HEALTHY SMOOTHIE: CARROT, GINGER & PINEAPPLE, healthy

Carrot juice with ginger was probably the first real fresh juice most of us experienced; here's a twist on the classic...

Balanced Smoothies: Carrot, ginger and pineapple 

Carrot and fresh ginger go together beautifully in a drink; pineapple and fresh ginger make a great team in a hot fruit compote or upside down cake.

The three ingredients together make a gorgeously coloured pastel smoothie with surprising heat and sweetness - in a good way! 

It's well-balanced, with veg and protein tempering the sweetness, yet offers delicious,cool and rounded flavours.  

Cost: pennies
Serves: 1

Ingred:
   1/2 cup grated carrot
   1/2 cup fresh frozen pineapple OR drained tinned, chilled
   1-2 tablespoons grated ginger (the drink really needs a good amount of it)
   1 tsp-1 tbsp unsweetened plain yoghurt OR silken tofu
   1 tbsp oatmeal with a few nuts
   1/2 cup water

Method:

1. Whizz all ingredients in blender until very smooth; if not using frozen pineapple, replace water with 1/2 cup ice
2. Pour into a glass

Tip:

• Add half a small apple for another layer of flavour
• glass from Morrisons, £1.50 each or 4 for £4 but check the glasses; some can have wonky rims

                                       More drinks at Recipes/Drinks on NavBar ...

Do you have questions on recipes, cooking techniques or life in general? Pls  email b67goingon50@yahoo.co.uk & say if they can be included in the blog                                         

This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.   

7-MINUTE PORK & PINEAPPLE NOODLES , healthy, vegan option

When the body's demanding carbs, this Almost-Instant meal makes a healthy, satisfying dish 

Stir Fried Noodles with Pork and Mixed Vegetables
'Love the combo of pineapple, pork, veg & noodles; I'd have this again' Retired writer

Stir fries are the classic go-to dish when time is of the essence and the tummy is complaining loudly.  This multi-textured, multi-favoured noodle dish - unusual in that pineapple tempers the sweetness of pork - takes only minutes.  

It's versatile.  Add chilli or not as you like.  If there are no noodles to hand, serve with steamed white rice.  67 used leftover roast pork 'cause that's what was in the fridge but chicken will be fine, as will firm tofu.  Lightly poached pork or chicken mince meatballs is another option.  Raw meat can also be used but will obviously take longer to cook.   Beef, however, doesn't really go well with pineapple.   

The packaged mixed veg (carrots, tender stem broccoli & mange toute, all in one packet and virtually ready) saves  time.  It's the perfect mix but tinned corn can be added and/or small cauliflower florets or green beans or baby tomatoes.

Whatever; the dish will please with its lovely layers of flavour.

Cost: £1. 25 upwards, depending on whether you have to buy meat
Feeds: 1 but multiplies easily

Ingred:
   1 nest of med egg noodles, dried
   1 80gm/2.8oz package mixed veg (tender stem broccoli, carrot sticks, mange tout)
   100-200 gm/3.5-7oz thinly sliced leftover roast pork or chicken/firm tofu OR raw pork or chicken
    a handful frozen fresh pineapple wedges (67 has bags of fresh pineapple in the freezer) or equiv drained, tinned
   1/8-1/4 tsp chilli flakes or half a small chilli, de-seeded and finely diced (opt)
   1-2 tablespoons corn or rice flour (the higher the amount, the thicker the gravy)
   1-2 tbsp dry sherry (opt)  
   1 tbsp reduced salt soy sauce (Amoy or Pearl River Bridge) 
   water

Garnish: 1 green onion, finely sliced (opt)
  
Method:

1. Pour boiling water over noodles in a bowl; leave 5 minutes
2. Pare off bottoms of tenderstem broccoli, cut carrots in two vertically, de-string mange tout
3. Mix corn or rice flour with sherry, soy sauce and a few tablespoons cold water to form a slurry; set aside
4. Heat a large pan over high heat; add broccoli, carrots & cauliflower if using with a couple of tablespoons of water; cover, leave 2 mins or until nearly done
5. Decant into a bowl with any remaining liquid
6. Spray pan lightly with veg oil (not olive; peanut/groundnut oil is good)
7. Stir fry mange tout & green beans, if using, about a minute or until bright green; set aside with other veg
8. Reduce heat to med high; spray lightly with oil, add meat, leave until bottom is brown & crusty; flip and add veg & liquid plus pineapple; fry, scraping up bits on the bottom, stirring for a min or so
9. Drain noodles
10. Add cornflour slurry to the pan; stir; add up to a quarter cup of water, depending on how thick you like your gravy
11. Stir in noodles; mix thoroughly; serve
12. Garnish with finely sliced green onion (opt) 

Tips:

• if pineapple is not your thing, replace with orange segments or leave it out
• for information on Asian Noodles, see How to...Use Your Noodle/s

Please leave a Comment in the box below

These recipes have  been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.

HOW TO...EAT HEALTHILY WHEN CAMPAIGNING

Courtesy of News Thump  and licensed for reuse
 under this Creative Commons Licence

Ok occasionally but eat the veg!
 Courtesy the Guardian licensed for 
reuse under the Creative Commons licence

Elections are a hellish time for political activists trying to stay healthy while working ungodly hours.

There will be continual scrambles for food and unless you're disciplined or have the time for menu planning, meals can be disastrous for the waistline, not to mention the heart.

