Make Do, Mend & Minimise in 2025 (and 2024)

YorksLass

@Moorviews - It's the proverbial swan gliding serenely along but the legs underneath are paddling hell for leather!  In truth, I've always been sensible, organised and pragmatic but it is what it is.  We can't change anything so just try to enjoy each day as it comes.  

Yesterday's hospital visit was fine and DH seemed much perkier than I've seen him for a long time.  The antibiotics for the chest infection have definitely helped.  The bed/commode/etc have been delivered and installed so now I'm just waiting for a phone call to let me know when he will be home - today, I hope.  DS and I have re-arranged the furniture, yet again, and it doesn't look too bad.

Two minimises today:
(1) A small chest of drawers that's surplus to requirements - I've had them for ages and they don't owe me anything.
(2) The bed DS and I had originally brought downstairs.  We don't really need that either and have a second spare bedroom set up anyway for when anyone comes to stay.
DS and I have put these in the communal hallway with a note to say they are free to anyone who wants them.  Failing that, they will go on Freecycle.

Change of plan to last night's tea due to the fact I was starving when I got back from the hospital and ate the gala pork pie as soon as I got in.    Instead I had a fish finger sandwich with tartar sauce and the side salad, so that's another minimise from the freezer.  One drawer is completely empty now, second drawer is almost empty and we'll be eating from the third drawer this week.  Progress - and a whole week's grocery money saved into the bargain!     

Katiehound

and don't forget , as you say , to be kind to yourself.

take care

YorksLass

@Katiehound - I will.  I learned that lesson a long time ago.  If you know you've done your best, then there's no need to reproach yourself.

Doesn't look like DH is being discharged today after all.  He'll be spitting feathers!

Cherryfudge

Spitting feathers is a good sign. Great that he's perkier, I hope he can go home tomorrow.

Floss

Moorviews said:

Minimise - cleaning products by using them up and not replacing them. Gradually I have got down to a simple range. I make up my own using the empty commercial containers. I now buy a 5 litre container of our laundry detergent and refill a small bottle. Unfortunately my nearest shop changed the brand that they have for refilling and my skin is fussy. 

Have you looked at sourcing online? Big Green Smile are good 
https://www.biggreensmile.com/
As are Peace With the Wild
https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/product-category/for-the-home/

Nelliegrace

I bought 2x5L of Eco washing up liquid on offer from Am some time ago. I refill the smaller size bottles about half full, because DH squirts too much from the larger bottle or if it is full. Psychology!

DH has had a new lid made for my pottery flour bin by an old school friend. DH broke it years ago and I have been using a plate. Dad bought the pot for me from his local potter. The new lid is turned wood, carved with ears of wheat, a work of art. We gave a pound of honey, bought from a beekeeper friend, and some eggs from our hens as a thank you. 

I have sorted Mum’s knitting project bag at last, thrown away a few bits, frogged the last bit of knitting to reuse a few ounces of her hand spun wool. 
I miss them.

Green_hopeful

We have lots of cooking apples. Does anyone have any delicious recipes that use up more than one at a time? Grown up kids are coming for dinner and we have had apple Charlotte and crumble for the last few visits. 

Nelliegrace

Baked apples, stuffed with mincemeat. Do a whole tray of them and have some cold. 

Green_hopeful

@nelliegrace that sounds good. 

Sarahspangles

Green_hopeful said:

We have lots of cooking apples. Does anyone have any delicious recipes that use up more than one at a time? Grown up kids are coming for dinner and we have had apple Charlotte and crumble for the last few visits. 

Pan fried with a pork chop and a bit of sage.