Spendy Wendy to Saver Savvy

Spendywendywoo

Saturday again, already…

Todays plan;
Read for an hour - done
one wash - in the machine currently
dog walk, usually takes 1.5 hours
Few to dos off list - done
Shopping list
Possibly shopping as I think our local ald is closing in the next few days for a refurb

Not sure of plans this afternoon yet but we have no plans for the next few weekends (novelty in itself but lovely) so may use a bit of the entertainment budget to do a family activity, or if DS wants to go to Granny’s (which he loves doing, they are very close) then we may use the date day budget to enjoy a few hours out together. I’ll ask DS what he wants to do today (no prompting) and see what he says.  I did most of my cleaning upstairs yesterday so will clean downstairs and do a batch cook tomorrow.

One thing I am worrying about atm is nutrition. We are using up what we have in our fridge and freezers but the previous versions of us would buy processed foods for quick and easy convenience. Our freezer stores are mainly from the freezers at warehouse of food, so aren’t the healthiest. I worry that DS doesn’t eat a lot of fruit and veg (I send fruit or veg sticks to school but it comes home uneaten (much to the dogs delight as he loves carrots), I’ve also tried asking him what he wants but he’s fussy). When I do my meal plan and batch cook list today, I’m going to see what meals I can batch that I can fill with veggies - I’m already thinking spaghetti bol and chicken fajitas (will make the bag up raw and pop in the freezer for ease of chucking in a pan on a night we need a quick and easy tea, it’s also one of DS fave and I can pop lots of peppers in there). Any other ideas that will freeze and reheat well? You can tell I’m new to all this 😂

I’m finding it so surreal how I’ve gone from running around at 3,000 mph, being disorganised, addicted to using my phone and doomscrolling, to feeling so calm, having lots of free time, and sleeping really well (sleep is a big factor for me). I just can’t believe it’s taken me all these years to make a change!

I hope everyone has a great day,
Wendy x 

Suffolk_lass

We use the Jamie O flatbread recipe (basically SR flour, a pinch of salt and plain yogurt to make a dough) for all sorts - as pitta breads, naan breads and pizza bases. Mostly because they freeze so easily. I prefer making pizza dough with a yeasted mix but sometimes it just hits the CBA filter - good savings so far, and as you say, you need a few slack moments en-route or you will run out of steam, short of the station x

LzzyIsGod

I precook spag bol and chilli and then freeze - I tend to add peppers, courgette, mushrooms and grated carrot as a sneaky way to increase veg intake. Mine are great with fruit but youngest is a fussy veg eater 

jwil

My two are fussy too, and it's a real struggle getting veg into them.

Cottage pie?

Cara_

What about making up some portions of veg and freezing as you are doing with the chicken fajitas so, anything that you would normally use in omelettes, quiche, pizza (as Suffolk_lass suggests), pasta dishes and cheats risotto.

I would make pulled pork (or beef), and depending on what your son likes, I'd have salad / coleslaw / veg and chips / potatoes. You can freeze cooked pulled pork and defrost before reheating in a BBQ sauce, so a quick meal when pushed for time. If you have a slow cooker making pulled pork is easy.

I’d also make a stew as a base for other meals which can be frozen and then eaten on its own with mashed potatoes or add a pastry topping for pie and chips, turned into a cobbler, etc. I usually put plenty of veg in and cook some green veg to eat with it. I use different meats for stews and sometimes add an apple with pork and mint with lamb - perhaps your son would like something like this and the mint might disguise the taste of the vegetables.

Spendywendywoo

Thank you all your suggestions, really helpful and appreciated. I’ve done the meal plan, batch plan and the shopping! Dog walk next and then we can chill or work out plans for the day. 

Will report on spends tomorrow when I do my budget but I can say with conviction that this is working… usually a £120 shop just cost me less than £75, and that included all meals and a few duplicate items so I have them in. Just milk, bread and buns to purchase over the course of the week when they needed 😀

Spendywendywoo

Well, I had forgotten that DS was on the football this afternoon, I had convinced myself it was an away game so he’s gone off to that. 

DH and I are going to go to see some family while he’s out. Just done a plan for tomorrow though, whilst I had 5 mins…. Tired just looking at it but determined and motivated to start another week off right 😀

Sunday

• Towel wash and dry
• Workout circuit - 20m bike, 20m tread, 10m strength, 10m full body stretch
• Quick shower
• DS football
• Bedding wash and dry
• Ironing
• Clear inside freezer for batch cook
• Inventory of chest freezer

Batch cook;

• Veg soup
• Leek and potato soup
• Chicken fajita freeze pack x3
• Chilli
• Spag Bol
• Dishwasher on

Self care;

• Bath while reading
• Wash hair
• Moisturise
• Foot pack
• Nails mani/pedi
• Weekly plan
• Make tea - ‘pizza’ made from chicken breast base, tomato sauce with pepperonis and wedges with veg
• Make DS lunch for Monday
• Empty dishwasher
• Watch tv programme with DH and DS
• Early night ready to hit the week head on 

Sending positive vibes to all,
Wendy x 

Sun_Addict

How are you going to fit all that into one day, exhausted just reading it 🤣

Spendywendywoo

Unfortunately, but fortunately, I’ve sorted my sleep pattern so I will be awake for 5.30/6am naturally (here’s hoping it continues to tomorrow now lol). I work well with a list, and the way I’ve worked it, the washer and dishwasher can be working while I’m working etc. I’m hopeful…

Update to follow tomorrow x 

Sun_Addict

I’m usually up by 6am at the weekend too. In the week it’s 5am.  Struggle to stay awake beyond 9pm though 😆 I love a list 🙂