Moving forward and upwards

savingholmes

Sounds like you've got a good plan in place. It shows the importance of saving so you have more options. I need to get that into my head still as I'm struggling with saving the EF as it's not mandatory like repaying debt was.

MovingForwards

Thanks SH, treat savings as another bill to pay. It's a debt preventative measure rather than spending restriction. Also, very hard to change mindset after so long, therefore set a low goal and build up. I've a round up feature with my bank, which I've activated to enter their comp to win some money, I don't notice sub £1 moving out my account and it saves me doing it 🤭

Thanks Skinty.  We are using TVP for some meals eg spag bol, chilli we add dried beans to it or we have a bean chill without it, stir fry is just veg with noodles and a splash of dark soy sauce, we have fried aubergine or courgettes, topped with a bit of cheese on a bed of spaghetti, curries tend to be either veg, TVP and veg or bean.

It's the dark / savoury TVP mince meat type I buy. Soak it in cold water with enough to cover it, add a little more if it absorbs quickly, add herbs, spices, chilli and stir occasionally to ensure even coverage, start cooking it about 20 - 30 mins later. I've never really liked the TVP chunks.

- if it's something you're considering, dissolve a beef or veg stock cube in a bit of hot water, top up with cold, then add TVP, herbs etc as it will soak up the flavour.

The dried 'mince' cost £3.27 for 500g, we've had 8 servings of it so far and there's 400g left. I do have a packet of frozen soya mince in the freezer, which cost £2, however that would only probably make 3 servings.

Went to T and petrol is now £1.899. I stopped filling when it got to £39.99 as a full tank will cover the next few weeks, if not longer. 

I spent £34.95 in the shop. Picked up 3x oat milk, 2x tofu, nuts, 3x organic stock cubes, gram flour, vegan yoghurt, chocolate and cheese, GF spaghetti, pasta, biscuits, crisps and poppadom crisps, normal crisps, lettuce, cauli, peppers, courgettes, aubergine and ginger.

Today's 'cheese' is a melting one, the chilli one last week definitely doesn't, but is good if I want a cheese sarni.

The oat milk and pasta will be enough until the end of August, I won't be buying vegan yoghurt or GF bread until I'm back in work.

When I finish my mayo I'll get a dairy free one. I'm on the hunt for a suitable instant latte / mocha, but will probably use vanilla / essence soaked in oat milk and cocoa for those and that will be me fully swapped.

I'll be attempting to make pakora and chapati now I've the gram flour and recipe book.

atrixa

Food plans sound fab, glad you're trying vegan again My fave vegan mayo is the F0llow ur heart one, but some of the supermarket brand ones aren't at all bad and much cheaper. I only know of the N3scafe branded instant coffee drinks and they aren't my favourite, probably best to make your own really.

MovingForwards

Thanks Atrixa, I used to buy plam1l, nicer than dairy mayo.

I'm not overly keen on N3scaf3 coffee, aside from sitting in a bar abroad supping frappe, but did happen to buy reduced oat based sachets months ago and wasn't impressed. 

I spotted vegan hot choc while in T, however I rarely drink it at home, unless I turn it into a shake.

I've been given free reign to buy what I want when I go to the grain shop after dropping my car off Thursday. I'll have another look online over the next few days and work out my shopping list. 

Strawberry plants have been potted up, I'll start distribution this week. I watered the potted plants while out and picked some fruit. I've done nothing else of my plans due to messed up sleep.

I had veg katsu curry and rice, TomBo had taco's with lettuce and baked nuts; leftovers from a tofu thing he's made. 

Need to have a shower, but aside from that I'll be sat on the sofa watching TV.

MovingForwards

Had confirmation of the module college are running after my summer school one. They've added an even better module than the random one I picked, but I'll be doing that as my last one, main thing is I get the ones for my speciality.

Another bonus is aside from the summer school module, all the others have no fixed virtual classes to attend and I just watch and learn the material at my own pace.

I only found out about this college due to joining a group for the whole qualification, and it was always raved about for having great lessons and tutors.

I'll get to enroll later this week 😀

savingholmes

Exciting times ahead 🙂

MovingForwards

I was singing all the way home 😀

Weather hasn't cooled down yet, I'll be watering the gardens later.

I'll have to start thinking about home lunches for the next few weeks, might just make a giant pot of something and take a portion each day, or have rice salad, still got my falafel mix. On the sunny days I could take a lunch and frappe to the garden. I do need to make the most of the days before I begin student life.

When I'm enrolled I can update my CV and Lk-in, it feels wrong if I did it now as I'm obviously not at the moment; honestly is a huge requirement from a work and regulatory POV.

I want to ensure my printer is up and running properly, as I study easier off physical papers; need to find my spare ink and order more.

I've been stocking up on handbag size note pads for revision notes and a4 for general notes. Got a load of pens too. I should have enough for all modules.

Just need to get some calenders printed off tomorrow so I can plan study time.

If anyone spots something I may have forgotten to prepare for, let me know!

We had Thai veg coconut milk curry with rice.

MovingForwards

The LA contacted me as one reference hasn't replied, prompted the person and provided a different email. Hopefully this means everything else is in and I'll get a confirmed offer soon.

I tried printing calendars off, to no avail. I ordered a diary, it will arrive this week, £2.99.  It'll cover the time period of two modules.

TomBo presented me with two gifts when I got home. A folding cat bag and vanilla lip gloss in a ceramic cat; both are very nice 😺 

I'm fast running out of energy but can almost touch the finishing line now. I think a rest week is in order, mainly sit on the sofa and do things like CPD where I can listen / watch and a bit of seed sowing and watering. W/b 3 July I should be ready for student life and a bit of swimming.

Ooooh TomBo just handed me some money to buy extra strawberries as a treat "for getting out of purgatory" 😊

Skint_yet_Again

A week of rest is an excellent idea. Was today your last day ? 

MovingForwards

Thanks Skinty, It's the final run for freedom today. I'm still getting given new work to clear on top of dealing with existing stuff, so clueless.

Better get ready.