67 has been through one general election and two local elections and found these principles helpful:

1. increase protein  - you need it for brain work
2. increase intake of veg & fruit
3. have some carbs but don't overload on them
4. don't worry too much about good fats (see near top of editorial); they're needed to lubricate brain cells
5. treats are fine but keep portions small and exercise restraint; someone nearly always brings in more goodies the next day 
6. there will be occasions when the weight is falling off; when that happens, go with the flow and eat what you like!

A few other tips:

Preparation

• if you can, use the weekends to prepare and stock up on food which will make quick healthy portable meals.  Ask your mum or a  friend to help. 

• cook: ham hock, poached or roast chicken, brown rice, white rice, chilli.  Freeze in one-portion packets ( in sealable sandwich bags; portion size: 2-4oz/60-115gm for laydeez; 6-8oz/170-225gm, blokes)

• buy for the freezer/cupboard: frozen peas, corn niblets, tins of tuna and sardines, smoked mackerel

• buy as back-up: chicken thighs; either freeze individually OR cook (Tuscan Lemon Chicken) then freeze

• have on hand dressing ingredients: olive oil, Dijon & wholegrain mustard, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic and unsweetened plain yoghurt  

• spring, autumn,winter: make chunky soups; freeze in portable containers (see Big Chicken/Beef Soups)

• summer: make gazpachos, transport in thermos or portable cup

Sandwiches (See Skinny Sandwiches)

• Use TWICE the amount of filling you would normally use; sometimes a sandwich will be all you have time for

• Slice bread thinly; spread lightly with butter to the edges 

• If using fillings with mayo, line both slices of bread with dry lettuce to stop the filling making the sandwich soggy 

• If there is a canteen in the building, ask the manager if it's possible to fill the out-of-hours vending machine with sandwiches containing a double portion of filling (priced accordingly)

• A cheese sandwich is ok occasionally but add salad and thinly sliced apple or halved grapes

If caught on the hop

• when buying sandwiches, go for: wholemeal bread if poss, good protein plus salad or veg as filling e.g. hummus and carrot on wholemeal, chicken and salad on brown.  If you're worried about carbs, remove one slice of bread and have a half sandwich with double the filling

• tinned thick soups by reputable producers like Baxters, M&S or a trusted supermarket own-brand can be stored in a desk drawer for emergencies. 

• wraps/burritos are good but can have a lot of mayo & cheese

• sushi is lovely - if expensive - but go easy on the soy sauce

• pizza is fine occasionally but avoid stuffed crusts

• Chinese take out: ask for steamed rice; avoid sweet gloopy sauces 

Drinks

Tea and coffee are great for an energy burst but also try Balanced Smoothies (in the Drinks Section of Recipes on the Nav Bar) and these soothing and reviving drinks:

• Jasmine & Mint tea 
• Root ginger tea

Keep Nutrients Levels High

• Have a good breakfast.  A full English is perfect once a week and you won't get hungry 'til mid-afternoon.  
• Otherwise, try:

1. poached eggs with wholemeal toast, mushrooms & tomatoes 
2. Shakshuska (eggs poached in tomatoes & peppers) with w/m toast 
3. a wrap with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, avocado & a sprinkle of chilli
4. croissant stuffed with scrambled egg, mushrooms and ham

After a good breakfast, if lunch is delayed you should be ok for a few hours. Consider working through lunch & taking your break at teatime; it ought to be quieter.  

Other Tips:

• Form a cabal of 4 or 5 people and take turns providing lunch for each other; £1.50 each into a pool will buy the makings of a great meal  

• A tin of drained rinsed pulses, a tin of drained tuna and a container of M&S antipasti (sun-blush toms, artichoke hearts and olives) will feed 4 for £6 

• Freeze broths/stock in portable containers; take them to work for staving off hunger pangs 

• If mealtimes are delayed, don't be afraid to tell your boss that you need a 10-minute break; overdoing it could be devastating physically; you'll be no use to anyone then.  Eat something easy to digest: stock/soup/smoothie  but make sure your break is only ten minutes.  

• Invest in a lightweight stick blender to keep at work (the cheapest are about £12 and come with their own plastic beaker) for making smoothies 

• Invest in a nest of tough plastic lidded boxes (about £12 for 3 - 67's came from M&S ) for salads and sandwiches 

Please leave a Comment in the box below

                                         

B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

HOW TO...DO TREATS FOR POLITICAL VOLUNTEERS

Political Volunteers will love any of the above! 
Courtesy of Pinterest News  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Only offer to do treats if your political agent agrees and, most importantly, your  baking usually gets a good response.  

It is perfectly in order for the ward/constituency to cover the costs of ingredients but some bakers are happy to cover some or all the cost as their contribution to the political effort.  

When planning, preparing and presenting treats for volunteers, these tips may help:

• Bring plenty of napkins

• Unless you are staying for the duration, remind the organiser to collect the storage boxes and return them to the constituency office for pick-up later

• Keep portions small

• Don't make the goods too far in advance; fresh is best.  That said, some items can be made the day before they're needed and will taste absolutely great; others need to be made on the day (See list below)

• 2-3 different items will make most stalls happy; if a big crowd is expected, 4 items should do it

• Don't do it all the work yourself; enlist help.  Even if helpers can't bake they can help pack and carry things.

• Getting the stuff to and from the location will be your biggest problem. Unless there's someone to drive you to the designation (often people are too busy), you'll need extra-large carrier bags

• Cookies are ok on their own in a box or tin, stored flat or in oblique stacks.  Each layer should be separated with a large piece of greaseproof paper & a paper napkin. 

• With cake/bar portions, nestle each piece in a slightly flattened paper cupcake liner; it'll be easier for people to separate one piece from the rest. 

• Pack the treats in plastic storage boxes with lids.  Large ones cost about £3 each (Morrisons) and will take several layers of biscuits or bars. The lids are airtight and will stop the baked goods drying out -- some volunteers will take a treat before they set off; others will come back later.  You don't want the goods to be horrible after a few hours.  You'll probably need help to get the wretched lids off, though.

• Cupcakes are more difficult to carry unless funds are available for a cupcake holder.  If storing in a box, 67 advises not using buttercream icing but melted baking chocolate (£1/150gm from Morrisons) mixed with a little milk.  Dip the top of the cupcakes into the chocolate or drizzle it with a spoon; the icing hardens as it cools.  It's then possible to layer the cupcakes in a box with a sheet of greaseproof paper and a couple of serviettes in between.  PS don't make your cupcakes too big; a medium sized cupcake liner 3/4 full is about right.

• Big cakes with gorgeous icing are wonderful because they go so much further than a cupcake.  A 9inch x 12inch/25cmx30cm pan will provide 32 pieces.  Each needs to go into a flattened cupcake liner.  The pieces are a drag to transport as they have to stay in one layer.  Either use a storage box OR the container they were baked in.  

67's most popular treats 

Bake the day before:

Beatty's Glorious Chocolate Cake  Indulgent for sure 
Oatmeal & Date Bars, very popular

Sensational Spicy Ginger Cookies, guys love 'em
Chocolate Shortbread, Easy-peasy
Breakfast Muffins, Healthiest, prep the day before; bake on the day
Chocolate Chip Thins, make-ahead; dough can be frozen for a week
Hot Choco-Nutella Brownie, prep-ahead knock-out indulgence 
Swedish Plum Cake, the plums make it but peaches/nectarines will do
Plum & Walnut Streusel Cake, very popular
Triple Chocolate Truffle Brownies, bellisimo!

Bake on the day
Easy-peasy chocolate cake or cupcakes, one bowl; kids can make it
Mocha Mini-Sponges
Cheese & Chive Savoury Biscuits
Super Choco-Hazelnut Mini-Volcano Cakes a Skinnier Indulgence
Lighter Chocolate Cupcakes, lots of healthy ingredients; great taste
Peanut Butter 'n' Jam Kisses: Low-guilt delight, kid-friendly
Guys' food: Peanut Cookies a la Nigella: my guys loved em

Triple Chocolate & Cointreau shortbread
Walnut & Cinnamon Twists

Also see Recipes (on Nav Bar): Bakery/Cakes


B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

MOCHA MINI-SPONGES, an Indulgence

Fabulous, utterly delicious and beautifully textured cupcakes adapted from Nigel Slater.  

Mocha Mini-Sponges, one of 67's favourite bake sale/volunteers treats
'I don't normally like cupcakes but I love these.  They are just the right size.' 
30-something local councillor candidate

Nigel Slater chose his gorgeous Coffee and Walnut cake as his final meal. While 67 wouldn't go that far, his recipe has provoked delight and pleasure many times.

The ones pictured haven't any walnuts and the icing has been topped off by blueberries but apart from that, the recipe is pure Nigel - rich and yummy. Big-time.

67 has often made this recipe for the Marie Curie charity cake sale and it is the first to go.

Cost: £2
Makes:  24 small cupcakes 

 Equipment: 

 


mini cupcake tin, holes 3/4 inch/2cm deep
small cupcake liners






Ingred:
    175gm/just over 6oz room temperature butter
    175gm/just over 6oz caster sugar
    3 eggs lightly beaten
    175gm/just over 6oz self-raising flour
    1 tsp baking powder
    2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
   

   Icing
   100 gm/3 1/2oz butter, very soft
   200 gm/7oz icing sugar, less 2 tablespoons 
   2 tablespoons cocoa (not drinking chocolate)
   1 tsp coffee granules dissolved in 1/2 tbsp hot water
   1 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until almost white; it will take a few mins using electric beaters or a stand alone mixer
2. Add lightly beaten eggs little by little, beating well after every addition
3. Mix flour and baking powder; add gradually on slow until just blended
4. Stir in coffee with a metal spoon
5. Preheat oven to 350f/180c/170 fan
6. Line cupcake tins with medium paper cups; fill 3/4 full.
7. Bake 20 mins
8. Rest on baking rack 5 mins then remove from tin and leave on baking rack to cool completely before icing
9. Icing: Beat butter, icing sugar & cocoa together until fluffy; add coffee and vanilla, blend

Tips 

• using dry coffee granules instead of mixing them with water gave the delicate sponges a beautiful and intriguing flavour 
• 67 has also made this cake in a 9x 13 inch tin but extend cooking time to 30-40 mins or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean
• it can also be made in two sandwich tins

Nigel Slater's Last Meal The Guardian 2003                                                                     
                                                                             
                                                                       More cakes, go to Recipes I on NavBar ...

Please leave a comment in the box below...

This recipe has been adapted by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without acknowledgement or in any restaurant without written permission

OATMEAL DATE & ORANGE BARS, Healthier Indulgence, Egg-free, Wheat-free option

A blast from the past

Oatmeal, Date & Orange Bars lol in
'These were very popular with our volunteers.  They were just the right side of sweet.  A superior flapjack!' Political Agent

These oatmeal and date bars were a favourite in school lunch boxes in Canada.  Because they're so easy to make and so good for you, they would follow kids through university, into early adulthood and eventually to parenthood.  

They're probably a bit unfashionable now but oats themselves have been labelled a wonder food, helping to lower cholesterol and maintain fibre levels. 

That said, the Oatmeal, Date & Orange Bars are an indulgence - dried fruit packs in a lot of sugar.  They do, though, give a good energy boost after intense physical activity.  Keep portions small; 67 got 32 portions (4 horizontal rows x 8 vertical rows) out of an 8x12 inch (20x30cm) tin.   

The bars will keep in an air-tight container for a week but frankly eating them on the day they are baked is an experience not to be missed. 

Cost: £3.50
Feeds: 24-32

Ingred: (67 used English cup measures)
  10.5-12oz/300-340g pitted dates, chopped coarsely
   1 c water, incl juice 

of 1 orange
   1 tsp vanilla 
   2 tbsp - 1/3 cup sugar (opt)
   
   zest med orange

   1 1/2 cup rolled oats or Uber Granola
   1 1/2 cups plain flour (sifted); wheat or spelt is fine
   1/4 tsp salt
   3/4 tsp baking soda
   2/3-1 cup light brown sugar

   5 3/4 oz/165g butter, softened or vegan alternative

Method:

1. Pour boiling water over dates to remove preservatives; leave for 2 mins; drain
2. If necessary, remove pips and the tough stalk
3. Bring dates, water, orange juice, vanilla & sugar if using to the boil; turn down heat; simmer until mix is thick, gloopy and the dates have nearly broken down (maybe 10-15 mins, depending on how 'dry' the original dates are).  This step can be done a day in advance. 

BLUEBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE SQUARES, a (slightly) healthier indulgence, one-bowl wonder

Ticks all the boxes: sweet but not overly so, full of blueberries and zucchini, made with wholemeal flour and a one-bowl wonder

White Chocolate & Blueberry Squares, healthier than they look (Stock Photo)
'Absolutely gorgeous; sweet, moist and fruity.' Taster

Cost: £2.50
Makes: 20

Ingred: (67 used English cup measures)
   4oz/115gm unsalted butter
   3.5oz/100g white baking chocolate
   scant 1 cup sugar 
   1 c shredded courgette/zucchini, patted dry with paper towels
   2 tsp vanilla
   2 medium eggs 
   1 1/4 cups wholemeal spelt or other flour
   1/4 tsp salt
   2/3 cup blueberries, lightly floured 
   
Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350f/180c/170fan;gas3; line a 8x10 inch (20x25cm) pan or equiv with greaseproof paper
2. Melt butter & chocolate in a large bowl in the microwave at 30 second intervals until the chocolate has nearly completely melted OR over but not touching simmering water in a saucepan
3. Take bowl off heat  
4. Add sugar; whisk (manpower is fine but portable electric beaters are better)
5. Add zucchini & vanilla ; stir well
6. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition
7. Stir together flour & salt; add and beat until just blended
8. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the pan; scatter blueberries over; cover with rest of the batter
9. Bake 40 mins or until a toothpick in the centre comes out nearly dry

Comment:
'They were absolutely gorgeous!  They were really moist and with lots of fruit.' Young middle-aged butcher.
'They were good; I liked every aspect of them.' Older (understated) butcher

  Inspired by Eating Well
                                                                             More squares on NavBar: Recipes 1/Baking...

Please leave a comment in the box below

This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission. 

GINGER TEA, Cure for overindulgence, No-low-sugar fizzy drink,

Great for a dicky tummy or for refreshing no-sugar drinks

Ginger Tea, both medicinal and refreshing 

This lovely drink using fresh ginger root is both medicinal and refreshing.  It can be used to treat stomachs unsettled by overindulgence.  It's great for nausea or motion sickness, reduces inflammations and makes a lovely warm throat-soother for hacking coughs.   

But it is also a refresher.  Use it as a base/cordial, adding plain or fizzy water, for a low-no-sugar thirst quencher.  Or mix with alcohol for a sophisticated cocktail (Cointreau Ginger Fizz).

And, by the way, it has no cholesterol or calories unless sweetener is added.

The traditional way of making Ginger tea involves a lot of steeping and cooking to make a paste. This 67 version is much simpler. 

Cost: pennies

Serves: 2 as a drink; many in cordial or cocktails

Ingred:

   1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger

   grates zest of half a lemon

  

   1 1/2 cups/300ml boiling water

   1/2-1 tbsp maple syrup, honey or sugar (opt)

Method:

1. Add ginger and lemon zest to boiling water
2. Cover; let it sit 10 mins
3. Strain
4. Add sweetener if using
5. Drink warm, diluted with a mix of 1/3 to 1/2 water
6. Or cool and refrigerate

Tips:

• For a change, add 1/8 tsp cinnamon or fresh mint
• How to...use Fresh Ginger Root explains how to buy and use ginger root

                                                                     For more DRINKS, go to Recipes on NavBar ...

Do you have questions on recipes, cooking techniques or life in general? Pls email b67goingon50@yahoo.co.uk  by copying the address.  Please indicate if you don't want your comments in the blog.  

This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission. 

IOH2: ROTISSERIE CHICKEN/BELLY PORK WITH NOODLES, Quick & Easy, Healthy & Delicious

Like takeaways without the prices with a little help from supermarket/deli friends
*IOH2 - I'm on Holiday, Too!

