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Old style MoneySaving

Archives for July 2014

Petroleum vinegar?
At today's OS meet one of the things we discussed is that white spirit vinegar is not necessarily the pure and natural green choice as it can be made from petroleum. Also, we wondered whether Sarsons, being a "traditional UK brand" would be a safe choice. Well, I have just discovered that Sarsons is no longer British, but…
New to OS
Hello! Is there a sticky or guide to explain exactly what OS moneysaving is all about? DH is going to need extensive dental treatment and while we do have a pot of savings to use I would like to continue to save as much as possible in the meantime. Things I think we could save on: * Shopping = too much spent * Lunches = DH…
Summer meals, pre-preparable, cheap, no indoor cooking...
Looking for more ideas. We're a family of 5 (4eaters) - 2adults, 5yr old and 2yr old. The kids have big appetites so we probably need 3.5adult portions per meal. The kids also have a good palate and will eat most things but rice the 5yr old is better on veg than meat where as the 2yr old avoids green and goes for protein.…
OS Daily Thursday 31st July 2014
:DThis 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…
Aghhh been dumped making a cake - help!!!
I am NOT a baker, and I need a VERY basic sponge mix, for an 8 inch x 8 inch cake, 4 inches high ? Thanks in advance!
Can anyone recommend a mini chopper (under £20)
I bought a Sainsbury's one a couple of months ago similar to this http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/appliances/123589708_kitchen-collection-kj-1601-mini-chopper.html although I think mine is a slightly older model and it's worked fine for onions, herbs, tomato etc. But I used it to chop liver and due to a design fault…
bulk bought discount food - now what?
Hi, Following on from my other thread - I've been and bought tupperware type boxes from the £1 shop, on way home nipped into Mr T's (with a list etc!) There was loads of reduced food for 10p... So I stocked up. But now not sure what to do!!! I have: Desiree potatoes 2 Swedes Parsnips 2 nags of carrots 2 boxes of grapes Box…
Koftas and Kebabs
Hi all, I am having a bbq party and going to make chicken kebabs but am wondering how to bulk them out. I thought of peppers and courgettes on the skewers also but that's a big boring. Mushrooms never work (well not for me). Would pineapple chunks for a bit of sweetness be ok? It also needs to be cheap as loads of guests…
Old Coffee Stain on White Mattress
Hi All, Is it possible to remove an old coffee stain from a white mattress? Thanks
O/S Daily Thread Wednesday 30th July
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…
Soggy strawberries ?
Wondered what people do when their strawberries are past their best ? The only thing I know to do with them is to cook them down with a bit of sugar and then put over ice cream. But, I'm on a diet at the moment so - no ice cream !! Does anyone-else have any ideas? Cheers.
Is it worth buying a steam mop?
I am considering buying a steam mop but don't want to waste the money if its not going to be useful. I have heard mixed reviews about them, some people say they are the best thing since sliced bread, yet I have also heard they can be a faff to use as they need water adding all the time and reheating. The idea of having one…
Oak Chest of Drawers advice needed
Today I spent the afternoon sanding down the light oak chest of drawers that I purchased at the week end. Used sandpaper and wire wool to remove some marks. Unsure of what to do next and how. Would welcome advice on what to do if I want to paint or varnish. I am thinking of changing the current handles would like…
launderette costs
Hiya Does anyone no how much a load of washing costs to wash in a launderette, my washer has just died. Also how big are washloads you can do in one machine. Many thanks Dawn
cooking quorn
Hiya I'm looking to bulk cook for my freezer things like curries, chilli etc is it possible to use quorn in this was is cook, freeze, reheat! Many thanks. Dawn.
huge influx of sausages - suggestions needed
Hi all The title says it all really, think we will be living on sausages for months - fed up of sausage and egg and sausage casserole - can any of you lovely people suggest any reciepes please?
OS Daily for Tuesday 29th July 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 already. Everyone’s welcome, please do come in, put your feet…
Coffee stain out of tshirt with picture
My OH has lots of white tshirts that have pictures on that are transfers or printed on (I iron them inside out). He has spilled coffee down them and so they now have slight stains on them even though I have washed them a few times. (I didn't know about the stains or I would have soaked them first). Is there any way I can…
How do you get sun cream out of a carpet please?!
So let's suppose that your small, lively child has scampered across the carpet while utterly covered in suncream. There are comedy footprints of the stuff across the living room. How on earth would one go about cleaning it out of the carpet? (I have a difficult enough time getting it off white t shirts.) All tips…
Has Stork margarine changed..... ?
I've always used Stork margarine for baking - remember my Gran using it and I've always had good results, so have just stuck with it. Always have a 1Kg tub in the fridge ready to go. Last couple of sponge cakes I've made, though, the finished mixture has looked a bit curdled. Anyone else noticed a change ? No matter what I…

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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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