make do and mend for tougher times

Popperwell

I have changed my supplier for gas and electric again:o:pI'm not changing any more...no matter how many times I put the details into a comparison site, talk with the main companies(So far EDF, NPower, British Gas)factor in the standing charges, take them out, Add VAT, take VAT out...look at different tariffs...it would seem that every site keep saying the following company is cheapest for me(still not cheap enough)and depending on what figures I put in regarding paying fuel bills in cash, by monthly Direct Debit First:Utility keeps coming up everytime...and they have a fixed rate until Dec 2013.

So I have done it now. I'm not changing again...the only bad thing is if I switch after signing up with them there is a penalty clause of £60 but as the unit prices are good even with that clause and standing charges it evens out reasonably ok. And all the comparison sites suggest I am anything between £152-£300 better off.

In the end they are probably all the same...

Possession

mardatha wrote: »

Just checked .... 41 boxes of Sainsbugs teabags
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Lordy I have some serious catching up to do, LOL!

lisakay_2

Just back from big monthly shop. I spent £110 but will have full cupboards and freezer and it will last the month. I will only need to buy squash, fruit and salad now. freezer stocked up with bread and milk.

Went to the big asian supermarket and got 10kg rice for £9. I'm going to start off the rice and raisin wine if I can find the post (i really should've bookmarked it!).
The rhubarb wine is looking good, will hopefully be ready for christmas, although it's recommended to be left for a year. I think I'll bottle it in the little single glass wine bottles and give some out as presents with the hampers.
I also got a big bag of chillis so I'll make my chilli jam tonight too.
We're spending the day at the lotty again tomorrow If the rain isn't too heavy, hoping to pull some of the onions and do another batch of onion marmalade.

I dug my knitting needles out again last night and started the first of a batch of fingerless mitts/handwarmers. We're planning on having a BBQ instead of christmas dinner this year, just for the sheer novelty, I really, really hope it snows! My friend and her son will be coming too, so knitting them for 3 adults and 3 squids. It's a really simple pattern, just a square really with ribbed top and bottom then stitched up to leave a thumb hole. they should keep hands a bit warmer but still leave everyone able to eat their turkey kebabs marinated in cranberry jelly . I'm hoping to borrow a firepit to keep us warm as well and may bake some potatoes in it oh and chestnuts.
Do any of you have any other ideas of traditional christmas food that can be adapted for barbeques???
pigs in blankets would be easy enough. and could do foil parcels with some honey coated veg in.

Gailey, I did that with my 2 last night, but I had to actually put the clocks forward DD1 will be 7 soon and can tell the time. They had had an early dinner and tea and were bathed and in bed for 6.20. Managed to get all my housework done and get an early night myself, it was lovely.

SDG31000

lisakay How about foil parcels with slices of Christmas pudding and a blob of brandy butter in to warm up on the BBQ?

lisakay_2

OOh sdg, yum, definitely. I just thought, as well, I could do a kind of stuffing patty, like a burger.
getting even more exited about it now, although my DSis thinks I'm a loon wanting a christmas BBQ, but will put the gazebo up if it's rain or snow and have a fire pit/chiminea to keep us warm and we've all got thermal undies.
So...turkey and cranberry kebabs, stuffing patties, honey roasted veg. will have plenty of chutneys and relishes to choose from. hmmm, can't have christmas dinner without sprouts...could put them on the with the turkey?
with christmas pud for after or apples stuffed with mincemeat wrapped in foil. sorted :beer:
excuse me now while I go and bellow at the girls to finish tidying up so they can have a bath and have a story. getting them to do anything at the moment is a struggle. I sometimes think a good slap to the bum would do them the world of good, but I don't normally subscribe to that way of thinking.

shegar

mardatha wrote: »

Just checked .... 41 boxes of Sainsbugs teabags
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Are we in for a tea shortage then????...I havent heard anything anywhere.......

smileyt_2

Kidcat I am really angry on your behalf. Who does this nurse think she is, and the doctor too, treating you like that? If your pain is bad enough to be considering morphine then there needs to be some investigation!

I had a useless GP once. He referred me for rheumatology (I knew I had only sprained my knee!) but the consultant I saw was more interested in why I couldn't move my thumb and finger on one hand, and referred me to neurology (?) to get the nerve investigated. So, it could be that if you mention your back, you could be referred by the hospital doctor when you go for your chest x-ray, instead of having to go back to your GP.

The other alternative is to contact your Patient Advice and Liaison Service http://www.pals.nhs.uk/ to see if they can help. Your particular practice might be known to them as a troublesome one.

I'm only sorry that you have yet another battle to fight on top of all the other battles you have going on in your life.

Butterfly_Brain

lisakay..... Wilkinsons and Argos have fire pits in their sales at the moment. I have had mine for five years and I really should look at getting another especially if it doubles as a barbecue as mine does.
shegar...Re tea shortage ..Yes I am afraid we are looking at very high prices at the very least, because the crop failed in Kenya

smileyt_2

shegar wrote: »

Are we in for a tea shortage then????...I havent heard anything anywhere.......

Mardatha's neighbours are in for a tea shortage because she has bought up all the tea in her area! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

D&DD

Mar I'm jealous I still can't find the decaf tbags on cheap anywhere it's driving me nuts lol do they not ever have these on cheaper because they're caffeine free?? I only drink normal coffee so don't really know.

Lisa what a great idea sounds like it'll be a lot of fun

Gailey in one of my many attempts to organise myself *still trying lol* I found a great site with free printables for menuplanners etc will find a link for you chin up girl you are a wonderful mummy don't ever forget that XX
http://donnayoung.org/household/index.htm

Waaay behind got dragged round the shops by the men this morning..please remind me NEVER to do that EVER again :rotfl: