What is in your larder?
Shopping on a Sunday afternoon, I know it is not the best time for fresh food but I still expect to see food. I ended… Read More »What is in your larder?
Recipes
The Lean Singleton Eats
I have been participating in Menu Monday for a while, after planning my weekly menus I have discovered that I am a boring eater/cook. The… Read More »The Lean Singleton Eats
Ode to the Egg
An egg is one of the most versatile and inexpensive items we have in our cupboards. We can eat eggs at anytime of the day… Read More »Ode to the Egg
Eat the Seasons with Summer Chilled Soups or More Sexy Packed Lunches
I am always looking for new recipes for my packed lunch. Feeling quite frugal, I looked to Eat the Seasons because we all know food… Read More »Eat the Seasons with Summer Chilled Soups or More Sexy Packed Lunches
Quick! There is a Slow Revolution Happening!
Our lives have gotten even busier with this recession. We are paying off debts, working on making extra money, trying not to be made redundant… Read More »Quick! There is a Slow Revolution Happening!
The Even LEANER Times Ahead Ebook
Life in not looking so financially rosy for 2011 in the UK – you have undoubtedly heard that there are tough times ahead from the… Read More »The Even LEANER Times Ahead Ebook
Menu Monday 10th December 2012
Last week, I barely cooked at all, my very annoying sinus infection totally sidelined me, I went to work came home and crawled into my… Read More »Menu Monday 10th December 2012
Lean Reviews – Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals
A new addition to The Lean Times is Lean Reviews, where I will be reviewing books, apps and whatever else interesting that comes my way.… Read More »Lean Reviews – Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals
I Want a 1950’s Wife
As I have probably mentioned before I live pretty much alone, my beloved comes over a few nights a week but is not asked to… Read More »I Want a 1950’s Wife
Menu Monday 3rd December 2012
I must apologize to my regular readers, I have been ill which is why I have not put my usual Thursday post up. This is also why… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd December 2012
Menu Monday 26th November 2012
As we are sliding into the chaos that is Christmas, I am trying to stay as organized as possible. Over the weekend, I wrote out… Read More »Menu Monday 26th November 2012
Menu Monday 5th November 2012
This week I am joining the fabulous Penny Golightly for Tenner Week. Which means I will be using the Living Social deal, I bought for… Read More »Menu Monday 5th November 2012
Sexy Packed Lunches part deux
Months ago I wrote a post entitled Sexy Packed Lunches, now that Spring is here I thought we should revisit the brown bag brigade. Isn’t… Read More »Sexy Packed Lunches part deux
Menu Monday 22nd October 2012
This past weekend, I cooked up a storm in my attempt at being a lean, mean organizational machine. I made tons of chicken stock in… Read More »Menu Monday 22nd October 2012
Menu Monday 15th October 2012
Today started extremely well, I have a new job and all my trains worked but then disaster happened – our flat flooded. Luckily my beloved… Read More »Menu Monday 15th October 2012
Menu Monday 1st October 2012
I woke up feeling great this morning. You ask why? I did pretty much nothing over the weekend except my usual market shopping and inforced… Read More »Menu Monday 1st October 2012
Menu Monday 24th September 2012
Last week ended up a bit of a car crash, it started out ok but by Wednesday it went totally off course. I ended up… Read More »Menu Monday 24th September 2012
Menu Money 10th September 2012
We had a glorious summer like weekend and hopefully it will continue the rest of the week so summer food it is. I have been… Read More »Menu Money 10th September 2012
Menu Monday 3rd September 2012
I hope all my American friends are having a wonderful Labor Day holiday. In the UK, we are back to business with our Bank Holiday… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd September 2012
Menu Monday August 27th 2012
Today is another day at Notting Hill Carnival, I have a little side gig there. Yesterday was very fun and had great atmosphere. Fingers crossed… Read More »Menu Monday August 27th 2012
Menu Monday 20th August 2012
It has been a roller coaster of a week! I had my ebook published which was super exciting but of course with something good comes… Read More »Menu Monday 20th August 2012
Mission Possible: Embrace the Frugal Life
When you embrace the frugal life you need to keep your eyes on the prize. The prize for me is to get married with as… Read More »Mission Possible: Embrace the Frugal Life
Menu Monday 30th July 2012
The Olympics are here in London and it seems like most Londoners have run for the hills. We have been warned for ages that our… Read More »Menu Monday 30th July 2012
Menu Monday 16th July 2012
Our butcher was on holiday this past week so we will be eating from the freezer. It is a shame that the weather has been… Read More »Menu Monday 16th July 2012
