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Hey @Naomim! Nice to "see" you.  Yes we are all good thanks.  I haven't been online much lately as the hot weather is draining us out and we are just collapsing when getting home.  Now its cooled down its more our cup of tea.
Not much going on again in the life of debt busting.  The debt is going down slowly but better than being static or going up
I have been playing lots with YNAB emotions making my budget look pretty.  Not sure how thats gonna help me not spend money but it amused me. (simple minds and all that )
The food budget is still through the roof but at least we are eatting well and have enough in the budget to do so.  I've been watching U tube videos of The Budget Mom. She has some very good ideas.  Ok some don't apply as american but once you get over her very direct approach and american accent (yes I know Midlands accents aint that wonderful either!) shes great.
Something she said sunk in with me about budgets.  If you have been spending X on food dont' try and immediately cut it to Z as you will probally fail (definately in our case). Just cut it slightly to Y and then lower gently.  I think this is where I go wrong.  I've tried the all or nothing approach as recommended by Dave Ramsey but I seem to do well at first then think stuff it and blow it.  Its a bit like loosing weight I guess.  Take your time, enjoy the odd treat and as long as your losing lbs or gaining £££'s its all good.We may not get debt free with gazelle intensity but we will get there by hook or by crook and enjoy our lives along the way.

Sun_Addict

That does make sense.  Budgeting is just like losing weight, if you cut out too much you won't stick to it.  Always best to do it gradually by making small changes.

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Not losing much weight at the mo either   

Seasidegal58

I hear that!☹️

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So diaryland what exciting goings on to be had in the M_F household...not😾
Nothing nada diddly squat, unless you count the extravagent 24.99 spend this morning on a replacement slow cooker. My beloved well worn slow cooker of probally 20 plus years old has been laid to rest. Ive tried living without it but the perks of cooking meals over the weekend in advance for midweek dinner is just too much to ignore. Its taken a few weeks of decision making as the old one (still morning the loss😭) had a dial not all singing all dancing electronic buttons. The advantage being that it could be left on a timer switch if something didnt need the 10 plus hours a day we can be out at work to cook.  I am delighted to say the rainforest on the net has come up trumps with a lovely retro styled one at a reasonable price. 
Wow a whole post dribbling on about slowcookers without a single recipe to be had - who knew!

Naomim

I love the slow cooker post. Mine also has a dial (that keeps falling off) and I use a timer with it so my food isn't cooked into a dry mess.  I probably don't use mine enough to be honest.  Stews, curries, pulled pork & lamb shanks are about it.  Maybe you could provide some recipes for us?

No weight being shifted at this end either. Pretty sure it's going the other way tbh.😕 

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Not recipes as such but:
Chilli
Half Pack Meatless Farm Co Mince (use other half in a spag bol for Mr M_F)
Onion - about the size of a tennis ball -chopped
Mixed Peppers - about 1 1/2 fresh or two big handfuls of the frozen type
Some courgette if you fancy - leave out if not - depends if some needs using up.
125g Waitrose dried mixed beans mix -rinse and soak overnight before using (must be boiled if not using in slow cooker!)
Tin of kidney beans -rinsed
Two cans of tomartoes -chop up or buy pre-chopped
Blob tomarto puree
Knorr Vegetable stock pot
Schwartz chilli mix - I can make my own mix from spices but to be honest the packet mix is fine.
Some water.
Pre fry the onion peppers courgette and veggie mince if you can be bothered (does taste better but depends on time in mornings to be honest!)
bung in slow cooker add everything else with a bit of water to make sloppy consistancy - thats sloppy not watery!
Stir and cook on auto/medium till looks done. 
Serve with chips / rice / jacket / wraps / tortillas / nachos whatever but add some grated cheese for a yummy topping!

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Spag bol
The other half of the packet of Meatless Farm Co mince (see above chilli post)
Onion - about the size of a tennis ball - chopped
About Half a pack frozen Mushrooms or a punnet of fresh
Mixed Peppers - about 1 1/2 fresh or two big handfuls of the frozen type
Courgette if you fancy it/ have some to use up

Either a jar of pasta sauce (yes I know thats cheating but hey ho)

OR

Tinned tomatoes chopped up or brought chopped
Blob tomato puree
rounded teaspoon dried Italian mixed herbs / dried normal mixed herbs
couple of bay leaves (remove before eating)
Knorr vegetable stock pot
Couple of garlic cloves finely chopped (use more if you like garlic like Mr M_F does)

Add a teaspoon marmite to jar or sauce ingredients if you want it a bit more "meaty" like.
Pre fry the main ingredients before adding sauce /sauce ingredients and either simmer on stove or bung in slow cooker

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Sheppard's Pie
Either use Spicentice vegan Sheppard pie mix following most instructions but adding a tin of baked beans (yes really) and using Worcester sauce (contains fish) instead of balsamic vinegar - cook in slow cooker - use as base with cheesy mash
OR
Veggie Mince -Meatless Farm Co is our recommendation
Onion - yes you guessed it about the size of a tennis ball
half tin tomatoes chopped
Worcester sauce (contains fish)
tin baked beans (yes really)
Knorr veggie stock pot
rounded teaspoon of dried mixed herbs

Pre fry mince and onion
add everything else - simmer on hob or in slow cooker till cooked.

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To be honest I cook most spicentice mixes using the slow cooker with pre frying the onions etc beforehand rather than on hob as they taste better and I can get on with other things while they cook.