It isn`t tough for us. We are OS and we COPE

modern_millie_2

Bluebag, thanks for the spag bol/lasagne idea - I read yuor post just as I was about to put the oven on for bread, so now have a loaf, a lasagne and an apple crumble cooling nicely! Tried cornflour sauce which was much easier than usual roux and as you say, lower fat. Looks yummy.

Dizzybuff, think we all have a panic sometimes, you will find a way through. I have tried cash only for groceries this month, found it helpful, am also going to try it for petrol next month as I don't really know how much we are spending. Trying the light foot on the gas thing atm, think it is helping a bit, also combining journeys where possible.

modern_millie_2

Mary-op, what a positive attitude! Good for you.

ginnyknit

Well Dizzybuff you have come to the right place for support and advice, everything you could want to know is on here somewhere and if not post a question and lots of answers will fly your way. I have got through some very dismal days by visiting here and I thought I was good at pennypinching before now I am really good and living on a shoestring. Im sure you will feel better once you get a plan in place - virtual hugs to you and all those having a bad day

NualaBuala

Dizzybuff, the others are right, you couldn't meet a better bunch of ladies (and occasional gent) here. So sorry to hear what you're up against -but you WILL adapt and manage to cope somehow. xxx

I've been worried about offering support here if there is no OS knowledge attached because not sure it's allowed. But hate to read other people's problems and run. :o OS knowledge is not my strong point, I am a student rather than a teacher of OS ways!

mardatha

CAN oops anybody give me the link that somebody I think maybe Ceridwen, posted about a guy who was growing tons of veg on a London balcony ?

mardatha

ok ta wasnt so much the money it was just to see what could be grown in a small space, to give me ideas. Then in theory I should be able to grow a lot more in my bigger space.

ginnyknit

It looks like a tiny garden of Eden! I agree Mardatha I think planning is the key and by the look of it shelves to put any old planters you can find. Im sure I could grow much more this year in my reasonably sized garden. Pity Oh won't let me do a good life and plant in the front garden, but it did look lovely last year full of bargain bedding plants. I just need to buy rather a lot of compost this year unless my 2 bins are actually full this year and not been absorbed into the ground again??? I decided pumpkins just took up too much space last year and were a lot of faff for no results - pity cos I got really excited last year when they grew and grew :rotfl:along the floor.. and paths.. with no pumpkins :rotfl:

dizzybuff

I have to say I have problems opening up to the OH , hes so understanding. My freezer is chocca at the moment , and I havnt got a clue whats in there . Thats one job this week. Must do as countdown is looming.Im very good at batch cooking , however usually end up with "Freezer Surprise" once every few months. I need to also sort my cupboards. I swear we would be able to survive buying fresh fruit and veg for a month , plus maybe a roast joint or two. Todays not been too bad TBH , but OH has treated me to lunch out , which is a rare occasion as we had no DS. My OH has said we will be fine , I think we could survive me workingpart time. But for my own sanity I would love to go back full time if money would allow. DS is in a great childcare setting and loves going . I will do my hardest to keep him there . The new DD well shes still not making an appearance , due this Saturday . Im OS as I will be BF her , so no costs there , however I have failed to sort out reusable nappies and wouldn't have a clue where to get them from. Not sure whether Money would stretch that far at the moment. I managed to spend 32 pounds at Aldi today , Just a few bits and bobs and laundry items so wasnt too bad. However I need to make a trip to the market to get meat once I have sorted the freezer. No doubt DD will make an appearance and flaw my plans. Well thats my little update , my moods are still low but i will get there . Thanks for all your support Gals and Guys

Diz xxxxxx

bellaquidsin

I was about to say nothing very OS happened here yesterday then I thought, well, the roast lamb dinner was cooked from scratch and the gooseberry pie was homemade, as were the soup, rolls and muffin I gave DS for tea. We don't eat tea as such after a big Sunday dinner so had homemade yogurt later and my one big departure were the hot cross buns we had on special from Mr. S.

I usually make all my yeast products but this time I did what Mr. S. wanted me to do Tried, Tasted and was Tempted. DS on the other hand declined to eat what he said was full of chemicals and pointed out that I could have made a far more superior product for much less money. Honestly, I don't know who brought him up, but at the moment he has got two good feet to stand on and I haven't.

Today, we've been invited to friend's for the day. I've never been to their house before but suspect they won't be old style. Oh well, they've been here and accepted us.

Bella.

grandma247

Hello just popped my head in quickly. I still have four pages to catch up on.
Apparently in the great depression in America a lot of people used to serve their food on the best china so they did not feel so deprived. Not a bad idea anyway, what are we saving it for?
Another tip from someone who's mother grew up then was that her mum used to give them home made doughnuts when they got in from school so they were not so hungry at teatime.
If you are eating a subsistance diet you need the calories especially children and the vitamins and minerals in the flour and yeast are all good too. If you ever needed an excuse to eat them or anything else "bad" for you here it is.:rotfl::j