Dear reader,
Another week gone and nearly another year too. I meant to spend last night working through our money and debts and working out budgets. In the end I did 4 hours overtime at work and another 1 tonight so have not done it yet. I am off tomorrow and then got offered 8 hours overtime on Sunday and I just can't turn it down, not at the moment.
I will have to do all my jobs tommorow and will have a few hours on Sunday.
We have done without a major shop but did have to spend a few pounds today on salad to go with a steak we had. I bought two steaks ages ago when they were on offer but we decided one would do us both so the other got frozen. We fancied a quick dinner so I drizzled a little garlic oil on it and fried it on the hottest heat in a frying pan. While that was going on, I tipped a big bag of salad into a bowl and added a few olives and two chopped tomatoes. I poured some more oil into a shaker with balsamic vinegar, a splash of fish sauce and a few flakes of chilli. I browned the steak on each side and then sliced it on a slant to make it thinner. It was very rare in the middle but very tender. I then tossed it back in the pan with the oil mixture then place the steak stops on the salad leaves and drizzled the warm oil dressing over the top. I finished it with a few tiny chopped pieces of tinned anchovy fillets. They add something very nice to a dish, if you like them and we both do.
I'm pleased we made the food last this week and the bread and milk top ups have been few.
We have dried stuff in the store cupboard, rice, lentils that type of thing. We have plenty of washing liquid, cleaning stuff, toothpaste etc so we just need food for the next couple of weeks.
I'm hoping to go to Lidl tomorrow (no Aldi here) and do a cheapish shop. I'm just thinking what to cook. I am trying to get back into my Slimming World book and pick some suitable recipes.
I have decided to have a good push as debt reduction in 2014. Loads of you took the time and trouble to leave a comment which really motivated me so thank you commenters.
I also have a new follower and again thank you for that, it makes such a difference to a blogger.
I am keen to save pounds but also want to get rid of some too.
Does anyone want to join me for a 2014 weight loss challenge? I am going to add another progress bar to track it.
Let me know and I'll make a list, we won't put weights just pounds lost.
Much love x
Friday, 6 December 2013
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Sharing and caring.
Dear reader,
Thanks so much for all you tips, comments and advice about saving, budgeting and being prepared for unexpected bills. That's what I love about blog land the way we all share and learn new stuff together. The sealed tin we now get excited about from SFT's great blog, the days and nights of no central heating but snuggling into bed early-courtesy of Frugal Queen. The unusual but lovely dinners we sometimes have after learning about using up food from Mean Queen Ilona. She helped me stop smoking too. 7 months, a month blip and now off them again a week today.
I am more creative in the kitchen and have learned to see what I have-Karen at Chelmarsh Chunterings is a great cook! Pam from a good life in Tydd also does good recipes and I always read her blog, a very honest read, Mortgage free in three is always uplifting and has taught me how to put my big girls knickers on and just get on with it- thanks Elaine.
I would never have heard of Approved Food without you all. Your stories, your jokes-Bernard's backwater! Your problems and how you overcome them are all inspirational. Sometimes some of you go away for a while and I find I miss you as you would a friend, Miss Piggybank is back!
So this weekend I will sit down with a nice Earl Grey and sort out which account is for what and how much needs to go in each one. I'll let you know what I come up with.
I have managed not to do a food shop since 19/11/13 but have had a few milk and bread top ups.
I will go this weekend but it will be a cheap one.
Good night all, I am in bed in my onesie that my mum bought me last Christmas. No heating on today so Another day that I won't be paying British Gas!
If you have elderly neighbours please, please say hello, check they're ok and give them advice.
I'll tell you why tomorrow, it's a shocking story about a money scam that will make you so angry!
For now, goodnight.
FIB x
Thanks so much for all you tips, comments and advice about saving, budgeting and being prepared for unexpected bills. That's what I love about blog land the way we all share and learn new stuff together. The sealed tin we now get excited about from SFT's great blog, the days and nights of no central heating but snuggling into bed early-courtesy of Frugal Queen. The unusual but lovely dinners we sometimes have after learning about using up food from Mean Queen Ilona. She helped me stop smoking too. 7 months, a month blip and now off them again a week today.