Rotisserie belly pork and chicken are a great treat -- we all need a little help when hunger can't or won't wait.  67goingon50 has no problem making occasional use of the cooked-for-you chickens and pork as long as they come from a reputable butcher and supermarket. 

Leftover meats can also be used in this recipe but re-heat before serving.    
  
To keep it healthy, two rules:

1. Remove the skin and all fat (if there are no cholesterol or weight issues, some skin is ok) 
2. Whatever else is served with the meat, there must be fresh vegetables 

The following noodle dishes take almost no time to prepare and should be on the table in 10 minutes. (See How to Use Your Noodle/s)


Rice Sticks with Green Beans & Crispy Pork -- an absolute stunner of a quick dish

26/9/15

1.  Cook 1 flat wheat noodle/ Ho Fun nest per person in softly boiling water 10 min.  

2.  Remove all fat from pork; shred into generous  bite-size pieces.
3.  At the 7 minute mark, add 80 gm top and tailed green beans  (or other quick cooking vegetables) per person to the noodles.
4.  When noodles and beans are ready, drain and rinse with boiling water.  Decant into a dish; lightly sprinkle noodles with oyster sauce. 
5.  Add pork pieces. Serve with oyster sauce on the side.
6. For extra flavour and crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds (opt).
7.  (Vegetarians and vegans can replace the meat with firm tofu, gently heated.)

Crispy Noodles with Cooked Chicken, Chilli Broccoli  & Gravy -- divine taste & texture contrasts 

6/10/15

1.  Pour boiling water over 1 fine or med egg noodle nest per person, leave 5 mins, drain and rinse. 

 2.  Stir-fry 80 gms tenderstem broccoli (bottoms trimmed) or other quick cooking vegetable per person 1-2 mins over high heat.  To speed up cooking, add a tbsp or two of water and cover pan.) Remove to a plate. 

3. Shred chicken into generous bite-size pieces.
4.  Either (i) make your own gravy or veggie gravy or (ii) heat ready-made chicken gravy or (iii) if you must, make a Bisto chicken gravy.  Add veg and chicken to gravy.  Keep warm.

5. Heat a good-sized frying pan and when hot, add a slick of peanut or other light vegetable oil.  Toss in noodles; arrange around the outer edge of the pan, like a doughnut, with a space in the middle. Reduce heat to med high; leave until golden brown and crispy on the bottom, checking at regular intervals that it isn't burning. (One part of your element may be hotter than another)  You are only crisping one side of the noodles. 

6.  When the noodles are ready, place a large plate on top of the pan and carefully flip it, so that the crispy noodle base is on top.  

7.  Carefully pour gravy,meat & veg mix into the middle, watching that the gravy doesn't slop over the plate edges.
8.  Serve with reduced salt soy sauce (Amoy or Pearl River Bridge) and finely diced chilli on the side

Please leave a Comment in the box below

These recipes have  been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.

HOW TO...(Part II) BUDGET WITHOUT LOSING THE WILL TO GO ON

CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION

HOW DO I ORGANISE MY OUTGOINGS?

The ideal budget?

Note: All views are the author's own.  The Blogger has no formal experience of debt counselling (except on the receiving end) but did work in finance for a time.  Details are at the end of the post.    

BACKGROUND

In Part I of How to...Budget Successfully, we saw how spending carefully leaves you with more money for bills, expenses and savings.        

In Part II, we look at How to Manage Outgoings and What to do if outgoings outstrip incomings.

TOPICS INCLUDE:  (in this order)

• Family Budgets: how to divide up your money

• 'Delayed Gratification' or Not 'having it all, Now!'

• Change of attitude for Successful Budgeting

• Philosophical musings on Money, Happiness and the value of hard work, planning, discipline & determination 

• The key to successful Budgets

1. be realistic: draw up a budget you can stick to
2. divide payments into priority and personal
3. bills and expenses come first

• Three tools for reaching budget goals

1. Banks,  including current accounts, debit cards, budget accounts and savings accounts
2. the 'Envelope' system
3. a combination of banks and envelopes

• Balanced Budgets Don't Mean Inflexible Budgets 

• I'm spending less where I can but my outgoings are still higher than my incomings 

1. Increasing Earnings
2. Professional Advice

• BE CAREFUL  

FAMILY BUDGETS: HOW TO DIVIDE UP INCOME 

50 years ago, bank managers would recommend something like the pie chart above to make the most of earnings. The idea was to install good personal finance habits.  To get used to paying for a roof over your head, feed and clothe yourself, get to work and back, have a bit of fun, establish a credit rating and build a reserve for the future.  

Today savings are a hope not an expectation. After rent and debt, the segments in the pie chart are determined by how much is left in the pot, not what a person needs or wants. 

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

Part of the problem is that - and 67 is going to go all Grumpy Old Woman here - too many people want to 'have it all, now'! The idea of waiting for something you want is no longer fashionable. In fact what's known as 'delayed gratification' is probably an unknown concept for many.  That's one of the biggest reasons why so many people get into trouble with money.  

A change of attitude may be necessary if budgeting is to be successful.

Courtesy of cartoon stock.com
 and licensed  for reuse under
 this Creative Commons Licence

Some people believe 'if banks lend me money and I can't repay, it's their problem'.  Don't be foolish; it will also be your problem.  Big time. Stop paying bills and your credit rating (how banks rank ability to pay) will be ruined; overdrafts and/or loans, and maybe even a bank account, will be impossible to come by. The 'All will be well' attitude - whether self-deceptive or airy-fairy - just won't cut it. 

