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Archives for December 2007

Xmas tree dripped sap onto carpet...HELP!!
Hope someone has some suggestions. Our Xmas tree has been dripping a small amount of sap from the end of one of the branches. This has left a small area of carpet very sticky. I've tried stardrops and another commercial carpet cleaner but it hasn't removed it. As time goes on I would imagine the patch will get more…
Help for newbies form experienced old stylers...
pretty please! I have been a DFW (Debt free wanabee!) for over a year & have managed very well to cut down utilities and general day to day spending but my shopping bill gets me every time! Its also that time of year when there are lots of new people on (& we tell em to come over here too cos you lot are amazing at…
Deleted
Sorted now thanks
How self sufficient can you get when you don't have a smallholding?
We do have an allotment, grow fruit in our house garden, recycle/reuse as much as poss, keep bills to the absolute minimum, but how far can you go down the self sufficiency route when you live in a cul-de-sac?
what veg do you like with....
certain meals? Or is that just me? We always have brussel sprouts with roasts of any kind, always have carrots with halibut or peas if we are having haddock. I like green beans with pork chops. I don't think about this I just automatically do this and I suppose it must be what my mum did and it has blueprinted itself into…
White wash now a patchy purple! Argh!!
I have a lovely Laura Ashley bed set - pure white -well it was! Half way throw the wash I noticed it looked a bit pinky so stopped the wash and found amongst it a purple sock! I've put it back on a boil wash minus purple sock with 4 caps of Surfs concerntrated liquid plus a good scoop of soda crystals. Any tips or…
Stinking fridge freezer after defrosting ..
I defrosted the fridge freezer just before christmas, went away for a few days and the whole house stank rancidly when we came home. I've located the source to the drainage tray that collects water on top of the compressor at the back of the fridge freezer. It is full of putrid muck which I'm bracing myself to clean out…
I have issues
Right, as im so innocent, and yesterday was bringing up my lunch unblocking my bath pipes as it took ages to drain ever since I got the house, a 'kind' lady told me to make a volcano. So, reattached the plumbing and today went and got some baking powder, stuck 4 tablespoons of the stuff down the plughole (which left a…
Traditional New Year Meal?
HI I wondered if you had any traditional New Years meal in your house. If so would you be good enough to let me know I am looking for inspiration and actually planning what to buy before venturing to Tesco!!! So any help would be gratefully received. I need a meat eaters meal and a veggie meal. Thank you
Rotating recipes
Do you have standard recipes that you rotate, or are you always trying something new? I'm meal-planning for a week at a time, and am trying to come up with a few dinners that DH could learn to cook as well. Here's what we tend to have: - Bolognaise with pasta or spud and cheese. - Lasagne. - Chilli with rice or spud,…
Game stock
Morning all, not sure if this should have gone in the quick question on anything. I have been given some pheasants and some partridges, and wondered if it was possible to use all the carcasses (after I have finished eating the meat) to make a stock or would it be better to keep them seperate. many thanks
Sunday 30th December
Hi, this is the Daily Thread for 30th December 2007. This is an “over the garden fence” type thread where we chat about everything OS and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved already. Everyone’s welcome,…
Urgent...Pls pls help...i'm so so upset!
We had a new table and chairs four weeks ago andits the only decent piece of furniture we have in the whole house. We bought a table protector and cushions for the chairs and it cost us £350 (reduced from £899) and we were so proud of it. My girls knew how hard we saved for it and really look after it too. We had friends…
Freezing, defrosting, cooking.
I really enjoy cooking for the family and really like the idea of cooking to much and then freezing for a later time. Problem is i don't know much about freezing, can i freezing anything and in what kind of containers as some i've just bought say not to use for tomato based foods . How long can i keep the food froze for…
'going off' vegetables
can they be salvaged into anything? Any ideas greatly appreciated, im not very inventive with my food LOL!
Lots of Frozen Veg
Hello all, I don't oftern ask questions but do reply and browse alot. However, I do have a problem which I know you can help with :D ;) Its partly to do with "shopping/eating from the storecupboard/freeze" We have 1½ drawers of the freezer full of home grown veg (we have an allotment) which is great in itself :beer: but…
Black Mould In Shower
How do I get rid of black mould in a shower? Was thinking maybe vinegar and bicarb or something??
Scottish Style Mince and Tatties
I've about three packets on mice to use up. I want to make mince and tatties like my mum used to in my slow cooker. I'm planning to just brown off mince and onions and stick it in the slow cooker with some sliced carrot. Was not really sure what to do thought regarding adding any extra liquid. Any suggestions? Dave
I want to make a special meal
On new years day, I have never cooked or even bought a turkey and ham and would love to surprise the family. What size of turkey and ham would i need for 2 adults and 1 child, how long do i cook? Do i need to cook it the night before? Any tips and advice very much appreciated.
Question about HAM joints...
I am new to home cooking and have a couple of questions for all you experienced Nigellas out there. I have a medium sized ham joint soaking in cold water for tomorrow. I want to use it for tomorrows meals and for sandwhichs later in the week. Which form of cooking makes the tasiest ham and the easiest to slice...boiling or…

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Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
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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
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Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
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Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
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Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
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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
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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.

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