From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

Good morning MFW'rs

Whites wash on. I'm trying some 'in wash' product to try to keep the clothes looking slightly whiter.  Like many others, we're having to run the fine line between slapping on sunscreen and having stained uniform at the end of the day.  I have in previous years tried very hard to keep the clothes looking 'ok' by the end of summer term, so that they can be used for the first part of the autumn term, when we're still (usually) needing to apply sunscreen.  We'll see whether the doctor's wonder product makes the slightest difference.....

Last night's pizza was yummy, and the wedges (made from the MrL tatties) were surprisingly tasty.  Tonight's tea will be lentil bolognese and pasta as we'll be out of the house until later at club.  I forgot to mention, LG was given a dollop of the Jamaican bean curry (made with black beans) on Saturday night and ate it up without complaint.  Although i didn't put any scotch bonnet/chilli into the dish, this is an extension of what LG will eat with beans in, so a win.

I will need to double-check but I'm pretty sure that LG's afterschool activity ended last week, otherwise we have 2x everything else to attend before the end of term.  All fees are up to date, so there is no monetary consideration, at least - phew!

The kit list has been provided for the camping excursion.  I don't think there is anything that we don't already own, so there should be no addition costs there - although I need to check whether it wouldn't be prudent to invest in a couple of items of clothing that LG is already rapidly outgrowing.  But the time the summer hols is upon us, the clothes may well be too small.....  There is a visit to an attraction as part of the trip, and an amount for 'spending' money has been indicated.  Whilst the amount is a guideline and a 'maximum' amount, it is more than we would expect to spend in such a location.  I know you have to 'exit via the giftshop' anywhere and everywhere these days, and I am sure that all LG's peers will be given the maximum amount by their parents, but we're wondering how to handle it, as we are trying very hard to limit the amount of 'plastic crap' that we bring into the house (and these type of attraction giftshops are full of plastic crap...).  At the moment, we're leaning towards letting LG take the money from their own bank account 😭 give guidance that the money does not have to be spent - and there will be other spending opportunities - and see what materialises.  The team from another bank are due into school this week I think to work with the pupils on 'money matters'.  The previous lot - who came in when LG was actively saving for the camping trip - seemed to press home the message of consumerism quite heavily, with a scant dressing of budgeting/saving, rather than needs v wants and prioritisation to budgeting/saving.......

Right, the washing machine is beeping at me, time to peg out.  Fingers crossed the product has made a difference.

Ta for popping by.  Greying X

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Afternoon MFW'rs

Just had to nip to the shops as DH was out of deodrant, so I picked up a few bits whilst out and about.  I have spent £8.15 in non-food stuff and £10.87 on food in HB and MrS.  I did look at the £2 waste veg and fruit boxes today - there were 3 in our MrS store.  However, I couldn't get past the fact that they had put multiples of caulis (albeit small), cabbages and spring greens in each box.  Again, some of the produce was rotten and there was at least one cabbage in a box that I was considering, which was so yellow, there was zero point in taking it out of the store.  It had zero nutritional value.  One of the boxes had disappeared by the time I went back for a second look, but on balance, I would have been paying £2 for some blueberries and some mushrooms in each box.  I'm happy with my decision to leave them alone.

LG did brilliantly at their activity last night, it's beginning to feel like progress is being made.  Pity that it's coinciding with term coming to an end, and the yawning chasm of the summer holiday break will be upon us, but none the less, it's important to recognise achievement.  

Will need to think of something quick and easy for tea tonight, as LG is out at club again.  But at least i have beans in the cupboard once again! 😁

Greying X

Cherryfudge

Greying_Pilgrim said:

 There is a visit to an attraction as part of the trip, and an amount for 'spending' money has been indicated.  Whilst the amount is a guideline and a 'maximum' amount, it is more than we would expect to spend in such a location.  I know you have to 'exit via the giftshop' anywhere and everywhere these days, and I am sure that all LG's peers will be given the maximum amount by their parents, but we're wondering how to handle it, as we are trying very hard to limit the amount of 'plastic crap' that we bring into the house (and these type of attraction giftshops are full of plastic crap...).  At the moment, we're leaning towards letting LG take the money from their own bank account 😭 give guidance that the money does not have to be spent - and there will be other spending opportunities - and see what materialises.  The team from another bank are due into school this week I think to work with the pupils on 'money matters'.  The previous lot - who came in when LG was actively saving for the camping trip - seemed to press home the message of consumerism quite heavily, with a scant dressing of budgeting/saving, rather than needs v wants and prioritisation to budgeting/saving.......

