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

lovelife_3

BB1984 wrote: »

Should that be per month, rather than per week? Cos £450 per week in rent is extortionate! :eek:

It's great that you are helping them, and I'm sure your son realises how difficult it will be for you. Could they find a large room in a house-share? That would be a cheap way of renting a place, I know a few people that do that. Not ideal, but better than nowt.

I'm not much older than them, but I graduated at just the right time, I think - I had no problem getting a job then, but I'm not sure I'd have as much luck right now...

LOL yes i did mean per month !!!!!!!
They did a house share before they got their own place and think they hsve decided they would rather share with us:rotfl:

Pleased your boiler is fixed, yes i agree if heat and hot water are taken away life becomes very difficult, our boiler packed in this time last year. It was horrible !!

We have got very deep snow here, it's so cold, i have broken my promise not to turn the gas coals on this year, i looked at me and DH sat on the sofa with fleeces up to our eyes and thought this is ridiculous, so turned it on for an hour and it was blissful!

lovelife_3

maryb wrote: »

6% is perfect for chutney.

I did a lovely Christmas chutney recently and despite all the advice I got on here, I forgot to write down exactly what I did!! But it was made with dried cranberries, apricots , apples, a mix of red and white onion and red wine vinegar and it glows like a jewel. It may not last until Christmas as it is to die for with cheddar cheese

Ooh that sounds lovely, wil give that a go:T

grandma247 wrote: »

Lovelife we have been there twice in the last three years. Ds and ddil moved in the first time and stayed a year then again in the summer and have just moved out again. They were stitched up by their mortgage company the first time but thats a long story. Total incompetance and although ombudsman involved they had had enough and did not have the energy or courage to take it all the way so managed to sell up but it left them with nothing.

They were between houses the second time.

Tolerance on both sides and a willingness to discuss any potential friction area are what made it work for us. I would do it again.

You are right Grandma and i am sure it will work out and they will be on their feet again soon, it doesn't matter how old they are, they are still our bairns and we want the best for them.

NualaBuala

charlies-aunt wrote: »

Kitcaboodle - don't grit your teeth and use it up ... take it back for a refund! Tesco products can generally be returned for refund if they aren't satisfactory in the past I've returned a bottle of wine (opened) that was 'orrible, a part used multipack of crisps that were soggy and got a full refund without any quibbles

Oh that's interesting. I bought Tesco's version of Horlicks and it is vile. The thing is I've never tried the real thing so I wasn't sure if it was supposed to taste like that ... I might chance my arm bringing it back and see what they say. I'm usually not all that fussy but almost spat it out! I hate the idea that I've wasted money even if it was only a few quid.

BB1984 wrote: »

I tell you what, though, this might sound melodramatic, but being without heating or hot water has really made me reflect on how lucky we are to have it (most of the time!). There are so many people around the country who are without heating or even a roof over their heads I count my blessings.

Very true BB. When I find myself getting upset or stressed about Ireland's problems and the consequences for me, I remind myself how lucky I really am compared with many. I am warm, dry and well-fed ... and safe. I was watching the video for John and Yoko's War is Over, Happy Christmas - it shows children in war zones and that was another reminder how lucky I am.

BB, Was it you who posted a photo of a cat in a Christmas tree a while back? Somebody did and it had me in stitches! I never knew they did that! Your heating man sounds lovely - it was nice of you to inisist on giving him something.

For those of you who make chutney and stuff like that, I was wondering if it's possible to make Branston Pickle ... I seem to have become addicted to it and it would be great to make my own in the future.

It is sleeting outside now - I keep peeking out the window hoping to see snow!

Fruball

NualaBuala wrote: »

For those of you who make chutney and stuff like that, I was wondering if it's possible to make Branston Pickle ... I seem to have become addicted to it and it would be great to make my own in the future.

It is sleeting outside now - I keep peeking out the window hoping to see snow!

Apparently so... I was thinking the same recently and found THIS and THIS and would love to try them out!

I love Branston Pickle too

BB1984

NualaBuala wrote: »

BB, Was it you who posted a photo of a cat in a Christmas tree a while back? Somebody did and it had me in stitches! I never knew they did that!

