Hi All- what else can i do?

BitterAndTwisted

Actually, without doing any actual scientific research myself I know that it's true: if you use the dosage that the manufacturers recommend you're probably using about double the amount you really need. If you put a couple of tablespoons of soda crystals in you can use a quarter of the amount.

It might be a challenge too far for some but the laundry gloop recipe is one of the most exciting things I've made that has saved me buckets of money. TEN LITRES of fantastic-quality laundry detergent for less than two quid. If you've got some 2 litre milk-cartons handy and about 20 minutes to spare it could be best time you've ever spent.

CH27

I always use 1/2 the recommend amount & my washing is always clean & i've never had problems with my machine.

ubamother

cleggie wrote: »

Thanks Rachbc- Tbh i dont think the lentil are working for us. The kids will (if nagged enough) eat the spag bol with them in, but i would rather leave them out and for us all to enjoy our food instead.

I can't get away with the lentils-in-mince thing - it's a texture problem for me - but I have found that porridge oats work wonders - they're soft and non grainy, and absorb the colour of the gravy so look like mince, and nobody in my house has ever ever noticed. Great thickener in soups too.

wendall

I too am trying to cut down on grocery shopping went to asda on friday spent £55 on not alot but did get washing powder and cleaning stuff while on offer, but i do not go in lidl often but we have one near wher i drop my son off to rugby and i nipped in as i had no tinned carrots and had forgot potatoes at asda i spent 11.74 and got 2 packs of pork steaks, a warburton loaf, pack of potatoes, pack of onions, 2 tins of carrots, carton of apple juice, bottle of cloudy lemonade, a pack of 4 gel pens (use them at work) and a large bottle of fresh milk, packet of corned beef and pack of ham told oh and he said to do shopping there in future. So will try this weekend when i need to do a full shop.

JulieGeorgiana

I find no difference with my clothes at all when using half the amonth...!

I add lentils to mince... but very little because it doesn't work for us if I use a lot (and oats don;t work at all) BUT I do add veg (carrots, peas, sweatcorn, peppers, mushrooms) and we find it adds a lot texture and the taste and it's just lovely! I always add wine for taste too

cleggie

Hi All,
well, i have started using half the amount of Ariel gel, so lers see what its like when the cycle finishes! Also used half the amount of lenor. I have made my meal planner for the week and shouldnt have to buy any food at all for the rest of the week, apart from bread and milk!

JG (hope yo dont mind me shortening your name JulieGeoriana)- i always add veg to mine too, normally courgettes, mushrooms, peppers and carrots. Makes it last AGES!

Was going to do the treasure trail today, but its raining, so we are having a day at home. Might get the paints and arty stuff out for the kids later.

Whats everyone else up to today?

JulieGeorgiana

cleggie wrote: »

JG (hope yo dont mind me shortening your name JulieGeoriana)- i always add veg to mine too, normally courgettes, mushrooms, peppers and carrots. Makes it last AGES!

Yes, I have noticed that too... I get 5 meals from a pack of mince now... always forget to use caurgettes though... I think it's because we live on frozen veg!

Anyone know if it freezes well?

cleggie

I occasionally freeze mine and it always comes out fine. Sometimes it can be a bit watery, depending on what veg you use, but you can always just freeze the base and add the veg afterwards if the water bothers you.

rachbc

i know you were asking on another thread for kids activities - today mine have piled all the sofa cushions on the floor and are charging round and round running and jumping - they keep shouting 'this is the best morning ever' - 12 and 4 and both having a whale of a time - and best of all its a) free an b0 I get to drink tea and go on the laptop whilst they do it!!

cleggie

Rach, lol, sounds like fun, will have to try that one!! Kids will probably love it! Thankyou.