The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

paidinchickens

I've just been to T's to look at the price of the vitamins :eek: Has the world gone mad?

I was looking for Milk thistle as someone suggested it to me and all the vits containing it may as well be laced with gold.

Does anyone take it? does it work? and where's the cheapest place to buy it from?

PiC x

[Deleted User]

MAR we've tried the wartime christmas cake and while it's a very nice cake, spicy and delicious It's not a 'christmas' cake so I'm going to make the one I usually make which is in Marguerite Pattens 'The Victory Cookbook' on the very last pages of that book (which is the middle section of the 3 in 1 book) and is The CHRISTMAS CAKE OF 1954. It makes a proper fruit cake and responds well to being fed with alcohol for a couple of months so I'll be making mine in October and feed it ready to ice it in December, Lyn xxx.

Floss

PiC, check Asda's prices for their vitamins - they often have some on 3-4-2 or 3 for £10.

monnagran

Glad to hear that you are all ready for the start of term. I used to love the start of the school year. New books, new pens and pencils, everything smelling of polish, lovely.

Lyn: I make a cake that I've never seen in a book, but it tastes spicy, is dark, fruity and very christmassy although it is quick and easy to make. Not too expensive either. Unfortunately anything with dried fruit in is a no-no for all my family, and I, who would happily eat it for breakfast, lunch, tea and every break in between, musn't so I make it for other people who aren't so picky.

Fuddle: The satin wood paint sounds really good, but I have a fancy to try chalk paint. A bit expensive but I believe it goes a long way. When all the tumult and shouting has died down round here I will think about it more seriously. You know me, I'm bound to give you a blow-by-blow account.

Pooky: Do be prepared for your DD to get every germy thing going for a few years. The up side is that after a time you get pretty immune to most things. Vitamins are a good idea though because she is going to get exhausted dealing with little ones day after day.
By the way, I love your cutouts. How you have the patience and find the time I do not know. You are one very talented lady.

I am getting there!
The realisation that we have a weekend of visitors has concentrated the mind greatly. Next weekend is the Rev's welcome service here and a coachload and several cars are coming over from the Island for it. My DB and SIL are coming to stay at the same time and everyone will be wanting to see the manse. Not only do I have to be inspection ready (easy-peasy, every thing that doesn't have a home is being dragged into my study and the door locked) but many folk will probably be wanting food of some description. Quite like old times - feeding an unknown number of people with food that will suit every mealtime known to man. It's called The Buffet. But it does mean that for the next four days I will be cleaning for England and cooking up a storm. Think of me, and I will try not to come on here and whine.

x

Pooky

Monna - You can make your own chalk paint using a mix of emulsion, warm water and plaster of paris. Have a wander over to the "shabby chic" thread - loads of ideas there and they can advise you on how to mix your paint.

And thanks re the paper cuts, wish I had as much patience in other areas of life....DH is watching something that seems to be either explosions or whispering - I gave up and cleaned the kitchen...it was that or wrap the remote around his head.

shanks77

Hi am still here reading along but nothing exciting to talk about so for a change keeping quiet. Not done much on the OS front either apart from pick some more blackberries and tried an experiment that i read on the "prepare for winter" thread about heating water on tea lights. Works so well I am really pleased though my ex thinks im a bit cuckoo but I know that many of you on here will think it is perfectly normal so I dont care.
Monna good luck with the cleaning not my forte I'm afraid so I feel for you. Happy to help out with the cooking if I lived a bit closer so will have to make do with positive vibes or a listening ear if it all gets too much.
Getting a real cake craving now reading about all these nice things shame I have put on about 3lb whilst sitting here imagining it so heaven help if i actually made and ate one:rotfl:.
Right better start making heading to bed noises as am trying to get to bed at a semi decent time just now (truly this is v v early for me) catch up with you all later xx

greenbee

Pooky wrote: »

Monna - You can make your own chalk paint using a mix of emulsion, warm water and plaster of paris.

Or emulsion and tile grout apparently...
http://mortgagefreeinthree.com/2013/08/home-made-chalk-paint-project-cute-table/

fuddle

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

MAR we've tried the wartime christmas cake and while it's a very nice cake, spicy and delicious It's not a 'christmas' cake so I'm going to make the one I usually make which is in Marguerite Pattens 'The Victory Cookbook' on the very last pages of that book (which is the middle section of the 3 in 1 book) and is The CHRISTMAS CAKE OF 1954. It makes a proper fruit cake and responds well to being fed with alcohol for a couple of months so I'll be making mine in October and feed it ready to ice it in December, Lyn xxx.

No christmas cake or christmas puddings here as DH won't eat dried fruit. Gingerbread seems to be our tradition really. We make something, normally a [STRIKE]disaster[/STRIKE] house, and then gobble Christmas Eve. I have to make mince pies leading up to it though, even though it's only me and the spuggies that eat them.

Monnagran please, please, please come on and moan your woes of preparing for the arrival of the masses because I am ashamed to admit to being completely horrid at finding your woes wholeheartedly amusing :eek: Are you prepared for the onslaught of very, very excitable people though? They will be thrilled for you and this time there won't be a tinge of sadness, just happiness Enjoy!

I forgot to tell you that Friday gone I finally got the Wilk0 vaccuum bags. All 3 winter duvets are stored in a small area under my bed now which leaves room for my stores I have decided only SHTF stores will go under there.

That reminds me. A question if I may? Can we buy powdered egg these days and if so how long does it keep?

So Sept 1st. I love, love, love this time of year. Beats New Year for me in terms of fresh start, organising etc. Uniforms are ready, bags are ready and only 1 packed lunch for me this year as youngest has free school meals as under 7 years old. A new routine for us starting tomorrow as a new school means new timings so anxieties are high as I have to finally start letting my eldest out of my sight and act her age. Yes, I am one of those mams who watches her 9 year old walk through the school door and cannot move until she does so. It's going to be difficult but like everything that causes me worry - the more I do it the less significant it becomes until there's no issue at all

savingqueen

Morning all

DH back to work after a fortnight off and I decided that the kids and I should also get up to the alarm clock in prep for return to school. Felt a bit mean as both were fast asleep and DS7 had a nightmare in the early hours (probably linked to return to school) so we both are tired now. Still better to get our body clocks a bit more in tune now eh?

Getting my head around the new school year and the coming autumn. Bit of stress as DS10 has secondary school open days and tests looming as well as the usual settling in for both boys. I am sad my boys are back to school but also keen to get on with plans. I am thinking about getting fitter, DH and I need to loose weight so a joint effort and am planning to start back at the gym whilst boys in school. Also preparing for the colder months, stepping up the decluttering and general OS and MSE planning and doing. September is like a new year in some ways for me. I need some new challenges and plans.

fuddle

A question on cleaning/dusting chalk paint surfaces if I may? Does the rough surface allow for good cleaning of dust etc.