Does being OS get you down?

nixinix

I was doing some ironing this morning and Iwas pondering ways to get an extra meal out of some mince (inspired by previous threads) and then I started wondering if anyone begrudges being OS. I mean do you get pleasure from being OS or do you find it hard work because you have no choice and couldn't survive otherwise.

I ask because some days I think it is wonderful that I am saving money, 'a penny saved is a penny' earned as they say, and other days I really wish I didn't have to - these are the days I also dream about winning the lottery :rotfl: .

So, does being OS get you down?

Claire70_2

Hi there. I have a lot of satisfaction in being OS. For me it isnt just about the money saved, its the satisfaction of having made something myself which my family eat. Also the fact that I know exactly what is in our meals because the ingredients are only things which I put in :j

sophiesmum_2

I think it depends if you are old styling through choice or necessity. I choose to old style as it gives me more satisfaction and I can use money saved on other things to increase our quality of lie, or savings etc. I enjoy the challenge and hate the thought of wasting money that we have worked hard for on an inferior quality of life.
It has just become second nature now with me but if I was starting out oldstyling through necessity, then yes probably some days I would get cheesed off with it. Hang in there though and soon you won't see it as so much of a challenge.:D

nixinix

I understand that - I also enjoy the satisfaction of homemade meals - but I suppose I mean more the stretching food and having to be OS to save money and survive.

Claire70_2

nixinix wrote: »

I understand that - I also enjoy the satisfaction of homemade meals - but I suppose I mean more the stretching food and having to be OS to save money.

I think sometimes it is increasingly more difficult to be OS as the costs of our raw ingredients go up and the cost of ready meals and junk seem to be coming down...


reading my mums paper this morning there was a full page advert for one of the big supermarkets and it was buy one get one on CRISPS/ FIZZY POP/ and about 3 other junky stuff... and tucked in the corner wes tinned salmon .... and I thought... Im fighting a loosing battle.... and on the front page of the paper the headline was additives in food :rotfl:

DenBo_4

I have to OS because of financial necessity, sometimes it is a chore. I do get satisfaction in being so careful with money, making meals stretch further, etc but as a not naturally frugal person it gets really hard sometimes! But needs must, so I am grateful to OS that I am able to manage on a pittance, pay my debts and eat nutritious, homemade food.

MrsBartolozzi

I suppose, one downside I find with being OS is that my cupboards and freezer are full of meat, veg, rice, pasta etc and nothing premade (although there are a few spare portions of curry/spag bol etc in freezer). So if we are out for longer than planned and haven't done the preparation - put SC on, taken stuff out to defrost etc it is a big faff for me when we get home tired and hungry.:(
I have also been getting "meal plan fatigue" I am beginning to get bored of making up monthly meal plans but maybe I just need a few new recipes.:rolleyes:

So yes OS does get me down sometimes, but I do enjoy cooking and baking for my family and knowing what's in the food is beneficial too. We don't strictly NEED to be OS, but we have booked a long trip to Iceland this summer and I am desperate to save as much as I can before we go so I try to keep this in mind when I look at expensive cuts of meat or nice cakes or when OH suggests a meal out...:eek:
On the other hand... (this is becoming an essay and for that I am sorry)... since I started following the OS threads and in particular the grocery challenge thread, I have spent less money on food, but our diet has improved.:T The money I am saving helps to pay for the organic dairy products I have started buying- all our milk, cheese and yogurt is now organic. I also buy more free range meat too and some veg esp carrots are organic. So I think what I am saying is I like being OS, but it would be nice for someone else to do the OS stuff for me now and again.;)


edit to add: I also get a (sad) buzz out of stretching food, adding veg and lentils to mince to get more portions of food. That's a bit sad so I'll shut up now.

MrsB.:D

purpleivy

I've reverted to my OS ways (lapsed over the years gradually since the kids were small but was always a bit 'mean') because I wanted to get the large %free credit card paid off. We got this to tide us over after our big building project.

DH has scuppered those plans, or at least has made the challenge greater by insisting that we take benefit of my sis's house in Tobago while she still has it! In actual fact, it will be a rather OS hol. We'll self cater and spend time on the beach, sitting on the terrace etc. The whole island is only 23 miles long and 3 wide, so we're never going to spend much on petrol!

beemuzed

I agree - it depends on whether it's OS by choice or necessity. Anything I have to do becomes a chore from time to time, so then I try to look at it as a bit of a game or challenge, where I win if I do it the OS way, especially if I can see some reward - either money saved or nice HM treat! Whatever, I try not to beat myself up if I have a non-OS day - else it would become a bit like dieting when one bad day makes you stop altogether!

kippers

I'm very proud of my O/S ways (thanks to this website). I do dream of winning the lottery and i'm sure we would splash out on meals out to begin with and forget my O/S ways for a while if we came into money...but i think very soon i would be back baking and tending to my allotment because i do love it and i don't care if thats sad (though we would buy a brand new house and get someone to do my ironing).

luxor4t

Yes - when it is cold, wet and miserable in the UK the credit card starts whispering about warm countries.
Making a stew wearing 3 jumpers is absolutely no substitute for a sunlounger and swimming pool!