“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

Cherryfudge

Good wishes for today and next week from me too.

People have already given some very good ideas about cheaper ways to eat (noodles, bananas, sandwiches etc.) I've been on a few threads in the past where this has been discussed and other people say that if you take the labels off tins, they can be heated in the kettle (beans, rice pudding, hot dog sausages, soup, ravioli, lentils, mac and cheese etc). I haven't tried it and it might be a bit slow but it could save a few ££. Another option is to take dehydrated potato sachets - then the smalls could have cold sausages with hot mash and beans. If you have time to bake over the weekend, flapjacks are good and sustaining and last well if you can keep people from grazing.

If you have any single-portion sized watertight containers, 'overnight oats' are good - but I have a feeling you are a gluten-free family and that sadly puts the price up a lot.

Tinned fruit and packets of custard are helpful in keeping up the five-a-day and the custrad is nice - but again can be limited by dietary requirements.

Someone's idea about coffee sachets is brilliant - so is water-based hot chocolate. For snacks, a packet of biscuits or dried fruit (which is expensive but not as much as canteen food).

You may find there's access to a microwave somewhere, which would increase your options a lot.

Do you have to take your own plates and cutlery?

If I think of any more I'll let you know.

beanielou

teafor2 wrote: »

Morning WB Hope your appointment has gone well. I would buy a few snacks and things while you're out and about. Even if you don't use them next week they'll come in handy at some point. I'd take as much food as you can with you, it costs a fortune to eat and drink in hospital - as you know

Hope you all have a lovely day. Sun is shining here xx

From me too xx

WannabeFree

22/02/19
Debt
Council Tax £0
Credit card £0
Rent arrears £0
Court Costs £494

Total £494

Weekly Out - Budget now
£99.10 to rent Paid
£5 to Court costs Paid
£25.60 to this years council tax Paid
£15 Gas Paid
£15 Electric Paid
£11.40 Water Paid
£5.60 TV License Paid
£2.50 for phone credit Topped up today!

£3 Snack (£2 youngest won't be in but will have childcare costs for breakfast club and after-school care.

Bank Balance now £33.28

I'm thinking for 3 days
£54 for school + £2 Snack
£24 for dinner for smalls for the 3 evenings (looked and it's at least £4 each - will take juice and use tap water for drinks)
£10 coffee (1 a day) Shouldn't be budgeting this really
£15 Not sure about dinner for me, will try to grab toast I think but £5 a day should more than cover 'something'

£27 Travel - hoping to taxi to school but walk back and then walk to collect and taxi back - I will make it the smalls won't that early/late! Could be more this is minimum.

Today's spends

£11 Taxi fares
£23.72 in Mr M on things for next week (includes coffee and bread/milk for smalls pack lunches etc not all rubbish!)
£15 Electric
£15 Gas
£2 pound shop for drinks and a snack for smalls we where out longer than I thought!
£60 Taken out for school
£30 Taken out for taxi/bus
£10 Taken out for the first days coffee/food/anything else

Expensive day but it could be so much worse, I'm not moaning.

WannabeFree

Afternoon, smalls just eating lunch we where out far longer than I thought and I found today's appointment hard - enough of that though.

We are hope and the smalls are fed - there's some struggling more than us. I'm just having a coffee and considering going for a walk to the park.

The weather is so nice. I think if it's like this tomorrow I might try and find something free to do somewhere before the stress of next week.

Nothing much else to report I don't think. Still love my bed would love to get back in it :rotfl:

x

beanielou

Looking on the good side you went to your appointment & although it was hard you stuck with it.
So well done you xx

Chrystal

Thinking of you and sending (((hugs))) X

WannabeFree

We went for a walk to the local park, I took a coffee and a book with me

Have stuff in the background going on tonight so we are home now. Smalls are having dinner then they can get in the bath and go to bed

I need a shower and do my hair and things (why is it such a chore? :rotfl:)

Even though I'm feeling low after this morning's appointments it's amazing how much the sun can improve things. I hope it sticks around for tomorrow so we can get out and about

I will probably be quiet tonight/tomorrow but will be back to pop in before we go in. So don't worry I'm not dead .. yet .. watch for the SOS messages :rotfl:

Have a lovely weekend

x

teafor2

Hope you all have a lovely weekend WB and fingers crossed the phone call Monday morning regarding the bed for DD will be positive. xx

earthgirl

Really hope you get some rest, I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes they were closer to help out! Thinking of you.

milann

Sending positive vibes to you all for next week. Hope the sun shines for you tomorrow .