WTBSEs 'Living within my means,saving for a better future' diary :)

AlTeREgO

Yes, definetly need to get prepping for the colder weather!!
I remember my mum used to tack clear plastic sheeting over the windows in winter to act as double glazing!! I've picked up many thrifty tips by living in a Poorer household thats for sure, also as a kids spent many a winter night tucked up under her old Fur coat, legs down the arms and the bottom of the coat tucked up under my chin :rotfl:

Top tip now would be, thick curtains drawn ASAP in the evenings, we have door curtains on all the down stairs doors even internal ones.
fleecy blankets are good because you can sit under these in the evening and then when you go up to bed take the same blanket with you so it kinda of makes getting into a cold bed a bit easier, because your not really coming out of it and taking the warmth generated with you :rotfl:

WantToBeSE

Thanks Alter
I am thinking that i may have a trip to the charity shops after half term, to try and fine some thick curtains, or thick material to attach to the back of my pre existing curtains

I bought some really thick, lined trousers a few months ago, and they are now all i wear in the evenings, they are so warm!!

Also might try searching the charity shops for thick jumpers and cardies.

WantToBeSE

This mornings baking so far:

Cheese and herb bread, surrounded by sultana scones



I also have sultana flapjacks in the oven as i type

WantToBeSE

Oh, they all look undercooked in the photo, but it must be lighting issues, as they are nicely browned.

Hiddenidenity

Do you have a recipe for your bread? Is it easy? I'm no good at complicated stuff :rotfl::rotfl:

I've been reading but not posted for a few days. Hope all is okay x

WantToBeSE

Hello HI.
Yes, its VERY easy..it has to be easy if i am making it, lol!

I got it from the grocery challenge:

Mix ingredients together in this order below with a fork until it forms into a ball, then finish with clean hands:


8oz SR flour
1.5oz fat (any will do: butter/marg/suet/spread/etc)
4oz grated cheese
Handful of herbs (I prefer chives:))
1 egg
Up to 1/4 pint of milk (add gradually as if making scones. You may not need the whole amount;))
1 tsp mustard.


If too wet add more flour, if too dry add more milk.

Method for bread
Pat/roll it into a circle on a tray.
Cut/Score it into 6 wedges
Glaze with egg or milk.

15 mins or until golden around 200 degrees.

You can also make dumplings out of the same mixture, just form into round balls, and add to stew etc, and leave to simmer for 20mins

HI- did you have any luck with the choc chic cookie recipe i gave you (if you have tried it yet)?
Yes, i am fine thanks

Hiddenidenity

I will try that this afternoon thank you x

I did about 5 times already They are the best!! It has been perfect every time the nicest cookies ever!! I even passed the recipe on and they said the same. Thank you x

WantToBeSE

Cool, i am glad you liked them

WantToBeSE

Tonights dinner-
It was a bit 'off the cuff' as i didnt actually have a meal planned for this evening, which is very unusual for me as i always meal plan.

So, i had some chicken, veg and lentils to use up.
I fried the diced chicken in oil and chilli and garlic, then added my veg (aubergine, courgettes, tomaotes, mushrooms and peppers). Once that was all brown, i added half a carton of passata, some basil,and half a cup of lentils. I left to simmer for 25mins, and this is the result:



it may not look very apetising, but i can assure you it tastes yummy!
And treated myself to a glass of wine with it too

WantToBeSE

Batch cooking has always seemed like too much hassle to me, but i started it a few weeks ago, and so far i have Chilli, lasagna, spag bol and kedgeree in the freezer.
I am DEFINITELY seeing the advantage this morning, i have just taken a lasagna out of the freezer for tonights dinner No cooking for me this evening!!

I have just had a nice long hot bath, it was LOVELY!!
Really need to get a shower installed, as it would be much more cost effective, and quicker and easier...will ring around for some quotes during the week.

Its very cold here today, so the heating has been on for a bit to warm us all up. Its snug now