PRODUCTS/PLACES TESTED BY 67GOINGON50 (3)

1.  BELAZU TAHINI:

This Middle Eastern tahini is the 'bees' knees'!

Belazu Tahini is produced by a family of Samaritans on Mount Gerazim close to Nablus, the original home of tahini, close to Jerusalem.

  

67 tested it completely unadorned on wholemeal bread (first time ever) and was impressed.  Lighter and 'cleaner' than peanut butter, smooth, not at all claggy, it tastes and smells fresh and delicious.  

It only comes in 1 kilo jars but tahini isn't just for hummus.  It's an essential component of many popular global dishes from the Middle East, in China, Japan, India and contemporary health food.  

It's lower in sugar and saturated fat than peanut butter but equal in cholesterol.  

It's delicious on bread, with or without honey.  It also appears as a sauce for meat and fish, in salad dressings, on Chinese noodles (!!) or in sweet desserts.  (some recipes below)

If you're a small household, share the purchase price with friends.  It's worth it. 

Belazu Tahini £11/kilo; keeps a year from production date; from   Black Truffle on Englands Lane 

 

Lamb Kebabs with Spicy Tahini Sauce

Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad 

2.  70+% Cocoa Solids Baking Chocolate

   When it comes to baking chocolate, 67 uses a variety of brands.  If feeling frugal, it's Cadbury's Bourneville (though not 70% cocoa, it's good in baking and still produced in the UK); then, Morrisons's Dark Baking Chocolate (before it disappeared from the shelves).  

   Nowadays, it's M&S's 70% Dark Cooking Chocolate (£1.10 for 100gms).  

   Sainsbury's is now offering 76% Belgian Dark Chocolate.  It's not as sweet or creamy as M&S's and it has a slightly bitter undertone; nor is  it such a bargain at £1.50 for 100gms .  But if my local M&S runs out of baking chocolate (as it often does)  Sainsbury's will do fine.

Sainsbury's 76% Belgian Dark Chocolate: £1.50/100g

3.  Bournes Fishmongers and Seafood Bar/Restaurant, Belsize Village  

    Belsize Village is really up-and-coming these days.  

    This new fishmongers/deli/restaurant in Belsize Village was popular with locals, even before Covid-19 shut down its Wine Bar and downstairs restaurant...and before the new popular restaurant extravaganza Belsize Streatery.  

    The fresh fish is as pricy as any other fresh fish outlet but the quality is fantastic and the staff friendly, helpful and and knowledgable.  For the few pennies more, I'm happy to skip the long convoluted trek to my usual source, Whole Foods in Kensington. 

     I've not yet tested the bar/restarant but am looking forward to doing so.   

DISCLAIMER: The author accepts no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  Any information not sourced to a second party is the copyright of the blogger.

The 'New Normal' is on its way in London...

 ROAMING THE WEST END...

1.  67goingon50 has been desperate for a meal from a favourite family restaurant in Chinatown but - alas! - it's still closed.  And it's not clear when or if it will open again.

Less than a fortnight ago Chinatown was virtually deserted; rumours are now swirling that many eateries are planning not to re-open at all.  

But on Thursday (16 July), Chinatown was beginning to bustle.  Gerrard Street, which is normally closed off to traffic anyway, has sprouted a garden of restaurant tables, and there were plenty of Chinese and western diners occupying them.

Ruyi, at the Shaftesbury Road end of the street, looked slightly scruffy but had an air of no-frills good home-cooking.  Prices were low; the staff friendly and persuasive.   Singapore noodles were surprisingly satisfying -  tasty and generous.  One for a return visit. 

Reviews on yell were a strange balance of 5 stars and 1 star with little in-between.  The negative reviews were really nasty; is/was someone running a vendetta against Ruyi?

Student and tourists looking for well-priced 'home-cooked' style Chinese food should give it a try. 

The popular Chinatown Bakery on the square has a window for take-away; some items are available but not on the menu.  Just ask.

