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Archives for January 2010

knitting patterns for wrist/arm warmers
I've been looking for patterns for some armwarmers I thought it would be something I could knit up for my grandaughters but I can't find any that I like , they all look chunky and thick I want to knit some that are more decorative than functional as some of those that I see I know the girls would think look old fashioned,…
What do I do with my old quilt?
I bought one of the bounce back quilts on offer recently, which means that our double quilt is now surplus to requirements - as the other bedroom alreday has a quilt and we haven't got the space to store it. Although the old quilt is ripping a little, the lining seems to be intact. It's a felt-type lining so the oSer in me…
Weekly Flylady Thread 1st February 2010
Welcome to the weekly Flylady thread. If you need help organising your week when it comes to housework, or just the motivation to do the dreaded housework tasks you have to do, come and join us, hopefully make it a little easier. You never know, you might start to enjoy it! Following requests to start things steadier for…
Caramel syrup help!
Sugar and water, how hard can it be?!? Well nigh on flippin' impossible it seems!! I have spent the entire afternoon attempting to concoct the Caramel Sauce from the Primrose Bakery recipe book, the first four times it all just turned in to a big recrystallized mess, the fifth time, after much scouring of t'internet, I…
vanilla/custard slice without cornflour?
hi just started making some vanilla slices and I have forgotten to buy cornflour - can I just make the custard up and then thicken with flour/water mixture? or has anyone got an alternative recipe for the custard that doesnt require cornflour? TIA
Supermarket shopping do you know who the cheap ones are?
I read an article in the METRO re online grocery shopping and it was on about cheap shopping where they buy close to sell by dates from the supermarkets and sell at cut prices. Does anybody know the name of these online shops? I think there similiar to poundland only food. Thanks guys
What to do with dried banana chips??
Hi, I have a HUGE bag of banana chips that was given to me and have been slowly making my way through them (snacking etc) and am starting to get sick of them. Is there anything else I can do with them? i.e. cooking or baking-wise? Sorry if this is a dupe, have searched everywhere but not found anything. Thanks :o
Winter coleslaw, frozen veg and my food processor!
New things I have done this morning: 1. Made winter coleslaw for lunch tomorrow (and tues/wed) - so excited about trying it. Inspired by the lunch threads. I usually take hm soup but fancied a change. red cabbage, red onion, celery, carrot dressing: natural greek yoghurt, mustard, lemon juice 2. Used my food processor for…
What to cook with these ingredients?
I cooked the meatballs and goats cheese reciepe I saw someone mention on here (it was lovely!), but now I've got half a jar of passatta and some goats cheese left which I don't want to waste! After having spaghetti with the meatballs and goats cheese sauce for the past two days I'm a bit fed up of pasta so can anyone…
Schwartz Chicken & Leek bake mix...?
Hello All, Im having acooking day preparing for the freezer.. have a pack of chicken & leek bake mix. going to adapt it to be leek & bacon..planning of doing the mix with pasta & bake option.. can i bake this then put in Freezer in prep for later meal in couple weeks? then just take out & reheat?? Time isnt on myside &…
Recipe - Homemade Foccacia
Hi I just made this and its yummy! so I though I would share it dissolve 5 tsps of active dry yeast in 1 and three quarters of a cup of warm water for 5 mins add a tsp of suger, half a cup of olive oil and 2 tsp of salt add 5 cups of plain flour knead then leave to rise for 1.5 hrs pour quarter of a cup of oil onto a…
Can you recommend an online supplier for crochet yarn?
I did do a search but I could only find super long posts that I wasn't sure would contain the right info. I am just starting out with this hobby and would like some cheap but good yarn suppliers. I know I could ask on free cycle but I am looking for specific colours.
Ideas for High Protein/Diet Friendly Lunchboxes?
Hello All, Continuing my efforts for a high protein, diet friendly MSE menu, has anyone got any ideas as to what I might put in my lunchbox? I am getting a bit fed up with sandwiches! Many thanks, QB
OS Daily Sun 31st January
Hi there! This is the Daily Thread for Sunday 31st January.It 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…
Window treatment ideas?
Hi all I'm making my own window treatments for our new house but need some inspiration please. I'm not keen on curtains at all and really want Roman blinds in the front room, however I'm aware these don't provide any privacy when they're open. Our front room is luckily not right on the pavement (front garden is about 15ft…
HELP MS Vegetarian Meals Needed
Hi I have a friend coming to stay for a weekend who is a vegetarian. I am on a tight budget, suffering from depression and not very confident in my cooking abilities:( Can anyone help with meals for a weekend (Fri to Sun) plus recepies please. Thanks for your help:T:T
What do you cook in your microwave oven?
Hi all, I was just asking what do people cook in their microwaves?
Mulled Wine Question
Hello All I have a half full bottle of mulled wine left over from Christmas Day, do you think it will be safe to drink now/ Sal x
Which way round do you do it?
Your answer may not be what I mean. :D I'm talking about budgeting and meal planning. We're saving up to move abroad next year so I've been picking up some great tips from this board (thanks everyone!). But I'm wondering which is the best/cheapest/most efficient method of meal planning. For those who do a monthly meal…
Food, Inc film info
Hi all I have posted full details for this film about the food we eat on the Green thread, but thought that OSers might be interested as well. This is the direct link to the film webpage http://www.foodincmovie.co.uk/ But you might be interested in the volunteering and other info as well, so please go to the Green thread…

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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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