Live life according to what your income is now.  Don't spend money you don't have.

If your National Savings Certificate wins you a million quid or an expected bequest comes through, change your lifestyle then. Personal finance and budgets are for reality not dreams. 

Money doesn't bring happiness; hard work, planning, determination and discipline does

It's easy to feel angry, resentful and jealous of bankers and/or friends whose families can provide financial help.   

Don't.  

'Our incomes are like our shoes; if too small, they gall and pinch us; but if too large, they cause us to stumble and to trip - John Locke'

Pic Courtesy of ratebusters.com and licensed  for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

It doesn't matter which country you live in or what political system you live under, there will ALWAYS be people who have more money than others.  (Except maybe in primitive tribes with under 25 members.)  Whether the rich deserve their money is a philosophical issue (though we are all entitled to moan).  It's not an excuse for anyone to neglect their own finances.      

We don't live in a Uptopia where 'everyone is equal in all things'.  We have to start from where we are.  That may sound unsympathetic but thankfully, it doesn't mean we are stuck forever in cash-strapped circumstances.  It's possible to improve personal finances with hard work and good ideas.  Luck and help from outside agencies also plays a role. 

Hard work, planning, determination and discipline will take you far.  Allow your dreams to spur you on to improved finances. Recognise that opportunities can  present themselves anytime, anywhere.    

Forget the idea that money brings happiness.

No one has any idea what other people's lives are like.  Many apparently well-off people live lives of utter misery.  People who earn millions can waste millions on stupid investments or bad business decisions or human frailty; they end up worse off than families on limited incomes.  Those who manage to hang on to their millions often spend their lives looking for meaning, wondering if they're loved for who they are or for their money. 

Pursued by snake-oil investment managers, fraudsters and conmen, people who have money are not immune from life's problems.  Including being the target of a one-sided class war.

Scientists have determined that five key qualities are necessary for health, wealth and success: emotional stability, determination, control, optimism and conscientiousness. People from privileged backgrounds who lack character strengths have less chance of succeeding than people from less fortunate backgrounds who are reliable and self-disciplined.   

No one is guaranteed a happy life.

Try not to be resentful that benefits systems don't help more. They are set up to prevent poverty not to provide a comfortable lifestyle.  
      
Be grown-up.  A Balanced Budget (outgoings matching incomings) will make life easier.  


THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL BUDGETS? 

A.  DRAW UP ONE YOU CAN STICK TO

1. Be realistic about what a Budget can achieve 

• The most important thing is what you can spend each month or year, not what you want to spend    
• Some personal expenses may have to be reduced or even eliminated for a time to make the Budget work

2.  Living like a pauper on a very restrictive budget is to be avoided; sooner or later, you'll give up.  
   
3.  Determination and Discipline are the keys to success with Budgets (and other areas of life).   


4.  Even a well planned Budget may need a few trial runs before it's right. Is it easy or difficult to keep to the Budget? It's a good idea to have in mind other courses of action for some payments and expenses. 

*****

Sample monthly budget for a single person on income of £15,000 a year with a small mortgage.
                                                                     £

Incomings:

                                                           

   Pension                                                      

Outgoings: 

Priority

    Bank loan                                         
    Inland Revenue back tax                   

    Council Tax                                          

    Mortgage                                          65

    Electricity                                        108 

    Food                                               180 

    Entertainment                                   40

    

Non-Priority (Personal Choice)

    TV Licence                                       14

    Broadband                                       20 

    Newspapers                                     20     

    Telephone  (paid off)                                 

     Computer (bought outright)                                       

     Broadband                                     25

     Clothes                                          20 

     Personal Grooming                         15 

     Medical (glasses etc)                       25 

     Miscellaneous: dry cleaning etc        10 

     Emergencies                                   12 

(Note: no transport costs due to Freedom Pass)

                                TOTAL OUTGOINGS             


Therefore total incomings  

                 total outgoings  

RESULT!!!

****

  B.  DIVIDE PAYMENTS INTO PRIORITY AND PERSONAL

Priority:

• Where non-payment can lead to eviction, bailiffs or court orders. Examples: rent/mortgage, debt emergencies 

• Essentials for keeping the body strong enough to earn money: food, heating, equipment, transport 

• Bills.  If debts are not repaid, they just get bigger and bigger; getting yourself debt-free becomes even harder.  Examples: loans, bills, taxes. 

• Entertainment/relaxation but only at levels appropriate to income and outgoings. Can but does not necessarily include eating out, tv, internet, treats.

Personal (non-Priority) Expenses 

Some of these may have to be reduced or even eliminated for a time to make budgeting easier later

• TV licence
• Broadband 
• Phone contract
• Clothes & Shoes 
• Make-up
• Gym membership
• Newspapers 
• Laundry & Cleaning Expenses 
• Dry-cleaning 
• Insurance 
• Repairs/Maintenance
• Luxuries, including home furnishings, presents

C.  PAY BILLS & EXPENSES IN ORDER OF PRIORITY 

Mortgages/rent, loans and bills always come before Personal (non-priority) expenses.  

D.  THREE POSSIBLE WAYS TO HELP REACH BUDGET GOALS 

1. Banks- best for those with a regular job where employers computerise payments
2. The 'envelope' system - best for those paid in cash or who are nervous about banks BUT NOT FOR THOSE WITH OR CLOSE TO SOMEONE ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR GAMBLING OR LIVING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO STRANGERS
3. A combination of the two.

