Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

Nonnadiluca

On the laundry basket front, I use a blue IKEA bag which cost 35p. 10/10 for practicality as it's light and folds away when not in use but 1/10 for aesthetics. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice!

FairyPrincessk

IamsaltBig hugs. I'm so sorry to hear about your lovely Mimi.

Thanks for the ideas on the laundry baskets. There are actually two with the same problem. The first was bought second hand for £2. It had a bit of wear and tear but I was single at the time and was quite happy to treat it delicately given it was old. Even so it lasted another 7 years after I bought it. I bought the second online because it was the same shape which I find easiest to maneuver--it has developed the same problem in less than a year--pretty sure it wasn't nearly as well made--and it looked shoddy when it arrived so I had my doubts but I chalked it up as a lesson learned to buy in person. I have a third bought second hand which is very sturdy, but it is more of a boat shape. I find it much harder to carry around. I've been looking for a replacement for the one bought online for a bit now---I've seen a few at the vintage fair, but they're 'vintage' prices. I know if I look long enough I'll find one second hand that is in good condition. GQ I don't think you're as far North as I am and since neither of us has a car I reckon our territories don't overlap.

I have a fair amount of leather actually, I might see about unwinding down to the good bit and then trying to finish off the top that way. I can always make a pretty liner to go inside and then fold down if it doesn't look very nice. I'd like to retire these to top of the wardrobe storage actually, so they don't need to bear up to as much constant use. It will probably take me a few weeks to get around to it, so I'll mull over some strategies in the mean time.


Regarding the leather sofa where my legs stick out straight--It wouldn't be such a surprise except I'm 5ft 7! I'm not as tall as some of the lovely tall ladies on here but I'm not petite either (in spite of my grandmother's frequent xmas presents all in petite sizes, I've been this tall since I was about 11 so I think she still pictures me as an 8 year old :rotfl:)

Ellidee

Nonnadiluca wrote: »

On the laundry basket front, I use a blue IKEA bag which cost 35p. 10/10 for practicality as it's light and folds away when not in use but 1/10 for aesthetics. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice!

That's what I use too ! Oh and another one for the ironing 'pile'

iamsalt

Thank you all for your lovely messages. I really appreciate them

Sarah xx

nursemaggie

Iamsalt so sorry to hear about your cat. Lots of hugs.

Lindlou

Iamsalt, my thoughts are with you. Horrible thing to happen.

Lynplatinum

Hiya All

Iamsalt - so sorry to hear about your cat. It was good of the young lady to let you know in person - she sounds the sort who probably feels terrible about it. It also sounds as if your cat had the best life possible with a caring loving owner - interesting how the other cat is behaving - animals are so instinctive and despite what some humans do to them caring Amazing! :cool:

FP - yep the chilladas are made with green (puy) lentils. they tend to go a bit crumbly when frozen - so its best to freeze them pre fried but they are perfectly fine! I do tend to freeze em in a box so they dont get bashed about otherwise they can come out as crumbs :rotfl:

So today achieved finished registering on Tepilo.com to sell house. TBH Im terrified! I have lived here for 23 years and much needs repair - I have either not had the time or not had the money to get stuff done. I hate being judged and folk traipsing round your house is part of that Still must be brave and get on with it - I have a dream of living in Cornwall near the sea to achieve!

Second goal was to cook up so that I dont have to cook all week. did a bakewell style tart (almonds on top of sponge with almond flavour and ground almonds and blackberry jam and bottomed with half and half pastry) and a spinach and cream cheese filo pastry tart. Very yum! Served with salad so not quite so bad for me!!

Also walked 9 miles on my regular Sunday walkies with my friend - they have one of them tracker thingys on their phone - although it was all flat - the walking itself was on quite rough paths!! Very impressed with myself :j this equates to 967 calories because we were walking quite fast (did this in 2 hours). Given arthritis/3 extra stone/ age of 57/ broke me leg last year am quadrupally pleased with myself and grateful for my friend's company and their patience in getting me back to full fitness again. :A

If only I could loose this weight - now - who mentioned cream cheese and bakewell tart??????? :rotfl:
Nite all!

missyrichards

iamsalt wrote: »

Bit of a sad post to follow....
Yesterday was a very tough day, it started so well, and I had a smashing day at Wisley plant show with a friend only spent £10 on plants and seeds which I can propagate more from, and ended with tears as I had the dreaded knock on the door late at night, and someone asking if I had a little fluffy calico cat. Sadly my beautiful little Mimi-moo was hit and killed by a young girl in a car. She was so brave and stopped to knock on doors, which I am grateful for, but I am devastated to lose my little friend.

I'm sorry.xxx:(

silvasava

So sorry about Puss Iamsalt - know how you must feel to lose your 'furbaby'. It was good of the girl to find out who she belonged to & I'm sure she was almost as upset as you. There are decent people out there - hugs x

Interesting to read how some of us love leather & some don't. I've had my suite recovered and wanted something that was pale but would stand up to hard wear. I was recommended a fabric called Impala - it looks like a grained suede but apparently its vinyl!! Its used for commercial use & its lovely & soft to sit on and any marks just come off with a wet wipe - including biro!!

FairyPrincessk

Thanks Lyn, that sounds like the recipe I use. I've contemplated making them up and freezing before the dip in egg and bread crumb stage, but I'm not sure that makes them easy enough for busy week nights. Good luck with the house sale!

Busy with work today--planning talks for the conference next week. Weather is looking very dour today. I haven't quite worked out which days this week will be gym days, but probably today. OH is cooking tea tonight, so I'll try to head over after I finish work.