the years, many have achieved some of their goals, few have achieved all and others still toil in the hope of finding light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. I'm ever hopeful that Frugaldom can provide a glimmer for whoever cares to look. Wherever you are on your great moneysaving adventure, I salute you all and hope you will continue living a frugal lifestyle.

Looking back over the years, I see many unfinished projects of my own but each has its place in the grand scheme of things and each will eventually be completed. I see many names who have been with us for part of our journey and then left to pursue their own interests. Sadly, I see names of those who are no longer with us, departed from this mortal realm, and I can only hope that they found peace and happiness at the end of that journey. For the rest of us, life goes on and so does everything around it. We can't lose focus of our main goals nor can we deviate too much from the original plan - frugal freedom. (Frugaldom)

As many of you know, it has now been 3 years since we managed to purchase a patch of land to turn into our frugaldom project. In that time we have worked endlessly at taming the wilderness, recruiting whatever help we could and hosting many work exchange students who have helped us greatly. Ultimately, we want the project to become a place where anyone can come and experience this fabulous lifestyle of rural and frugal living combined with the freedom to relax, engage with like-minded others and make the most of what the countryside has to offer, without breaking the bank!

Affordability is our watch word! During previous frugal entrepreneur (frugaleur) challenges, we set up all manner of micro-projects from willow and herb growing to orchard planting, recycling and ecoarts. This year, we managed to register the entire Frugaldom project as a social enterprise and we have also signed up to the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere charter. (Frugaldom lies within this internationally recognised biosphere.) Our quest for sustainability, greener living, zero waste and environmental concerns have been recognised as worthy!

But we are still, most definitely, rural and with that comes the problem of day trips for most being out of the quesion. So, we invested in accommodation for our extended frugal family by way of  two mobile homes, sited on a very 'back to nature' style (but with many luxuries included) holiday park only minutes from the Frugaldom project.

Frugal Breaks officially launched in August 2017 and is now accepting bookings for next year. By renting out one caravan and hosting our volunteer workforce in the other, we are now able to cater for all budgets, offering exceptional value for money to members of Frugaldom and participants in our frugal living challenges. Regular holidaymakers are welcome and even they get great bargains on the condition that they respect the lifestyle and leave the place as they find it.

Frugaldom's virtual cash

The web link goes to the dedicated facebook page where I have added a 'Book Now' button - we;re also on AirBnB. HOWEVER, if you are friends, fans or followers of the Frugaldom blogs, challenges and activities, please get in contact to find out how you can take advantage of our holiday offers at greatly reduced prices. Lack of cash needn't prevent you visiting us as we will happily barter / trade / exchange goods and/or services in our quest to make your visit possible. That's what our Cyberdosh project is all about - it isn't quite a crypto-currency but it's a virtual trading currency that you can find, earn and spend at Frugaldom.

But hold on... there's even more news of future developments in 2018...

My ultimate goal from many challenges ago was to offer the ultimate frugal living experience and this, dear frugalers, is something that is about to happen very soon.

We found the perfect property for visitors wanting to sample 'the good life'! Work began immediately to ensure the place was wind and water tight by winter and, although there is much work to be done, we hope to be able to welcome our first frugal lifestyle experience guests by Easter 2018.

Affordability is, as always, at the fore, so prices for booking this 'Thrift Cottage', complete with its adjoining workshop and kitchen garden, will reflect my personal wish to help others make memories at Frugaldom.

The one-bedroom cottage has a full bathroom and kitchen plus livingroom with fold out double bed. It is on a main bus route, has a daily coach service running all the way between London and Belfast, it's only a couple of miles off the Southern Upland Way and it's near a main cycling route, so no cars needed to get here. I'll keep you updated on progress, so watch this space. If there are any budding interior designers, landscape gardeners or DIY buffs among you, please get in contact about a Cyberdosh break to help us get this place ready for future frugal guests. 😊

I told you August 2017 was a busy month!