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

VJsmum

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

For those of you worried about coffee and tea products with the caffeine removed, I think many people find Rooibos tea a good substitute. It is naturally without caffeine, but is similar to normal black tea. I think you can also get it in blends--say Rooibos with vanilla etc. It does come in both a red and a green tea version, and it is the red which I believe is most similar to black tea. I've tried both and don't find the green version very pleasant!

I am a rooibos tea evangelist and will bore for England. I started drinking it years ago when I did a detox diet and caffeine was out but so desperately missed my cuppa that I started drinking this. I quickly got used to it and now don't drink any other tea. Real tea tastes too "tea-y". My OH drinks it now too. Unfortunately it isn't as cheap as basics tea but I stock up when it's on offer. It's even been in the penny sale before now. It is a herbal tea that is naturally caffeine free, so not decaf.

I saw the programme about decaf coffee and it is a little concerning, but I guess if you don't drink gallons of the stuff then it is probably OK. I tend to drink one or two cups of really good quality coffee every day (I favour Taylor's of Harrogate Guatemalan Cloud Coffee made in a cafetiere) and then stick to my rooibos or water. I figure a little of what you fancy does you good.

Following my "French women don't get fat" plan, I know that they don't restrict any food - coffee? Chocolate? Wine? Cheese? Eat and enjoy but not too much. I guess it all boils down to "don't be a pig"

Although French women do get fat. :-/

Possession

I missed this programme about decaf coffee, what's wrong with it? And does it affect decaf tea too, as I do drink that sometimes.
I've just been in France for 2 weeks and I saw plenty of quite fat French women!

kidcat

Possession wrote: »

I missed this programme about decaf coffee, what's wrong with it? And does it affect decaf tea too, as I do drink that sometimes.
I've just been in France for 2 weeks and I saw plenty of quite fat French women!

Pops was saying that the way they removed the caffeine used chemicals that were dangerous - I assume that applies to all de-caf drinks not just coffee.

fuddle

About to get to the caffeine bit in the next few mins. From what pops was saying its to do with the chemical used to extract the caffeine.

Popperwell

Possession wrote: »

so velcro shoes are the only option for him still, I hope it isn't a big no-no at his new secondary school.

Whatever the reasons for a uniform at school(being smart/all being the same etc...)I think more than ever schools should take into account that many cannot afford what they want their pupils to wear especially in today's climate but also on health grounds. If needs be they should accept a medical note from a Dr etc...

I wear velcro trainers 99% of the time these days(not designer footware)and even in a job they would have to accept that on health grounds if anyone took me on...there has to be some give and take. Or rather there should be.

Schools should be using their "clout" to keep prices down and offer a selection of clothes that work for most pupils. I'm kind of glad I'm out of that situation. These days I am smart and tidy but wear mainly leisurewear, shirts long/shortsleeved, trousers and trainers, much the same indoors(but may in the winter go more for track suit type bottoms when alone)

I own one jacket* but have three or four that need alterating(from charity shops)and have two pairs of shoes for special rare events.

*That was purchased specially for Mum's funeral...the one or two I did own no longer fit so I gave them to the charity shops.

I could do with a couple of white shirts. I guess my wardrobe is quite basic but will last me years and years.

kidcat

School uniform is a massive issue, all schools have gone the way of the logo, and that increases cost dramatically, a plain sweatshirt in asda costs me £3 for DS9, a logo one £8 - he gets through 20 a year minimum.

The high school DD18 and DS15 attended have changed their uniform again, it was previously possible to buy a blazer and sew the badge on, then the rest of the uniform was generic supermarket stuff, except for PE kits which were excruciatingly expensive. The new one is a specific blazer, specific skirt, specific jumper and an even more expensive PE kit. A friend has just bought her daughter uniform for there for first time - its cost over £200, not including shoes, trainers or football boots!

Popperwell

I think the food industry tries to say that the process is acceptable but a laboratary that explained about the chemical used were not as sure...

The caffiene that was removed in the process is sold to companies who add it to pain killers etc...so they get you one way or another.

I suspect unless you are drinking too much coffee anyhow decaf will probably still be ok but I would just make it weaker/drink less. I beleieve that episode is repeated on one of Channel 4's channels tonight if you don't wish to watch on line...it is the first topic and lasts perhaps 5-6 minutes...the other topics are formed ham and prawns...

Popperwell

kidcat wrote: »

it was previously possible to buy a blazer and sew the badge on, then the rest of the uniform was generic supermarket stuff

My memory suggests that's how my uniform was decades ago but then we still had to pop into a local menswear shop not a SM and the item replaced the most were the white shirts. I bet many unoforms were purchased on some kind of weekly payment plan.

Its funny its too late now but I never thought to ask such questions about such things and now it is too late.

VJsmum

Possession wrote: »

I missed this programme about decaf coffee, what's wrong with it? And does it affect decaf tea too, as I do drink that sometimes.
I've just been in France for 2 weeks and I saw plenty of quite fat French women!

Yeah me too:D

But I like the theory

kidcat

VJsmum wrote: »

Yeah me too:D

But I like the theory

Never mind the theory I think you just like the wine and the cheese :rotfl: