It was getting tough in 2006 and the workhouse still threatens us in 2011

tiredwithtwins

yep, my oh is working 3 jobs at the moment (hes a self employed plasterer) just to get money coming in, as the last 6 months have been dire - luckily we have very little debt, but find most weeks theres more going out than coming in.
and its not helped by the working family tax credit people stopping out child care bit - we got audited (or whatever they call it) again this year, so i duly sent in all the requested documents, only for them to go missing in the post ... so until i get replacements we have no help with childcare, which at the moment is about £180 week!!!

but, im eternally optimistic so who knows i might win the lottery tonight!! promise to share with you if i win :beer:

TwelveStopsThenHome

I'm the same too. I don't know how long I will have a job for as I don't trust my employers and I still think I will have a wage cut and the money I earn isnt that much!!

I am paying out bills, bus passes, loans, and overdue debts but the money NEVER streches the whole month!!!

Winter indeed will be awful. I took the step of buying the first Christmas presents today as I am that worried. On top of that, a ton of birthdays coming up.

Times are tough.....and I blame this 20% VAT

chanie

I agree.

OH and I both work full time and have one son, aged 1, who is is full time childcare. It breaks my heart that we both have to work full time. Our childcare is £845 a month and we aren't entitled to any help with this.

I've really noticed that my shopping has gone up loads recently.

Rummer

I feel that we are being squeezed in every area of life atm. Our food bills have gone up greatly as have our utility bills. We are managing but have no spare money for unforeseen expenses and I dread either of us losing our jobs.

Usually I pick up xmas pressies throughout the year but there is just no spare cash for that this year.

smileyt_2

Hulloo ginnyknit (:wave:), I did wonder if you would be absolutely shattered tonight. I was tired and all I did was stroke a few donkeys. Now I want a donkey! I was very good and didn't bring any stuff back to re-clutter my de-cluttered house!

Kittie do you think the kefir stuff would work with soya milk? I'm a vegan (both from an ethical point of view and an allergy to dairy). One of the sites you mentioned says it works with nut milks but that kills the kefir culture. Just wondered if you knew off-hand, but I will go and do some more research of my own and stop being so darned lazy!

In addition to the dairy allergy I have definitely got a thing going on with wheat. I have cut it out of my diet for the last month and my eyes and skin are less dry and itchy, and also my energy levels have improved and I'm not feeling as tired during the day. Sadly I bulk bought a load of wheat pasta a few months ago and it's sitting in my cupboard and I can't eat it!! I might be getting another boy soon though (via supported lodgings scheme) so will feed it all to him :rotfl:since they all have hollow legs at that age.

Kidcat I hope your daughter is better soon.

Has anyone heard from Taurusgb? I hope she is feeling better but as she doesn't seem to have posted in the last few days I imagine she is still in hospital.

TwelveStopsThenHome

It's worrying times Rumer. Thankfully with the sales on in some places, it has had to be budget presents and the things I have bought my nieces and nephew are educational as one will be learning multiplaction tables, and the other addition.

sharloid

It can't be that harsh if you're still considering Christmas!

charlies-aunt

Anyone an experienced jam maker - just a quick question !

I am making cassis for Chr*stmas with brandy, sugar and blaccurrants off the lottie.... I know that when the time comes, I will be loathed to throw away remaining brandy soaked fruit after straining....can this be used in a batch of jam??? seems such a waste of fruit (and brandy!) to lob it on the compost heap



the C-word is on its way ....Sainsburys have dscreetly started stocking fancy tins of biscuits already!

Fruball

PIGSMAYFLY wrote: »

Whatever happened to Annie56?

I have been wondering the same thing - been away from the boards for a little while so i've no idea what her latest news is... Must have had baby by now I would think?

ANNIE56 WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU???!!!

xx

Hardup_Hester

Hi Charlies Aunt, yes I've seen recipes for using up jam in this way.