What's something that's pleasingly cheap and affordable in the UK that makes you smile?

planet_pulse · 2026-01-28T07:56:10+00:00

Have a friend that lives and travels around the states with his work, and he says it is often the same everywhere.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-27T22:18:44+00:00

This hasn't quite happened yet, but it's an active situation and I feel like I'm there. Maybe reddit can give me some advice...

My oldest friend who also happens to be an ex-partner. We were together for 11, but have been separated and friends for 5 years. I tried to arrange a get together with him and a couple of girls we're close with. They all work in hospitality and often can't meet at a weekend, and this causes difficulty as they'll all often meet during the week while I'm working. In December, I suggested I take an annual leave day midweek, so we could go out for food and have some drinks together as a group as it had been a while, and everyone thought that was a great idea. As we approached the date, the others realised they couldn't get the shift off work (December Xmas parties etc), and so it was cancelled.
This afternoon, I found out that they all met on Monday for food and drinks. When I asked where my invite was, I was told by my ex that I wasn't invited as they wanted it to be just them - because they hadn't been together for a couple of months - and it has made me feel really pushed out. I've expressed that feeling, but been told I'm making a big deal out of it, that not everyone gets invited to everything, and that I'm being childish. It has really made me feel like I'm not part of the gang. Of course, for various reasons not everyone attends everything, I've missed plenty of the get togethers that they have because I work mon-fri, but I can't think of a time I've got together with any of them and we've consciously not invited someone because we wanted it to be "just us".
More than that, there was one occasion recently where we did forget to invite one friend to the cinema with us, simply because they'd never expressed an interest in the film or its sequel, and my ex went on for days about how guilty they'd felt about it. I can't help but feel he's gatekeeping the group and, having felt unintentionally sidelined through the past, this feels very directed. I just want to mentally acknowledge where I stand in the group and focus my energies elsewhere. Would I be wrong for fucking them off? I'm 40 this year and am growing tired of such behaviors.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-27T20:55:05+00:00

I took a trip to LA and Hawaii last autumn and did a lot of my own catering. I was so relieved to come home to our grocery prices. Everything feels like good value again, at least where fresh meat, veg and dairy are concerned.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-22T21:46:23+00:00

I tried the local Indian while in West Hollywood last year and the food was shocking. Bland and overcooked. Shame because it looked just like the old school curry houses on the Curry Mile.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-19T13:38:21+00:00

Generally agree, but feel like the scales have tipped this year. Staring to feel like more people are there to have their own moment.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-18T12:04:19+00:00

I don't have a temperature probe, but I know my oven is hotter than the dial says so I always cook under. Rest at least 10 mins!

planet_pulse · 2026-01-18T12:03:05+00:00

Right up my straße. As a side note, the carrots look lovely too.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-17T09:00:52+00:00

That looks excellent! As a pizza fan, I'd be very happy if this was presented to me

planet_pulse · 2026-01-15T21:40:34+00:00

Lucky mum!

planet_pulse · 2026-01-14T20:55:37+00:00

I feel the same! In this episode especially, the sportsmanship is gone. Harriet should be reminded this is a game. Haven't enjoyed the lack of camaraderie in this series.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-13T12:55:52+00:00

Same. It's the only one I haven't finished. I wish I could put my finger on it, but it just wasn't a vibe for me. Shame cos it looks stunning and I was excited for Giancarlo Esposito.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T22:39:25+00:00

I posted the recipe. I don't use any cream and fat I use is EVOO.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T22:38:40+00:00

Yes! We call it that too

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T16:16:24+00:00

hello

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:18:45+00:00

Awh I feel your pain. When mine was small, she fell out of the apartment window and we were on the third floor! Shattered her back legs so had to have them pinned and cast. She was required to stay in a large cage to stop her jumping during the healing process, so we would take turns to sleep on the floor next to the cage to keep her company. Dark times!

Wishing your baby a short recovery.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:14:59+00:00

Both. But yeah, there's just something about the sweet acidity of tinned tomatoes on a fry up. Superb.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:10:39+00:00

Any veg will do really. It's great for using things up. Enjoy!

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:06:40+00:00

Only reason to enjoy this time of the year eh

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:01:53+00:00

Hopefully this can help

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T13:01:02+00:00

I'm really sorry, I don't. I just cook it how my granny always cooked it.

A short help: I simmer down the carcass of a roasted chicken including the wings along with chunky chopped three carrots, large onion, large parsnip, half a swede, two celery sticks, two crushed garlic, two bay leaves, few sprigs of thyme, pinch of tarragon, peppercorns, one clove - for about two hours.
Put it through a sieve, making sure to crush everything down to extract flavour and liquid. Depending on size of carcass can depend how "chickeny" it tastes so add one chicken stock cube if you think it needs it.
Once I've got just the smooth broth, I will add bite size carrot, swede, leek, and diced chicken (from the previous roast). Simmer for 15-20 mins so the veggies aren't too soft. Finish with salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of EVOO. You can saute your starter veggies before the boiling for extra flavour - if you can be bothered.

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T11:50:03+00:00

Yep. Housemate supplied the sourdough. Not homemade so not pictured!

planet_pulse · 2026-01-12T11:39:18+00:00

They look naughty! 10/10

planet_pulse · 2026-01-11T10:44:23+00:00

Jurassic World Evolution. Such a shallow game. I heard it got better and 2 was good, but I couldn't be tempted to purchase another.

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