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Old style MoneySaving

Archives for February 2014

Freezing cooked food - is it bad for you?
Hi all, I have now got into the habit of batch cooking and freezing, I find its saving me money and the meals taste good. However, tonight my boyfriend worried me. I asked him if he wanted me to take one of my batch meals to him at work tomorrow for his lunch and he said he doesn't want to eat anything that was cooked a…
£13 for a month
So my HR details with work haven't been sorted out as I expected and I won't be paid until this time next month. As I was expecting to be paid yesterday/today, I'd budgeted differently this month than what I otherwise would have. I'm applying for support funds from places, but worst case scenario I have £13 to spend on…
Partylite prices?
I've been invited to a partylite party and just wondered if anybody could give me a rough idea of the prices please? Everywhere I've read has said they're quite pricey, and whilst I'm happy to buy a couple of small things I want to be prepared if it's going to be £10 for a tealight... Also, what are the party's like? I've…
Carpet smells after water spilt on it
A friend of mine was defrosting her freezer and didnt plan on the defrosting ice turned water spilling onto the carpet which now smells. I've found on the forums that bicarb of soda is meant to be good for the smell but is there anything else I can suggest she tries ?
O/S Daily Friday 28th February 2014
Old Style Daily Thread Friday 28th February 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. Everyone’s…
non bio for washing coloured clothes?
HI, I usually buy Ariel bio to wash whites, sheets and towels and any brand coloured liquid for other clothes - am using Aldi liquid at the moment Morrisons have Persil non bio on offer this week will this be ok to wash coloured clothes? Is there much difference between this and coloured powder? I did use Fairy non bio…
Old Style help needed - permanent marker on whiteboard surface emergency!
Old Stylers - MSE needs your help! Someone (we're mentioning no names - because we don't know) has left a permanent marker in our boadroom. Someone (we're mentioning no names - because we do know) picked up that permanent marker and used it on the "whiteboard" wall (it's specially painted to so we can write on it.) Does…
Alternative to Dry Cleaning?
Have bought some vintage Damask Shabby Chic curtains. I spent slightly more than I'd planned - but still cheaper than new and worth it (I hope!!). I haven't received them yet, but am thinking dry cleaning will be expensive. Even if they look ok it feels a bit icky not to clean them. Is there any other option do you think?…
Old Style Daily Thread Thursday 27th February
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. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
A challenge for you all
Ok we are totally broke until Friday, I mean not one penny to spare. We have everything we need but I'm stuck what to do for dinner tomorrow night. I would like to put the slow cooker on tomorrow if possible. I have a pack of fresh diced chicken A tin of chickpeas A tin of new potatoes A tin of sliced carrots Some stock…
heads up - cheap bacon steaks - but ideas needed please
Hi Our Sainsburys keeps getting batches of the cheapo cooking bacon (£1.10 a big pack) that instead of being the usual odds and ends and little rashers and lumps, contain 3 massive bacon steaks about half an inch to an inch thick. So look out for this as super cheap meals compared to buying actual bacon steaks. Each pack…
Dinner Rescue Help
Hi all, am looking for some dinner rescue, I've cooked some beef in slow cooker using Schwartz Beef & Ale Stew mix. The recipe says 250ml brown ale, I used the only beer we had which is Badgers Poachers Choice. 6hrs later beef is lovely & tender but the gravy is quite bitter. Is there anything I can add to take away this…
Has anyone successfully refilled Dettol no touch soap bottles, if so how ?
A couple of years back I got a load of Dettol no touch soap dispensers using vouchers and they came with soap and the batteries. They worked out at £2 each (cheaper than the soap ). Now all the soap has been used I want to refill the bottles rather than pay £3 odd for a refill. I can't seem to get the top of the old soap…
OS Thread Wednesday 26th February 2014
Hi, this is the Daily Thread for Wednesday 26th February 2014. 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…
A Question About Yeast
If a recipe states fast acting yeast can you used dry instead. If so, do I need to activate it or can I just use it in the recipe as stated? Thank you
inspire my dinner please!
I've got some leftover mashed veg (carrot, broccoli and cauli) in the fridge. I had planned on cooking and mashing a spud to mix in, and then making into little bubble & squeak patties - but I've had an awful day and can't be bothered. Any other suggestions about what to do? I've got a well stocked fridge and cupboard.…
Carpet brush to restore pile - any hints?
We have a deep(ish) pile carpet in the living room of our rented house which is getting a bit flat and scruffy. Think two people, one lurcher and two cats all running about. Was wondering if one of those stiff bristle carpet brushes is the way to go to kind of fluff up and restore the pile? All hints and tips happily…
Alternative uses for instant mash
I have a packet of instant mash in the cupboard (probably out of date but i'm not bothered about that!!) The thing is i dont like it in its conventional form so i was wondering if anyone had alternative uses for it? thanks in advance :cool:
Old Style Daily Thread Tuesday 25th February
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. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
Coffee machine or OS?
I've been offered one of those pod machines (a tassimo). I love coffee shops but they are really costly. I know a pod is cheaper than a coffee out. But is it really worth it. Are there better OS ways to make a coffee like the coffee shops? Also do you have to stick to the one make of pods or can you use others?…

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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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