NOT BUYING IT! 2015 - A consumer holiday

[Deleted User]

I have seen a couple of those 'benefit ' programmes and find them a bit disturbing. Some of the people I think just seem to have the mindset that its their 'right' and just don't seem to want to change their life much at all.

I am all for helping people if they want to help themselves.I saw one awhile ago and this chap was saying how he couldn't eat on what he had coming in. Now I know that the benefits probaly aren't meant to see you live in the lap of luxury,but showing someone how to make food streetch a bit and to shop better would help.

I have been a canny shopper when it comes to food most of my life and over the years I have managed at times, with very little cash to feed my family.

What would be good was if there were perhaps small groups that could teach basic cooking to people, and how to make even small amounts of money streetch a bit better.OK I am lucky,I had a Mum who worked miracles at times because of rationing, when it wasn't so much lack of cash as lack of basic stuff to buy in the shops.Certainly none of the hundreds of tonnes of food thats wasted today. I saw one lady complaining that her bags of shopping from the food bank didn't have the sort of food she liked to eat and it would be wasted !!! plus she said she only got three days worth of food.from what I saw I could make it streetch to at least a week if not more,but thats me with my frugal hat on:)

Instead of all these daft cooking programmes on tv with upmarket ingrediants why not just How to cook and live on a minimum amount and show people it is possible to eat well for less.I remember that soppy Mrs Moneypenny and her silly hat waffling on in a very patronising tone about saving money

None of the things she said were very relevant in todays world I thought.a programme say take rice/pasta,onion, spuds, a few herbs/spices maybe some cheese and make something to eat. A couple of chicken thighs will make a couple of portions of curry for a lot less than a take-away , a packet of tortillas with the above will make some heart wraps, and not break the bank, but will fill up the tummys.

Even my 14 year old DGS will add grated cheese to half a tin of beans and make a decent snack for himself after school..I can make a whopping big vat of veggie soup for a fraction of what a tin makes, and it tastes nicer too. Basic cooking skills have been lost with the ready meals for instant-food ideas

I wonder what people do with all the 'time' they save eating ready meals I don't eat them as I like to know whats in my food and I don't want to eat 'beef flavoured' chemicals

I have my DGS from today for 6 weeks of holidays, and they all know how to cook themselves something to eat.The youngest (11) makes a mean omellete with a couple of eggs, its not rocket science it just means you have to get into the kitchen and have a go.

None of the boys that I have spent the past 10 years looking after will grow up not knowing how to feed themselves. My DGS Henry (14) makes a great cup of tea and has done since he was 8

vulpix

Well said jackie.When my first husband left me I was on benefits for a while until I got a job.I ran my house on it and still paid the mortgage.No spare money for luxuries like cigarettes (I gave up) etc but enough to live on.

You are completely right that a whole generation do not know how to cook.I think the government are trying to address this now by reintroducing cookery in High schools.When my eldest children were at high school it was called food technology.My son spent a year designing a muffin box in different styles and making muffins in different flavours.I never saw a muffin,he sold them every week on the school bus for a £1 each!

Vx

[Deleted User]

vulpix wrote: »

.My son spent a year designing a muffin box in different styles and making muffins in different flavours.I never saw a muffin,he sold them every week on the school bus for a £1 each!

Vx

Sounds like your boy will go far in this world :):)

pm2326

I'm 41 and I did food technology at school and have to say it was rubbish at learning you how to cook.

My rock cakes were literally like rocks, you couldn't get a spoon through my crumble topping as I'd somehow managed to turn it into something resembling shortbread lol we never actually made anything savoury!

