really want to get into oldstyle, ideas please.

helzbelz_57

ok, so credit crunch, baby due may, debts of £2500. need to tighten the purse strings alot. im quite good at watching my pennies but know there is a lot more i can do, just dont know what exactly.

im not a confident or enthusiastic cook but really want to be so any recipes for soups, bakes, cakes, breads, treats, anything really that will save me money and taste great.

also, general tips and advice for everyday things. i really appreciate any advice.TIA

liley9

sorry no tips for you but im really glad you posted this as i'm feeling the same way really need to get my family meals a bit more inspired and the house needs to be organised more i'm thinking of joining flylady. i'll be really interested to read the replies you get

helzbelz_57

i tried flylady but i found it all a bit over the top. may work for you though. my house is in quite a good wee routine now, just need to sort meals and money out now.

almar_2

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1378403

Ive saved a fortune each month since joining the OS Grocery Challenge

My advice is read, read, read, then try things out to see what suits you and your family. You dont need to make drastic changes to save money or eat healthier for less.

good luck

almar

liley9

i'll give it a go and see how it goes theres no routine in this house since we had the baby whos now 11months old hence why i'm still up trying to get things done

greenbee

liley9 - try Pigpen's weekly flylady thread on here. It's less intense than the US flylady, and there are lots of new people joining at the moment, so you'll be in good company

The meal plan thread would probably good for both of you too.

Good luck with your challenges for 2009.

Pink.

Hi helzbelz_57 and liley9

This thread is a good place to start as it has lots of links that should help.

Welcome to Old Style - (BRAND NEW "Read me first")

And you should find lots of moneysaving recipes on this thread:

The Complete Cooking Collection

The best tip I can think of is to introduce Old Style changes gradually into your life.. Some people call it taking 'baby steps'. If you try to do too much at once it can become difficult and seem like a chore. If you keep an eye on the Old Style board and see threads that interest you then join in and before long you'll be giving advice to other new posters.

Good luck with cutting back.

Pink

helzbelz_57

you know i honestly couldnt tell you why i'm still up, there's nothing to be done, im just making it harder for myself to get up in the morning!! on that note, i shall leave you all and try to get some sleep. thanks almar, will join GC and see how i fare.

Essex-girl_2

As Pink says - baby steps.

Firstly I would spend some time on here looking at the different threads.

The first step I would make is menu planing -it has made so much difference to our house then you could start incorporating new recipes slowly.

x

helzbelz_57

i did a menu plan last night with what we have already, this is my grocery day so i will get today only what i need to survive the week. already i can see it will cost far less. am walking to supermarket aswell. thanks for advice all.

bullet_2

Really good threads, especially if you are starting out, are the Grocery Challenge and the Store Challenge ones, plus the Daily Chat.
Meal planning is highly recommended as well.