Hard Times: How to cope with everyday living.

maryb

It's odd, isn't it, how an old fashioned skill like cooking can save you loads of money but sewing and knitting, not so much (unless you're into upcycling/repurposing charity shop buys). In fact you can't buy the fabric for an outfit for less than a ready to wear one. I still think it's worthwhile knowing how to sew because the days of cheap clothes won't last for ever (Primark is already saying its prices have risen because of increases in the cost of cotton) and you can save loads on making curtains etc. Plus I can make my clothes fit far better (why do manufacturers always think that once your middle age starts to spread, your shoulders come out in sympathy like a 1970s trade unionist?).

Bitsy_Beans

margaretclare wrote: »

Have only recently realised that the reason people are complaining of the high cost of food is if they live mainly on processed food. A man we see most days is always complaining of the cost of fish and chips, which he seems to eat pretty often. Any processed or pre-made food will have 20% VAT added to it. Fresh food does not. We live mainly on fresh foods which we cook ourselves. We never buy takeaways, pizzas, 'junk foods', ready-meals or anything like that. We live well and economically.

I have to disagree here. I cook from scratch, buy no ready meals (unless you count the cost of my H's baked beans ) but I've noticed prices creeping up. Cost of butter risen 20p in the last few months, cost of cheese I've noticed an increase in. My farm shop bag of spuds has gone up another 50p. I know for example Sainsbugs are selling their basics pasta for 18p at the moment but a few weeks ago it was 35p.
From where I sit it IS creeping up, some of it being manipulated by the supermarkets of course

Lavandula

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

I have to disagree here. I cook from scratch, buy no ready meals (unless you count the cost of my H's baked beans ) but I've noticed prices creeping up. Cost of butter risen 20p in the last few months, cost of cheese I've noticed an increase in. My farm shop bag of spuds has gone up another 50p. I know for example Sainsbugs are selling their basics pasta for 18p at the moment but a few weeks ago it was 35p.
From where I sit it IS creeping up, some of it being manipulated by the supermarkets of course

Agreed prices of basic ingredients are creeping up, especially butter. But cooking from scratch is almost always cheaper (and more healthy).

I do however buy Tesco's Value batter mix:o which at 7p is very cheap and makes a very easy, filling and delicious Yorkshire pudding.

I can make a medium sized chicken last 3 meals ( 2 adults and 1 child) and then use the carcass for stock/soup.

A packet of mince can also stretch to 3 meals etc..

Also use Tesco Value Bath Foam as handwash. I haven't had to buy a moisturiser for ages, just email company's and ask for a free sample....most will send you something. Dove also frequently give away free samples. I also never buy perfume...I have lots of tiny bottles (again by asking for samples).

System

I dissagree too. I love lamb and would eat more of it but the cost is too high. I could feed my family with Dalesteak Lamb Grills. it tastes more or less the same (less texture and more fat) but its fully processed with who knows what in it?

Bitsy_Beans

And don't get me started on the price of bread flour and bread in general!!! £1.30 in Sainsbugs. It's only due to the kindness of my neighbour that I can take advantage of Lidls lower price as the cost of petrol to drive to my nearest store negates any savings. She picks me up some when she passes for work

And since when did Tesco value porridge oats cost 75p?!!! They used to be 50p

GreyQueen

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

And don't get me started on the price of bread flour and bread in general!!! £1.30 in Sainsbugs. It's only due to the kindness of my neighbour that I can take advantage of Lidls lower price as the cost of petrol to drive to my nearest store negates any savings. She picks me up some when she passes for work

And since when did Tesco value porridge oats cost 75p?!!! They used to be 50p

:mad: This is one of my regular buys, has been for many years. For the longest time they were 44p/45p, then they went down to 33p for a while and suddenly leapt up to 75p!

Do I believe that the price of the oats, the milling, the packaging or transport accounts for this? Frankly, I don't.

I buy them in quantity when they are on 3 for 2 which only brings the price back down to 50p. I'm good until May next year on supplies which will be eaten by their BBE dates but I constantly keep my eyes open for the offer..............