2.  Loon Fung Supermarket...

...much busier now than recently.  Temperature checks on entry.

3.  John Lewis Oxford Street...

... opened at last on Thursday.  By late morning queues to get in were double the length of the building, almost putting off prospective shoppers, but the wait was no longer than 6-7 minutes.  Live music from the atrium welcomed us back!

It was good to be there, even if hand sanitising is mandatory on entry.

4.  Uniqlo...

...has been open a little while.  Business is slow and there are some great bargains.

An exceptional Ines De La Fressange cotton jacket in a gorgeous pale blue, beautifully cut with striped lining, reinforced 67's belief that stuff on a page is no match for seeing/touching in person.  Online, I would never have considered the colour but it was quite (!) flattering.  And I know from the weight of the fabric that the jacket will take me though autumn.    

Reader, the jacket was £50 off!  Regular price £70; mine for £20!  There are still a few left in medium sizes but most are small or extra large.  (Extra-large for a tiny Japanese person might be the equivalent of med-large for a Caucasian.)

 

5.  H&M

...wandering the aisles, I was sorry the shop wasn't open when the heat wave started. The summer styles are so covetable, especially the frilly and square cut blouses in bright colours.  They will be great for next year, too...

  

6.  Ole & Steen Coffee Bar/Cafes

Thank goodness...branches are opening here and there, and the one at Great Bedford Street (Oxford St end of Tottenham Court Road) is doing steady business.

7.  North West London

The most popular cafes are moving back to sit-down service both indoors and out.  A few establishments have disappeared, replaced with bright little cafes/eateries which seem to be aimed at younger, with-it clientele.

Roll on Business as Usual!  Ish.

     

      Please leave a comment in the box below

    

DISCLAIMER: The author accepts no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  Any information not sourced to a second party is the copyright of the blogger.

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER FRUITS

Now is the time to take advantage of the gluts of summer fruits and berries.  Two things to remember:

• Freeze Berries in Summer for Winter: inexpensive tips for freezing berries now to brighten up meals later

• Almost instant jam/compote Easy peasy method of making jam/compote in minutes for breakfast OR making lots and freeze for use later 

B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This advice  has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.

RECENT PRODUCTS TESTED BY 67GOINGON50

PRODUCTS

• Smoked Tomato Paste, M&S, £1.30, 90gms. Vegetarian: Unexpectedly lovely, with the smokiness and tomato perfectly in balance.  Much stronger than conventional tomato paste; gave real depth to Spicy Jambalaya Salads.

• Ancho Chilli Flakes, M&S, £1.30 Vegan: Really gorgeous fruity smoky over and underlay took the heat off the chilli and raised Spicy Jambalaya Salads to another level.  

• 15 Free Range Mixed Eggs, Sainsburys (Camden Town), £2.00: Exceptional value especially if baking is your thing, with a good mix of large and small eggs.  Contrast usual price of half a dozen large free-range eggs: £2.

• Sainsbury's Books & Magazine counter (Camden Town) Apparently due to a some sort of promotion, this shop is selling brand new best-sellers and well-known authors at close to half price.  Michael Connelly's latest, 'Fair Warning', in hardback (retail price £20), was available for £11. New paperbacks by Danielle Steele were selling at £4.95.  A godsend for anyone relying on libraries for reading material.  

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

HOW TO...67GOINGON50 AND THE GM DIET

updated  April 20

Courtesy of Clipart  © Copyright Glasbergen and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

  

                               This diet is not recommended

                   for those with blood sugar problems

2024 Update:

Following a diagnoses of borderline pre-diabetes (partly genetic), the blogger uses the GM diet as a framework but on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 adds both a small amount of protein and a high-fibre carb like granola.  Weight loss on a lesser scale takes place and disciplined eating returns.  

A popular diet in the summer 2017 was the controversial 'GM diet', a 7-day eating plan popular in the '80's.  It's low-carb, consisting mostly of fruit and veg but heavy on meat in the latter stages. (See Original:)

Apparently designed to help General Motors staff lose weight and change eating habits (GM denied it a decade ago), some people report weight loss of up to 7kilos (10-17 pounds).  