I didn't learn to cook at home either, after several years of living on boil in the bag or ready meals I decided to learn the basics...best thing I ever did, I won't touch a ready meal now and eat healthy.

suki1964

I done home economics as it was back in the late 70's and by that time the emphasis had moved away from cooking on to budgeting and decorating and just plain stupidity. I chose it as an option as I thought I would learn to cook- how wrong was I. At that age I was already having to do all the shopping and washing, cooking and housework at home as mum had left and eldest sister had been chucked out. I had to learn the hard way, trial and error and memories of nan and mum cooking

Children need to learn at home, in the kitchen,working along side their parent/s. Unfortunately it seems so many people haven't learned cooking skills because there has been no need due to the rise of ready meals. Look how Rochelle was all at sea in home in time for dinner, wasn't until the 80's and 90's before she found her feet and felt comfortable in the kitchen. Before then she didn't have a clue what do do with a limited selection of food in its raw state and basic tools

I insisted my step daughter helped me in the kitchen or was at least sat doing homework at the table whilst I was cooking. She picked up basic skills and now with her own family is extending them. Sure she started with jars and packets ( as I did) but is now learning to make her own My grandson is now helping me and is beginning to learn to read a recipe, can weigh out ingredients and whisk and mix, roll out and shape. He's also very good at understanding why we sift, add baking powder, knead dough etc

He also loves going out in the garden and finding food to eat. Loves to rummage in to find a red strawberry or tomato and when he's helped granddad dig the potatoes or pull the carrots, we get a clean plate from him

It saddens me that so many people think cooking is a chore to be avoided. I mean I'm no saint and I sometimes think a take out is required as I'm sick of cooking, but when I do that I suffer I get bloated, I have a raging thirst, feel sluggish and spend a lot longer on the loo

WeeMidgie

I went up north with a couple of friends a few weeks ago. One of the meals I cooked in our holiday cottage was a yellow stickered whole duck. I froze the carcase and brought it home to my own freezer, far too good to bin! My friends thought it really funny, but that bird had a precious life, and died so I could be sustained by it. I respect it by making sure none of it goes to waste.

Yesterday I needed more freezer space, so the carcase came out and got pressure cooked, and yielded 2 litres of gorgeous duck stock - now back in the freezer, but taking up less room. Some fab soup to look forward to! I promised my friends that I would invite them to join me when duck soup gets served.

Incidentally I have tried being vegetarian and also vegan, but despite being nutirtionally aware and eating a balanced diet, neither option suited me long term, and my health improved when I started eating meat again, not every day, maybe 2 or 3 times a week (usually poultry and very occasionally lamb). But every time I eat, I say a thank you for the creature who forms my sustenance, and as mentioned above, I respect it by not wasting a morsel of it, and making stock etc..

I also thank my fruit and vegetables. I'm not being flippant! There is hunger, terrible hunger in this world, and also in this country. I bless the lucky accident of birth which had me born into a first world society, where with frugal ways I am fortunate to make ends meet despite a modest income. And like many of us, do what I can for anyone needing "a hand up, not a handout", to quote Memory Girl, aka Mortgage Free in Three.

Despite these stories of some people disparaging their food bank handouts, there are many other people for whom it is an absolute lifeline in a time of crisis. Life can change in an instant, and I always think, there but for the grace of God and my education in frugal ways, go I ....

Lynplatinum

Ahoy y'all!

Weemidgee - I so agree with you!! I try to treat my food with respect - some animal passed away - some plant did not reach its full potential so can eat. So, like the Native Americans and the Buddhists I give thanks for what I have.

I also give thanks for my cookery teacher, Miss Blair; my friend's Mum (Mrs C) and my MIL - all of whom taught me how to cook! My poor Mum used to swear that I learnt to cook in self defense! Mum was teacher of Forces children abroad until I was born when she was 34 - until then she had servants and had never washed clothes or cooked! I was an illegitimate child in 1958 and yet she managed to keep me, do a job, feed me and buy her own home. A truly remarkable woman but not a cook!

I do feel sorry for (is that the right phrase? No offence intended here) some of the folks on these programmes who have not got the mental or emotional capacity to help themselves. I often wonder is it learnt or are you born with it?? My Mum was a bright lady who taught me the value of a stiff upper lip but smiling countenance - not to moan (although I do sometimes) but to get on with it! If financial planning/cookery/household budgeting/growing your own was given to these folk - would it work??? The Sure Start Centres, recently disbanded by the Government tried to do this and where they had been around for 3 ish years - I saw them starting to work.

