When Mr CO and I were first married and saving up for a house,we did budget,and sometimes before we got paid,food would run out so we just lived on dal chawal and beans on toast.Plus,it was Ramzan,so we only had one meal anyways.
We'd go over to my mums over the weekend,and she'd pack some food for us.So we managed to save for a deposit,and Mash'Allah we bought a tiny flat and then a house.
I try never to throw any food away.Stale bread becomes crumbs...cake goes in a trifle...a handful of rice always goes into leftover salan....rotis are wetted and fried...fruit usually becomes chaat...and veggies become soup...
We are still very careful over money...and try to stick to budgets,but it is difficult sometimes.Mr CO says I'm penny wise,pound foolish :).I say 'hey,you're the Accountant,sort it'.
Ashamed to admit it,but still take sachets of Splenda/sauces,straws,and whatnot from restaurants.Plus,at work,all drinks are free,so fill myself up with a hot chocolate.God,I sound sooo minging...