Lulabelle's MFW Diary

lulabelle1

nattypants wrote: »

Did you watch the Nick and Margaret programme last week lula? Really interesting (if not it's on iplayer). I'm looking forward to the flip side this week.

Loads of great shows in London (not that I've been or years, but loads I would like to see:cool: My s-I-l is working on Barnum - I think it's just opened.....

3 hour lunch sounds fab:T I had a packet of pickled onion monster munch for my lunch today, very decadent

No I didn't see these programmes, could you send me the names of them so that I can have a watch?

lulabelle1

ajmoney wrote: »

I have been doing a bit of research on the BBC Good Food website and thought of you as they have a batch cooking section within the recipes tab. There are quite a few recipes that would let you escape from lasagne, chicken stew and chicken pie.

Fab, I'll go and have a check on the batch cooking section, could be useful...... Thanks

lulabelle1

gallygirl wrote: »

Would probably get us prosecuted if we sent our thoughts through the post :rotfl:.

You're not wrong there GG

nattypants

Nick and Margaret: We Pay All Your Benefits (BBC1)

Basically four benefit claimers are followed in their day to day routine by four people who are working. At the end of the episode each worker states whether the claimants receive too much, too little, or the right amount of benefit.

Nick and Margaret from the Apprentice contribute to the discussions. Part 2 is this Thursday.

You might also be interested in watching Great British Budget Menu (also on iplayer). I am currently watching 'My £9.50 Holiday' !!!!

lulabelle1

Thanks for this natty, will check them out xx

lulabelle1

Just watched the nick/Margaret we all pay your benefits programme.....

I've mixed feelings about it. I'm very grateful for what I've got and watching the programme makes me feel lucky. That said, I did find myself being annoyed with a couple of the people and just shook my head at times when it was apparent that a couple of them had no inclination to work.

lulabelle1

Just watched the Great British Budget Menu.... feel so ashamed of how wasteful we can be and how lucky we are.

HelenDaveKids

I watched it too, DH was working late and got home at 12.45 and it was on till just before then. It was an eye opener, especially the couple (who I did have some element of sympathy for) but living in a 4 bedroom detached house with £850 a month in rent alone, what's that all about!!! Was talking about it to my mum and her neighbours daughter is in a similar rental property on benefits. Hardly seems fair... Surely they should find alternative housing rather than having food handouts. I will stop now....

Its definitely not fair that some people on benefits are getting more money than others who work all hours.

It also winds me up the free school dinner thing, I think every child should get a free school meal / plus piece of fruit at break time but it should come from child benefit money. As this would ensure every child getting at least one healthy meal a day.

I also saw the food one.

Will stop now, sorry.....

lulabelle1

I felt really bad watching it, and felt terrible sorry for the people featured in the food programme.

In some cases, it is more difficult for people to help themselves, such as the pensioner, so this is not directed in that area.

But, if I would like to think that if I was in the position of the other people featured and could literally not afford to put a decent meal on my table, I would get some additional work and/or find ways to increase the money coming in to my household.

I know it's easy for me to say, as we're fairly comfortable, but I do think that you get different groups of people - those that accept their lot and don't do anything to change it, no matter how bad it gets (some of the people in the programme) and those that don't accept things and do something about it. There is no way that I would live day to day being hungry and unable to feed myself. Where there is a will there is a way.

Perhaps I'm just overly ignorant and naive?

I've never claimed for any benefits in the 20 years since I left school. And, I've never asked anyone for any money/loans/subs since I got my first Saturday job at 13. Maybe I've been lucky, but I'd like to think that it's more to do with being hardworking, focused, motivated and too proud to ever ask anyone for anything.

I do understand that circumstances can change and perhaps one day I will eat my own words so to speak.

Truth is, if you are able bodied, there is always work. if there are no jobs to be found, then create your own job. Whether it's offering services to clean houses, clean cars, window cleaning etc etc or perhaps setting up your own business.

Anyway, rant over. I'm honestly not a hard faced bi*ch I just feel that we need to create a society where people are more able to think for themselves rather than having everything spoon fed to them.... oops, I'm ranting again, sorry.

No offence intended, just having a hormonal moment.

lulabelle1

On a more positive note.....

I had a lovely healthy lunch today. Tomatoes and Mozzarella with olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. So lovely. I did feel quite bad eating it though as I was eating whilst watching the budget food programme.

I decided to collate all of my toiletries, lotions, potions etc in to one place. I seem to have a stack of half/qtr used stuff, so my plan is to not buy anything new until I've used up what I already have. I'm sure I'll save a few pounds.

2 sleeps until pay day.

BUT, due to all of the ridiculous spending recently, there will no spare money when pay day does arrive. I shall be able to replenish the various accounts with their allowances, but I don't think there will be anything left for Overpayments. Q the sad face.....

It's going to be an expensive childcare month as DS1 will be attending hol club a few days each week in the holidays and DS2 will be attending nursery - he is on a term time contract and is due to finish this Friday, so everything is extra and full price. Also, he starts school in Sept, but just a few hours a day for the first 3 weeks, so still need some nursery. So expensive!!!!