new challenge - grocery

Magentasue

I freeze sem skimmed milk and can't tell the difference but my kids moan that they can. Every morning I take out one or two 4pt cartons and leave them on the table, evening they go in fridge half defrosted. Next day they're ready to use.

We use 4-6 pints a day so I aim to have four in the fridge or defrosting at all times. The problem is that they can appear to be defrosted when they're not - there's an iceberg in there somwhere. Result is that the thawed milk gets used and then there are complaints that the milk is like water. Worse is when it pours out like a milky slush puppy ;D but it's fine if you get a system going.

It's only gone wrong when I've left it to other people - who forget to take it out in time - so long as you give it a day to defrost it works well.

MATH

I've found it pot luck freezing milk which I have been doing for years. Sometimes it's ok but other thimes it has a bitter taste.

No I buy milk fresh and mix with economy dried milk which you make up. I'm fussy about milk and couldn't drink all dried milk but a 50/50 mix with fresh is ok for drinks & cereal and all dried ok for cooking.

nicki_2

For those people who don't have a garden to grwo their own vegetables in, you might be interested to know that Gardeners World on the BBC are going to be making a container vegetable garden in their next series.

I know that I for one will be watching with great interest. I can't grow vegetables in our garden as we have an ant problem and cats that like to use our garden as a toilet so I don't think the veg would last. >:( I used to grow my own potatoes in my nans garden but then I started 6th form and started working so couldn't find the time to look after it so my nan turned it into another flowerbed I'm hoping that I'll be able to grow things with my daughter. I don't think there is more satisfying vegetables than the ones you grow yourself because you appreciate how much hard work and love has gone into them.

taxi97w

search the threads for 'laundry gloop'

Thanks Ssaver,
I may try it in a smaller quantity at first to see if I like it.

Sarahsaver

its great it just needs some getting used to. If it is a bit thick I put it in one of those little nets you get for laundry tablets. I spray on a stain remover on some things, or remove grease spots/sons eczema cream using tesco value washing up liquid. I use white vinegar as a conditioner/brightener.
Ironic this as I need to cut my outgoings AGAIN because of a drastic drop in income, food is the main area I am able to save in although ive already got expenditure down so low.

VickyA_2

Just bought some fish from a mobile fishmongers. First time that I've ever done this, but it looks okay. And whilst my boyfriend was in the pub yesterday he managed to get chatting to the local butcher, so his mission tomorrow (boyfriend, not butcher) is to seek out deals. And we get cheap fresh veg from boyfriend's work every week in their staff shop (fresh produce business, before you ask) - wish he worked in a chocolate factory though!

Oh, and going into Tesco shopping tonight. We normally don't spend any more than £30 a week including meat - and that includes stuff for packed lunches.

chicklet_2

Hi there,

Have read all this with great interest and am astounded how little you all manage to spend!

Have never actually worked out how much we spend, but I seem to be in one or other of the supermarkets at least twice a week, and the spend is usually £25 +. Friday just gone it was £64! Mind you, that included food for Sunday lunch for 7 of us, even with a 'value' joint of beef...but wasn't even a week's worth of food. Just meant to be stocking up for the weekend!

There's two adults, 2 children, 3 cats and two rabbits. Now, £50 would be ok, I guess for all that, but kids spend every other w/end with their Dad, (fri pm to mon am), they have school lunches mon-fri, and get tea at the childminders mon-fri too.

So, they are actually only eating breakfast here practically every day, which is only cereal, and then meals every other w/end!

Where the h*ll does the money go??!!

I also tend to buy 'value' stuff like beans, cheese, tin toms, biscuits, own brand cat/rabbit food etc.

Am confused.

VickyA_2

Hi there chicklet!

Write it all down. I couldn't believe how much we were spending each week on stuff that we didn't really need. Cross out everything that you don't need (we crossed out pizzas, ready meals, oooh and my biggest fetish cheese). And then write a weekly menu of what you WILL be having. Hones your skills quite quickly.

Magentasue

I always have 'proper coffee' first thing, then instant until the afternoon when it's loose leaf tea. Not in the interests of economy but because it's what I like - I'd have thought instant would be cheaper? No? ???

Sarahsaver

I think instant IS cheaper its just that i put coffee on my list then thought WHY buy coffee when i already have some!?!
Like why did I ever need 5 different types of rice (maybe more?) in my cupboard. :-[If only my daughter would eat rice...