The diet is strict and demanding. It's not quite 'eat one potato chip and you've had it' but there are rules.  To achieve maximum effect, you need to follow them. And it's not easy.

Fresh Fruit (Stock Photo)

The diet is simple enough and full of health-giving vegetables and fruit. It's intended as a short-term measure, not a permanent eating plan.  

The Blogger tested the diet during a vacation.   

After several months of 'frankly, not giving a damn' about eating plans, portion control, restricting carbs etc, etc, etc, the Blogger developed lumps and bumps worthy of a Michelin Man.  Turning into, well...a slob, in the process.  

Taking advantage of a long break, the Blogger hoped to not just lose weight but also to: 

• kick the blogger out of a long slump
• change the poor eating habits which had taken hold 
• clear the toxins accumulated during the 'Let it go' months
• achieve the above without damaging body and soul

The GM Diet held no fears; the Blogger usually undertook a fruit & vegetable day once a week and in the past, regularly (if infrequently) went on 3-day restricted eating plans.    

Here's a simplified version of the diet (see gm diet for the original instructions)

Day 1

Any fruit apart from bananas; melons & berries recommended

Day 2

Baked potato with a little butter or oil +

Any salad or vegetables (steamed or boiled) except carrots, peas, corn

Day 3

Any fruit and veg apart from potato and banana, carrots, peas, corn +

Fresh fruit juice

Day 4

Bananas and skim milk or 0-fat plain yoghurt +

Cabbage soup with celery, onion and green peppers; other non-starchy veg, no  peas, corn

The Polish artist Anna Tokarska using
fruits and vegetables to create portraits
Courtesy of The Times and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

You can do an awful lot with fruit and veg if you really try!

Day 5

Beef, chicken or fish plus tomatoes and vegetable soup.  No peas, corn

Day 6

More beef, chicken or fish and steamed or boiled non-starchy veg (no potatoes, carrots (except in Wonder Soup), peas, corn; no fruit)

Day 7

White or brown rice with veg (no potatoes, carrots, peas, corn) + fruit (melon & berries recommended & no bananas) + fruit juice

A version of the GM Diet Wonder Soup is here, made from non-starchy vegetables apart from a small amount of carrot, which can be consumed on any or all of the 7 days.  The author of this version has added flavouring such as (opt) tinned tomatoes and herbs & spices. 

Daily: 8-10 glasses of water; on day 5 even more 

Exercise:  low-level exercise such as yoga and walking

RESULT

• Weight Loss

       By Day 3, weight loss was 2.5 kilo/5.5 pounds
       On Day 8, the weight loss was 2.4k/5.2 pounds 

• Total weight loss was disappointing; possibly due to days 5 & 6 which had 5 servings of meat over 2 days, more than twice the Blogger's usual weekly intake.  (Two vegetarian versions, one where rice or legumes replaces meat or fish and a second Indian version which adds curd/cottage cheese to rice might be a more promising option for some.) 

• Body shape was sharply improved; inches fell from midriff and thighs -- an unexpecteded consolation (which may have been partly due to lower stress)

• Habits of disciplined eating returned.  

DIFFICULTY:

• Day 3 was particularly difficult but overall, energy levels were ok 
• Boredom; by Day 5 fantasies about bread, crisps, eggs were continuous 
• only so much enjoyment is possible from boiled/steamed non-starchy veg, though salads broke up the monotony 

Carb-free, low-salt/ fat Stir Fried Vegetables 
Spinach, celery, mushrooms, courgettes, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes

ENERGY LEVELS & EXERCISE 

The Blogger was on vacation and reasonably relaxed.  The following was accomplished without strain: 

• walks of up to 1 1/2 hours
• a yoga class
• a lighter session of the usual cardio and strength training regime 