But, the 'wins' were not quick enough to look good for the politicians I suppose! Like they STILL will not go after the bankers but if I (self employed) dont pay my tax on time they are % wise much harder on me than large companies! :mad: What happened to social responsibility of the wealthy - where are the Cadbury's and Salisbury's of today??

Vulix - when your son becomes a millionaire (as he will do with such entrepreneurial spirit) remind him to help the poor!!! there but for sheer good luck go many of us! (including me!)
Sailing Frugally forward folks (NSD today :j )

Kerry_Woman

Still plodding along.


Recently I transferred my Cash ISA to another provider to get a slightly better rate on interest. Did not take too long to be transferred.


Was able to get a free new mobile phone when my upgrade date was due. Got an android phone. Managed to get £6 off the monthly price plan and got £5 off the case for the phone. Only got 250 minutes and 250mg, but that should be alright for me. Need the phone really to phone my Mum if and when I am working or out and about. And to check the bus arrival time and the Underground if need be as I care for my Mum.


Managed to get rid of some paperwork and a couple of things in a carrier bag for the cs, will see if there is anything else that I can put in.


Got a tax rebate which has boosted my savings. Am saving up for my future, as I really want to move to a different area, but this is a long term goal.


My only downfall at the moment is M&S. Must try and stay away from the shop as much as possible. Used to go to the area where the shop is every week about a year ago, but only every so often now and try to get reduced things now.


Did get the W@itr0se card and got a free tea/coffee 3 times so far. Did a few bits of shopping there 3 times, as it is the only shop that stocks the natural and organic brand of things that a women needs each month so I stocked up. The nearest one is 2 bus journeys away and can be reached by the tube. If I am doing voluntary work at the area where it is, then I will stock up if need be.


Have finally managed to claim some voluntary work travel expenses. Am still waiting for 2 claims to go through.


Trying to use up what is in the food cupboards and managed to do some baking last weekend.

vulpix

Haha my son will never be a millionaire.Like many on here he has a strong social conscience.He lacks the drive to make millions.

I am spending money at the moment.Have just decorated the sitting room and was measured up for a carpet.I am not a natural painter,I have as much on me as the walls.I even managed to put the ladder leg into an open tub of emulsion!!!!!!!!!!!!!What has been mse is the upvc paint.Painting the dark windows white has transformed the room.Paint was £20 but used 1/2 tin so much cheaper than replacing the window.

Vx

suki1964

Have had a thrifty week other then the vet costs

Not worked since Monday night so have finally caught up on the washing, still a bit of ironing to go and over all the house looks a lot tidier

Have been eating from the garden and freezer this week, plus Ive been baking

Last night a reduced packet of mince was stretched into bolognase for three and cottage pie for three - they are in the freezer for another night. Had no garlic bread but had some dodgy rolls that were too chewy ( im expeirmenting with dough) mixed some garlic, butter and herbs and voila - rolls no longer bird food

Was a lovely day yesterday so have to admit to sitting wasting most the afternoon in the garden watching the chooks demolish everything in sight Still it was a cheap pleasure so what the hell

Managed to bag off work tonight so hope to get along to see the last of the practice runs of a road race. Big event here, thousands of bikers have been arriving all week and we will be flat out tomorrow night with them all wanting feeding. Im not into bikes but the atmosphere is great. A tiny village and all week theres been something on to either watch or participate in. I love rural living, theres always something happening and everyone turns out

Friend dropped me off a dozen eggs as his are laying and mine arent. Lovely they are, double yolkers with lovely whites and fingers crossed the boys are getting fishing next week as they have promised me haddock - yummy

Garden produce is coming along slowly but surely. Mange tout are flying - looks like a few stiry fry teas ahead, and finally we have tomatoes forming. I cant believe how excited I get over fresh veg grown from seed, but it really is a pleasure to decide you want lettuce - and you just go pull one

Simple things, but great joy

Good weekend shipmates xxx