I am more creative in the kitchen and have learned to see what I have-Karen at Chelmarsh Chunterings is a great cook! Pam from a good life in Tydd also does good recipes and I always read her blog, a very honest read, Mortgage free in three is always uplifting and has taught me how to put my big girls knickers on and just get on with it- thanks Elaine.
I would never have heard of Approved Food without you all. Your stories, your jokes-Bernard's backwater! Your problems and how you overcome them are all inspirational. Sometimes some of you go away for a while and I find I miss you as you would a friend, Miss Piggybank is back!
So this weekend I will sit down with a nice Earl Grey and sort out which account is for what and how much needs to go in each one. I'll let you know what I come up with.
I have managed not to do a food shop since 19/11/13 but have had a few milk and bread top ups.
I will go this weekend but it will be a cheap one.
Good night all, I am in bed in my onesie that my mum bought me last Christmas. No heating on today so Another day that I won't be paying British Gas!
If you have elderly neighbours please, please say hello, check they're ok and give them advice.
I'll tell you why tomorrow, it's a shocking story about a money scam that will make you so angry!
For now, goodnight.
FIB x
Bills and budgets.
Dear reader,
A tight month here. The dreaded car of mine ended up costing £2,500 in total to get everything repaired. The original garage didnt spot the correct fault so after I'd forked out £1,800 to them I had to pay £450 for the fuel injectors to be replaced. Then it was due a cam belt change at £350.
Wonderful big man paid for the latter two bills from his car account.
An expensive bill and I will have to keep the car for several more years. It's already 11 years old.
On a positive note, we are still paying off our debt and although you may not be able to see a massive change, the progress bar has moved a bit more. We are now down to just over £24,000.
Our mortgage will reduce in January and the extra saving will go towards the debt.
Once that is paid off we will overpay the mortgage.
I am determined to have proper funds in place next year for cars, household bills that come round yearly such as insurance, chimney sweep and boiler service. We pay the others monthly by direct debit.
I also need a Christmas and birthday present account so I have enough put by. It's not as if these things are surprises so I should be prepared. Something always seems to come up and I need to use the money elsewhere.
How do you do it? Do you have separate accounts to cover all eventualities?
Have a great day. X
A tight month here. The dreaded car of mine ended up costing £2,500 in total to get everything repaired. The original garage didnt spot the correct fault so after I'd forked out £1,800 to them I had to pay £450 for the fuel injectors to be replaced. Then it was due a cam belt change at £350.
Wonderful big man paid for the latter two bills from his car account.
An expensive bill and I will have to keep the car for several more years. It's already 11 years old.
On a positive note, we are still paying off our debt and although you may not be able to see a massive change, the progress bar has moved a bit more. We are now down to just over £24,000.
Our mortgage will reduce in January and the extra saving will go towards the debt.
Once that is paid off we will overpay the mortgage.
I am determined to have proper funds in place next year for cars, household bills that come round yearly such as insurance, chimney sweep and boiler service. We pay the others monthly by direct debit.
I also need a Christmas and birthday present account so I have enough put by. It's not as if these things are surprises so I should be prepared. Something always seems to come up and I need to use the money elsewhere.
How do you do it? Do you have separate accounts to cover all eventualities?
Have a great day. X
Sunday, 1 December 2013
December days.
Dear reader,
Wow can't believe we are so close to Christmas and the end of another year.
For most it will have been a steady year but for some the worst year of their lives.
Life is like that sometimes I think. I recall 1985 for me as being particularly horrendous. So if 2013 has been terrible for you and yours I wish you love and laughter for 2014.
Today was a leisurely but lovely day here in Bucks. Cold and sunny so the fat dog was walked as promised. He gets so excited he actually screams when I go to collect him.
We had a cheap lunch of hot dogs as I had some hot dogs rolls in the freezer that I got for 10p with fried onions and ketchup. I know they're not the greatest food and I don't even want to know whats in them but it was tasty.
