And The OS'ers Would Tell Them To . . . .

Kadeeae

I've been following the "Global Food Crisis" stories on The Guardian website and todays story was about a family in Aberdeen.

Video

I came up with quite a few thoughts on how they could possibly save ££'s generally, but - given the little knowledge we have of the family, what suggestions would you have for them?

Hmmmm........think they would make a good 'subject' for one of Martin's shows if they gave the OK for the Guardian to give their details to him, don't you?

pebbles88

hi,

just watched that video clip. i feel quite sorry for the husband, he must get sick of going to the supermarket every day!! its a shame that his wife cant do online shopping, thus save time and stop them picking up things they dont neccesarrily (sp) need...

my other thought was when they were saying how much bread they get through, with her being at home with the children perhaps she would be better off baking her own, either by hand or breadmaker. would work at cheaper, she could even make the seedy bread cheaply this way too.

last thing, i know she said she wishes she could buy nice food again, i saw the husband buying cream, thats quite a luxury, we always get evap milk!! lol, plus the kids had fruit juice and muller corner yogs, and also they get the bakers gold bread (i think as thats what the packet looked like), all those items seem like nice food to me, and are certainly classed are treats from the basics items in our house .

i think it would be really interesting if Martin did a show with them.

Kadeeae

I thought to myself it seemed as if she could be doing more, baking - maybe a few veggies if they only have a small garden, that sort of thing as long as she's able and home every day. I too felt a bit sorry for the husband :huh:

russetred

Deary me they really don't have a scooby how to budget or plan for shopping.I was torn between feeling sorry for them and exasperation.Biscotti and getting her nails done,surely driving lessons would be better at least take the strain of poor hubby.

Kadeeae

At least I'm not the only one who felt this way - thought maybe I was being a bit rough on her, lol.

To be fair, she did say she doesn't have her nails done.

Hmmm.....me either!

searching_me

personally i think if she wants "nice" food as she puts it why dont she make it instead of getting it from the shop... i mean i know we're all feeling the pinch, we're all in the same boat having to deal with the prices going up... but shes at home all day perfect time to sit down and think about how to cut back, sort out and think do i really need biscotti? and if she really must have it make it... i say get off yer bum and do something about it... and if you can afford biscotti and cream on a regular bases then you must not have that much of a money problem either that or just being silly... ok now i just seem mean at the mo :rotfl:

pebbles88

got to add - the only time i have ever had my nails done was for my wedding, even then i begrudged the cost!!! LOL

and biscotti - whats wrong with custard creams!! hee hee

queen_of_string

I think a lot of people are about to have to rediscover old style cooking and budgeting. I think I may start a business doing it! Personally I'm delighted, food waste has always upset me and I get no greater pleasure in life than gettign a bargain or 4 meals out of a chicken. I'm not doing old style saving atm because I have to ( yes, I know I am lucky in this), I do it because it's the right thing to do given scarce world resources and it lets me get the most from my money.

moanymoany

It is difficult to think they are hard done by. He said he spent £170 just two days ago and has to go again!

I gave my children squash or water to drink - my sil gave her child fruit juice and it was having fillings from the age of 3! Why ham and cheese sandwiches?

I have seen and read many stories about the credit crunch and housing problems and only the one on TV this morning was worthy of any sympathy. The others have high expectations and are very miffed at having to be economical.

I think many of these people have no real idea on housekeeping or nutrition.

culpepper

I thought she could bake her own bread too.
Toddler snacks! What are they? A cut up apple,sliced carrot or a handful of raisins were toddler snacks in our house .
Leaving a child with a whole bag of tomatoes sounds like a silly idea too. Children need the food to be allocated or their eyes are bigger than their tummies.

Paige

Cream and Biscotti ? I love biscotti but never buy it - a treat with the very ocassional starbucks latte. I stopped putting 2 filling in my sandwiches a while ago. I do put cucumber, toms or pickle in with cheese but never ham. I would use that for another days lunch.
I think she needs to get organised - shopping every day - what a waste of petrol. Needs advice from here I think. !