Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

misstara · 5 May 2015 at 4:26PM

Hello everyone,

What a lovely idea to meet up, unfortunately though I live in the north of Scotland so it would be too expensive to travel down. Maybe in the future when I'm debt free and have a little extra cash to play with

I have to admit I've not been very MMM in the last few days, spent far too much money on Sunday night going out for tea and a couple of drinks with a friend. The couple of drinks turned into a few more resulting in a very late night and feeling rather 'delicate' yesterday

. I then spent money on a takeaway last night as I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered cooking. Oops

. It's done now so trying not to beat myself up about it.

Back on MMMing today - it has been a NSD (other than bus fare home from work, what a horrible day!). Me and OH are going to make a huge batch of bolognaise tonight to have for tea/freeze for a later date. I plan to do some knitting tonight and also need to catch up on the ironing.

vulpix · 5 May 2015 at 4:37PM

Another Northener here,Nursemaggie.The Peak District to be exact we could have a little meet up if you like?
Train would be about 3 hours or so to London,I can drive but am not used to city driving.I would also be feeble at traveling in London.
I feel like I knew you all long before I joined you as I have read along from the beginning.I would feel left out if I didn't come.You could of course come to my house anytime you are passing!I like the idea of a bit of a genteel fundraiser too,I am also a breast cancer survivor.I am also more than happy to bring some eats.
June sounds good to me,strawberries and cream in the garden etc.can't wait

nursemaggie · 5 May 2015 at 5:52PM

Hi Vulpix. I tend to think of the Peak District as South coming from North Yorkshire originally. You could be quite near me or well south in Derbyshire. I am in Greater Manchester but north of Manchester.

Kent is a days travel away. For me from home to Manchester Piccadilly, the only station to get to London, just over an hour, an hour and then two hours to London cross London by tube to Waterloo and then on to Kent another hour? Taking into consideration bus, train, train, train, cross London, train, about 5 to 5 1/2 hours to get to Bromley then we would still have to travel to Jan's. No I don't think it is practical especially on my income. With food and no such thing as a cheap hotel I recon it would cost a months income too. I don't have anything left at the end of the month.

I may be going to Malta for a weeks holiday this year but my flight is three Christmas and three birthday presents from my DD and I will be staying with her, SiL and DGs so no accommodation to pay for either it will only be a bit of pocket money.

I think it would be a better idea to have a meet up in Manchester or Leeds or somewhere central for any in the north.

I have cancer too. I have been diagnosed nearly 2 years. I have probably had it for years before that as the tumour was about the size of an average kitchen towel. Fancy having all that in my stomach. The treatment is for life unless the government withdraws the funding. It won't cure it just stops it growing.

meritaten · 5 May 2015 at 6:48PM

I would love to come and meet you all - unfortunately OH has banned me from 'meet-ups'. I used to go to some, and ALWAYS at these events somebody would run off with somebodies spouse! the last time the wife of the runaway was convinced he had run off with me, and was forever phoning my house asking, or rather begging to speak to him! Because he had spoken to me twice that night!

nursemaggie · 5 May 2015 at 7:06PM

Well I never even thought of anything like that but then I have come across very few men on the threads. I thought we were all women on MM&M.

janb5 · 5 May 2015 at 7:07PM

Hi All,

Please dont panic about getting to me. I can get lost anywhere anytime but this is easy. Trains to Bromley South from Victoria train station take 16 mins and we are 3 minutes away from my house. You can see my house from the station!

For those panickers amongst you, I can meet you at Bromley SOuth and escort you!

Please dont worry- it is an easy route and you will be made very welcome!

Now just sort out the date before you lose your space!

nursemaggie · 5 May 2015 at 7:14PM

No I was not panicking just thinking two people would have to go without food for a few months to pay for it.

vhalla1478 · 5 May 2015 at 7:40PM

Hello again, Everyone,

I blame myself entirely for the bad weather - I shouldn't have blethered on yesterday about Summer coming and I turned the last of my storage heaters off. My poor tulips have been horizontal for part of the day but at last everything seems to be calming down here. No, I'm wrong, the rain and the wind have started up again -ugh!!

I'm not going to Horncastle now as my friend's husband seems to be unable to walk - she rang me in a panic earlier (he has Alzheimer's) so I hope she's managed to get medical attention for him. So, sorry, Folks, I'm not going away and shall put a nice sinful recipe on to cheer us all up. And, thank you, Silva for yours, it's gone in my 'to try' pile.

Toffee Shortbread - a sticky cross between a biscuit and a sweet

Shortbread:

8 ounces flour, 4 ounces butter, 2 ounces caster sugar.

Rub these ingredients together to breadcrumb consistency. Press the mixture out about half an inch thick on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes 180 degrees/gas mark

Toffee:

4 ounces caster sugar, 4 ounces butter, 2 tbsp. golden syrup, small tin condensed milk.

Bring all these ingredients to the boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 5 minutes. Cool and spread on the shortbread.

For a finishing touch melt about 6 ounces chocolate in a double boiler with a little water and pour over the top. When cool, cut into fingers or squares.

And finally, everyone, with special thanks to Cheerfulness for starting this thread, a very big thank you for helping me keep on the straight and narrow and THINK before I buy. It means I can come to this get together without stressing about money. And this was my aim, to no longer waste it so I can do the things I really want to do. Thank you all for being so inspirational and long may it continue.

Viv xx

Floss · 5 May 2015 at 7:42PM

I'm with Nursemaggie - the cost of a trip to London plus the use of a days holiday from work usually used to prep for my baking business means I won't be going. Even booking 12 weeks ahead the train would cost over £60 that I just don't have to spare.

vulpix · 5 May 2015 at 7:45PM

Crumbs didn't know husband swapping was an option!!
After reading nursemaggie's post I underestimated my travel time,may have to bow out of this one.I could meet in Manchester if you like NM,I live near to Buxton.We quite often go to Bury or Oldham for a day out.You of course are welcome here if you fancy.Vx

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Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

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