If things get tougher?

Sarahsaver

If you are just starting out growing your own veggies, then do not worry, seed packets have the months on the back, when to sow and where. Also the little plastic greenhouses produce great results, or you can use plastic bottles with the bottoms cut off;)
don't forget to use free CDs as bird scarers!

sammy_kaye18

Lamewolf wrote :
One thing I have started doing is making slightly smaller portions for dinner. Mr LW could do to lose a stone or two in any case, and it'll make the food go a bit further.

I think I might start doing this with bf, he could do with losing a few pound and a few stone wouldnt do me any harm either to be honest.

Kittie - that thermals site looks fab - may be ordering a few thermal vests for little one when he starts full time school in September.

Well I am going to put £60 in my account tomorrow for our food shop and fingers crossed I will be able to stretch this a fiar bit - am going whoopsie raiding in Mr T tomorrow to see what I can get i think. Looking to go about 1pm tomorrow afternoon. Then depending if i can get any good deals then i will do my other shop online as dont want to have to pay the £6 for a taxi home.

PUKKAMUM - I LOVE YOUR SIGGY.

pavlovs_dog

for those of you worried about how winter will affect your fuel bills, THIS thread is full of fab advice about how to keep warm during the colder months. why not start reading and see if there are any tips you can implement now? this thread about preparing for winter is also a good read.

as for thermals... unless you live in a very cold place, really feel the cold or are out of the house for many hours of a time, i think layering clothes and making use of good insulating materials such as fleeces (which can be bought cheaply from places like primark) is sufficient (and it saves another outlay). if we're honest, i think a lot of us complain we are cold when we are not sufficiently/appropriately dressed for the weather!

sammy_kaye18

pavlovs_dog wrote: »

for those of you worried about how winter will affect your fuel bills, THIS thread is full of fab advice about how to keep warm during the colder months. why not start reading and see if there are any tips you can implement now? this thread about preparing for winter is also a good read.

!

Also wanted to add there is a thread lurking on the first 2 or 3 pages too called 'avoid using gas or electric this winter' which is also good for this

mardatha

Maybe we should re-name this thread WHEN things get tougher... the lady ion my bank (RBS) says the amount of people coming in and asking for advice on how to save money/cut bills lately is amazing. And she says most people can't cut anything cos they mortgaged or loaned or overdrafted to the hilt.

[Deleted User]

Pd I don`t like fleece next to the skin as it is made from polyester and doesn`t breathe. The thermals are made from 50% viscose which is made from cellulose from wood pulp and/or cotton

Is anyone else kind of enjoying the challenge in a strange peculiar way?

I know that my biggest challenge is going to come this winter and concerns keeping warm without being uncomfortable. I also feel that I want to pass more tips onto my children but don`t want to interfere and I am trying to lead by example so that hints and tips stick without me pushing them

mardatha

Yes, I'm really enjoying the idea of beating the system in my own wee way... I find this a lot easier than the cheap living/cooking thread somehow.

sammy_kaye18

kittie wrote: »

Is anyone else kind of enjoying the challenge in a strange peculiar way?

Kittie - Im loving it. I am thrilled to bits that BOTH my gas and electric for 3 months came to £185 combined - bargain! Hoping it will be lower now come winter as i have plans for heatproofing the house etc and making ti slightly warmer so i shouldnt need the gas on as much - must learn to use the cooker for more than one meal at a time though - will have to start bunging it all in together i think.

Does anyone know where i can get a steamer that goes on one hob of the cooker as im thinking this could save me a small fortune too.

Churchmouse

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Kittie - Im loving it. I am thrilled to bits that BOTH my gas and electric for 3 months came to £185 combined - bargain! Hoping it will be lower now come winter as i have plans for heatproofing the house etc and making ti slightly warmer so i shouldnt need the gas on as much - must learn to use the cooker for more than one meal at a time though - will have to start bunging it all in together i think.

Does anyone know where i can get a steamer that goes on one hob of the cooker as im thinking this could save me a small fortune too.[/quote

I can recommend THIS one. I've been using it for ages and it works well. I think it's a very good price:D

trying-very-trying

Churchmouse wrote: »

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Kittie - Im loving it. I am thrilled to bits that BOTH my gas and electric for 3 months came to £185 combined - bargain! Hoping it will be lower now come winter as i have plans for heatproofing the house etc and making ti slightly warmer so i shouldnt need the gas on as much - must learn to use the cooker for more than one meal at a time though - will have to start bunging it all in together i think.

Does anyone know where i can get a steamer that goes on one hob of the cooker as im thinking this could save me a small fortune too.[/quote

I can recommend THIS one. I've been using it for ages and it works well. I think it's a very good price:D

I've got one just like the one in cm's link, I got it for £9.00 from Asda, only thing is you need to mind the handles get hot, I forgot the first time I used it:eek:.