Just curious who else is living super frugal

[Stumpy]

HeatherLynn, stick to your principles. It will be worth it in the long run.

I cut up the pumpkin before I put it in.

 

[seamsewnice]

I once heard a talk, food for thought: regarding children and so called "quality" time, there isn't such a thing. Think of sitting down to a meal with a tiny piece of steak and your guests ask where is the meat and you tell them it's "quality" piece and that is all they get, they leave the table with empty stomachs. Children need all the time you can give them not bits and pieces. They will appreciate it more than any other gift you can give them! You don't want them to leave the nest on 'empty'.

 

[galanie]

HAHAHA A tiny bit of "quality" food on the plate is what I used to see "fancy" chefs make all the time. And I wondered who would ever leave the table satisfied on a few sprigs of greens decorating a tiny bit of meat.

But you're right! Never thought of it that way but kids need "quantity" time more than a little bit of "quality" time.

 

[ScottnLydia]

HAHAHA A tiny bit of "quality" food on the plate is what I used to see "fancy" chefs make all the time. And I wondered who would ever leave the table satisfied on a few sprigs of greens decorating a tiny bit of meat.
But you're right! Never thought of it that way but kids need "quantity" time more than a little bit of "quality" time.

You know, I'm going to have to disagree with you guys on that one, sorry. Kids need both quality AND quality! I have seen too many cases first hand of parents that were there all the time, but weren't 'there' for the kids. Or parents that are just plain abusive.

I know that in my former life I saw some of the worst side of mankind, I also grew up witha mom that was at home. Now there was a woman that could take her rage out on her kids! Still got scars.

No, there should be both time, and it should be quality. Just talking to them, engaging with them occasionally. Taking a day, to do something special, like going to lunch, who knows? Give them boundaries, see that they stick to them, listen to their fears and dreams, wipe their tears and make them laugh. That's quality time. Give 'em all they want! They'll love ya for it.

~S

 

[MamaRoo]

Yep. A day watching TV together is not the same as two hours spent doing a project together on the floor.

 

[newfoundland]

Pumpkins reduced to 50 pence each here following halloween. I bought a few, as I know they keep well, and have outlined a few recipes to 'himself' for his approval. Don't think he's awfully impressed with the threat of regular bowls of pumpkin soup for lunch but at those prices I just had to buy them. it would have been rude not to!

 

[ScottnLydia]

Pumpkins reduced to 50 pence each here following halloween. I bought a few, as I know they keep well, and have outlined a few recipes to 'himself' for his approval. Don't think he's awfully impressed with the threat of regular bowls of pumpkin soup for lunch but at those prices I just had to buy them. it would have been rude not to!

Don't forget, it cans quite nicely for longer storage so that he, himself, needn't eat it everyday. Also, the seeds make a wonderful snack when cleaned of goo, roasted with a little oil 'til 'bulgy' (like they're swollen) and slightly brown. Salt them lightly while they're still warm, then let them cool for a very nutritious snack.

Also chickens (and livestock if you have any) love them, or any waste parts thereof.

~S

 

[kuntrygirl]

Pumpkins reduced to 50 pence each here following halloween. I bought a few, as I know they keep well, and have outlined a few recipes to 'himself' for his approval. Don't think he's awfully impressed with the threat of regular bowls of pumpkin soup for lunch but at those prices I just had to buy them. it would have been rude not to!

Pumpkin soup? I've never had that. Can you share the recipe?

 

[newfoundland]

My recipe is very basic Kuntrygirl but you are welcome to share it. I cut up and peeled about half a medium sized pumpkin, or as much as will half fill your pan. One onion finely chopped. One carrot peeled and chopped. Spices i added are quarter teaspoon cumin, little less smoked paprika, similar amount of ground ginger. You could add chilli for more spice. Almost cover the vegetables with water/stock, add salt and pepper to taste and simmer gently until everything is tender (about 40 minutes). Mash or blend leaving a few larger pieces. The traditional way to serve it in Europe is with a swirl of sour cream/yoghurt and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!

 

[newfoundland]

ScottnLydia, i have tried roasting pumpkin seeds before but the outside shell is so hard it is inedible. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to peel them first?