OS MSE ideas haven’t paid off for you?

Justamum

I haven't read the whole thread as I'm in a bit of a rush (got to get DD off to orchestra this morning!). The one I can think of off the top of my head was trying to make my own washing powder. Recently I did this for a few weeks, and was washing everything at 30c. Things just weren't as clean as they could be, so I've gone back to my normal washing powder and washing at 40c. To be honest making my own was not really much cheaper anyway.

MushyPeas

tinkerbelluk wrote: »

OMG - This thread makes me feel so much better. Sometimes I can feel really low that I'm not as OS as some others.

Oh my, this thread is making me feel so much better! Sometimes I feel so guilty when I don't do complete OS and it's even worse now that I have converted so many people at work....when I go and buy a cup of tea or a sandwhich as a treat (yes, I know I know) they ask me 'what would Martin say' :eek: . But it does keep me on the straight and narrow!

Other confessions are that I do 'treat' myself to food by eating out or buying nice groceries, but I am keeping a close track on my spending to balance it out.

Um, other confession is I don't look at the flylady thread as the to do lists would scare me! Actually guys, I was trying to forget that it exists, thanks for reminding me .

Thought I'd better edit what I do do (now will be interesting to see what I define as OS):
- Visiting MSE on a regular basis
- Trying to cook from scratch (though difficult living in 2 places at once and no fridge/freezer in one of them)
- TMF (which reminds me I must write off for some)
- starting a pile of stuff to ebay
- slowly using up cleaning stuff so can try stardrops, cloths etc.
- watching my car fuel consumption (trying shortest route on Tom Tom to save on fuel...though I keep getting lost down country lanes!!)
- using my slow cooker (which I lovvvee, used before OS)
- stooging (when I have some money again!)
- keeping a close eye on my accounts
- sourcing extra work to get some pennies in
- converting friends (going to start a thread about this)
- making an effort with keeping the place tidy

Ok, I admit that many of the above are more MSE than OS but in my head I lump them all together!

I dream of being more OS...one day when I have a) a family and b) a regular place to live I think it will happen!

MPxx

Queenie

tinkerbelluk wrote: »

OMG - This thread makes me feel so much better. Sometimes I can feel really low that I'm not as OS as some others. ...

I'm really pleased the thread has made you (and several others) feel better

No one should *ever* feel low, or guilty about their OS endeavours - it's not a competition and no one is going to come round and whip you with a soggy cucumber for what you *don't* do There are no prizes for what you do do either

But I would like to say a huuuuuuge WELL DONE to everyone for anything they *do* accomplish! :T :T :T

We all lead very differing lives and have varying demands upon our time and money, which will ebb and flow and tranform throughout our whole lives. What suits one person won't necessarily suit another. What worked at one stage may not be practicable another. Once we accept that, we can go on and be pleased with ourselves for what we do achieve.

MushyPeas

Queenie wrote: »

But I would like to say a huuuuuuge WELL DONE to everyone for anything they *do* accomplish! :T :T :T

Ah Queenie, I wanted to quote all your post really but that would have been a bit extreme. Thanks for making us feel so much better, you are lovely :A .

tired_mum

Good morning i have several things to admit
my breadmaker lives in the loft i just couldnt get on with it
i dont own a yoghurt maker
we do use star drops for all the floors but cleaning products and washing powder are all branded as DH works for large american soap powder maker so we buy all this in the staff shop cheaper than i could make
dont do fly lady
dont meal plan
but i do use the slow cooker
grow my own fruit
use coupons and shop around
and tell people what a great site this is

Spendi

I love my slow cooker, breadmaker and yoghurt maker, i use stardrops everywhere except the floors when flash works better.

I like my microfibre cloths, but i had these before OS.

I use branded washing powder but i do use less than they say and if things are really dirty i chuck in some soda.

I only use my tumble dryer now if i really need to.

I take a packed lunch to work everyday, and im happy that my DD who has always been a fussy eater, is at least eating things that are not full of additives and gunk, and her digestion has improved since switching to HM bread and yoghurt ( which she eats a lot of )

stefejb

Stardrops .... can't get on with them (ducks and runs for cover). I did try for months and agree that it's nice and cheap and does do the job really well but made me feel guilty about the chemicals and was a bit too much for my poor fag-abused lungs - I now use eco washing up liquid with a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil

Mary_Mungo

I read the OS thread everyday. Does that count:D

What I dont do

I dont use a breadmaker and whilst it has been had to resist when I walk past the ones on offer in my local shop I live on my own and a normal loaf of bread bought from the shop either goes off before I finish it or if I am very organised it gets frozen in 2 or 3 slice bags, so a breadmaker would just not be moneysaving for me. (and if I am honest I love the range of fresh bread you can buy now for really good prices)
I dont have a yoghurt maker because I dont like yoghurt:o
I have 3 bottles of stardrops bought in a mad moment when I saw some cheap in Tescos. Never used
I have around 14 microfibre cloths again bought after reading a thread saying how good they are and of course needing lots of different colours for ever different job Still using my soaked wipes that I love and can throw away after use.
I could never claim to be a flylady by anybodys stretch of the imagination

On the other hand I have learned a lot from OS including

How to use my slow cooker (dont use it for everything by anymeans but find its great in the winter for those lovely thick soups and stews)
I have as good as stopped buying meals for one now and buy ingredients instead
I use the recipe index lots for inspiration
I now only use one tablet in my washing and have taken the temp down to 30
I regualary join in the store cupboard challenge (as a lurker) and make some interesting meals with what I have in
I have stopped buying any toiletries as I seem to have enough to stock Boots

Still a long way to go but I love reading what everyone does and have done perhaps a lot more than I thought

Justamum

newlywed wrote: »

Sorry but I am not convinced enough to try that one!

I wasn't sure I would get on with it, but they are excellent.

lil_me

MushyPeas wrote: »

- watching my car fuel consumption (trying shortest route on Tom Tom to save on fuel...though I keep getting lost down country lanes!!)

:rotfl: How many times have I done this, oh my being stuck in a muddy lane (before buying a 4x4) and having to be dragged out with a tractor now that is embarrassing. I ended up being over an hour late.

Disposbale wipes I am still using especially for the leather suite, but I am trying to reduce my stocks on these, 3 for 2 at £1 shop, ooops.

Still buying garlic bread, I use spag bol etc as a quick and easy meal, just not quick if I make the bread too.

Tried the organic meat box which was a complete disaster, it arrived half frozen (was supposed to be chilled) they said freeze it and it'll be ok, nope when I defrosted the items they stank. Definately not buying from them again I'll stick with the farm shop.

Wastes better, from throwing £20+ worth of food a week away I have reduced it a lot, amittedly the dogs still get some things and the compost bin gets the others, I am working on this.

Tried soapnuts for everything like shampoo etc, didn't work, gone back to cheap shampoo.