Preparedness for when

VJsmum

Interesting debate.

Whilst I am definitely OS and MS (though yet to be E at it), I am not especially, at this point, hard up (one reason why I have withdrawn somewhat from the T threads). My kids could have far more than they do, but I just can't let them have all they would like.

I have battle royal at times with my OH about it. He was brought up in a middle class household where the money "worries" centred around paying school fees - and he doesn't know what it's like to go without. I was one of many children in a working class household where money was tight. I have deeply ingrained memories of mum only buying half a cucumber (for 6 of us) cos she couldn't afford a whole one, or me doing the maths and saying why didn't she buy a big box of washing powder instead of a small one every week (Answer, couldn't afford to). To this day I can't buy half a cucumber

We had two holidays when i was growing up - both to holiday camps only 30 or so miles away as my uncle could drive us. I first went abroad proper when I was 24. I did have a fairly well off aunt who took us away occasionally for a few days but my holidays with mum and dad numbered precisely two. We always had enough food and were adequately clothed and clean but it kind of stopped there. Most people I knew were the same, at first, so I didn't think myself hard done by. My auntie was well off but she ran a pub and didnt have kids so I didn't count her. Gradually though, my peers did go off on foreign hols and had new cars and we didnt so it started to become obvious that we were less well off.

When we turned 18 three of my friends went to Yugoslavia and I couldn't afford to go - I now see that mum would have felt very sad about that, that she couldn't afford for me to do it. I know in later years when I did start to go she couldn't have been happier.

My kids know all this and understand that this is why I am so careful with money and why they can't have everything and that it is good for them to wait. My OH took them aside one day and said that it kind of "hurts" me if they waste money as I know what that would have meant to me and my family years ago.

I think I will never really feel financially secure because I remember so well the hardships that come with being poor, and the worry, and that fear never leaves you - however much Might be in the bank.

Butterfly_Brain

Neither of my two were brought up to expect expensive presents, because we couldn't afford it, but we have always had a good Christmas. If you ask them now what their favourite part is, they would say opening their stockings (Or bags of S**t as we laughingly call them) Christmas dinner and board games in the evening.
We always have a stir of the Christmas cake and make a wish, make gingerbread houses, ornaments and small gifts.

My DD's lasting memory of a present is a box of original transformers that I got from a car boot and wrapped in a lovely box with lots of ribbons, the squeal of delight is still cherished.
DS keeps telling us not to buy expensive presents for him and he saved to buy his computer and x box, our next door neighbour was kind enough to give him his ps3 this month because he is buying a ps4 and DS is thrilled.
Neither have been brought up to expect things handed to them on a plate and we have rarely been able to afford holidays, but they remember the ones that we have been on.
I am proud of both of them and they have helped with ironing, cooking, growing veggies and, diy and sewing.
I hope that I have given them a good enough grounding to survive the tough rigours of life.

thriftwizard

Mary Berry - Blow the science of cooking and bring back common sense

Not that common sense often features in the Telegraph. But bless her! Now we need someone to speak up for crafts, too - there are too many teenagers struggling to complete corsets for their GCSE coursework (cue frantic mothers on my doorstep, clutching detailed drawings & uncut fabric two days before the deadline) before they've a clue how to make a pillowcase around here!

bluebag

mardatha wrote: »

Now GQ.... why on earth would I need to come doon there? What have you lot got that I'd want??
.............Hmm. Blackpool rock, yes, ok. I might pop doon then lol :D

Well there is a Kale ban in this house. Vile stuff.

My home is a paradise of Jelly baby heaven, we know how to party darn 'ere.

tryingtobethrifty

GreyQueen wrote: »

:cool: Sunshine, blue skies, balmy breezes........you're right, nothing to offer, you're better off at home.

xx

Dear GreyQueen, as someone who lives close to Mar I can say with full honesty that I am offended as we do indeed have sunshine and blue skies here. I know this because on Saturday I was on a plane and shortly after take-off when you go through the thick grey cloud there is indeed a sun and blue skies :rotfl::rotfl:

bluebag

Vjs mum,

not a bad thing to have a little care, many times circumstances change from good to difficult. If you have the experience of coping with difficult it's a plus. Any old fool can cope with good.

GreyQueen

tryingtobethrifty wrote: »

Dear GreyQueen, as someone who lives close to Mar I can say with full honesty that I am offended as we do indeed have sunshine and blue skies here. I know this because on Saturday I was on a plane and shortly after take-off when you go through the thick grey cloud there is indeed a sun and blue skies :rotfl::rotfl:

That's ace! :rotfl::rotfl:

I got my lily-white complexion slightly scorched last Monday when it was close to 20 degrees and blindingly sunny here. What a difference seven days can make; just a quick burst of sunshine in an otherwise grey day.

I think my colouring (greying redhead, green eyes and freckles) demonstrates that I am evolved to be halfway up a sodden mountainside up north somewhere. That and the Mc - in the family tree is a bit of a giveaway.;)

craigywv

hi all don't want to start a new thread when I know you all can help me please. I have ran out of bread flour and have plain and self raising, I want to make burger baps can I go ahead and will they turn out ok. thanks in advance xxx

bluebag

craigywv wrote: »

hi all don't want to start a new thread when I know you all can help me please. I have ran out of bread flour and have plain and self raising, I want to make burger baps can I go ahead and will they turn out ok. thanks in advance xxx

I have never been successful, always too heavy. Would soda bread rolls do, I find them Ok with ordinary flour.

craigywv

bluebag wrote: »

I have never been successful, always too heavy. Would soda bread rolls do, I find them Ok with ordinary flour.

thanks for reply I shall just wait and get flour tomorrow thanks again, am making hm burgers so don't want soda bread rolls thanks again.:)