Family of 4, paying back £50k in 4 years whilst trying to live eco friendly

missymoo81

Ok so I have had some success! The baked porridge is amazing! It tastes just like carrot cake! I could probably mAke it a tiny bit drier but it’s super tasty! The biscuits didn’t fare so well! They were quite thick and porridgey in the middle so I’m trying a second batch with less water and made a lot flatter, they’re cooking now so we shall see!

hmm just checked and they aren’t even nearly done. Possibly too much water again. Might try one more time whilst they oven is on.....

missymoo81

Ok the 3rd batch was ok, all are edible but I think peanut butter might be the answer. So I’m going to try that tomorrow. Been to work again and home and changed. Just watching Jamie Oliver again......

missymoo81

Ok so last nights carbonara was really lovely although ate far too much of it. Struggling with what I think is hay fever, v lethargic too. Got work in an hour then home. Need to sort out some bits and pieces also need to go to the shop. Need to write a list so I don’t stray from it. I hope everyone is ok. It’s raining today so hopefully a good day to do some decluttering. Have plenty to eBay but motivation to actually do anything is on an all time low. 

Might cook stew for dinner as it’s so miserable out and I have some beef in the freezer. I’m off to read some diaries. Back later.

Suffolk_lass

I would check Coop for the courgette seeds, rather than buying from an unknown seller. Failing that Thompson and Morgan will send some by post - known provenance from a British Company Link here - we are growing Soleil which germinated in about 10 days and are yellow (so less chance of growing a marrow by mistake by missing the fruits!) 

missymoo81

Thanks Suffolklass, I’ll have a look. Ok didn’t end up shopping as COOP was closed. So making everything last until tomorrow, which isn’t a bad thing. So have had porridge for breakfast and will have cereal and cake later. Chicken curry with courgettes for dinner. Not feeling great, thought it was hay fever but I’m not so sure. Im just so tired and my muscles ache but might be all the exercise feel a bit coldy too. 

I’d like a cuddle to be honest, feeling a bit glum.

missymoo81

Ok so shopping today has come to £44. Bought some stupid impulsive buys because it was 1pm and I hadn’t eaten. But I got most things, I’m hoping it will last until at least the weekend. I got some good reduced bits like a whole chicken and fish fingers and a couple of ready meals etc. Have just bought 2 cups of coffee though, first time in 5 weeks..... doesn’t taste as good as I want it to to be honest, so won’t be doing it again. 

I’ve spent quite a bit of money this month on gym wear. None of my gym bras fit well and my shorts have seen better days and I do a class twice a day, so I bought a lot in the sales, and I think it can be taken off my tax as an expense on my tax return as it’s classed as essential work wear. But I’ve ordered too much and a range of sizes. Now I NEVER remember to send stuff back. I’m rubbish at it. And things that still have tags on and are too small just languish in the bottom of the wardrobe until I give them to charity..... but not this time!!!!! I’ve sent 6 things back! And a big refund will be winging its way to me!

im currently sat in the middle of the children’s room, procrastinating because I can’t be bothered to tidy it up even though it really needs sorting!

hope you’re all ok, I’m struggling with the weather not being as nice. I should really do the 3 loads of Washing but hate drying inside. Anyway I must tidy this room! 

joedenise

missy moo - I've got a Slimming World korma, although it might take longer than you're prepared to spend cooking it.

Korma curry - Serves 4 
ingredients

• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 2cm piece of root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 tbsp mild curry powder
• low calorie cooking spray
• 6 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500ml boiling chicken stock
• A pinch of sweetener
• 150g fat-free natural Greek yogurt, whisked
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Small handful of finely chopped fresh mint or coriander

method

1. Put the onion, garlic and ginger in a small food processor and blend to a paste. Spray a wide, non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the onion paste and stir fry for 5 minutes, then stir in the curry powder and cook for a further 2 minutes or until aromatic.
2. Stir in the chicken and add the stock and sweetener. Mix well, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the yogurt and season to taste. Scatter over the mint or coriander and serve hot with basmati rice.

Make sure you remove the pan from the heat and let it cool a little before adding the yoghurt otherwise it'll split and it looks curdled, not very nice at all!

You can make it cheaper by using thighs, which is what I do as I think they've got more flavour than breast meat.

missymoo81

Wow thank you so much Joedenise! That is amazing! I will definitely try that. I used a really cheap sauce last night, and it was ok, but not as good as normal. 

So going to bed now. I’m struggling with my diet and overeating which is making me cross. Have achieved v little today. Have lots to do tomorrow and Friday so I can actually enjoy the weekend. 

Hope you’re all ok x

jwil

Well done on sending the clothing back - reduced clutter and more money in your pocket. Win win!

Isitdoable

missy moo you are doing great - impressed by how much you are making and how you are doing with the food budget, god I am struggling with it at the moment!