Countdown to Freedom

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning, early calls today so I'd better jump in the shower soon.

Dinner last night was delicious and loads of roast veg (courgettes, onions, aubegines, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes) - a little pork left and I've packed this ready for freezing.

Mr T made a lime cheesecake yesterday. I had mascarpone which needed using up, two limes which had seen better days. Went down well and the other half will be finished off tonight.

Tonight it's oriental beef skewers with rice and pak choi.

This weekend I'll sort the freezer and come up with a menu plan to finish off the contents. All on track for an empty freezer before hols. I'm looking forward to a trip to C@stco when we get back and I can start all over again :rotfl:

Money - I almost caved in and bought a can of c@ke from work - holding £1 in my hand I walked to the machine - then used the water machine instead :) NSD achieved

I've moved a fair chunk of money from the joint account to MOS last night. Excluding the mortgage we are now living on the same money as when Mr T was not working.

It's a cool, clean day and I'm off to the gym tonight. It was refreshing going to bed last night and feeling cool, as our bedroom seems to hold on to the heat, even with the window open.

Figs are growing well in the garden and I had two the other evening - beautiful.

Have a good day, Tilly x x

Alchemilla

Well done on the coke. Are you back on the meal planning now?

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Blinking call running late

Hi Alchemilla, menu plan ran out on Saturday and this week I have specific things from freezer to use up, so I have a clue about what I'm cooking but not a real menu plan

I will menu plan on Saturday for two weeks, then freezer should be empty and I'm on hols :T

It's been interesting to see how much all of us rely on having a plan. I thought it would just be me, but no :rotfl:

Plus, if I wasn't so disciplined about sticking to the food budget, it would have been easy to spend more £. The plan normally allows me to stretch the budget more effectively.

Dare I say I even menu plan on hols?

Best wishes Tilly x x

Alchemilla

I ought to plan...

giblet1979

Me too....I try. Sometimes it works better than other times....usually it collapses by midweek if not before x

Watty1

I have decided menu planning has to be done....... I just reviewed our food expenditure last month...menu planning just has to be done. As a start I took a sheet of paper and ruled it into a chart so I can fill in the boxes with the plan.
What do I do next???????

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Watty1 wrote: »

I have decided menu planning has to be done....... I just reviewed our food expenditure last month...menu planning just has to be done. As a start I took a sheet of paper and ruled it into a chart so I can fill in the boxes with the plan.
What do I do next???????

Hi Watty, write in when you need quick meals, or have plans to go out.

Do a freezer and larder inventory

With your list of food stuffs start planning meals for the various evenings.

If I'm cooking a chicken, I'll often have a risotto a day or so afterwards to use the carcass for stock and the meat in the risotto, or if there's plent of meat, I may turn it into a past dish, or pie.

Think about whether doing a little extra allows you a 'free' lunch the next day.

If you cook a batch quantity of mince and onions, you can turn that into a multitude of dishes

Stay calm, don't make it complicated - think of the £ you will save and time.

Tilly x

gallygirl

I would also mark off days for veggie or fish so you get it well balanced.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

gallygirl wrote: »

I would also mark off days for veggie or fish so you get it well balanced.

Completely forgot I normally do this - crikey a month of not menu planning and I'm losing the plot:eek: Good job I've got DD

Tilly x x x x x

Habibiboo

:wave:

Re: menus, Watty... you can always plan around your carbs too ... pasta, rice, potatoes, couscous, polenta, quinoa spaced out across the weeks too! A soup meal or two per week really helps the budget and the planning too. When it's just us we have two soup nights per week.

Re: your MFW endeavours Tilly ... well done, you're acing those big numbers and the fact you're living on your limited income from before and using the rest on the mortgage is a brilliant plan.

Will your mum moving in for winter affect your downsizing plan you mentioned previously, or will you choose a smaller house but with room for your mum too, as needed?

Good luck with your exciting emails, lovely to have plans a-foot! x