I wonder if the school is aware of this resource for primary aged children? It seems more 'our way of thinking' and I found it through MSE so it must be okay.  

badmemory

My cynical head says that the school gets a cut of what their pupils spend in those shops, just like any organisers of tours get.  I know that drivers of coach tours both in the UK & abroad used to get a cut & I assume not much has changed.

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Morning MFW'rs

Cherryfudge - that looks good.  I don't suppose for one moment the school would be interested - no opportunities for cultivating corporate sponsorship.......  But I will certainly have a good look at the material and see what LG and I can explore together.  

badmemory - the school aren't conducting this trip.  I understand what you are saying, but am now wondering whether the amount stipulated is possibly to cover other options at the venue - not limited to 'just' the gift shop.  I realise that the money will still be going into the same pot - albeit via different tills, but I need to find out what the participants actually need money for.  A variety of factors meant that the impromptu briefing session last night descended into slightly off-topic chaos, so I didn't think to ask pertinent questions.  It was no-ones fault, just one of those things.  I shall work out what I need to know and ask the questions by email - we still have time.  

I do need milk today - can't believe I forgot to add it to the list yesterday 🙄  

I am supposed to be getting a parcel today - consumables for a domestic appliance- but given that they were still in the country of supply late last evening, I won't hold my breath I will receive them today - although I notice the big river company has set the delivery 'window' time back an hour later tonight, so who knows. 

Right, can't think of anything else MSE relevant.

Greying X  

rtandon27

GP -   If it makes you feel any better, The Big River does mostly deliver on the day the say they are going to, but sometimes they don't track the package accurately!  I have something coming to work today (from another country) that hadn't even shipped when I went to bed last night at 11pm, and by this morning at 4am was showing at the warehouse in Neasden.  At 10:30, they had only 'just' sent it out for delivery & our delivery hours end at 5pm, but 95% of the time the package arrives to our front door security desk on the day it's supposed to!

Greying_Pilgrim

rtandon27 said:

GP -   If it makes you feel any better, The Big River does mostly deliver on the day the say they are going to, but sometimes they don't track the package accurately!  I have something coming to work today (from another country) that hadn't even shipped when I went to bed last night at 11pm, and by this morning at 4am was showing at the warehouse in Neasden.  At 10:30, they had only 'just' sent it out for delivery & our delivery hours end at 5pm, but 95% of the time the package arrives to our front door security desk on the day it's supposed to!

RT - are you me? and are you, in fact receiving the same parcel?? 🤔🤣  The start of your post mirrored my experience - but I have just looked now, and my package is still t'other end of the country.  I suspect it will be pushing it to get it here before 9pm, but never say never and all.........  Thanks for the info - I don't think I've ordered anything (knowingly) that has started it's journey (to me) outside the UK before, so your post was reassuring. 

I have got some milk and other bits - I will need to tot up, but I think around the £20 on food and non-food (which did include fish oil tablets for DH and several other items that fall under the vits/medicines banner) items.

Greying X

Greying_Pilgrim

Siggie updated.

Surprise, surprise, the big river have re-scheduled....... but have given themselves until Saturday to deliver now 🙄

Locally our council are to introduce charges for green waste collection and booking requirements to use the tips/recycling stations.  I know other places have had these things in place for a while, we're just catching up, but much like 'shrinkflation' affecting your biscuit ration, I wonder how much of a council tax rise this actually constitutes.......  

Burger and chips for tea.  I will watch the footy, and have only myself to blame if I start shrieking at the telly due to all the 'passing back to the goalie.....' 

Greying X

themadvix

Totally with you shrieking about then going backwards - it’s just so boring/frustrating to watch!

rtandon27

Yikes - Satuday?! - that is terrible!

My package did end up arriving at 3:15 but took another half hour to be rerouted via the mail room despite my name being on the sticker! A kind soul in the mail room brought it to me rather than asking me to pick it up!