You helped me...chatty thread

Anne_Marie_2

OS is just cosy........first thing I logged into on coming back from holiday on Tuesday. Been here a while now, and although the board has changed a bit, it's good to see younger people coming on board. I do miss Cathy, she inspired me loads. Caterina is another one who inspired me a long time ago, happy to see that she is still here. There are loads of others who are brilliant, and don't want to offend by missing someone out, so thanks to you all.

Have always been a cook from scratch person, just the way I was brought up, so didn't need converting - however, always willing to learn something new, and have had some great recipes from this board. Wish I could do my Granny's apple & rhubarb tarts - her pastry was so good.

Stardrops, vinegar, microfibre cloths, baking soda - well, might have known a wee bit about vinegar, but the stuff I have learned here is priceless.
(Took Stardrops on hols, and on leaving gave the remainder of bottle to next door neighbours - was going to explain how to use - and got "hey, great for doing my smalls, use that at home!").

I use breadmaker, microwave, George grill, steamer, pressure cooker as well as obviously my hob and oven - but still not converted to slow cooker that much. I have one, but doesn't really fit in very much with my vegetarian cooking. It is good though for doing joints and stews, which I don't do very often. I can see that it would be a great bonus if I did eat meat.

Too many other things to mention, would take up pages.
Thanks again to you all, a total inspiration. :A

pawpurrs

The difference this site has made, people think I am more nuts than ever, using soapnuts!vinegar!and doing all sorts of wierd and wonderful things!

elona

Anne Marie

I do vegetable curries and soups in my slow cooker as well as traditional stew.
I think there is a butter bean recipe somewhere that you might like.

AussieLass

I have always been an OS person but I would say the bar has since been raised since joining MSE. I wish it was here when I was a young married woman setting up home and raising young children. The supportive network is amazing. Most things that peeps have written I can say ditto.

Thankyou Apprentice Tycoon for PM'ing madly one night to join you in the coffee shop. Had no idea how I was to get there :think: or how I was to PM you back but I found my way eventually and I'm still here.

foreverskint

I'd always been OS at heart, but had gotten lazy over the years, AND sucked in by all the advertising. You know, the 'this will make your home cleaner, washing softer, low fat, buy this, buy me', type of stuff.

I now do things so much healthier for the family and the environment.

And I have found likeminded nutters to help me along the way. so when I talk to people in the real world, and they nod at me, and run screaming for their shopbought bread, cakes, and ready meals, I can come here, and know that I am amongst friends:rotfl: :rotfl:

Murtle

OS kept me away from the gabbit now board - I now just don't seem to spend any money...quite scary.This board does mean a lot though, and although I don't post on it much at the moment due to lifes treasures I always pop in and read the threads when I can. It's great to see old and new faces and to finally learn that furrypigs avatar was curry queen - when i see it I always think of her!x

Sherbetlover

Hi everyone. I've only posted a couple of times but i've been lurking around OS for ages now. I knew it had started making a difference when i bought all of my Christmas cards and wrapping paper yesterday for less than £2! I'm a student so your ideas are always very helpful. I take inspiration from all of you and hope that when I eventually start a family with my boyfriend i'll be organised enough to be a proper stay at home mum with a breadmaker always on the go.

MATH

I can't believe how many people have posted on this thread, I've really enjoyed reading it, thanks.

I've been reading a lot of old tips here which maybe we don't post about so much now because they are second nature to us but Newbies might not know them. A really old tip I read on here (I think) was to sew an old button to the corner of your cleaning cloth to really scrub at those tough stains/burnt on bits when cleaning the kitchen. HTH

shell2001

I love this site. Its renewed my zest for life - homelife!!! Since I've come on here we have had no processed foods, everything is homemade. Have started baking with the girls making cakes and biscuits. You lovely people sorted out my BM recipe for me so we now have a fresh loaf everyday and save a packet in the process. Now the weather is taking a turn colder I am looking forward to trying those SC recipies. Have made a HM chicken and leek pie with chicken left overs (2 year old helped make the pastry and did an excellent job). My kitchen sparkles and shines thanks to white vinegar and stardrops.

I guess its just the knowledge that there is someone you can ask if you get stuck (usually get a response in 5 mins). As my parents are in Spain and only contactable via mobile phone, and my Nan passed away 10 years ago its like having access to all that knowledge at the tap of a few keys (getting very emotional here).

Meal planning has definately helped with budget, October will be my first full month doing it but am looking forward to the challenge and hoping to have some cash left over!

I just love it

Aril

I love being here. Everyone's always so helpful and full of suggestions. Even though I've been relatively OS for 15 years or so [just never had a name for it before!] there's always something new to learn or a different way of doing something I already do. I like the newbie questions because it gets me thinking and even occasionally I've been known to post a near sensible answer!!
BTW following on from everyone's advice and tips when I posted just before I went fulltime I am still being able to incorporate OS into my everyday life [Chrimbo shopping 2/3 done etc] although I do it slightly differently these days like bake every 2 weeks and freeze half and I've kept on top of most things so thanks a lot:T
Aril