Menu Monday 9th July 2012
This a photo chorizo con papas which my friend had for brunch the other day, such a great simple dinner idea. We are trying to… Read More »Menu Monday 9th July 2012
Menu Monday 2nd July 2012
This is a super exciting week for us at Lean Times HQ – the new ebook, The Stylish Frugalista is almost finished, just in time… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd July 2012
Menu Monday 18th June 2012
Things are getting back to some sort of normalcy here at Lean Times HQ. I have a new cute kitty arriving at the beginning of July… Read More »Menu Monday 18th June 2012
Menu Monday 11th June 2012
I must apologize to all my lovely readers, I have been quite remiss with my blog as there has been quite a bit happening in… Read More »Menu Monday 11th June 2012
Menu Monday 4th June 2012
I must confess that I have gone off cooking a bit. I have not broken my rule of no takeaways but I have not wanted… Read More »Menu Monday 4th June 2012
Menu Monday 28th May 2012
It is gorgeous here at the moment, the sun is shining and there is amazing food in the market. I am so ready to take… Read More »Menu Monday 28th May 2012
Menu Monday 14th May 2012
I am sorry that I have not been posting regularly but I have been working on a new ebook, The Stylish Frugalista. Yes you can… Read More »Menu Monday 14th May 2012
Menu Monday 7th May 2012
Sorry dear readers that I did not get a second post up last week but it was a tough one for me. I had black… Read More »Menu Monday 7th May 2012
Menu Monday 30th April 2012
We are still stuck with heavy April showers that make you want to hide under the duvet. This week is a busy one as I… Read More »Menu Monday 30th April 2012
Menu Monday 23rd April 2012
The weather here in London is schizophrenic, one minute it is sunny and warm then the next it is cold and raining. This makes menu… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd April 2012
Menu Monday 2nd April 2012
Since I have not been working as much as I need to money has been quite tight. Hence, I have been trying to convert my… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd April 2012
Menu Monday 5th March 2012
March is looking like March should, lion like wind and still a bit of a chill in the air. I don’t have any freelance work… Read More »Menu Monday 5th March 2012
Menu Monday 23rd January 2012
It is Chinese New Year today – Year of the Dragon which I am taking as very auspicious. So much so that we are… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd January 2012
Menu Monday 12th December 2011
We are zooming into holiday party and events mode so we will most probably not be eating big meals at home. Quick and easy will… Read More »Menu Monday 12th December 2011
Menu Monday 5th December 2011
This is my first week of full time work which often keeps me in the office until after 7 along with writing for two blogs,… Read More »Menu Monday 5th December 2011
Menu Monday 28th November 2011
We are zooming up to the holiday season so I am planning on making food that is easy to freeze and heat up as a… Read More »Menu Monday 28th November 2011
Menu Monday 21st November 2011
This is a sad week for me as it is Thanksgiving and I can not get home to see my family. Unfortunately needs must so… Read More »Menu Monday 21st November 2011
Menu Monday 14th November 2011
We are trying to eat a bit more vegetarian this week. This has not come about on purpose but because my lovely butcher is a… Read More »Menu Monday 14th November 2011
Menu Monday 7th November 2011
This week we are going to try to eat vegetarian a few times a week. I don’t think my beloved will be overjoyed but I… Read More »Menu Monday 7th November 2011
Menu Monday 24th October 2011
This week there is a group of us that are aiming to spend £10 ($16) or less. The £10 week is the brain child of… Read More »Menu Monday 24th October 2011
Menu Monday 10th October 2011
I feel a bit strange writing this today, one of my oldest friends was in a fatal accident over the weekend and I am feel totally… Read More »Menu Monday 10th October 2011
Menu Monday 3rd October 2011
We are in the middle of a heat wave, yes a heat wave in October in London. What does one do in an unseasonable heatwave?… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd October 2011
Menu Monday 26th September 2011
This week, I am working a full five days so my beloved has promised to pitch in a bit. I love it that he knows… Read More »Menu Monday 26th September 2011
Menu Monday 19th September 2011
I did not have much office work last week so money is a bit down therefore I am going to try live extra lean this… Read More »Menu Monday 19th September 2011
Menu Monday 12th September 2011
This is an odd week, I worked yesterday which makes today my Sunday. I feel a bit discombobulated but am happy to have a day to… Read More »Menu Monday 12th September 2011
Menu Monday 22nd August 2011
This coming weekend is Bank Holiday in England, which signifies the end of summer. It has not been the hottest of summers which makes me… Read More »Menu Monday 22nd August 2011