UNEXPECTED BENEFITS

• a (very) streamlined body which persisted for some time
• absolutely radiant skin, at times 
• a minor but persistent problem with ear wax cleared up
• as normal eating resumed, the negative effects of certain foods became clear
• the Blogger discovered she could, after all, drink coffee without sugar 
• one gets better at being creative with the food allowed 

DRAWBACK:

Not exactly cheap; variety is needed to stop climbing walls but in time one found  cheaper substitutes for fruit & veg 

FEB. 2020: The Blogger finds the Indian vegetarian version of the GM diet more effective for sustained weight loss, replacing meat with brown rice plus pulses OR tofu OR eggs.  It also allows unlimited quantities of Cabbage Soup, seeming to  place less strain on body and mind.

Recommendation:

67 hesitates to recommend this diet, especially if the prospective dieter is not used to regular fasting.  However, for some people, it could be a solution to kickstart an eating programme based on disciplined eating. 

The diet does not induce feelings of unwellness but neither does the dieter feel well.  And even if energy levels were reasonable, one did feel strained. Mornings were difficult.  

The diet is seriously restrictive; quantities are not always clear.   

Seven days is a long time; only the knowledge that the diet was not forever kept one going. 

Conclusion: 

The Blogger does not recommend this diet but, for some people, cannot recommend avoiding it, either.  

It can be useful:

• though weight lost will be regained quickly if you're not careful, the streamlined body shape lingers for some time
• disciplined eating can become a habit 

However:

• if in you're late middle-age or older, extreme caution is recommended 
• an awareness of the diet's drawbacks is essential 
• a 'diet buddy' for physical and emotional support would be helpful.   

ALWAYS Check with your doctor first before undertaking the GM diet. 



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

SMOOTHIE FOR STOMACH UPSETS, medicinal, no added sugar, vegan

Having a dicky tummy whatever the time of year is no joke...

3-ingredient Smoothie that soothes summer stomach upsets
'This tasted really good and the ginger helped my stomach settle within an hour.' Taster

...here's something that will help.

Hot weather/seasonal festivities can lead to stomach ailments of various intensity.  

According to the NHS, common symptoms are:

• feeling sick to the stomach
• stomach cramps
• tummy pain
• lack of energy & weakness
• low or no appetite
• fever

and in worst cases:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea

The most important treatment is to drink plenty of liquids but also:

• don't eat until you feel up to it and stick to small non-fatty meals
• bland foods like toast, crackers, rice & bananas are good choices
• avoid alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks & spicy and fatty foods
• if things haven't improved within 3 days, see your doctor

In the early stages of stomach discomfort, this smoothie is perfect.  It is also an ideal remedy during a heatwave: it's liquid, tasty, naturally sweet, soothing and refreshingly cold.  

Cost: pennies
Serve: 1

Ingred: 
    2 generous handfuls frozen strawberries
    1 ripe banana, peeled
    1/2-1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger 
    1/2 cup water

Method:
Blend in a smoothie maker or food processor; add a slice or 2 of banana for garnish.

                                              More smoothies, on Nav Bar: Recipes I/Drinks...

Please leave a Comment in the box below

This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission. 

HOW TO...SURVIVE DESK TOP LUNCHES WHILE CAMPAIGNING

Try to spend at least 10 minutes away from your desk but if you can't...

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

While desktop dining during a political campaign is almost unavoidable, there are unofficial rules:

• avoid pungent foods unless everyone else is partaking
• if eating by hand remember how easily food can contaminate equipment; best to use a fork or spoon 
• try to eat at the same time as everyone else
• expect interruptions
• turn your personal phone off
• tidy up; wipe down your desk and get rid of grotty wrappings and leftovers
• keep the office kitchen clean

One of the biggest problems with lunching al desko is the danger of having your food stolen.  If you haven't a personal drawer, invest in a small cold bag from M&S (£) to keep food chilled until lunchtime.  Keep food hidden away in a small rucksack under your desk.  

