Tips and Quick Questions on “How To Start Being Old Style”

dancing_in_the_rain

Right since starting this thread I have come up with a sort of plan

DD is the really fussy eater, so will keep a supply of Bean, spaghetti etc in the cupboard for her to have on toast, should she not want what we are having and substitute fish for chicken.

I will try and batch cook on a Sunday (this is my at home day as OH has contact with his son) So I was thinking a mince dish, curry, pie of some sort.

No more feeling guilty when I use ready made food instead of making it from scratch, such as fish cakes, pies or meatballs. As I'm sure this must still be better than a take away.

So I'm off to try and get together a 2 week meal plan.

Again thank you for all the advise it really has helped

oldtractor

Meal plan and batch cooking. Also try having more simple meals like beans on toast more often and do more veggie meals like lentil and veg soup. This is how I have managed to keep my food budget more manageable.

bargainhunterss

dancing_in_the_rain wrote: »

I love the idea of making something on toast, omelettes or toasted sandwhich and soup for tea (When its just me and the kids this great) but OH doesnt think he's had a meal unless there is meat, veg and a carbohydrate.

ditto! I have the same problem, pasta and sauce just isnt a meal apparently!:o

lynneee

hi Dancing in the rain, it sounds like you are starting to make some progress! I agree with oldtractor, we always have at least one 'cheap' tea a week thats beans or spaghetti on toast (maybe a fried egg too!), so quick, simple, cheap and not too unhealthy. Or maybe a bacon/sausage butty?
Whenever I make spaghetti bol, or lasagne, shepherds pie etc, I always try to make double, so that I can freeze some as a very easy tea when we have a busy night. Much nicer and cheaper than a shop bought ready meal!
Have you tried doing Martin's downshift challenge?
Good luck with saving some money!

PipneyJane

dancing_in_the_rain wrote: »

I love the idea of making something on toast, omelettes or toasted sandwhich and soup for tea (When its just me and the kids this great) but OH doesnt think he's had a meal unless there is meat, veg and a carbohydrate.

Then tell him he has to cook it AND wash up afterwards or he can eat what is before him and put up and shut up. (Which is exactly what I tell my husband when he grumbles about whatever I'm making for dinner. To be fair, he does that rarely, but if you give an inch you'll be taken for a mile-long ride.)

Pink.

Hi dancing in the rain,

As your thread has dropped down the Old Style board, I've added it to our main one on starting out where you'll find lots of advice and links to help you.

Pink

lucylema

Not sure if this is the right place to put this but I need money saving help and advice.

I am unemployed. I have been since August when I was made redundent. I am married and hubby has been able to support us both. However....

He is facing redundency in the new year....:eek:

I need as much help and advice as I can get to keep the wolf from the door (or whatever that expression is!!).

I am going to scour MSE for advice also but if anyone can suggest things I will be truely grateful.

Lucy xx

jamanda

Sorry to hear you're having problems. I would advise reading all the old "tough" threads with a pen and paper and making notes on all the good ideas.

Scouring through the recipe index might help you to find cheaper but healthy meals. Just keep reading and making your notes.

kitschy

Welcome Lucy :beer:

I second the idea of the "tough" threads - they are inspirational, and a lot of the posters there are making their way through redundancy, illness and god knows how many other hurdles by using the Old Style approach.

We're made of stern stuff over here, and there are folk who can make that grocery budget s-t-r-e-t-c-h like you wouldn't believe. The grocery challenge thread is a MUST (it's a sticky and is always at the top of the OS page).

I'm sure someone with lots of lovely links will be along soon, but I didn't want to read and run.

x

If you have any questions, ASK! In my experience, there's always an OSer with the answer!

Linda32

kitschy wrote: »

If you have any questions, ASK! In my experience, there's always an OSer with the answer!

Oh Yes, I have to agree with that Its a good idea about reading the "tough threads" as well.

I would address each area of concern, which I guess seems vast at the moment and I'm sure you will soon be taking control again.

The lovely people on here can help with cutting your food bill for a start. Thats somewhere you may like to start.

Best of luck, I'm sure the OS board can help