E.   USE EVERY TOOL AVAILABLE  

BANKS 

Managing a Budget with a Bank requires Tools: 

1. a current account
2. a debit card
3. a Budget Account
4. a Savings Account (opt)

(These services are currently free in the UK but are there are rumblings that banks may soon start charging for holding your money.  The International Monetary Fund recently recommended they do so.)

1.  A Current Account
     
Income from your employer goes into this account automatically by computer.  From this account, you can pay bills and withdraw money.  If there isn't enough money in your account, it won't pay your bills or allow you to withdraw money.  

2. Direct Debits and Standing Orders

You give the bank permission to take money out of your current account every month and pay the bills and expenses you have selected. It's done by computer; once the direct debit or standing order is set up, no further action is required unless (1) the amount of payment changes OR (2) there isn't enough money in your account to cover the outgoings.

These are very useful for Priority expenses and monthly Personal Expenses, such as:

Priority

• rent/ mortgage
• loan repayments
• council tax

Personal Choices 

• transport
• tv license 
• broadband & other media
• phone contract
• subscription tv
• Council tax 
• gym membership 

2.  Debit Card

A Debit Card usually goes with your Current Account.  It allows you to use cash machines to withdraw money at any time for expenses or immediate purchases. It won't give you money you don't have. 

Rules for Debit Cards:

• NEVER, EVER, EVER give out your pin number to someone else.  If a caller says s/he is a bank employee, take their name, call your bank and CHECK!!
• Always conceal your number when inputting it into an ATM or card reader
• Cash point thieves are increasingly sophisticated when it comes to reading your card/pin number; banks advise that money is withdrawn only from cash tills inside supermarkets and shops - not the ones outside banks.

3.  Budget Account

A Budget Account is a special savings account for future bills and expenses.  The money comes from your Current account. The money allowed by your budget for clothes, for example, needs a place to accumulate before you have enough to buy something. 

The money goes in monthly or weekly.  Unexpected imcome funds can also go in.  

The money can be taken out at any time.  But - here's where Discipline and Determination come in - you need to forget about it unless/until the bill or expense comes due.  Otherwise the money can be frittered away on unplanned expenses and won't be there when you need it, for bills or to buy what you've been saving up for.    

A Budget Account helps you make sure that there is money available for bills when they fall due or personal purchases when they are needed.  They include:
  
Priority  

• electricity
• gas 
• income tax

Personal choices

• clothes 
• shoes
• grooming products 
• haircuts
• medical, ie glasses, prescriptions
• dry cleaning
• insurance
• furniture
• repairs 
• Emergencies  

Your Debit Card also works on your Budget Account.  With it, you can:

• pay bills 
• transfer funds to your Current Account 

(Some banks do not pay interest on Budget Accounts and those that do pay a very small rate.  But Budget Accounts are extremely useful for managing a Balanced Budget.)

4.  Savings Account

This is an account that pays a higher rate of interest in return for you having to give period of notice before you take the money out.  The notice period could be 30 days to three months. Savings accounts are for major expenses such as a deposit for a mortgage, your wedding or major travelling.

The 'Envelope System' of Budgeting 

   
THE 'ENVELOPE METHOD'

...is very simple:

• You create an envelope for each category of expenses
• You fill each envelope with the money you've allotted to that particular category (either monthly or weekly) 
• You keep track of how much money goes into the envelope and when
• The money is used to pay bills or buy things  

• For categories like quarterly bills, the envelope money piles up until the bill arrives and is then paid 

• With categories like food spending and entertainment, the envelope money is spent until it's gone (there's no more until you add the next allotted sum)

• With personal expense like clothes and grooming, the money stays in the envelope until there's enough to pay for what you want 

• When the funds are used up, you start back at zero 

Some people think this system is unbearably twee but it is effective - and entertaining - for close families.  It's helpful for managing money and also teaches everyone how money works. And there are unexpected little windfalls.

The disadvantage is clear.  If the money is lost or stolen, it'll be forever.  It won't come back.    

THE ENVELOPE METHOD IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WITH A RELATIVE, FRIEND OR COMMUNITY WITH - OR IS DEVELOPING - AN ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR GAMBLING.

COMBINING THE TWO SYSTEMS

To reduce risks the 'Envelope' System can run alongside a bank account. Use the bank for major outgoings like mortgage/rent, loan repayments and tax bills.  The Envelope system is good for food bills, entertainment, future bills and personal expenses like clothes and grooming.
     
Equipment needed:

• A good strong cashbox with key and envelopes (try WH Smith or Rymans or regional equivalents)
• Vertical Envelopes with the flap at the top; the specially printed ones shown above aren't necessary

Discretion is advised. 

•  Keep what you're doing in the immediate family; you can say you're trying out a new budget but don't talk about the method  
•  Train your kids not to discuss your budgeting method with others, even friends.  
• The cashbox is safer out of sight, in a good hiding place.  