An ideal desk lunch includes:

• good portion of protein
• salad
• small amount of carbs
• small portion of sweet for mid-afternoon
• 1-2 pieces of fruit

Safe food storage

Food cooked on Day 1 will be fine on Day 2; after that, freeze it in individual portions in labelled sandwich bags or food containers.  When needed, defrost overnight on a plate in the bottom of the fridge; the food will be at room temperature by lunchtime.

Freezing Sandwiches

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 £10 (Morrisons); some come with their own plastic beaker for whizzing fruit & veg

• 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.

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

Budgeting is a path to freedom from financial worry 

updated 7/23; first posted 2017

Courtesy of cartoon stock.com  © Copyright the wealth wisher and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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

Budgeting requires focus, planning and determination.  AND regular treats.    

The biggest mistake people make when trying to budget is to pare things too close to the bone.  Sticking to a budget but living like a pauper is guaranteed to cause strain.  It will eventually put a premature halt to to your budget and heap further misery and anxiety on a household.

Just as dieters need an indulgence day to maintain happiness, so people on a budget need to spend on regular treats.  How much and how often will depend on a budget suitable to your and your creditor/s' needs. 

This post looks at the benefits of budgeting, how to budget, how to reduce spending without depriving your household, and what to do if debts are - or are becoming - unmanageable.

The post may seem a bit simplistic. If so, apologies but 67goingon50 has a broad audience and it's hoped the material will be helpful to all.

Benefits of Budgeting  

Most households are likely to be suffering from financial anxiety during the Cost of Living Crisis and nervousness in financial markets globally. 

In these times, budgeting is probably essential.

Even if you're lucky and finances are good and stable, budgeting is a great household tool. A budget provides the information necessary to help restrain spending and increase savings while still providing creature comforts.  It also helps a household:    

• stay of top of bills (in order to avoid baliffs, court orders and evictions) 
• cover unexpected costs and purchases  
• improve credit ratings if applying for loans or mortgage
• contribute to a pension and holidays 
• reduce anxiety caused by money problems 

How to Budget

'Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result - happiness.  Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds six, result - misery.' Charles Dickens' Mr Micawber

Dickens hit the nail on the head.     

Not that long ago, credit was considered dangerous and even immoral.  Most of our grandparents and great-grandparents only bought things when they could do so outright by using savings.

Modern life, though, complicates money matters. 

Debt and the way households respond to it are an important factor in how banks respond to loan or mortgage requests. Go to a bank as a virgin debtor, even with savings, and like as not, the recommendation will be to buy something on credit and pay it off, first.  Very rarely will a loan be granted without an indication of the applicant's capacity

/determination to repay.

In the UK, owning a home is still seen as a vital investment. That encourages people to take on mortgages without fully understanding the effect of cyclical economic forces on a home's value and on the owner's ability to make regular payments.  

Another complication is that it's difficult to manage finances if you're struggling to get out from under previous debt.  Plenty of people are in this position.

Budgets require BALANCE to be successful

Match Outgoings to Incomings to avoid financial angst. 

Four steps to budgeting:  

Step 1: work out how much income comes in
Step 2: work out how much you spend
Step 3: work out where you can save money
Step 4: work out the best way to allocate available funds, including what to do if debts are, or are becoming, unmanageable

STEP 1: 

Calculate Incomings/INCOME: 

1. Earnings from full-time work less taxes and deductions 
2. Earnings from part-time business or work
3. Income from investments, eg dividends
4. Earnings from rental properties

STEP 2
Calculate Outgoings = BILLS & EXPENSES  

These include:

Essential Fixed Payments (essential because not paying them leads to baliffs, court orders and evictions): 

1. Mortgage/Rent
2. Bank loans
3. Heating & Gas
4. Inland Revenue eg Self-Assessment taxes
5. Council Tax

Essential Personal Expenses (Variable)

1. Food
2. Transport
3. Smart Phone
4. Computer
5. Broadband 

Non-Essential but life can be pretty hellish without them (Variable)

1. Savings/Expenses account  (Variable)
2. TV Licence
3. Gym membership
4. Newspapers  (Variable)
5. Entertainment (Variable)
6. Clothes & Shoes (Variable)
7. Make-up (Variable)
8. Laundry & Cleaning Expenses (Variable)
9. Dry-cleaning (Variable)
10. Insurance 
11. Repairs/Maintenance (Variable)

Luxuries (Variable)

1. Furniture (opt)
2. Presents

SUBTRACT OUTGOINGS FROM INCOMINGS:If the result is: 

Outgoings equal to or are lower than incomings, Congratulations!  Read on only if you're interested in saving more money. 

