The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

[Deleted User]

The feedback thread on the forums has gone now, sadly, so I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens over the formatting issue.

Softstuff

Well, the day off didn't happen. But we interviewed 3 agents in the one day instead of 1. And in the end, think we might sell with the last one. Or at least try to. Most of the photos are taken and just need tinkering with.

Entire day off tomorrow... hopefully.

nuttyp

Morning all, had a busy time at work and home life is busy what with cleaning and decluttering and selling on. I managed tomake nearly a hundred pounds already. A friends daughter is getting her first home so she needs lots, I am selling them cheap to get rid of them, but I am in no position to just give away.


Washing is on the line, so hopefully it will be ok when I get back. Meeting a friend for a coffee today, and then DD is taking me into town. She has a few bits to get and I have a git voucher to possibly use.


We have decided to go on holiday again next year, so being frugal and saving like mad. I am not sure it is possible really, but we are trying and if we manage it yay, if not we will have savings.


Time to catch up with you all x

juliettet

FairyPrincessk, that is rubbish pet. Can the council not help? Is he renting too?

FairyPrincessk

Thanks Juliettet.

Our neighbor owns his house, and is well known to various community services. Unfortunately there isn't much the council can do beyond what has been done without involving the courts and OH and I prefer to keep things anonymous given the violence. There was a particularly bad period just over a year ago where things got very violent and after involvement from several council offices things cooled down for awhile. OH and I are both worried we might be headed in that direction again as some of the same parties have started visiting again. The abuse of several different substances only complicates the situation further, which is why at times we simply use our back door.

FairyPrincessk

Fridge is sparkling, chores are done (apart from bringing washing in) an I'm back from the gym. We had a few hours blissful silence between 12 and 3 and I even ejoyed a slice of cake and cup of tea with a few mins of Ms Marple on catchup. Unfortunately they're back at it now I'm home from the gym. I honestly don't know how they have the stamina. OH and I aren't really shouters even when exercised about something, but I just don't understand screaming rows that go on for days.

Will drown them out with my sewing machine until it is time to make my omlette:D

Nutty, I hope you're able to save up for a holiday. We're determined to have one this year, even if it means dipping into the deposit savings a bit (however I'm doing my best to make sure we don't have to with my frugal challenge!) I know many are happy without them, but we both like to travel and have only been on one holiday together in 6 years. It is important to us so we'll make the effort to save up for it, but I know it is hard. Before I start the frugal challenge I think I'm going to find some pictures of lush destinations and tape some to the fridge next to the shopping list and meal plan just to keep me on track!

fuddle

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience in making Jamie's 15 minute meals? We have such food boredom mixed with lowered energy to cook a meal and so tired with the slow cooker. We're eating ready prepared rubbish this week until I can far home something out but they are just horrible!

I'm looking for a miracle in terms of quick, easy, healthy, tasty and reasonably priced. I'm hoping that series can help somewhat but haven't seen the series and don't have the book :rotfl:

Off to go investigate nownow and search a girl called jack book for ideas (once I have ushered my rabbit from the lower shelves of my unit!) but if anyone has any success stories or ideas along the miraculous theme they would be very much appreciated.

elona

Fuddle

I think you tube has the tv segments on it. A lot of it is in quick cheats and ready prepping some stuff.

I found that stir frying onions and veg and adding quorn that cooks quickly with noodles, rice etc worked quite well or else making a large portion of a bolognese that could be split into several meals and turned into chilli, spag bol, mince and mash helped.

FairyPrincessk

We've made a few, Fuddle. Some of them are available on the Channel 4 website for free. I've found that 15 minutes is only true if you start with all of your ingredients prepped (i.e. he buys pre-washed spinach, ours needs to be washed etc.) I don't find them particularly economical either, but some of them aren't bad--always worth a look!

[Deleted User]

Very easy and delicious meal made for me by DD2 from scratch to table 30 - 35 minutes.

1 pack washed baby spinach
1 large pack asparagus but would also work with green beans
1 pack baby cherry tomatoes
4 chicken breasts
4 desertspoons green pesto
1 mozarella cheese sliced into 4

Get baking tray put spinach in bottom, cut stalk ends off beans and lay on top of spinach, scatter round the cherry tomatoes, place chicken breasts on top, spread each one with a desertspoonful of pesto and top with a slice of mozarella. Season with black pepper and salt and drizzle with oil. olive for preference but any will do then pop it into a hot oven 220degC or 200 Fan for about half an hour to 35 minutes. serve with new potatoes or crusty bread to mop up the juices.