I crushed 6 garlic cloves with my pestle and mortar with 3 sprigs of rosemary and half a teaspoon of rock salt. This was mixed with garlic oil and rubbed and stuffed under the skin of the leg of lamb.
I roasted it long and slow and it gifted us with a superb light crispy skin with tender moist meat that just fell off the bone.
I couldn't be bothered with all sorts of veg cooking in different pans so we peeled potatoes, carrots and a swede ( that's a lie, we is actually big man- thank you darling) chopped and par boiled and then were roasted with a dash of oil and some of the lamb fat.
There is just loads of the lamb left over, easily enough for 3 more meals each in some form so I don't feel too bad about the price.
I have been reading about different ways Christmas will be celebrated in your houses this year, or not as the case may be. For me, it's not Happy Holidays its still and will always be Merry Christmas.
We do buy presents for each other and parents. We have one of those twig trees with lights and a garland on the door, that's about it for decorations. A few cards will be sent to friends and neighbours and a nice dinner with plenty of alcohol will be consumed.
On the menu this week here will be lamb curry, (had to be in there) lasagne, perhaps some faggots and mash, lamb with piri piri mayo (AF) in some wraps with lettuce, onion and tomato and perhaps something light like omlette one evening.
I hope your day has been great and December brings you a happy close to the year.
Much love
FIB. X
Wow can't believe we are so close to Christmas and the end of another year.
For most it will have been a steady year but for some the worst year of their lives.
Life is like that sometimes I think. I recall 1985 for me as being particularly horrendous. So if 2013 has been terrible for you and yours I wish you love and laughter for 2014.
Today was a leisurely but lovely day here in Bucks. Cold and sunny so the fat dog was walked as promised. He gets so excited he actually screams when I go to collect him.
We had a cheap lunch of hot dogs as I had some hot dogs rolls in the freezer that I got for 10p with fried onions and ketchup. I know they're not the greatest food and I don't even want to know whats in them but it was tasty.
I crushed 6 garlic cloves with my pestle and mortar with 3 sprigs of rosemary and half a teaspoon of rock salt. This was mixed with garlic oil and rubbed and stuffed under the skin of the leg of lamb.
I roasted it long and slow and it gifted us with a superb light crispy skin with tender moist meat that just fell off the bone.
I couldn't be bothered with all sorts of veg cooking in different pans so we peeled potatoes, carrots and a swede ( that's a lie, we is actually big man- thank you darling) chopped and par boiled and then were roasted with a dash of oil and some of the lamb fat.
There is just loads of the lamb left over, easily enough for 3 more meals each in some form so I don't feel too bad about the price.
I have been reading about different ways Christmas will be celebrated in your houses this year, or not as the case may be. For me, it's not Happy Holidays its still and will always be Merry Christmas.
We do buy presents for each other and parents. We have one of those twig trees with lights and a garland on the door, that's about it for decorations. A few cards will be sent to friends and neighbours and a nice dinner with plenty of alcohol will be consumed.
On the menu this week here will be lamb curry, (had to be in there) lasagne, perhaps some faggots and mash, lamb with piri piri mayo (AF) in some wraps with lettuce, onion and tomato and perhaps something light like omlette one evening.
I hope your day has been great and December brings you a happy close to the year.
Much love
FIB. X
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Just a quickie
Dear reader,
Just a quickie to say thank you for all your comments and concern about my sore mouth. I am back home in Bucks now and the sore is almost gone. Boy it did hurt though, it felt like a bad burn.
I will be up the doctors immediately if not healed by Monday morning.
Sorry for my grumpiness and to any doctors receptionists out there, I'm sure you are lovely.
I haven't smoked now since Tuesday afternoon, cold turkey and am pleased with myself. Big man is still smoking but down to about 6 a day. He stinks!
I cooked a quick chicken curry tonight and did some onion bhajis with a mix from Approved Foods.
The make was by the chef from Saturday morning kitchen, Simon Rimmer. What a name!
I discovered a shop last week called B and M, a bit like an upmarket (ish) pound land with lots of food bargains. Loved it! I got a few things that I normally pay a lot more for.
