Living richly; simply and debt-freely

mothernerd

Happy new Year everyone. I'm only part way through Esio Trot. Went to mum's for a shower and came back nearly 7 hours later. I watched other people's fireworks last night but luckily they did seem to be grouped around the right time - seemed to be three displays with several fireworks each (could have been pubs as I'm in the town centre) so the three together made a nice continuous display. Didn't seem to be any gathering on the Town hall square so perhaps that doesn't happen any more.

I ran down the food stocks before I moved - only practical with the fridge and freezer. That may be why I couldn't find the garlic granules - anything that was low I didn't replace. Another tip - when my eldest last moved back in with me, one jar of chilli powder lost it's top, went all over the inside of the bag and the other jars and you know what it's like if chilli gets into any little cuts on your hand. So when I moved I put tape over the top of each jar - I had a roll of basic electrical tape which I had bought to fill in a picture frame and then didn't need. I also taped the large bags of chilli and madras powder (and other excess herbs and spices but the 2 mentioned were 500g each), put them inside another plastic bag and where possible, transported them stuffed into mugs to limit movement. Did the big shop (which I'm mostly still living off) after the move - but then the move and my operation were only 8 days apart (definitely don't recommend that part, though still glad I did it).

I still have lots of decluttering planned for the coming year but am pleased with progress so far. Any boxes used for moving went in the recycling as soon as empty (so they couldn't fill with 'stuff'), the decorations boxes went too - pace of getting rid means that two large lidded oval baskets are waiting when they are taken down (I also don't have trays as I find these lids do the job when I need a tray).

The paperwork, sewing and embroidery supplies, tools were all given space in the large bedroom I am using and each has been gone through, twice now - Roughly sorted, then fine toothcomb stuff.

Sorting all the screws into different sizes etc took a while but they now take up much less space and it's easy to find what you need so don't end up having to buy another when you know you have one somewhere. I discarded a few bits I hope I never need, went to the 'new' house with us 8 years ago, never needed so far.

I can see the spaces that were formerly occupied so I know I am getting there. One of this year's challenges is to make more kitchen storage without spending money. This may mean dragging out the discarded kitchen units from the shed at the other house and painting them to look respectable but their imperfections should be hidden when they are on the wall under the stairs. bits that are visible might be made from parts of an old bed (some nice pieces of wood). My first bed here was one that had belonged to my great-grandad, had to be dismantled when the mattress couldn't be replaced (it was flock). One of the side pieces I saved was eventually given to the man next door to replace his door frame after he was burgled.

I'm wittering so I'll go back to Esio trot.

mothernerd

Hopefuljoy wrote: »

I agree with your philosophy Greying.... sufficient unto the day! Unless it is highly desirable and freezable I'm only cooking the two portions we need. I've found that I'm making much better use of the ingredients as a result and DD and I are eating more regularly as a result. Mind you she made a Delia chocolate agreeable torte today and it is amazing! It's cut into slices in the freezer to be shared with family tomorrow.

Just dashed back upstairs from emergency sink overflow!! Looks like a fat blockage. Blast!! It's all my fault for being lazy. I could kick myself. Towels everywhere under the sink unit. I am such an idiot and hate myself suddenly!! Does anyone have any handy hints before I fork out on an expensive plumber? Sorry for being so dramatic but it's easy to knock me off balance with house issues.

On that note I'm going to hide under my duvet until tomorrow. All water based machines are turned off so we will be fine. At moments like these I wish I had a lovely DP OR DH to help. Xx

Can you get the u-bend unscrewed (wear thick rubber gloves if you have them). it should unscrew at both ends but might seem as if they go different ways. Put something underneath if you can. If there isn't room for a bucket use a (cover your ears Greying) roasting tray or similar (works for washer overflows as well). If you get the u-bend off any gunk in the two dangling pipes should slide out. If u-bend is full of gunk (may be smelly, slimy, generally disgusting) use wire coathanger/sticks/bottle brush (preferably things you can throw away afterwards) to scrape/ poke/ dislodge from both ends then drop in a bucket with disinfectant to get rid of any last streaks. If gunk from pipes that led to u-bend have gunk that won't come out, repeat process. When clean and clear, replace u-bend.

If you can do the worst of it outside, it helps.

Good luck.

Busymumofthreeplusdog

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

Just you I guess.

Lol, think it was just that you can't thank your own posts, doh!!

Hopefuljoy

Thanks mothernerd! I will brace myself and tackle it tomorrow!

Hopefuljoy

Mothernerd!!! Thank you!! After a lot of bracing and avoidAnce I followed your instructions and within two minutes it was fixed! A five inch plug of fat plopped out, I gave it all a wash through and full good humour has been restored. You've also saved me about fifty pounds on a plumber. In a tight punchy month thAt is hugely appreciated.

This thread rocks!!!

liltdiddylilt

Oooh Hopeful I was just coming to give you instructions on the same method Mothernerd had used!! She is a star and I am so glad you have managed to fix it!

I once accidentally dropped expanding foam down the kitchen plughole... That was not fun at all. After two bottles of drain unblocker I finally realised what it was and used the above to clear it all out. I've never seen such disgusting gunk in all my life, fat wodges on top of and under the expanding foam... bleh!! I made a promise to myself not to do that anymore... so what I do is pour the excess fat into a little pot I keep especially (poundland plastic tub!) and when it is hardened I pop it in the bin bag

The funny thing is, I would never have thought to call a plumber! :rotfl: Guess that is my daddy's bodge-it and scarper lifestyle rubbing off on me..

I found some tortilla wraps which for some reason have an extra extra long date on them, as they have been in a sealed bag for over a month and still have 10 days left on them.. so ones meal planner now has fajitas, and breaded chicken with salad & cheese filling wraps.. enchiladas may make an appearance too...

Thanks for the push GP... meal plans ahoy!

maddiemay

Hopefuljoy, well done on the plumbing work, yay to mothernerd for suggestion.

An old style tip to keep sinks and basins clear (my balm and cream cleansers regularly block up my bathroom basin) invest in a couple of 99p bags of washing soda, SM's discount stores selling house hold stuff sell it, every 10 days or so throw a couple handfuls into sink and chase down with a kettle full of just boiled water - careful not to crack porcelain:eek: it will disolve moderate amounts of grease and gunge. Also putting less washing product in WM and replacing with a little soda saves money and makes washing softer, as well as helping to keep machine clean. Lots of other uses too.:)

liltdiddylilt

Maddiemay - my friend got me a ringbinder book of all of the uses for bicarbonate of soda/soda crystals for Christmas! Have been amazed by the uses, even though I knew a lot I had no idea about others.

Upsidedown_Bear

Smilie of the day.

judi24

Just popped in to say hello - I followed your old thread but didn't post so decided this year would be different! Love the recipe ideas - I am not bad a meal planning but do end up with the same things over and over and always looking for hearty veggie dishes so will be subscribing and taking notes!!!!