Hey, was just having a mooch through here and saw your post. Thought I would share as I started MFP a year ago and have lost 25lbs. So a similar amount to what you wish to lose. It was more than 30 at my lightest, but I went a bit far and have gained a few pounds for the good.
At first I found it really hard, but I also found that I lost way more than the amount it suggested I would lose at a set calorie amount, so I would set it to lose 1 or even half a pound per week and usually lose easily double that. I think you are eating quite a low amount at 1500 and it might be hard to sustain. Your body can go into starvation mode and just not lose if you are eating too few calories, which I'm sure you know.
As for the hunger pangs etc, I remember that well. Ugh. Firstly I drank TONS of water, that helped a bit. Eggs were a godsend as like all proteins, they help you feel full, but unlike many they are quick to cook, low calorie and cheap to boot. I ate mountains of all kinds of veg to feel full and saved a few (maybe 100) kcals for the end of each day to have a small treat with a cup of tea as that was my little ritual (and still is). Glorious Skinny Soups also amazing and genuinely delicious for few calories. Find when you like to have your little treat and savour it. Lots of things nearly has said above really and it is true, the pangs do go away believe it or not and you really do get used smaller portions of all the usual things your family will be eating and be fine with it.
I had tried aaaaalll kinds of diets in my time without any real success or progress and this is the only thing that has really worked for me as you make your choices from regular food. Consider upping your calories a tad and stick it for the long haul. Be brutally honest every day in your log especially on days when you've gone over, it happens; and weigh stuff, don't guess until you really get portion size under control.
Hope I havent bored you to tears! Wishing you lots of luck and success.
MOLM 