Memorygirls Make Do and Mend for 2008 Thread

Flylady_Flower

Thanks MemoryGirl,
brilliant, and I'm definitely going to try the control journal and baked beans (we love baked beans too, but I am a total techie junkie, I love forms and stuff, sad I know ). I'm on the grocery challenge and have really got into cooking since being on there - loads of hints, tips & recipes if you have a chance to read.
Talking of which, there is a fantastic book that you can get from the library - Its a really, really long title - 'How to feed your whole family a balanced, healthy diet with very little money and hardly any time, even if you have a tiny kitchen, only three saucepans (one with an ill-fitting lid) and no fancy gadgets - unless you count the garlic crusher.... by Gill Holcombe' - It's brilliant and should give you loads of ideas as it's easy to understand and use...
Hope that helps you on your journey - best of luck, I love reading about your antics, very inspiring
Denise
PS: I swear at inanimate objects too - they are the only thing in my house that doesn't answer back, well them and the dogs

mary43

Hello Memory Girl..........glad to see you back again.
Like the idea of the Control Journal............think that may be the sort of thing I could use and better than having half a dozen folders around the place for everything.

If you want some tips on crafting stuff pop on to the Special Occassions board......there'a a thread on there of hints and ideas about what to make for Christmas. If I make anything it has to be pretty basic and there's some really good ideas there that even I can do.................lol

You seem to be doing just fine.....getting loads of bargains for your new house........well done you and keep at it and keep at the writing........you;ve a natural talent for it.........................:T

cha97michelle

Memorygirl - congratulations on the birth of your boy.

I read the thread back when you started and was pretty inspired by what you were achieving while pregnant, but i am more in awe now. I have a baby boy who is nearly 8 weeks old (and also was a 9Ib baby with no time for the gas and air, although i did cost the NHS slightly more as i was there for breakfast ), and also a 20 month old, and all i seem to do here is breast feed and try and keep on top of the other monkey. If i get a spare few moments i tend to pop on here to have a read, and that is probably why i don't get much done.

You've inspired me to at least try your baked bean recipe, and to try and get a bit of something done, like the rug i was making for DS1s bedroom started in April, or the cross stitches started when he was about 6 months old.

10 week olds can be teething, and if you are lucky it will be the bottom ones and he won't nip you for a bit yet.

Keep posting on here - it is lovely to hear what you are achieving. I also liked the idea of things to do before your big birthday - i hit 30 next year virtually when i go back to work so that would also be a good way to motivate me not to waste my year off work.

A photo of your baby sling would be nice if you have one. I have a bought one i'm afraid, but at least i am using it this time, unlike with ds1 who hated it.

Michelle, x

mountainlioness

Hi MG

Ashamed to say I've only just discovered your amazing thread thanks to the honourable mention on Martin's email...

Can I just second whoever suggested you turn this diary into a book? You have such an engaging and inspiring writing style as well as an amazing story that am sure it'd be a bestseller (sign me up as 1st preorder!) Maybe there's someone on here who could advise?

One thing that really struck me reading through your thread was the way in which you exchange your skills for other people's or for the things they can offer that you need. I really like that idea - we're too hung up on buying things these days. The "in kind" trade seems so much more community-spirited (as well as being about as MSE as you can get!)

I've subscribed to your thread and, like many on here, will be eagerly awaiting your updates

Cheers

ML

susan946

Hello Memorygirl

I'm a newbie to this board which I found from the link in Martin's newsletter. I am just so enthralled and can't wait for your next post! You've achieved such a lot and are such a fantastic role model.

I've been battling with a virus and then a chest infection over the past three weeks and my motivation and energy are at an all time low. I just want to say a big thank you for giving me some oomph back. I've started knitting a hat for charity and have lots of plans and enthusiasm now. Haven't got a lot done yet as I'm so tired all the time, but now at least I feel I'll get there.......eventually!!

Thank you so much. :T

MadMac_2

Hi All

I've been keeping up with this thread since it started when I was in a hospital bed and couldn't post (only read), but am finally back home and working again. So can finally say very well done Memorygirl - and welcome to the world Rowan! :T

Would agree with everyone saying that you should publish your diary as you are still reading very much in the style of the Bridget Jones books - bound to be a huge bestseller and I hope to see it on the shelves in Asda soon!

I'm no knitter, cannot sew really and am awful with money (still) but you did spur me to get out my dusty, rusty sewing machine and make a shopping bag! That's about the level of my competence. But it shows what an impact you are having far and wide and we thank you for that.

And I WILL start a journal with Flylady's help, I promise!

Look forward to reading more either here or in print - however it gets to us all will be worth waiting for, you have a real talent!

warwickroadroad23

I am another convert to this thread through the money saver email and I feel so humbled by your story memory girl. I am in a bit of trouble with money at the moment and need to get my finances sorted out and your story has really inspired me to finally do something about it, instead of just talking about it.

We (and I am as guilty of this as anyone but trying my best to change) are so obsessed with "things", when time with friends and family and memories is far more important. Your diary is making me realise this Memory Girl and things are going to change in my life. I am sure your diary will keep me inspired along the way, keep up your great work for yourself and your family :T

memorygirl

Hiya

Can I sneak in quietly and let you know about my adventures in "Make Do and Mend" Land today?

Getting a bit of stage fright at the thought of how many people have popped over for a read of these ramblings. :eek: Although thank you all so much for your kind words and especially your encouragement – bit worried that you are all going to demand books for Christmas though -

Soooooooooo … Today was the last day of term at my DS school - and

Wooooooooooo hooooooooooooooo!!!! Who says that wishes don’t come true.

Make Do and Mend – Booze !!!!! and champagne at that :j :j :j

Look: http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll270/Memorygirl110669/?action=view&current=Elderflowerchampagne001.jpg

All right I know it looks a little cloudy, but it is actually Elderflower Champagne made from organic apple juice and elderflowers. Presented with a flourish to me by one of the teachers of my son’s school as a thank-you for all my work this year. He is the brave man who takes every child over the age of three in our school out for hours on end into the forest for Nature School.

I don’t know who collected the elderflowers for his “home brew” but I’m hoping it wasn’t our kindy class. :rotfl:

I’m not exactly certain how he makes this potion – but he assures me that if I like it he will show me how as it’s apparently quite simple. Much simpler than the dodgy smelling “real ales” and wines my Dad used to make in the cupboard under the stairs when I was a kid – OOOOhhh can I remember the smells and the suspicious gurglings even after all these years.:eek:

All I know is I am chuffed to bits that he thought of me when he was filling the bottles – just hoping it is a lovely glass of the fizzy stuff so that I can report back to you all what a genius he is.

Byee!! Off to find a proper champagne glass to finally wet the baby’s head.:beer:

Memorygirl

Sneaks back in – Ssssssss luuuuuuuuverly, hic!!! Got a feeling I’m gonna be a fuzzy headed Momma in the morning.

warwickroadroad23

Elderflower Champagne.... mmmm they were talking about that and all the other lovely drinks you can make from Elderflower on the Chris Evans show the other day. Sounds like the teacher was listening in.
:beer:

hkinsella

this thread is brilliant, I am so inspired, off to freecycle now. Well Done x :A