The Envelope Method Occasional Treats

1. Let's say you've set aside £20/week (£80/month) for entertainment.  You've managed to provide lovely treats for only £10 a week for three weeks.  At the end of three weeks, instead of £20 for the final week, you have £60! (Week 4: £20 + Week 3 £10 + Week 2 £10 + Week 1 £10).  You can spend the full £60 for a trip to a Museum exhibition that requires tickets.  Or you can spend £35 at a pizza parlour and sock away an extra £25 into the holiday envelope.      
2. At the end of three months,

   

   Ice cream cone from Artigiano 

   the electricity bill has been paid and so has the dry cleaning.  There's a bit of money left over in these two envelopes - £15.  How to spend it?  It's a luxury so let the kids decide: stopping off at the Artigiano ice-cream parlour in Camden market for their exquisite ice cream? A video of their choice with a few friends and home-made popcorn?    

 BALANCED BUDGETS DON'T MEAN INFLEXIBLE BUDGETS: 

More examples:

• a widow in her late 60's fell on hard times after a comfortable life; now and again she blows her clothes budget on a £100 haircut or her entire grooming budget on expensive skin cream
• a widower with property but little else spends a third of his weekly food budget on one good bottle of wine and gourmet ingredients, eating and drinking sparingly the rest of the time (this system also improves his health)  

On a smaller scale:

• if there haven't been any miscellaneous costs at the 3 month mark, spend it on a luxury of your choice

I'M SPENDING LESS WHERE I CAN BUT OUTGOINGS ARE STILL HIGHER THAN INCOMINGS.

1. Is it possible to bring in more income?  
2. Seek professional help for your debts

INCREASING EARNINGS

If you already have a full-time job it's difficult to take on more work. But one night or day on weekends might be doable.  Try it for three months and then decide if it is worth continuing or if your health will suffer.  

• pub or restaurant on the weekend (Friday night or Sunday lunch?)
• stacking supermarket shelves overnight 
• handyman
• gardener

If you're a partner stuck at home, consider setting up a small business which you can work at in your own time.  It may be hard but even small contributions can ease the pressure on a sole earner. 

Hobbies can be turned into money-spinners.

• sewing: either repairs or proper dressmaking
• typing: for local firms which don't have enough work for a full-time person or for post grads working on academic papers (although post-grads can sometimes be a pain in the butt!)
• crafts: embroidery, crochet or knitting skills can bring in good earnings; if you're very creative, earnings can be excellent
• farmers' markets: sell home-made baked goods or preserves or candy (it's best to do this in pairs); there will be a fee for a stall
• cooking: is your local pub interested in making an order for regular fresh home-made casseroles or baked goods (you might have to do one or two for free before they can decide)
• massage: only take on people you know or who are recommended to you
• bookkeeping
• sports stadiums: get permission to set up a stall selling good quality burgers before the match outside the stadium, and baked goods after
• Also see: The Daily Mail's Save a Thousand Pounds a Month

It's advisable to research regulations and qualifications; decide what is practical and sensible. Can you find the funding to do a course? Is there a source for good second-hand equipment? Go for it! 

HOW DO I DISTRIBUTE WHAT I HAVE:  GETTING PROFESSIONAL HELP

Sadly some people are so deeply in debt they need professional help.  

The UK government set up a Money Advice Service offering free debt advice but due to demand, it's been difficult to get an appointment. The Citizens Advice Bureau offers good debt advice but it has to compete for Lottery funding; their income has dropped and centres have closed.    

In some areas, such as Camden in London, local councillors have undertaken training at the Money Advice Service and offer debt advice.  

A trained debt advisor will usually:

• look at your income & outgoings & decide how much you can reasonably afford to pay in debt payments
• helps you write to the people to whom you owe money and recommend your payments be reduced for a time
• in some serious cases, a lot of what you owe is added up and made into one large debt; a single payment per month will be made.  This is usually a last ditch effort and is not recommended.

The debt advisor's job is to be practical but fair.  But note this made-up example: 

A woman decided to walk to work - a distance of some miles - to save on transport fares. She loses weight and feels better but has concluded that walking is a slog and feels entitled to componsate by using most of the money she saved on nights out and non-priority personal expenses. The debt advisor disagrees. Without his approval, there would be no debt relief programme and no recommended reduction in some debt payments. In the end, she reduces her entertainment spending and uses the rest to pay bills.    

If you can't get onto the Money Advice Service Waiting List or if there is a very long wait, ask for help from:

• your local councillor
• your local Citizens Advice Bureau
• your bank manager

Make it clear that you don't have enough money for all your bills and that you need help.  If they can't help, they should at least be able to point you in the right direction.  You'll need to prepare a list of your incomings and your outgoings plus copies of bills and a list of the difficulties you are having.

BE VERY CAREFUL SEEKING DEBT ADVICE; AVOID GET RICH QUICK SCHEMES

Be very careful with debt service advisors listed on the net.  The word 'National' does not mean government involvement.  Look for the phrase www.gov.uk at the beginning of the web address.

Avoid Get Rich Quick Schemes; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Keep permanently in mind this goal:

 Courtesy of blog.mint.com and licensed  for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Useful contact: National Debtline - GOV. UK

Some Sources:
This is Money. winner 'financial website of the year', personal finance
Money Advice Service Wales
Effective Budget Planning from 'Which' 

Note: The Budgeting posts are not Editorials on Poverty and Fairness.  They were written with the hope of providing a useful guide for people who have never budgeted before.  67 acknowledges that there are plenty of troubling issues around contemporary family finances, including low wages and lack of affordable housing; these topics are best addressed in the political sphere.

B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.


B Lee: past financial career
The Blogger worked in international banking and explored personal finance through journalism and financial public relations.  She was co-author to currency expert [now] Lord (Howard) Flight: 'All You Need to Know About Exchange Rates'. (pub. Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd 1988).

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