It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

London_1

I manage fairly well I have a sim-only phone which I own, and the sim is reasonable so much so that I no longer need or use my landline.
I like to forage if I can blackberries etc and I to am just as happy with free windfall fruit as stuff from a shop, especially as it goes into pies or crumbles.

I have zero waste in my kitchen and because i am away tomorrow for a break I have been using up odds and ends in the fridge Yesterday I had a jacketsweet potato , a sliced tomato some chipolata sausages and a roasted red pepper for my meal odd combination but used up some bits and bobs.

I am eating from the freezer today as I literally have two tomatoes in the fridge two slices of bread and 4 eggs.I shall probably have some ham from the freezer that I portioned up. 1 sweet potato cut into wedges and  the two tomatoes diced up and a fried egg I shall save the bread for a egg on toast breakfast for tomorrow morning before I go. I will still have three sweet potatos left in my spud bag but they are in good condition so I'll eat them when I come home on Sunday.I have plenty of tinned stuff and my freezer is pretty full as well so I won't do a shop for fresh stuff until next Monday.

I'm quite happy to eat almost anything, and it doesn't bother me if its an odds and ends meal:) in the slightest as I'd rather use it up than bin it.
Just going to have some soup for lunch There was a dented tin of brocolli and cheese in the cupboard that I snaffled ages ago so I will have that for lunch with some crackers, No idea what it will be like but as it was only 18p its a cheap  meal. I haven't had tinned soup for years so it will be a different taste I think I usually make my own. Its Cross and Blackwells Broccolli and Stilton, and I like stilton so fingers crossed

I think everyone is being far more careful now than before.I too rarely eat out as I also think I can make it better myself and a lot cheaper as well But our quiz team have just booked lunch for November in the pub where we normally go, so I don't mind that as I have eaten there before and know the food is excellent both in taste and value 

JackieO xx

Auntycaz

Hope you have a lovely few days away JackieO

ellenvan

I totally agree about the cheap clothes and clothes obtained cheaply remarks.

Charity shops not only benefit the charity but also are very green.
Good quality clothes can be obtained at little cost, just a little effort with sometimes multiple visits required.

Today I bought 5 good quality books at a charity shop 50p each - that is my entertainment for weeks.
They will then be passed around friends and eventually make their way back to another charity shop.

otb666

I have recently acquired a whole new wardrobe as MIL passed away.  I have never really bought new clothes as dont like shopping and was a bit of a hoarder Although i thinned my old work wardrobe recently. 10 bags donated. Having both recently retired we are living within our means 1800 pm both in our late fifties and no debt own home. We spend quite a lot on petrol looking after older relatives.  I do get a veg box delivered to eat and find vegetables are very tasty and fresh. We have our son living with us and its a real struggle to keep in budget especially mid month to end But know others are finding it hard as well. You just have to keep going and hope things get better. Chatting on here helps.  A lot of my friends seem to be on holiday all the time I might change my FB settings so thats not in my face all the time. 

florain

Raspberry Vinegar   

This is the recipe I use which I think was from the River Cottage Preserves book.

1kg raspberries - fresh not frozen
600ml cider or white wine vinegar
Sugar
Crush the raspberries lightly in a bowl. Add the vinegar. Cover and leave 4/5 days. Stir now and then.
Hang fruit in muslin or jelly bag to drain overnight. Squeeze gently to finish.
Measure and put in pan. Add 450g sugar to every 600ml measured.
Bring slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Simmer for 10 mins and removing scum.
Leave to cool then pour into clean bottles and seal.

Should make about 1.5 litres.
I use the less than perfect fruit from the allotment.
To use make up with hot water, about 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water, and sip slowly.

YoungBlueEyes

Thanks @florain. I wonder why they need to be fresh...? Think I'm too late to start that this year  

Mummy2cheekymonkeys

I have a similar recipe for blackberry vinegar. 
Blackberry vinegar | Countryfile.com

joedenise

YoungBlueEyes said:

Thanks @florain. I wonder why they need to be fresh...? Think I'm too late to start that this year  

Possibly because there would be too much water in frozen raspberries which would weaken the vinegar.

Floss

ellenvan said:

Today I bought 5 good quality books at a charity shop 50p each - that is my entertainment for weeks.

They sound better bargains than near me, occasionally 3 for £1 but more often £1 a book.

CKhalvashi

Not confirming where I am for obvious safety reasons (although someone here does know).

Prices have risen 70-80% since November for food etc though in supermarkets and wages are down even compared to 10 years ago, I can confirm this.

The UK looks quite lucky overall.