Preparing for Winter V

SuzeQStan

thanks for the sweep reminder @fionaandphil - just checked and our sweep prices are 25% lower now in summer compared to ‘high season’ sweeps 🤑💰

Laura_Elsewhere

Yes, we always got the sweep in at the start of the summer holidays (late June in Scotland), as a standard pattern iyswim- precisely because he let us know it was so much cheaper! And he was happy as it's quicker easier work to climb up on rooves in summer than in autumn…

Yet again, I failed to get any salads sown this year in time for summer- so when I get back from next week's hols (camping in Dorset), I want to organise myself to sow for autumn/winter salads. Loads of salads will grow productively to give fresh leaves right through to January, ime in SE Scotland and here in W Mids, so long as they are sown before September, to get going- lambs lettuce and red chard and spring onions, all kinds of things :)

boultdj

It might be worth your while to make a Christmas meal shopping list and see what you can get on offer and put it away, we like sandwiches so use quite a few different pickles and there has been a few we use on offer.

Cheapskate

Hello winter preppers, I'm back after a long spell away due to Too Much Life and not being able to function properly!

I'm now divorced with a 19yo and a 16yo still at home, very stressful job I'm trying to change, in massive debt due to said divorce, and generally even poorer than last year, hence coming back into the OS fold to get to grips with stuff again.

Starting gently this week with a plan to book the chimney sweep when I get paid at the end of the month and need to overhaul the food stocks, use up things that are close to end dates in the tinned and frozen items, with a view to some slow cooker batch cooking later in the summer to freeze, so that we all have some home made fast food ready to zap when we're too tired to cook. Son now working, daughter will be at college come September in the next town, so we all have to return to being more organised generally.

I found some salad leaf seeds, plus tubs and some compost, so this weekend will start some off for us, and some herb seeds - have often grown those inside later in the year to save on buying ready-grown.

I need door curtains, or similar, at both main doors, and something light to go across the back wall which is basically huge bi-fold doors - glorious in the summer but can be cold inside in the winter. Got my sewing machine up and running again, so am going to trawl the CS for stuff to turn into 2 door curtains and a long lighter weight covering for the back.

I also have LOADS of yarn to use, so am going to crochet some more blankets/throws for us all, including some medium sized ones for car trips - autumn and winter mornings can be a bit thin here in Yorkshire!

Feels good to be back, and nice to see some familiar 'old' names still here! 😊

Cheapskate

Quick question - how do I edit my signature, been a long time! Thanks in advance… 😊

fionaandphil

Click on your picture, account and privacy settings and there is a signature option in there.

And welcome back! good luck with the plans, you are looking very organised.

Cherryfudge

I recognise your name from times past, @Cheapskate, good to have you back!

You're clearly coping with lots of stressors so I hope you find the support is helpful.

I'm another Yorkshire resident and you are making me think of cosy throws on cold days, and putting some of my stash to good use… oranges, browns and a splash of cream and green, I think.

SuzeQStan

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82056968#Comment_82056968

welcome back - another one here who remembers you 😊 sorry to hear about the stressful job/life circumstances but you are in good company here xx

re curtains - this is a great time to find some on the free sites during summer. I got some fantastic mustard gold thick blanket backed velvet curtains that are in PRISTINE condition and amazingly the right length/width for our bifold door in kitchen on Trash Nothing app. You are so right about how chilly the bifolds are. Honestly wish it was just another window or something we never open it!!

Anyway - try Olio, FB marketplace, trash nothing (this covers several free sites like freegle, free (your area) - also find Freeloved section on Preloved can be handy.

Big believer in the free apps - this weekend we are collecting a fireproof box for our newly minted wills and LPOAs. Normally costs £35+ for this particular model but why when there’s a free one going a couple miles away that does just the same job!

Good way to meet new likeminded mse people too 😊

SuzeQStan

oh & NextDoor app free section is a good resource for freebies & Gumtree as well

ET22

after being told I should go to a local community shop a 20 minute bus ride away because it was really good, I was shocked to find it was true. I got three big packets of chicken , pork and bacon , bin bags, a great hand cream for 5.75. The meat alone will do for 5 meals next week. So pleased because I’m having to pay my mortgage out of benefits and the arrears and it has been difficult to say the least.I will definitely be going back!