LOL no it wasn't me...watch this space though - I may be able to post a similar picture this christmas...! :rotfl:

I think I will put a tree up - I love Christmas and will feel very sad if we don't have all the decorations up. We don't have anything particularly breakable or valuable, so if some decs fall off the tree, it doesn't matter too much. As long as the whole tree doesn't come crashing down....! :eek:

BB

NualaBuala

Frugal wrote: »

Apparently so... I was thinking the same recently and found THIS and THIS and would love to try them out!

I love Branston Pickle too

Mmmmm, I like it - thanks Frugal. The way I go through the stuff, I'll have plenty of jars to make my own! I think I would go for a half or quarter batch as my first go just to see how I get on.

BB1984 wrote: »

LOL no it wasn't me...watch this space though - I may be able to post a similar picture this christmas...! :rotfl:

I think I will put a tree up - I love Christmas and will feel very sad if we don't have all the decorations up. We don't have anything particularly breakable or valuable, so if some decs fall off the tree, it doesn't matter too much. As long as the whole tree doesn't come crashing down....! :eek:

BB

Great, we should have a thread on how to kitten-proof Christmas trees! With lots of photos!

Kitcaboodle

charlies-aunt wrote: »

Kitcaboodle - don't grit your teeth and use it up ... take it back for a refund! Tesco products can generally be returned for refund if they aren't satisfactory in the past I've returned a bottle of wine (opened) that was 'orrible, a part used multipack of crisps that were soggy and got a full refund without any quibbles

Thanks but I think it is as it is supposed to be, it's just not very nice by comparison. I guess they get to make it cheaply as they use the very lowest quality cocoa beans or something! A less fussy person wouldn't have an issue with it, it's just that I'm particularly finicky with food & drink.

When I drunk Coca-Cola (I gave it up cold turkey a few years back when I heard it increased the risk of osteoperosis in women) I could tell the difference between Coke in an aluminium can, in an iron can (before they stopped using iron), in small cans, draft & glass and plastic bottles... So, sensitive taste buds!

Food is always one of the last areas that I cut costs & I usually do it by making my own instead of buying ready made.

parsonswife8

Managed to sleep until 5.40am instead of 4.40am, like yesterday.

Came downstairs to make a mug of tea and looked at the temperature thingy...minus 3 outside. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.:(

I'm digging in here for the next 2 weeks...been coughing and eyes and nose streaming so much that I have had to use my inhaler and nasal spray to try and breathe.:eek:

Please wrap up and stay warm everyone, have a few hot drinks or some soup throughout the day. I wear a few layers of clothing and find that keeps me warm, together with wearing some nice snuggly socks and my knitted poncho type thingy.
:rotfl:
See tales of widespread snow and ice on the news on the telly.

redlady_1

Morning all, I just had to share with you a little story re: The Borg!!! (otherwise known as Twinks Hob Nobs). The one known as "Mother" has been staying with me and there were a batch of these in the kitchen. I have been out working so have not been able to keep an eye on thing (the Borg!). So this morning I came downstairs and recoiled in horror -THE BORG HAVE GONE!!!! :eek: She has eaten the lot!!! :eek: The text from her when she got home was "I loved the biscuits. Please could I have some and grandad have some for christmas". That's their presents sorted then.

Thriftkitten

redlady_1 wrote: »

Morning all, I just had to share with you a little story re: The Borg!!! (otherwise known as Twinks Hob Nobs). The one known as "Mother" has been staying with me and there were a batch of these in the kitchen. I have been out working so have not been able to keep an eye on thing (the Borg!). So this morning I came downstairs and recoiled in horror -THE BORG HAVE GONE!!!! :eek: She has eaten the lot!!! :eek: The text from her when she got home was "I loved the biscuits. Please could I have some and grandad have some for christmas". That's their presents sorted then.

Would you be so kind as to share your delicious recipe, I bought the ultimate box set of "Carry on" films for my mum and her partner which were quite expensive, so I'd like to bulk out their pressies witha couple more innexpensive but personal touches.