Sink unblocker-usually costs me about £3 that was 99p. Fire lighters 59p for 15, tamarind paste 59p. Loads of other food stuffs at similar prices to AF.
Pleased to see FQ has moved in. It's always nice to get unpacked and relaxed. A few other bloggers are moving too, good luck to you all. X
I used to read a blog that I enjoyed, mainly because the blogger cooked a lot and I like that too.
It was called Frugal up North. I tried to contact her but to no avail. I wondered if anyone knew if she just stopped or changed name?
We will have a quiet Sunday. Roast lamb will be slowly cooked and we may take a drive in the country and possibly walk the fat dog for the neighbour. She has moved so we have to go and collect him now. He's only 3 but huge- such a shame. Yes, yes I have tried with the owner but no joy.
Hope to be back with some cooking pics tomorrow and Karen CC, I miss your recipes! Hope you are well.
Much love,
Non smoking
Less grumpy
Still in debt
Slightly tubby (fat)
But happy
FIB. X
Just a quickie to say thank you for all your comments and concern about my sore mouth. I am back home in Bucks now and the sore is almost gone. Boy it did hurt though, it felt like a bad burn.
I will be up the doctors immediately if not healed by Monday morning.
Sorry for my grumpiness and to any doctors receptionists out there, I'm sure you are lovely.
I haven't smoked now since Tuesday afternoon, cold turkey and am pleased with myself. Big man is still smoking but down to about 6 a day. He stinks!
I cooked a quick chicken curry tonight and did some onion bhajis with a mix from Approved Foods.
The make was by the chef from Saturday morning kitchen, Simon Rimmer. What a name!
I discovered a shop last week called B and M, a bit like an upmarket (ish) pound land with lots of food bargains. Loved it! I got a few things that I normally pay a lot more for.
Sink unblocker-usually costs me about £3 that was 99p. Fire lighters 59p for 15, tamarind paste 59p. Loads of other food stuffs at similar prices to AF.
Pleased to see FQ has moved in. It's always nice to get unpacked and relaxed. A few other bloggers are moving too, good luck to you all. X
I used to read a blog that I enjoyed, mainly because the blogger cooked a lot and I like that too.
It was called Frugal up North. I tried to contact her but to no avail. I wondered if anyone knew if she just stopped or changed name?
We will have a quiet Sunday. Roast lamb will be slowly cooked and we may take a drive in the country and possibly walk the fat dog for the neighbour. She has moved so we have to go and collect him now. He's only 3 but huge- such a shame. Yes, yes I have tried with the owner but no joy.
Hope to be back with some cooking pics tomorrow and Karen CC, I miss your recipes! Hope you are well.
Much love,
Non smoking
Less grumpy
Still in debt
Slightly tubby (fat)
But happy
FIB. X
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Doctors surgery-humpffff
Dear reader,
I always seem to get the miserable, unhelpful old bag in the doctors and today here in Sandwich was no different. Always negative, negative, negative.
Ooh you're a bit late
I'm not sure if the doctor will see you now
We need you to fillin some forms
I'm not sure we can fit you in now
I turned on my heel and said I would seems own doctor in a few day.
She then said, " Oh, if you're sure"
If I'm sure? Well you didn't fill me with much hope of seeing the doctors here.
What really pissess me off is that if it was a private surgery/clinic and you had to pay they would be falling over themselves to be nice to you.
Because its the NHS they treat you like dirt.
Is anyone here a doctors receptionist? Please restore my faith as all the ones I've ever met are supercilious, miserable old cows. I've always put it down to them being so bloody ugly!
That feels much better now.
Humpffff.
X
I always seem to get the miserable, unhelpful old bag in the doctors and today here in Sandwich was no different. Always negative, negative, negative.
Ooh you're a bit late
I'm not sure if the doctor will see you now
We need you to fillin some forms
I'm not sure we can fit you in now
I turned on my heel and said I would seems own doctor in a few day.
She then said, " Oh, if you're sure"
If I'm sure? Well you didn't fill me with much hope of seeing the doctors here.
What really pissess me off is that if it was a private surgery/clinic and you had to pay they would be falling over themselves to be nice to you.
