We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Old style MoneySaving

Archives for May 2005

Reactions to home baked cakes
I really enjoy baking but as I live on my own bring the products of my labour in to work and give it away (otherwise I'll down it all in two days and it never sees the inside of the freezer so no need to suggest that). The reactions I get range from: No! I don't believe you made this, it's really from Tesco/Sainsbury/cake…
Are my trousers a hopeless cause?
No jokes please... I managed to spatter mahogany decking oil on a pair of cream coloured cotton trousers. They've just been washed at 60 degrees but obviously the stuff hasn't budged. Are they dead?
The Real Good Life
Just seen an advert for a new series starting tonight on ITV1 at 8pm called The Real Good Life and thought it might appeal to the Old Stylers here :) PS please feel free to delete this as I didn't realise I was duplicating an existing thread :o That'll teach me to refresh the board before posting LOL! ;)
Another stupid question from another experienced cook...
On the various grocery challenge threads I keep seeing allusions to padding mince out with lentils when making spag bol etc. This sounds like a great idea, but can I just ask: - what ratio of lentils to mince? - do you need to cook the lentils first, or do you put them in the sauce still dried and simmer them that way? I…
Supermarket Tokens
I am hoping you can all help. I would like to know which supermarkets take whose tokens. I.e will Tescos take Sainsbury's, Kwiksaves take Tesco's etc. Also, do you have to buy the thing the token is for? Or are there places that will take any coupon from anywone for anything. I would be really grateful for your help, Luis.
Oldstyle cleaning of mirrored stainless steel kettle?
I've had a look through the zillions thread, and even have a book on cleaning without chemicals, but I am having no joy with my kettle. It's a stove top stainless steel one, but not one I can scour, as you can some pans, as it's mirrored, and I feel it's vulnerable to scratching. It's not chrome - it really is "mirrored…
Stupid Question From an Experienced Cook!
How long do I need to heat my oven up before I stick a cake in there? I've never baked in my oven before but I've finally got the spirit level out and levelled it up. I don't normally bother with preheating my oven for other stuff but I've heard this part is essential when baking :D I don't have anything on there that…
Father's Day
With Father's day only a few weeks away now I thought it might be an idea to start a thread with some old style ideas / thoughts. I've made the decision that it'll be nicer for me to make something. For my Dad & Grandad I am thinking about putting together a hamper with some freshly picked strawberries, some homemade jam…
Sewing my clothes
Hi all, I posted here a month or so back when i was trawling the charity shops for a new suit for a job interview. Wasn't having much luck and was low when i posted - you cheered me up, sent me back out there and I got a great suit (and landed the job!!). Now I need a stunning dress for a friend's wedding in July. You've…
TV: The Real Good Life
Just heard this is on tomorrow night at 20:00 on ITV1 Anglia...... sounds very oldstyle to me and wanted everyone on here to know about it! The Real Good Life Three families give up the rat race and go back to the land in an attempt to become self-sufficient within a year. Saying goodbye to the flower beds, they bring in…
Millet
I saw some Millet recently in a health shop and decided to buy some as I had heard it was healthy. Any ideas on what to do with it. I am a vegetarian some am limited somewhat.
homebrew
hello again. my grandad left us his homebrew equipment, from which he used to make lovely strong, cheap beer. unfortunately he used his own recipe from in his head, it was not written down. can anyone supply any recipies for making beer this way? cheers, idiot.
What can I make with tinned meat?
I've just found two tins of meat, probably from last years christmas hamper :confused: & they are going out of date on Tuesday. I have no idea what to make with them, I dont really fancy it in a sandwich, anyone have any ideas? I have plenty of things in the cupboard/freezer that I can use with them, but dont know what…
Sprouting spuds ............
......... old potatoes are coming to the end of their season and are more and more likely to be sprouting. In true old fashioned "waste not, want not" style and spurred on by squeaky's post in another thread about using up sprouting spuds, thought I'd share some specific Potato Freezer Recipes so we can make the most of…
Cheese preservers
I quite liked the idea of buying a Tefal Cheese Preserver from Lakeland plastic but thought that they were too expensive, now they are even more expensive and even the filters are over £3. I quite like buying and trying little bits of local and speciality cheese from our Tesco, usually reduced but as I am the main cheese…
Defrosted sausages - cook and refreeze?
Had a BBQ at my house yesterday and somehow a bag of sausages got taken out of the freezer and didn't end up on the BBQ. Wont be able to eat a full bag within the next day or so, if I cook them all and then freeze them - will this be ok? Know someone on this site will have tested this at some point and wondered if it gives…
Cheapest Place to Buy Walnuts?
Does anyone know where is cheapest for Walnuts? I want to make Baklava but don't have the time to wander round searching for cheap prices for these. I found them in Julian Graves at £1.89 for 200g but this still seemed a little pricey. Is there anywhere cheaper?
I'm Quite Proud Of Myself!
Hi There What a lovely sunny day its been today. Was thinking about a BBQ but was too windy and didnt want to be blown away :eek: So I did a compromise with hubby & daughter and decided to have a buffet style tea tonight. Thought for a laugh I would tally it up and was very surprised at how cheap it came in at. This is…
Asparagus - what to make?!
I bought some asparagus from our local farmers market today, have found one recipe for it (asparagus and lemon risotto) but have a feeling I'm likely to have some left over. Any ideas what to do with it other than dipped in soft boiled egg and steamed with hollandaise?
Carpet shampoo
Today I bought a Goblin vacuum cleaner that will wet wash carpets at a car boot sale. No instruction book with the cleaner, but think I have figured out how it works. Instead of using normal carpet shampoo can someone on here please tell me if and what they have used or suggest something that will work that is reasonably…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

View All

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Old style MoneySaving

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Old style MoneySaving

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free