Its tough, it will get better and guess what its freezing brrrrr!

[Deleted User]

I am going to be really unpopular now but honestly the thread is so off topic these days. The thread was said to be following the `tough` threads that I started years ago when everything was about to slide and they became a lifeline for many. They were so full of good advice and tips re moneysaving and many people learnt enough to be able to stay afloat

The `tough` theme now has become a chat` thread and yes of course chat is important but perhaps it clogs up a thread that could be of so much help to newcomers to moneysaving and to the site.

Now I duck and run for cover

stiltwalker

I'll second that Katholicos, hear hear, well said. If we all held the same opinions or only conversed/associated with people who hold the same views as us then the world would be a very boring 2 dimensional place.

MummyOfTwo

kittie wrote: »

I am going to be really really unpopular now but honestly the thread is so off topic these days. The thread was said to be following the `tough` threads that I started years ago when everything was about to slide and they became a lifeline for many. They were so full of good advice and tips re moneysaving and many people learnt enough to be able to stay afloat

The `tough` theme now has become a chat` thread and yes of course chat is important but perhaps it clogs up a thread that could be of so much help to newcomers to moneysaving and to the site.

Now I duck and run for cover

just to play devils advocate, do you not think the chat element is key to helping people get by on the day-to-day aspect of living frugally?

bluebag

kittie wrote: »

I am going to be really really unpopular now but honestly the thread is so off topic these days. The thread was said to be following the `tough` threads that I started years ago when everything was about to slide and they became a lifeline for many. They were so full of good advice and tips re moneysaving and many people learnt enough to be able to stay afloat

The thread now has become a chat` thread and yes of course chat is important but perhaps it clogs up a thread that could be of so much help to newcomers to moneysaving and to the site.

Now I duck and run for cover

I wonder if some of the 'chat' is due to the general nervousness that the recent government changes may bring.

I know I'm a bit twitched lately. It's like waiting for a sword to fall. I guess it's hard to offer anything really constructive at the moment as we don't know all the details.

Don't duck, that was a very valid point.

greent

Hippiechiq - I'm not awarding any black stars anywhere.. (I'm sure some would want to award them to me! ) I really value your posts and am sorry my views upset you.

Bloomin' freezing out tonight - and DS1 and DS2 have decided to sleep on DS1#s bedroom floor - I went upstairs and found them lying on one duvet with the other over them and all their cuddlies arranged on the 'bed' They can quite happily fit in a single bed (DS2 is a small 4yo) or DS1 also has a duton futon/ sofa under his bed - but, no, they want to sleep on the floor....

Am proud mum tonight. Was parents evening. DS1 has passed grammar test, as I've said before and his teacher was saying how good he was at maths - and at literacy - this is a borderline dyslexic who has not interest in reading (unless it's non fiction) and that his imagination is fantastic. He wants to give him extra tasks to stretch him
And then I went to DS2's class... apparently he is a little star and way ahead, basically almost by a year (he's only just started school) so they want to gently stretch him too.
I walked out of there with such a massive grin - and then treated them to sausage and chips from the chippy (Spent £4.10 - fed 4 - was quite impressed!) (tonight's planned tea saved for tomorrow)

Early night for me - there's a meeting here tomorrow (about 14 people/ children coming!! (and then there's my 4!)) :eek:and I need to do some tidying - so will do that before they arrive

[Deleted User]

MummyOfTwo wrote: »

just to play devils advocate, do you not think the chat element is key to helping people get by on the day-to-day aspect of living frugally?

I understand where you are coming from mummy but it has become very difficult for the new and maybe `desperate`to find the snippets of valuable information that may well help them through. Bits of chat are fine of course but much of the general chit chat could really be doing with being on a daily and separate thread

katholicos

kittie wrote: »

I am going to be really really unpopular now but honestly the thread is so off topic these days. The thread was said to be following the `tough` threads that I started years ago when everything was about to slide and they became a lifeline for many. They were so full of good advice and tips re moneysaving and many people learnt enough to be able to stay afloat

The `tough` theme now has become a chat` thread and yes of course chat is important but perhaps it clogs up a thread that could be of so much help to newcomers to moneysaving and to the site.

Now I duck and run for cover

Is the threat of losing important government assistance or social housing not 'tough' enough to discuss on a thread specifically for OSers who are facing tough times?

Not having a dig, but just wondering what 'tough' things we should all be posting about if not the challenging times we face with what has happened/is happening as a result of the new coalition government being formed. Is there a definitive list anywhere on what is allowed for discussion and what is not?

Kitcaboodle

I look forward to hearing the next chapter of the Annie56/Monty/Martin story! Good to see Monty/Martin posting on here too.

Had one of my best mates round today so I was finally able to trace the smaller version of the fleece baby suit pattern that I need to make for DS. Now I have googled that seam allowance is included, I just need to cut out the pieces and have a bash at putting it together, which I will hopefully do this weekend. Then, I'll be able to see how it fits DS and whether I need to make any alterations before I make any more.

I'll also be able to judge how difficult/easy it is to make and whether it is worth me buying any more cheap fleeces from Tesco! I'm tempted to try making it double thickness and to try altering the pattern slightly to add a hood, or try making it out of Tesco value towels and changing the zip to poppers so I can make it as a natural fibre sleepsuit for over his onsies in the winter.

I've only really sewn one outfit from a pattern before, my wedding dress! I am someone who likes to jump in at the deep end and play around with stuff I don't really understand (as long as it isn't dangerous!) I have my mum to thank for that as she always did loads of arty crafty stuff with us when we were kids so I'm always happy to try my hand at something new.

seasalt_2

Too new to have seen those early threads, Kitty - will have a look for them - but I have gleaned tons of useful things from here as well as the support of other thrifty people. OH is very resourceful and OS in some ways - keeps old tractors and machinery going for ever, sweeps our own chimneys etc etc but doesn't "get" saving the pence to save pounds at all despite our ever increasing overdraft so I come here. Also, couldn't you say that this kind of neighbourly support in getting through tough times, including shared fears and hopes, is very OS in the midst of isolated, every-one for themselves, keep-up-with-the-joneses, modern society? Eg. giving people courage NOT to be pressurised into shelling out more than they can afford for going to weddings etc. I think that counts every bit as much as another way of stretching mince or cutting heating costs.

ETA Took me so long to write that and MummyOfTwo alsready said it in a line! Although I do see that there is often a lot to read through - sometimes several pages since I last looked so I do see what you mean too, Kitty.

[Deleted User]

katholicos wrote: »

Is the threat of losing important government assistance or social housing not 'tough' enough to discuss on a thread specifically for OSers who are facing tough times?

Not having a dig, but just wondering what 'tough' things we should all be posting about if not the challenging times we face with what has happened/is happening as a result of the new coalition government being formed. Is there a definitive list anywhere on what is allowed for discussion and what is not?

would you like to start a discussion thread to deal with those issues katholicos? I do appreciate that discussion is needed but the `tough` threads were started with the aim of volunteering actual tips and advice