I have neglected this blog for some time now in favour of my personal blog, multicolouredsmartypants and my cookery blog, Easy Cooking on a Budget. Given the predictions about the British economy, post-Brexit, I decided it would be a good idea to create a blog focusing on home made things, homemaking and frugality. ‘Frugal Freda’ sounded like a good name, but it turns out there’s already a blog called Frugal Frieda, so that won’t work. Then I remembered the lost and lonely Unpaving Paradise Project and realised that I already have a wonderful place to address issues that relate to frugality, homemaking and the environment. Being a housewife myself and living with a chronic health condition, I want to blog about how I am going about the task of moving from disorganised chaos to organised, not-quite-so-chaotic, enjoyable family home, especially as we live in a marvellous old house which requires an approach different to that taken for the typical 3 or 4 bed semi that pervade the UK.
I have discovered a love of housework that I never knew I could have and it is a joy to be able to put my creativity to work in the process of decluttering, organising and using what I have to hand, or making something, instead of just buying whatever takes my fancy. My mother is a shopoholic and although I don’t go to the lengths she does to buy, buy, buy… well, let’s just say that it has come to my attention that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree 
So, welcome to the new and improved Unpaving Paradise Project. I will try to blog about once a week.
To get the ball rolling, I am making lots of Christmas presents this year. I have already made eight flannels/washcloths, and am currently crocheting a Harry Potter scarf for my youngest child. I had to buy the yarn for the scarf, and I have ordered a Gryffindor sew-on badge, but the flannels were all made with yarn that I already owned. In my ongoing attempt at decluttering I sorted out all of my craft stuff. Turns out I could probably open my own shop, so I decided to make the most of what is already here, rather than buying more. I am also going to make some scented soaps to go with the flannels and I have some homemade vanilla extract steeping in the back of my wardrobe.
How about you? Any ideas for a frugal or environmentally-friendly Christmas? I’d love to hear from you!
The Un-paving Paradise Project 
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We’re doing the most un-frugal thing this year: driving 8-9 hours to Missouri to see his family, which includes staying in hotel, eating out, etc. But we need to see them. His parents are in their eighties and can’t travel.
My husband’s mother is in her eighties, too, and lives in a care home nearby. I think when people get to that age you have to just do what you need to do. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Sounds like it will be a good chance to put your feet up!
Can’t wait to hear more! One thing…this font size is a little too small for my 50-year-old eyes, even with reading glasses on. Sorry to complain! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hmm. I will have a look into the font size. Thanks for mentioning it and thanks for commenting 🙂