Menu Monday 15th August 2011
Last week was a bit of a challenge, I started two new freelance posts which is like the first day of school. You need to… Read More »Menu Monday 15th August 2011
Menu Monday 1st August 2011
This is my first official week of not working, yes it is not the happiest of situations but here at The Lean Times, we persevere. So… Read More »Menu Monday 1st August 2011
Menu Monday 25th July 2011
This week was quite fruitful on the shopping front – scored discounted chicken breasts at Portobello Market and half price potatoes and spring onions at… Read More »Menu Monday 25th July 2011
Menu Monday 18th July 2011
The week we will be eating mostly out of the freezer. I was made redundant last week and it is going to be a Lean… Read More »Menu Monday 18th July 2011
Menu Monday 11th July 2011
Last week my beloved and I were on a gorgeous holiday in Turkey. It was an all inclusive resort, where the food was terrific. It… Read More »Menu Monday 11th July 2011
Menu Monday 13th June 2011
I have planned my cooking this week thinking that it would be warm. Chilled soup in rainy cold weather is just not the ideal. Fingers… Read More »Menu Monday 13th June 2011
Menu Monday 6th June 2011
Over the weekend, my beloved and I have decided to try to go on holiday so we are going to need to do a bit… Read More »Menu Monday 6th June 2011
Menu Monday 30th May 2011
This has been a bit of a tough time in the life of The Lean Times – I have been having trouble with my service… Read More »Menu Monday 30th May 2011
Menu Monday 23rd May 2011
This has been a challenging weekend – my website service provider is having trouble which is impacting on my website, which is why I have… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd May 2011
Menu Monday 16th May 2011
Things over here at chez Lean Times have been a bit nuts this week. There has been good stuff- my beloved has moved in and… Read More »Menu Monday 16th May 2011
Menu Monday 9th May 2011
After writing about Stockpilling last week, I am doing a bit of inventory control on the cupboards and the freezer. I also have a huge… Read More »Menu Monday 9th May 2011
Menu Monday 2nd May 2011
I had a doh/aha moment this weekend; two days a week I work quite late which means dinner doesn’t get served until almost nine o’clock… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd May 2011
Menu Monday 25th April 2011
We were very lucky in the UK this Easter weekend, it is a four day weekend and it appears that summer has arrived early. To… Read More »Menu Monday 25th April 2011
Menu Monday 18th April 2011
I love this vintage looking new image from OrgJunkie. I think I like it so much that I may use it every week. Monday –… Read More »Menu Monday 18th April 2011
Menu Monday 11th April 2011
Yippeee! My butcher was back at the market on Saturday so we will be having a chicken this week. This is great for a few… Read More »Menu Monday 11th April 2011
Menu Monday 4th April 2011
Shock! Horror! On Saturday, my butcher was not at the market, you might think what is the big deal but for us that rely on… Read More »Menu Monday 4th April 2011
Menu Monday 28th March 2011
The clocks have gone forward and we are full speed ahead into spring, hurrah! Unfortunately, we are in the hungry gap, the time between winter… Read More »Menu Monday 28th March 2011
Menu Monday 21st March 2011
This is a super busy week for me, which has me out several nights so I will need to fire up the slow cooker so… Read More »Menu Monday 21st March 2011
Menu Monday 14th March 2011
On Saturday, I scored some lovely duck legs for only £1 per leg so that is my luxury items of the week. Monday – Braised… Read More »Menu Monday 14th March 2011
Menu Monday 7th March 2011
This week looks like life is going to be a bit complicated – evening meetings, classes and a surprise houseguest so it is easy cooking… Read More »Menu Monday 7th March 2011
Menu Monday 28th February 2011
Bye bye February, hello spring, hopefully. Monday – Chili made in the slow cooker on Sunday Tuesday – Roast chicken with butternut squash risotto with… Read More »Menu Monday 28th February 2011
Menu Monday 21st February 2011
I am back from surprising my mother for her birthday and my reward for doing the good deed is now I have a stinking cold. … Read More »Menu Monday 21st February 2011
Menu Monday 7th February 2011
This is an odd week for menu planning as I am going away but here it is. Monday – Pork, ginger& black bean stir fry… Read More »Menu Monday 7th February 2011
Menu Monday 31st January 2011
Bye bye January, hello February! Don’t we all love a quick month that takes us into Spring. Monday – Roast chicken, saffron orzo, broccoli Tuesday… Read More »Menu Monday 31st January 2011
Menu Monday 24th January 2011
Welcome to the last week of January, I will not be sad to see the back of you. January is always a difficult month with… Read More »Menu Monday 24th January 2011
Menu Monday 17th January 2011