If Outgoings are lower than incomings - which will be most of us - there's work to be done.  Cutting down on expenses will help most;  active debt management with the help of creditors will be required for  many others

Stock Photo  licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

STEP 3: IDEAS FOR REDUCING SPENDING

Note: If the household is more than 1, discuss & examine alternatives. Maybe there's a trade-off between choosing one expensive option by choosing a cheaper option elsewhere. Decisions should - nearly always -rest with adults  

FOOD SAVINGS

• An essential but controllable expense.  Reducing Food Bills provides an invaluable aid.  Putting a limit on a weekly food spend, even including treats, can save a great deal. Food Budgets also help curb junk food. 

• Also see Freezer Matters

• Make packed lunches for kids and adults.  Be imaginative with salads & soups; avoid too many sandwiches.  For working adults, try casseroles which can be reheated, or even cooked in inexpensive portable containers which avoid queues at the microwave.  For adults who work away from home, don't overdo menu planning; leave one or two days free for impulse meals.  Work must be leavened with a few pleasures and eating out is one of them.

ENTERTAINMENT SAVINGS

• Plan all-day family outings; save up if there's an entrance fee.  Save on food costs by preparing a tasty fugal picnic lunch (baked chicken wings, potato salad, apples). Have a good breakfast at home.  Everyone carries their own bottle of water.  Eat lunch on the grounds or, in some museums, on free seating. Check local free newspapers for Macdonald's vouchers for special burger & chip deals and hide them.  Use them for treats, say after a museum visit on the way home. 

 Natural History Museum

• Popular educational attractions - the Natural History, British Museum and National Art Gallery - are still free.

• In London, some West End Cinema tickets are discounted Mon-Thurs before 5 pm (and oldies are unlikely to be blasted out of their seats by the sound system) 

• Some theatres offer substantial discounts on ticket prices for young adults.

• Concerts, ballet & opera seats at the back of theatres and/or with wonky sidelines are more affordable (though not exactly cheap!)    

• Explore the city on foot; free attractions and galleries are everywhere.

HEATING SAVINGS

• don't heat the entire house if rooms are not needed; if the kitchen is big enough, set up a study area for homework (teenagers sitting vital exams should work alone in their rooms) 

• turn the heating down but layer up: thermal polo necks underneath a shirt/blouse underneath a t-shirt underneath a jumper   

• cuddle up under summer sleeping bags or cheap supermarket duvets when watching telly or reading; use them as extra blankets if temperatures drop unexpectedly 

• use background heating in bedrooms with a small eco-heater for getting into and out of bed; invest in brushed cotton sheets and pillow cases, thick dressing gowns, electric under-blankets, microwaveable bed warmers.

• lobby your MP re: the cost of subsidies for 'renewable energy' which add to energy costs 

TRANSPORT SAVINGS

Walking to Work via the Millenium, Bridge

Courtesy of Getty Images and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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• Get a cheaper pay-as-you-go ticket and walk to or from work (or both); form a group - find local walking companions or put up a notice at work. Substantial sums can be saved and some put toward treats. Galoshes or rubber overshoes, a knapsack, sturdy umbrellas and waterproofs will be necessary.

• Cycing but NOT IN MAJOR CITIES unless there's a cycle path; otherwise only go as far as the outskirts; walk or use public transport the rest of the way 

• Foot or cycling power saves on gym fees; it also cuts calories & appetite, helps you sleep and works off stress.

