We recently told an acquaintance that we are available to feed and walk her friendly family dog in exchange for use of the swimming pool if they ever went away. They live a few minutes walk from us and have a generous backyard and stunning pool.
Well the day came and lucky for us, our offer was taken! They were going away for 4 days and asked that we feed and walk their dog. I was so excited I couldn't wait and counted down the days. We live in a tiny cramped unit so having the freedom to play in the grassy backyard and dive in the cool crocodile free waters was a luxury I was dying for.
It was better than I imagined. It was gloriously relaxing without the crowd of the public pool. It felt like I was in a luxury hotel spending hours floating in my own private pool. All that was missing was staff serving me cocktails. As I write this I am so relaxed and grateful, it feels like I have been on a extended holiday with Dolly. Absolutely decadent. Just what the doctor ordered. This is bartering at it's best.
It was better than I imagined. It was gloriously relaxing without the crowd of the public pool. It felt like I was in a luxury hotel spending hours floating in my own private pool. All that was missing was staff serving me cocktails. As I write this I am so relaxed and grateful, it feels like I have been on a extended holiday with Dolly. Absolutely decadent. Just what the doctor ordered. This is bartering at it's best.
Frugal people like you and I can use our imagination to mould desires with flexibility and make them a reality. It's fun, it's creative and allows us to live on the smell of an oily rag while we save and live debt free. I believe this is what keeps us going when it feels hard sticking to budget.
Have you stories to share of bartering for experiences or luxury?
Stephanie @ Frugal Down Under
Stephanie @ Frugal Down Under
How lovely xx
ReplyDeleteVery lovely! I feel wonderful. We went there straight after school today and spent another 4 hours swimming and playing - no time for homework or dinner cooking. Afterwards we went to the supermarket and purchased heavily discounted sourdough bread, olives, feta, salami and sun dried tomatoes and had a finger food dinner. Dolly was begging to go to bed :) She was exhausted with all that swimming.
DeleteOne of the things I trade for regularly through LET'S is reflexology sessions, I couldn't afford the £25 an hour charge if I was paying cash . I enjoy my sessions and feel thoroughly spoiled and relaxed knowing that I can have treats like that without spending hard cash.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you trade at LETS? We don't have a LETS here but there's a bartering and swap FB page which is very busy. But it's mainly stuff. And I don't want more stuff. Reflexology or other services would be wonderful. I'm envious :)
DeleteSo envious! Looks beautiful, enjoy x
ReplyDeleteI'm envious too. I wish it was my pool - but I hope this is the start of other opportunities. If the word gets out maybe other families who have lovely pools will ask us to feed cats, dogs or water plants in exchange for a leisurely swim.
DeleteI'm dreaming of sun and a few swims in the public pool, it would be wonderful
ReplyDeleteIt's nearly spring for you if I'm correct Froogs... so not long for public pool swims. I always look at your weekend walk photographs with envy. I sometimes want cooler weather. Cool enough to wear a snuggly jumper and socks but not cold so my teeth chatter.
DeleteThat looks amazing. A great barter.
ReplyDeleteCarolx
A really great barter. I need to think up other super bartering opportunities for my family and I. I have a friend who once bartered dental work for her art work. Stuff like that really tickles my soul.
Delete