:( jamiedodger's back again

donner_kebab

Hiya Jamie,
Just wanted to say 'Welcome back'! I love reading your threads and have done for ages! It is hard when everything goes wrong; I am having one of those months myself and rather a lot has had to go onto one of my many cards to sort it all out, but I suppose these things happen...and kids always seem to need something don't they! But just have to keep looking forward and to the future! Onwards and upwards! Take care xxx

chevalier

JAMIEDODGER wrote: »

chevailer - they sound like a good idea! do you know where you can get them from? they have to be able to fit a 7 year old as he is still in nappies. thanks

Well you can get them from Mothercare, but I am not sure they go up to that size. You might find them in bigger sizes on the net somewhere. Sorry not to be more help
chev

chevalier

Ref lunch boxes. Sometimes just changing the bread can be fun, so rolls instead of slices. I also slice up fruit eg 1 apple and 1 orange, the ds's get half of each so it is not 1 whole fruit. Always have raisins on the go, but I have found they also really like the Jordans fruit and cereal bars!!! But I also think that judging the amount is important too. I was giving them way too much, so often everything got half eaten, so had a lot of waste. Nowadays I give them less and generally it all goes.

chev

JAMIEDODGER

have made some cheese straws this morning. hoping that i can give these somedays instead of a packet of crisps:)

still searching for more ideas though!

taplady - yes it is easier when you draw out cash every week. when its gone, its gone!! and although i know this i had got into bad habits again and started using my debit card. that just doesnt work for me...so back to notes and coins:D

JAMIEDODGER

thanks chevalier! great tips. my four do get bored with what i give them so i was hoping to use half term to come up with some new ideas:)

have made two batches of cheese straws this morning, two different recipes, the first one is a bero recipe, the second is the same but adapted. i prefer the second batch and so do the kids!!! they all had one of each varieties and the rest have gone in the freezer. really quick to make, cheap and i can just get them out of the freezer the night before! result:D

4littleone

Hi jamie,

I do toasted nuts and seeds instead of crisps for my littleone.
You can get large bags of pine nuts and pumpkin seeds from asian or health food shops. (local markets ar good for this). Supermarket prices will be alot more expensive.

Heat a frying pan (no oil) and then chck in a good handful of each. Toast until browned, turn occasionally.
Tip into a bowl or onto a plate. If you like you can add a few drops of soy sauce whilst they are still hot. This will give them a nice savoury coating.
They can be kept in an airtight container for a few days.

JAMIEDODGER

thanks 4littleone:)

as i was in the kitchen, i also made donuts and raspberry muffins (my fav).

am now cooking sausages, mash and veg for dinner another favourite in this house.

i will probably make pizza for dinner tomorrow as i have some pittas in the freezer.

looking forward to tomorrow as it is the start of my gc for april (only doing 2 weeks this time though).

Gemmzie

You can make your own doughnuts?! :eek: PLEASE can I have the recipe, I miss doughnuts so so much

JAMIEDODGER

hi guys:)

thought it was about time i posted on my own thread lol

things have got a bit better financially and i am now organised. ive paid mum and dad back £150 so far:) i now owe them £1230:eek:

now i have sorted my bank accounts out i am now having everything paid into one account (cashpointcard no overdraft) i am finding things a little easier! i draw my cash out once a week and am managing to live within that amount:)

i kept within my grocery challenge (only 2 weeks though) for may and am looking forward to junes!

i am keeping a spending diary and writing everything down that i spend out of the cash ive withdrawn, this has helped so much, i feel like i am making some headway at last. i did cut up my creditcards and am paying them back (slowly but surely!) its not a huge amount so it will be gone before i know it!!

i feel back in control!!:)

i will not be spending anything today, yay! a NSD!!! My personal challenge this week is to have 4 nsd's in a row..... today, sunday, monday and tuesday..... fingers crossed i can do it!!!!

im feeling very positive today:D long may it continue!!!!

JAMIEDODGER

I have been keeping a check on utility useage over the last few weeks. I roughly use 1-3 units per day of gas and 11-13 units per day electricity. I do worry about the coming winter and think that as long as I am careful, we can get through it without it costing us a fortune.

I will be checking the house today to make sure there are energy saving lightbullbs in every room, and will replace any that arent.

I managed a NSD yesterday as planned and I shouldnt spend today either. I really want to do the 4 days!!! well one down, 3 to go:)

I think I will be able to pay mum and dad back another £150 possibly more by the end of june, fingers crossed....