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

kezlou

hi!

This is what i would start with:

One large pan (great for soup, stews, etc)
one fryng pan / large flat one with a pan, (great for frying and cooking curries in etc
one small pan

poundland or any poundshop
set of wooden spoons (think you get 3 or 5 in a pack)
set of knives (think you get 3 in)
baking trays (think you can get a pack of two, that way you can make a flat cake if you like or toad in the hole)
tin opener

Know it doesn't sound very nice, but you can get a set of melanine picnic set of 2 plates, 2 bowls and 2 cups, not fantasic but they are durable.

Store cupboard
Don't go out and buy tons of stuff. Just buy one extra item when you go shopping.

Rice - i use basmatic rice for everything from risotto to puddings. Works fine and taste good.
Pasta - i just use the cheapest one
oil- i normally now just use veg oil, must cheaper than all other oils and can use it in salad dressings, cakes, cooking etc
Flour - i try to keep at least one plain, one self and one strong white flour in.

tomatoes - tinned and last forever
kidney beans and chick peas - tinned are cheap and ready to use.
Basically any type of beans / pulses contain protien and are great for bulking out stews.
Dried - peas, lentils

Washing powder - you probably only need 1/4 of the reccommended amount.

Don't go crazy buying things, i've built my storecupboard up buying one extra pack of baked beans when on offer. Takes time but you'll get there in the end.

Don't buy gadgets just yet, instead ask on freecyle, i have the cheapest bread machine from argos and its fab. Makes pizza bases, bread, all types of dough, jam and cakes. (haven't tried cakes in it yet though).

good luck!

budget_babe

Hi everyone, I have been a lurker on the old style thread now for sometime. Picking up ideas etc and trying to implement the changes. Thank you to everyone that contributes.

However things have changed for me now, my father has previously had bowel cancer but now has bladder cancer, he has had an operation which wasn't successful and is now having chemotherapy. Barring a miracle he is also going to have to have his bladder completely removed. Due to the fact that he is 77. I have given notice in my job of 9 years to care for him whilst he has his treatment. (I am an only child).

So this month will be my last payday, I have just filled in the carers allowance forms, but intend to get a more local job when Dad has got through the worst of his cancer ordeal, (hopefully he will come through it ok?).

So I need to start to meal plan, definitely cut down on my grocery shopping bill, also there is the fly lady thread that needs to be looked at. As managing my time is going to be important.

I did have an aborted attempt at the grocery challenge before but it didn't go well.

I have lurked with interest on "what are you making for dinner tonight".

So from all you more experienced old stylers what is the best way to start, is it jump in with both feet? Or tackle one thing at a time?

I did manage 2 years ago as Mr BB was out of work for over 2 years, but when you have more money to spend you soon fall off the OS wagon.

On a positive note I am mortgage/debt free (touch wood) so I should be able to manage, its just re-educating myself.

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Budgie x

maman

:wave:

Hi budgie, long time no 'see'. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.

Really called by just to say hello but a few OS ideas to get you started, not that I'm an expert:

I'd start with keeping a spending diary. Jot down everything you spend and then after a week/month you can analyse anywhere that savings can be made. I find that just keeping the diary makes me think twice about spending. Write a weekly meal plan based on what's in your cupboards, fridge and freezer and just buy the extra ingredients that you need. If you don't already do so start doing the majority of your shopping in Aldi or Lidl just using Sainsbury's or Asda for the things they don't sell.

Keep posting and good luck!:A

budget_babe

maman wrote: »

:wave:

Hi budgie, long time no 'see'. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.

Really called by just to say hello but a few OS ideas to get you started, not that I'm an expert:

I'd start with keeping a spending diary. Jot down everything you spend and then after a week/month you can analyse anywhere that savings can be made. I find that just keeping the diary makes me think twice about spending. Write a weekly meal plan based on what's in your cupboards, fridge and freezer and just buy the extra ingredients that you need. If you don't already do so start doing the majority of your shopping in Aldi or Lidl just using Sainsbury's or Asda for the things they don't sell.

Keep posting and good luck!:A

Hi Maman, tis good to see you too

Yes I think a spending diary is going to be the way forward and this meal planning too. Its crazy what you spend on non essential/could do without items.

Thanks for the good wishes re: Dad, he is going through a terrible time, hence why I have given in my notice. I talked it over with Mr Bb and with my blood pressure problems and the added stress. We decided in the immediate time this was the best option. I have been so stressed out, and its funny what becomes important to you and what is not.