Fingers crossed they come down again, soon.

trifles

I can knit,but being large, some thick knitwear can often make me look heavier.Decent fine wool can often be expensive.I've found I can save a lot by knitting accessories in 'luxury' yarn and buying men's fine knit eg lambswool jumpers in large sizes from the charity shops.I can then brighten up with a short scarf or corsage I've knitted and look less chunky:D
I used 'Cleanse and Polish' until recently,but decided I can no longer justify expense.I just use Boots Cold Cream now with muslin cloth and warm water morning and night and find this MUCH cheaper and equally effective.A large glass of warm water when you rise is a good skin detoxifier.I also use a couple of aspirins crushed in a few drops of water and apply this to any areas of large pores or blackheads to clear and tighten skin-lots of famous skin preparations use this-but only leave on 5mins.Learned this doing a facial course.
Lidls sell fizzy multivitamin tablets.I carry these in my bag so I can have a fruity,fizzy drink at lunch time for pennies and get some vits instead of expensive tins of soft drinks.
I no longer holiday abroad.Instead I go on coach holidays in Britain where breakfast and dinner are included,and take my flask, lock n lock sandwich tub ,tin opener:o:D and some basic cutlery so I can make :Dlunch a picnic.A pot of yogurt can be bought in a supermarket to snack on.
For birthdays,as a group of friends,we decided not to buy gifts.Instead,we go somewhere cheap and cheerful for a lunch and the birthday girl eats/drinks:beer:free while the others split her bill between them.We wait until January to avoid Christmas rip-off nights out and save £1 a week towards a special deal available we like.We just have a coffee somewhere in December to exchange small gifts eg a good bar of soap or some wine.I find Prossecco just as good as a mid-price champagne-Lidls do a nice one.I save 20p coins all year and cash them in November-sister does the same.We usually have plenty for Christmas food.
Presents bought in January sales also paper etc for next ear and birthdays etc
Am not putting on heating unless it literally freezes!Wearing layers,throws,and have a large red glass candleholder in the hearth which gives the illusion of cosiness when the candle is lit.Keeps me cheerful.
Shower on days working-to save hot water have a thorough wash at the sink-involves some contortions:D on other days.

chanie

I try and charge my phone at work (before we start debating it, I am allowed to do so), but if I need to charge it at home, then I will.

Bulk out mince with porridge oats

When changing DS's nappy, I will either stick him the basin or use a muslin cloth (which I get with my Liz Earle C & P). Saves a fortune on wipes.

I've kept a bag of DS old tatty clothes to use as cleaning rags.

I buy my washing powder etc from Costco and it lasts about 6 months.

I've been buying Xmas prezzies throughout the year, and my Xmas shopping is nearly complete!!!!

I buy cards from Card Factory (e.g. 10 for £1)

I crafted gifts for my niece's birthday party - crochet brooches, flannel cupcakes etc and I am crafting for Xmas.

Try and use the car less e.g. double up on car journeys.

My plan for next year:

Learn to bake - I have some lovely cookie cutters and I plan to learn out to decorate them and make them look lovely.

I have just got an allotment and plan to up my veg growing as I normally grow stuff in pots.

Using my homemade veg etc, I will try my hand at making jams, chutneys etc - I've already started to stockpile glass jars.

SailorSam

ragz wrote: »

haven't we already got quite a few of those?

Some good tips though so I'll keep reading I do love these sorts of threads!



Really? What kind of box, how is it insulated? I'm intrigued?

A Hay Box Cooker An Old Invention – Out of New Materials - by Nev Sweeney

[Deleted User]

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

And since when did Tesco value porridge oats cost 75p?!!! They used to be 50p

This time last year a bag kilo of value porridge oats were in Tescos 39p I bought up several kilos at the time and my DDs thought I was nuts .not anymore as its shot up in price .I also bought Sainsbugs meuseli when it was 47p per kilo God know what it is now.The basic price of foodstuff is rising not only because of world food prices but the cost of fuel to get them around.Diesel at £1.41 per litre means its over £7.00 per gallon:eek::eek: This has a knock on effect on the price of our food in the supermarkets.
We think its bad now wait until this time next year when fuel will be probably over £8.00 per gallon and the prices we pay now will seem very cheap.