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January Storecupboard Challenge

It’s January. Christmas and New Year seem but a distant memory, and most of us were paid early from the day jobs, or haven’t had much income from our own businesses due to the festive break, and there’s all the Christmas and New Year cash haemorrhaging that happens when you’re somehow not paying attention. (Or is that just me? One minute I’m in control of my finances and next, boom, I’m teetering on the edge of exceeding my overdraft…)

medium_68576640 Image courtesy of dogwelder, via Photopin

In an attempt to avoid bankrupting myself in supermarkets, or giving yet more of my money to Ocado (who are great, and reasonable, and save me throwing unnecessary offers into my basket, but do have a minimum order which I can’t currently justify), I thought I’d try a Storecupboard Challenge.

This unimaginatively titled challenge involves trying to cook from my fridge, freezer and storecupboards without adding to them during this month (essentially, until 28th January which is payday). I’m allowing myself trips to the uni shops for essentials (bread, milk, eggs, frozen veg).  The intention is to both save money and release some space in my freezer for lovely things I’ll be making later in the year!

So far I have used up the remaining burgers (one beef, one beef with chili, one pork and apple – very nice too), some sweet potatoes, microwave rice and made a pork & cider casserole in the slow cooker, which is well on its way to doing three meals. My parents fed me on Saturday and I made chicken and tarragon spaghetti last night, with (almost)homemade rosemary and garlic rolls. And managed to make some cakes to take over to Mum & Dad’s on Saturday too! 

Next up – watch this space!

*I’m also trying to get a bit more control over my finances full stop – but won’t bore you with the details!!

Treat roundup…

I need a better title for my links collections – like Kate’s Stuff From All Over… Anyway, here are some lovely and/or useful things I’ve spotted in my internet travellings this week, before I disappear into radio silence for Julia and Ed’s wedding!

Gingerbread ice cream sandwiches – perfect for a summer dinner party dessert. Yes, I know it doesn’t feel like summer yet – I live in hope though!

Intriguing article on the daily commute – from the States, but just as relevant here, I think. I disagree with their 10 minutes theory though – my commute is among the longest of the people I know but I think I’m probably one of the most social!

MakeShiftSociety – Rena Tom’s new venture in San Francisco. I love this, it’s something I’ve wanted to do in Chelmsford with the old Law Library building for a long time. I wish her every success!

London Pin Up School is coming… subscribe here

Corsets UK are offering a free boudoir shoot if you use one of their corsets in it so they can choose an image to use on the website…

Gorgeous looking garlic butter tilapia recipe (which you can replace with cod or any white fish if you prefer)

Naomi’s white chocolate frozen raspberries. I am reliably informed they’re sinfully good, and will be trying them the moment I’m home from the wedding!

Strangely accurate horoscopes from astrostyle.com

Amy Butler patterns at Backstitch – I really need to learn to sew from a pattern

The O2 business centre at Tottenham Court Road where our course was held a few weeks ago – it’s a great space and can be used by anyone

Webstagram for viewing Instagram feeds on your computer.

Have a fabulous week lovelies!

xx