Today is supposedly the most depressing day of the year but over here at The Lean Times, we are not buying into that rubbish. We… Read More »Menu Monday 17th January 2011
Menu Monday 10th January 2011
It seems as though 2011 is in full swing – people are making plans and getting pro-active. Miss Lean Times over here is very busy… Read More »Menu Monday 10th January 2011
Menu Monday 3rd January 2011
Welcome to the first Menu Monday of 2011! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. In the UK, a lot of offices have been… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd January 2011
Menu Monday 6th December 2010
Well this is the first December Menu Monday and I must admit that I fell a bit short at my November Get it Done goal… Read More »Menu Monday 6th December 2010
Menu Monday 29th November 2010
Bye bye autumn, hello winter – it is freezing here in London so this week I am making warming food. Monday – Mystery dinner –… Read More »Menu Monday 29th November 2010
Menu Monday 15th November 2010
It is Menu Monday, midway through Get it Done November and I have earned almost exactly half of my goal to earn an extra £700… Read More »Menu Monday 15th November 2010
Menu Monday 8th November 2010
Get it Done November has gotten off to a good start – I have listed 10 items on eBay and have been chosen to do… Read More »Menu Monday 8th November 2010
Menu Monday 25th October 2010
I must apologize to my lovely readers for being MIA last week. It was an eventful week, a surprise visit to the hospital which led… Read More »Menu Monday 25th October 2010
Menu Monday 11th October 2010
This is an exciting week, The Lean Times Cooks classes begin. This week’s class is sold out but if you would like to come, we… Read More »Menu Monday 11th October 2010
Menu Monday 4th October 2010
I don’t have much to report this week except for feeling as though I am not getting enough done. I hate not living up to… Read More »Menu Monday 4th October 2010
Menu Monday 27th September 2010
This week I am doing the KISS method – keeping it simple. Just good home cooking, suitable for the chilly weather. Monday – Mom’s Perfect… Read More »Menu Monday 27th September 2010
Menu Monday 20th September 2010
Last weeks, £10 dinner for a week challenge went extremely well, so well that I am treating my beloved to steak tonight then back on… Read More »Menu Monday 20th September 2010
Menu Monday 13th September 2010 – the £10 Challenge
Since the sublime failure of my yearly sideline, I have decided to set myself a challenge – to see if I can eat dinner for… Read More »Menu Monday 13th September 2010 – the £10 Challenge
Menu Monday 6th September 2010
These past couple of weeks have been incredibly hectic so I must apologize for neglecting my lovely readers. I had dedicated every extra minute to… Read More »Menu Monday 6th September 2010
Menu Monday 16th August 2010
Since it has suddenly gotten chilly and I did not have a chance to hit Portobello vegetable market – this week is going to be… Read More »Menu Monday 16th August 2010
Menu Monday 2nd August 2010
I had a realization this weekend; I feel so much better when I sleep properly. I know this is common knowledge but I have figured… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd August 2010
Menu Monday 19th July 2010
Last week I went crazy and made a ton of black beans in my slow cooker, so many that I can not put any more… Read More »Menu Monday 19th July 2010
Menu Monday 12th July 2010
This week is looking very busy, more days in an office so less time to get stuff done. It is time to be extra hyper… Read More »Menu Monday 12th July 2010
Menu Monday 5th July 2010
This past weekend was my birthday and after the usually celebrations and excess; it is now time to get back on the frugal wagon. I… Read More »Menu Monday 5th July 2010
Menu Monday 28th June 2010
It is really summer here in London so this week I will be cooking summer foods. I wish I had a BBQ but alas I… Read More »Menu Monday 28th June 2010
Menu Monday 21st June 2010
Last Monday, I just returned from holiday which totally threw me off balance. I did not do my meal plan or my regular jaunt to… Read More »Menu Monday 21st June 2010
Menu Monday 24th May 2010
Hooray! Spring has finally sprung. Actually, it feels like we have by passed spring and zoomed right into summer, which makes we want a Mediterranean… Read More »Menu Monday 24th May 2010
Menu Monday 17th May 2010
This week is starting out a little bit better than last week, there is still a chill in the air but at least the sun… Read More »Menu Monday 17th May 2010
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
I am planning to make New York patty melts tonight for dinner; a patty melt requires caramelized onions. The onions take a bit of effort… Read More »Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
Menu Monday 10th May 2010
I am aware that it is May but the weather is making it feel like October, so confusing for us that try to eat in… Read More »Menu Monday 10th May 2010