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What's been the BEST tip from here for you?

As a new person to this board I have read almost everything (well, almost almost everything) and have to say that there are some fantastic tips and ideas out there.

The tip I have gained the most benefit from is the Soda Crystals thread(s). I bought a packet of this and now use it in my washing machine - mixed with washing powder and Napisan) and for washing dishes the old fashioned way. Today I am clearing out all my kitchen cupboards and shelves and relocating everything to cardboard boxes - without the Soda Crystals I would now be spending a great deal more time and effort washing the greasy fluff from everything which has been on the shelving. Glass vases, 3 year old packets of porridge and assorted jamjars and tins are now gleaming with minimal work.

Many thanks to everyone who has shared tips about these crystals. :T :T :T


Some half term, eh?

:rotfl:
«13

Comments

  • elona
    elona Posts: 11,806 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Don't forget that warm water and vinegar are great for cleaning - especially removing limescale.
    "This site is addictive!"
    Wooligan 2 squares for smoky - 3 squares for HTA
    Preemie hats - 2.
  • doddsy
    doddsy Posts: 396 Forumite
    Although a newbie I have always been os and there has not been much for me to learn in all honesty. For me it is the pleasure of reading the posts every day that keeps you focused, and the fact that there seems to be a real community 'spirit' on here with wonderful compassionate and like minded people. So my 'best tip' would be keep coming back!!
    regards
    doddsy
    We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
    – Marian Wright Edelman
  • doddsy
    doddsy Posts: 396 Forumite
    Although a newbie I have always been os and there has not been much for me to learn in all honesty. For me it is the pleasure of reading the posts every day that keeps you focused, and the fact that there seems to be a real community 'spirit' on here with wonderful compassionate and like minded people. So my 'best tip' would be keep coming back!!
    regards
    doddsy
    We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
    – Marian Wright Edelman
  • doddsy
    doddsy Posts: 396 Forumite
    :D oops! So keen I posted twice
    We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
    – Marian Wright Edelman
  • Chipps
    Chipps Posts: 1,550 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    Yes, I agree with doddsy's multiple posts!
    The best thing is finding that there are a whole lot of other people just as OS/frugal/daft (delete as applicable) to share ideas with - and who don't think you are totally wacky just cos you make your own bread and cakes or use vinegar for things other than fish & chips!
  • I don't think I could give any one single pointer that has been the most useful to me, it is more of the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of a whole cross section of society, people find different ways to get results and it is great to learn that what you may have always done can be improved upon.

    Some of the things that have saved me the most (time generally) are so daft that I am ashamed to admit that I never thought of them, for instance washing bags for socks and jumpers, putting ironed sets of bedding into their respective pillow cases for ease of finding complete sets. Never go shopping hungry, pay cash - its frightening. By BOGOFS and cheap end of life products. Use Soda and vinegar for just about everything, by a second hand LPG powered car for minimal motoring, tidy up before it gets too bad and becomes a chore, the easiest oven to clean is a cleanish one. A clean floor mops fastest. I.E. Keep on top of stuff before it gets on top of you.

    I have always been able to and enjoyed cooking, I got this from my Mum, but what she taught me was the sense of timing to get everything ready together, she used to own a busy Cafe and was a whizz in the kitchen, watching her when in a hurry was awe inspiring, also the nearest I think I have ever been to a ready meal has been a Cornish Pasty so I have never really thought about shopping that way.

    With the help of this site I have just about turned my lifestyle upside down, so much so that I am almost debt free (and will be when my house sells) have been able to take a year off work and now when I need a little extra cash I have found a job that fits my lifestyle and provides just enough to enjoy my (changed) life. Other sites have helped too but MSE "Old Style" has been the most inspiring.
    The quicker you fall behind, the longer you have to catch up...
  • The best thing about this board (for me at least) is that everyone is so friendly and ready to help. Also because everyone is like minded no one makes you feel odd for asking about/doing something O/S.

    Some of my friends think i'm really strange for being careful with money at my age ("you're only 20 - live a little"). They think its ok to get into debt cos you can always go bankrupt and clear it off. Lol, they're a bit thick sometimes!

    The most useful tips i've learnt on here is anything to do with food shopping as i used to be terrible for over spending and shopping without a list.

    Kate xxx
  • there are so many to choose from but 2 of the best tips I've had are from Squeaky who recommended the be-ro cook book to me which has been invaluable & the other was from JackieO who was one of many people who helped me on my Christmas thread. Her tip was to make everyday apple pies etc look Christmasy by dusting them with icing sugar & adding a Christmas decoration. This was a great tip & everyone was really impressed.

    so many useful tips to choose from though there must be thousands!

    And every day you can learn something new from such wonderful & friendly people :j
    £2 coin savers club = £0 saving to move house :heartpuls
  • calleyw
    calleyw Posts: 9,896 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    There are so many tips it is hard to choose.

    But would say that until I came I stalled on buying a SC and I now have one and it is used one or twice a week. Cooking sunday joints for a couple of hours before going in the oven with the roast pots. And making a rice pudding which husband adores. Something that we had not had often because of the fact of needing to have oven on for hours.

    Also once a month or so I cook a gammon in it so that saves me buying sandwich meat.

    But as others have said it is nice place to meet like minded people as there are very few sites that are dedicated to frugal living that are based in the UK.

    And everyone is helpful.

    Yours


    Calley
    Hope for everything and expect nothing!!!

    Good enough is almost always good enough -Prof Barry Schwartz

    If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try -Seth Godin
  • taplady
    taplady Posts: 7,184 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I don't think I could give any one single pointer that has been the most useful to me, it is more of the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of a whole cross section of society, people find different ways to get results and it is great to learn that what you may have always done can be improved upon.

    Some of the things that have saved me the most (time generally) are so daft that I am ashamed to admit that I never thought of them, for instance washing bags for socks and jumpers, putting ironed sets of bedding into their respective pillow cases for ease of finding complete sets. Never go shopping hungry, pay cash - its frightening. By BOGOFS and cheap end of life products. Use Soda and vinegar for just about everything, by a second hand LPG powered car for minimal motoring, tidy up before it gets too bad and becomes a chore, the easiest oven to clean is a cleanish one. A clean floor mops fastest. I.E. Keep on top of stuff before it gets on top of you.

    I have always been able to and enjoyed cooking, I got this from my Mum, but what she taught me was the sense of timing to get everything ready together, she used to own a busy Cafe and was a whizz in the kitchen, watching her when in a hurry was awe inspiring, also the nearest I think I have ever been to a ready meal has been a Cornish Pasty so I have never really thought about shopping that way.

    With the help of this site I have just about turned my lifestyle upside down, so much so that I am almost debt free (and will be when my house sells) have been able to take a year off work and now when I need a little extra cash I have found a job that fits my lifestyle and provides just enough to enjoy my (changed) life. Other sites have helped too but MSE "Old Style" has been the most inspiring.

    You use lots of similar tips to myself MR P :T especially the one about using cash! it does make you think about what you're spending and also doing things before they get too bad! little and often saves time in the end!
    Do what you love :happyhear
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