Because its the NHS they treat you like dirt.
Is anyone here a doctors receptionist? Please restore my faith as all the ones I've ever met are supercilious, miserable old cows. I've always put it down to them being so bloody ugly!
That feels much better now.
Humpffff.
X
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
My latest favourite ingredient.
Dear reader,
Hello to new followers-brilliant!
I haven't smoked all day, am well chuffed and pleased with myself. I have to be honest, I have a large sore begind my top tooth. A bit like when you really burn your mouth with a hot drink.
To be honest I am a bit scared that it might be something bad and it has given me a huge jolt to quit- again.
It's been so painful ice bought Bonjella and special mouth wash.
I am spening a few days at my mums. She hates me smoking so that's another good reason.
I brought a home made lasagne with me for dinner. I often find that my homemade ones aren't as saucy as the shop ones and I do like a bit of sauce.
My new favourite ingredient-Chorizo. Not the packet sliced ones but the whole sausage shaped ones.
They are slightly spicy and a bit smoky. They produce a superb flavoured oil when lightly fried after being sliced.
Today I cut them in half length ways and then sliced them so I had quarter chunks. Then I fried them and once I had extracted their smoky, lovely oil I added sliced mushrooms. Then I added a tin of tomatoes. I heard once that if you use whole tomatoes instead of chopped, tinned ones you should allow them to cook first, then chop them up to prevent them being bitter.
I added a sweetener tablet, black pepper and a squirt of tomato ketchup. Then I left to simmer for 30 mins.
It makes a great rich sauce. Perfect for just pouring over plain pasta. You only need use a small amount of chorizo and you can use the remaining chorizo on pizzas or add it to shepherds pie, lasagnes, sausage and bean casseroles. I love it!
It's also nice sliced and lightly fried with a few prawns or scallops thrown in for a special starter. I like to serve them over a lightly toasted slice of crusty bread that I have rubbed with garlic.
Only for a special treat though.
Do you have any go to ingredients that you add? I love the way it changes the taste of a meal subtly but so deliciously.
My mum has requested faggots befor I go home so will make a load of them and possibly a curry for her freezer.
Any other ideas for good to freeze meals?
Hope you are all well.
Much love. X
Hello to new followers-brilliant!
I haven't smoked all day, am well chuffed and pleased with myself. I have to be honest, I have a large sore begind my top tooth. A bit like when you really burn your mouth with a hot drink.
To be honest I am a bit scared that it might be something bad and it has given me a huge jolt to quit- again.
It's been so painful ice bought Bonjella and special mouth wash.
I am spening a few days at my mums. She hates me smoking so that's another good reason.
I brought a home made lasagne with me for dinner. I often find that my homemade ones aren't as saucy as the shop ones and I do like a bit of sauce.
My new favourite ingredient-Chorizo. Not the packet sliced ones but the whole sausage shaped ones.
They are slightly spicy and a bit smoky. They produce a superb flavoured oil when lightly fried after being sliced.
Today I cut them in half length ways and then sliced them so I had quarter chunks. Then I fried them and once I had extracted their smoky, lovely oil I added sliced mushrooms. Then I added a tin of tomatoes. I heard once that if you use whole tomatoes instead of chopped, tinned ones you should allow them to cook first, then chop them up to prevent them being bitter.
I added a sweetener tablet, black pepper and a squirt of tomato ketchup. Then I left to simmer for 30 mins.
It makes a great rich sauce. Perfect for just pouring over plain pasta. You only need use a small amount of chorizo and you can use the remaining chorizo on pizzas or add it to shepherds pie, lasagnes, sausage and bean casseroles. I love it!
It's also nice sliced and lightly fried with a few prawns or scallops thrown in for a special starter. I like to serve them over a lightly toasted slice of crusty bread that I have rubbed with garlic.
Only for a special treat though.
Do you have any go to ingredients that you add? I love the way it changes the taste of a meal subtly but so deliciously.
My mum has requested faggots befor I go home so will make a load of them and possibly a curry for her freezer.
Any other ideas for good to freeze meals?
Hope you are all well.
Much love. X
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