BROADBAND SAVINGS

• How important is expensive ultra-fast broadband?  Can the household get by with a cheaper, slower but as effective supplier? Reducing broadband by £10 a month adds £120 a year to savings. 

• Broadband on its own is now offered by Sky, Virgin and others.

• Does one family really need 4-5 subscriptions?  Get a grip - make a decision and cut it down to 2.  (One friend goes for Amazon Prime but only during the months there's a 'don't miss' series and at Christmastime. ) A potential bonus:  this may be a key to reducing children's screen time.   

SATELLITE/CABLE SAVINGS

• Not that long ago, it was believed that - with a few exceptions - only an expensive satellite/cable subscription would provide good tv.  That's no longer the case.   

• Freeview is a service available on most televisions.  Many have Freeview incljuded in new tellies; if you're tell's old (but not too old) you should be able to access it, with or without the help of a tv engineer).  It offers Sky news, some sport, lots of old films and plenty of terrestrial and satellite series.  OK, many of them are golden oldies and early runs of popular current favourites but if you haven't seen them before, who cares?  Especially if you're saving money; lots of money.  Freeview also includes new-to-UK riveting foreign drama & crime series through channels like BBC 4 and More 4.  

• Channels like Netflix cost less than £10 a month. NOW boxes serve Sky Sports and Movie fans on a no-contract basis for around £10/mo each (though 67 never got the hang of installing the thing despite 2 tries).

• Set up a film club and include the price of snacks/food in the cost of the ticket. (Check local councils for rules & regs.)

• Watch less television.  Read a book, go for a walk, learn to cook or teach your kids to cook.  

PHONE SAVINGS (Please check 2023 prices)

• We all need portable phones but do we need the whalloping monthly bills that come with some smart phones?

• A 70-year-old friend (hereby referred to as SYOF) who, through no fault of his own, lived on income barely above Guaranteed Income only had an ancient non-smart phone.  Pre Cost of Living Criis, he bought £10 pay-as-you-go vouchers which he made last 6 weeks and occasional £10/month Roaming Passes for 150 calls & texts.   

• Nowadays, brand new smartphones are available, contract-free, for as little as £45 with 'bundles' extra.    

CLOTHES & SHOES

• If you have an interest in fashion, it can be excruciating cutting back on clothes and shoes.  One way to cope is to think of your wardrobe as either everyday or special occasion.   

• For everyday, go downmarket.  Try Uniqlo (which often has its finger on the fashion pulse) and M&S, where well-priced decently made basics can still be found.  Primark is popular with many people but the cut can be restricting and the queues daunting.  

• For special occasions think 'classics-with-a-twist' which will see you proud for a few years.  Don't throw or give them away afterwards; well-made classic clothes always come back into fashion.

• Invest in a reliable sewing machine and learn to make your own clothes; lessons are often included in the price.  As well as adding to your wardrobe at under 2/3 the usual price, sewing fills those winter nights when there's 'nothing' on the telly.

Antique Singer Sewing Machine operated via a Treadlewheel

Courtesy of Wikipedia copyright tahb.blog.spot.co and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

• Save up for decent shoes.  Invest in a really good pair of trainers; Nikes and Acsic they'll cost around £150+ but last three years.  

• Check out local pop-up shops.  One in North London near Belsize Park  and sells scads of good quality thermal gloves & socks, scarves & hats at £5 upwards during winter months.  

MAKE-UP SAVINGS

• Again, think  in terms of everyday and special occasion.

• High street brands - don't ignore them.  Max Factor has an illustrious history, starting as make-up boxes for aspiring American actors; some of their lipsticks & mascaras are brilliant. Bourgeois was the budget arm of Chanel and known for its blushers. Rimmel is a classic English brand going back generations.  Boots No 7 is loved by many.  

• Experiment at the lower price range.  If a lipstick doesn't work, layer it over or under another colour or give it to a friend who will hopefully return the favour.

