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Old style MoneySaving

Archives for April 2009

sewing ideas needed
I bought some long legged sleeveless pyjamas last week, that just wasn't comfy to sleep in, so won't be wearing them again. So I want to use them to make other items. They are white with lots of coloured spots on them and would co-ordinate with my kitchen/diner, but not sure if there is anything I could use in the kitchen…
Using a Wok on an Electric Hob - where am i going wrong?!!
Hi All, I have moved into a house with an electric halogen hob. Problem is, i have gone through about 4 woks in 2 months! They just keep losing the "Non - Stick" and then i bought a normal wok which needed seasoning and that did exactly the same. I always buy woks that say that they work on electric hobs but no joy. Don't…
sarnies for freezing
Does anyone know what sandwich fillings would be ok to freeze as may make a load up and freeze them to save some time and money :confused:
ham recipes help
just managed to get hold of two packs of ham for 50p each ( 5 slices of honey roast ham in each pack) and 3 packs of sauages for 50p each - BARGAIN! figured out going to make sausage casserole and pasta with them but what can i do with the ham - some kind of meal help as minds gone blank tonight (and recipe please) that…
bleached shirt now yellowy :(
Hi guys - in an effort to get a bit more wear out of dingy grey work shirts I searched for 'whitening' and came up with the idea of soaking them overnight in bleach then washing them. This I have done with one (I have two) for comparison purposes. Compared the dingy grey one, the bleached one is much brighter but compared…
Lots of beetroot & carrots to use up!?
Hi everyone, My dad has just delivered a big box full of freshly pulled up carrots & beetroot to me. The only thing is that I now need some ideas on what to do with it all. I hate seeing things go to waste so all ideas are welcome! :D Thanks alot! I've not done any chutneys etc for a while so that might be a good idea!?
Scuffed Shoes
I have a pair of black dolly shoes that I absolutely love, but the toes are all scuffed after years and years of wearing them in all weathers! They look really scruffy but I don't really want to have to buy a new pair. i was wondering whether anyone has any tips for how I can get them to not look so old and scuffed?! I…
OS Daily Tues 28th Apr 09
Hi there! This is the Daily Thread for Tuesday 28th April. This is an 'Over the garden fence' type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved…
Cleaning cream carpet
Is there any cheap way to clean dark smudges out? Sadly I tend to troop in without remembering to remove boots. It's a cheap carpet, and as soon as I have my damp proofing and heating done (FINALLY after six months saving!) it's going, so I can't really justify hiring a carpet cleaner.
Help - runny frosting!
Can anyone give me a quick hint how to thicken up some frosting I've made for carrot cake. It is butter, cream cheese, icing sugar and lemon juice but it is too liquid to be used as a filling and topping. I've not had this problem before and I need to take it to work as a leaving cake first thing in the morning. Help.....…
Kiddies Fromage Frais
My kids eat so much Fromage Frais it is starting to cost me a fortune:eek:. Is there anything I can do from home to make the pennies stretch further. I.e. make it at home or to make it go further? xx:T
Vegan Marshmallows? Do they even exist?
Hello all! Does anyone know of where Vegans can purchase marshmallows? I asked at Holland and Barrett and the shop assistant looked amazingly blank! Thanks in advance, TigerLily
serger/overlocker
I'd really like to have a go at sewing my own clothes, and have heard using a serger can make life easier and clothes more profeesional looking. I've seen some new ones going for about £150 but thats more than I can really aford, any tips on what to look for with a second hand one? Mary
Candlewax on tablecloth help!
Hi everyone, I'm wondering if anyone can help me. I spilt red candlewax on my lovely cream John Lewis tablecloth which was a wedding present :mad: OH told me to let the wax cool and then pick it off and it would completely disappear. I did this and it worked.....except for one patch where it hadn't dried properly so there…
Ideas for dessert!
I have a punnet of strawberries, 5 kiwi fruit and two tins of carnation evaporated milk, any ideas for something nice!!
Does anyone know how to make mini cakes for a birthday?
Hi there -first time I've started a thread...so fingers crossed I've put it in the right place. Apologies if not and I hope all you MSE folk will keep me right. I want to make a really special birthday cake extravaganza for my sister's 50th birthday party. I love baking and have made a lot of cakes, but this time I want to…
Help please with sewing pattern?
We have a fancy dress event we go to each year and I usually manage to kit us out quite cheaply from ebay. This year though I decided to take the plunge and try to make my own. I have two girls who want supergirl costumes (about £30 to buy ready made), and I've bought a pattern. My problem is I have no idea how to read it…
I need an auto dishwasher liquid recipe
I have been looking on the internet to see if i can find a recipe for dishwashing liquid. That is the liquid for use in a dishwasher, not in a bowl/sink. Some recipes do say dishwashing liquid but i am not sure if it is for the sink or machine. I would try a powder but my machine just doesnt seem to take to them at all.…
Frozen chicken.....would you use
I bought and froze some chicken fillets on 31st jan....was going to defrost and use them till I noticed the pack says suitable for home freezing use within one month. I thought they'd be ok for longer.... Would you use them....ultimately I'll decide but interested in why it's not safe etc......cheers
OS Monday 27th April 2009
Hi there! This is the Daily Thread for Monday 27th April. This is an 'Over the garden fence' type thread where we chat about everything Old Style and maybe a little bit more. It’s a great, inspiring and motivating thread we start each day to discuss what Old Style things we’re going to do today or what we’ve achieved…

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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.

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