I need to do out my cupboards But will have to make a list and saving money on shopping is the meal plan route.

I quite like Aldi but I did go to Lidl a few weeks ago and I don't know what it was but I just didn't fancy the food I had brought. I have usually been shopping at Ocado as I had a Groupon free delivery pass which expires in August. It just made it easier with working etc.

Still I will need to route out all the good offers now.

I plan to make a vegetable soup tomorrow for lunches in the week, not much but a start.

You take care and thanks for the advice.:A

Big hugs (())
Budgie xxxxx

budget_babe

Oh well, first hurdle over. I was contemplating a takeaway, but have just done some HM wedges which I will have with salad, pizza and some beer battered onion rings.

I was frugal with the pizza's though as they were huge, on offer at Ocado normally £4 each but 2 for £5.

I usually just cook them whole and Mr Bb eats through them, not this time. I cut them each in portions of 4 and froze them, very mse if I do say so.

So its just a matter of watching you're wastage as well I suppose?

Its a learning curve but I am hoping by the end of it to be a more frugal and non wasteful Budgie. x

carefullycautious

Have you a local allotment association near to you. the one near us sell surplus veg at reasonable prices.

I make lots of meals for the freezer so that we can pull them out anytime which saves on cooking time especially when you are looking after ill parents.

Stews, casseroles, all manner of soups. Cottage/shepherd pies. Anthing which will freeze really

I buy huge bags of carrots for a pound for the soups and for freezing for cooked dinners.

Can you sell things on ebay you no longer need to bring in some income? car boots etc.

Read frugal queens blog for inspiration

You will manage on reduced income as everyone in the same situation does.

Best wishes to you both

budget_babe

Thank you for the tips Carefully Cautious, (btw love the user name). I have not seen Frugal Queen's blog so will have a nosey over there.

I think reduced portion controling and then freezing whats left will be a good idea. Like I say I have managed before, its just getting back into the habit.

I will have to check out the allotments as I'm not sure how many there are/still are in the area?

But thank you again, enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Budgie x

sammy_kaye18

Hi BB

Nice to see you back again

I have to agree with the making one meal but enough to freeze one.

If you get a spare day could you try having a batch cooking day?

Definitely recommend Fly Lady - I am on Day 3 and cannot tell you the unbelievable difference it has had on my mental state coming downstairs in the morning and I use to see utter chaos but now I see a nice clean kitchen, a sparkling since, a gleaming bathroom and a tisy front room. I look forward to seeing you over there. x

I find the thing that keeps me somewhat sane is lists. Lists basically rule my life and they are everywhere, in notebooks, on my phone, on my computer - I even have an online calendar and family organizer that texts and emails me my lists and appointments - I know its very a*al but it keeps me running like clockwork.

Most of all stop in here and see us all - sure everyone can offer a helpful suggestion now and again if you are ever stuck.

Also check out the saving on gas/electric and the preparing for winter threads - they will help you reduce your energy bills and save you money.

Also the grocery challenge or the living off the cupboards can save you and aim for some no spend days if you can to keep the pennies in your pocket

Sorry I hope those suggestions help but I cant think of anything else at the minute

xxxxx

budget_babe

Hi SammyKaye,

Thank you for all of your tips

I shall definitely be joining flylady, have lurked as I have on many of the oldstyle threads.

I shall take your tips on lists as I do think they help you to be more organised.

I have a plan in my head, but as we all know its no good in there.

Still its a chance to go back to a simpler way of life, I am looking forward to being a more old style kinda gal.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Budgie x

Chickenopolis

Hello Budget Babe

I am sorry to hear about your Dad I would do exactly the same as you are in a heart beat for any of my family members x

I think half of it is having the right mindset tbh. A huge drop in wages is a shock , its not just the money but the psychological comfort zone of "knowing" there is not going to be a pay day . However you will become more creative, and more tuned in to your "needs" v "wants" and what is important to you .I would read anything by "like minded "people there are tons of other blogs by people in a similar position . You are already looking at the threads on here and trying some stuff but I don't know if you have read posts on this site by "Frugaldom" living on £4k per year ?. Err .WOW is what I think of "Frugaldom" and the level of detail ..

Pick the bits of advice that suit you and if you can, learn by other peoples mistakes as it may just save you from making your own.
If you can, grow your own produce as much possible its also therapeutic as you will need some "me" time too x

Good luck

PS there is a new series of SuperScrimpers starting on Weds.July 25th at 8pm on Ch 4 x