• MAC is aimed at buyers between high street and upmarket; it's mainly on-line but also at Selfridges and Covent Garden.  Their lipsticks, eye shadows and brow products are fab and suit all ages and ethnicities.  Friendly staff offer surprising but madly suitable shades you'd probably never have considered.

• In the past few years, lots of new budget cosmetics have entered the market.  67 tested Revolution; the brow products are good but the company's continuing well-publicised financial difficulties are a little off-putting

• For special occasions, you'll want make-up that makes you feel like a million dollars.  Save up for it in a Budget Account.  Or try the higher quality boxed products which offer big discounts for a monthly fee.  Read upmarket Beauty columns which give a feel for what's available.  Try India Knight in the Sunday Times and the Evening Standard magazine.

• Beauty Tools.  High street chemists are great for these and if you're minded about the environment, Ecotool brushes are reasonably priced.  As for the beauty product of the generation: facial cleansing brushes, there is  no need to spend hundreds of pounds.  They're now available on the net at various prices, and non-electric facial brushes (which work surprisingly well) can be found in High Street Chemists.

• Men's Grooming Products.  For many years women always bought two of her favourite moisturisers at a time, after hers kept mysteriously running out at double the normal time.  If you love him, but two.  But if you love him and struggle with your beauty budget, work out a compromise.

NEWSPAPER SAVINGS

• For readers addicted to newsprint, get your fix by picking up the Sunday Times or Saturday Telegraph. Read the rest online.

Pre-digital Times
Courtesy of carinteriordesing.net  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

• Digital newspaper subscriptions used to be excellent value.  £10'ish a month got you a print copy of the Sunday Times (complete with ink that comes off on your hands for nostalgic oldie journos) and internet access for the rest of the week OR internet access to The Telegraph.  The Mail, Guardian, Independent and Express are still free on the net.  But following the Cost of Living...prices shot up; the Telegraph went as high as £20+ a month.  (The Telegraph's owners recently put the paper up for sale alongside the Spectator, a worrying development for people who want to be intelligently informed without keen political bias.)

• Which is why Digital paper subscriptions have been trumped by Apple's News+, an all-in-whizz-bang digital package which includes the entire Times/Sunday Times and some other UK papers, many of the best-selling must-read global news analysis magazines and literally hundreds of recipes.  It even includes Hello magazine and the like (which intelligent ladies never read, except at the hairdressers, of course!)  67goingon50 was stunned by the huge array of reading material.  All for a little over a tenner a month!  Worth a go for Apple users.  (But 67 still misses the paper copy of the Sunday Times, ink on the hands and all.)

GYM SAVINGS 

Discounts can be available at some gyms for off-peak membership (which start from 6.30 to 9.30 am and end mid-afternoon); for those over 60, for families and for ex-servicemen (check with your local veterans org.)

Nobody needs expensive gear; loose trousers or leggings and a t-shirt is fine.

LAUNDRY & CLEANING SAVINGS

Buy laundry soap and sanitisers when they're on sale.  Set aside 50pence a week in a jar in to cover the cost.

DRY CLEANING SAVINGS

• For non-special-occasion clothes, find a laundromat which has a dry cleaning machine - they do still exist - but air clothes well before wearing.   
• Put aside £2-3 a month in an envelope to cover special dry cleaning so it doesn't wreck your budget.  Quotes for a waist length padded winter jacket start at £30!!!!

INSURANCE SAVINGS

• Ask friends who they use and why they made their decision
• Check out comparison sites but remember some good value firms are not on the sites
• Take note of tv ads; do your research

REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE SAVINGS

• take a course in home repairs (and when you're up to speed, sell your services)
• do a job swap with neighbours/friends

Also see: 50 ways to save money from Which guides 

Step 4: go to (How to Budget Part II...How to organise my outgoings)

Work out the best way to allocate available funds, including what to do if debts are, or are becoming, unmanageable



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 guru, now Lord (Howard) Flight: 'All You Need to Know About Exchange Rates'. (pub. Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd 1988).

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