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Old style MoneySaving

Archives for August 2011

Can I dye my bag or is it a stupid idea?!
I've got a little blue Samsonite holdall that I use for work but the colour no longer goes with my new uniform. Its the same as this one on ebay -…
OMG: washing machine SANG to me !
How many of your gadgets "sing" or "play a ditty" or "whistle" to tell you when they have finished? They never used to... or did they? Just replaced our 26 year old washing machine and the new one plays a little tune to tell us it has finished, as well as LED with "end" displayed.:rotfl: Come to think of it most things now…
Ave weekly/monthly spend if buying organic?
Hi everyone! I make an effort to buy organic where possible, whether it's fresh, tinned or dried etc. I appreciate it's definitely not the cheapest way to shop and to make the pennies go further I'm no longer buying as much meat as I used to but it would be interesting to know what other people spend? I would say my…
Frozen meat use within 1 month?
Hello, I am hoping you may be able to help me, today I have been meal planning and making a list of things in the freezer and I have found some minced pork and chicken fillets that I brought and froze in May, the packet says use within month, is this just a general guideline or should I throw the meat away? Thank you in…
Slimming world recipes?
Are there any slimming world recipes on the OS board? I can't seem to find anything. Would be most grateful if there are and someone would point me in the right direction! Many thanks ;)
Drying rose hips?
The rosehips in our garden are the most beautiful shades of orange-red at the moment, and the hedgerows are starting to be full of lovely berries. I've been wondering if it would be possible to dry/preserve them ready to add to this year's C*******s wreath for the front door. Is there a trick to drying berries and rosehips…
Le Creuset - recipes
I was lucky enough to win some Selfridges vouchers recently and after treating myself I had enough left to get a much longed for Le Creuset cast iron casserole dish and large lasagne dish. I wondered if any MSE'rs have any tried and tested recipes that I can try - I adore cooking and can't wait to use the casserole dish in…
OS Daily Wednesday 31st August!
Hi, this is the Daily Thread for Wednesday 31st August. 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…
OS for disabled people.
Are their any OS threads for severly disabled people like me or is it a question of visiting every thread and reading every post (which is very difficult as you are all super posters :D :D:D) I know how wasteful many things that I buy/do are but I cant manage most of the tricks and advice here as Im a full time powerchair…
Pre-cook a chicken?
Hi all, I'm having my parents round for dinner tomorrow night an wanted to cook roast chicken. However, I will be pushed for time after I've finished work. Can I cook the chicken tonight, then stick it in the fridge and reheat it somehow tomorrow night? Would it taste ok? Thanks, Kevin x
Marinated/pickled garlic.
I'm currently rather addicted to Asdas Gordal olives with garlic, but there's only 4 garlic cloves in each pot (though the olives are the best I've had in a long time too)! Anyway... does anyone know of anywhere that sells really nice marinated olives for snacking (rather than cooking). I've googled, but I'm not sure any…
Undercooked Gammon - Reheat?
Hi I took a small gammon joint out of oven around half hour before I should have by accident and its now cool. Its not cooked enough. Would it be ok to reheat in some way or is it for the bin??
Just started sewing.Best palce to buy thread?
Hi I have just got a sewing machine from freecycle and want to start sewing again. My first project is to shorten some curtains, that I have been given, but don't know the best place to buy thread from. I have been to Dunelm and Hobbycraft but I am finding everything so expensive. I would like to put new heading tape on…
Knitting pattern for socks?
Does anyone know where I could get a knitting pattern, preferably online, for socks for a man who wears size 13 shoes? By the way he wants long socks, up to his knee almost I think!
Keeping warm cheaply
Hi A friend is going to have surgery, hopefully soon (consultant has clearly sussed her out and not put her on the main waiting list but on a cancellation, if she gets a date, we know that she will do all in her power not to have it, so she won't have time to dwell on it if she gets a cancellation!) Anyway, she will be…
Using up brown bread
We recently bought a couple of loaves of brown bread that had been reduced. However, when we got them home, we realised we only have room for one in the freezer, so I need to find some recipes that can use some of it up. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm vegetarian.
window quild idea ....sheets?
thinking of doing window quilts ready for winter, could i make them from old in good condition sheets or even brand new ones and wadding in the middle ?
Pork chop in sauce question
I'm a vegetarian and not experienced at cooking meat for people. In an effort to use up what is in the cupboards, I am defrosting OH a pork chop, and there is a jar of pre-made sweet and sour sauce there - dumb question, but how would I go about cooking these together? Can I put them in an oven dish to cook together? How…
OS Daily Tuesday 30th August
Hi, this is the Daily Thread for xx (add date). 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 already.…
Alcohol in baked cakes - Vodka?
Hiya, I've been looking for ideas to make a alcohol cake to take to a friend's party and after reading the boards and looking online, I've finally been inspired to make a vodka cake. But is it doable? I've countlessly read about people making fruit cakes and feeding rum, brandy, etc into it over a period of days and…

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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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