Tips and Quick Questions on “How To Start Being Old Style”

maryb

Welcome and don't worry about asking questions

I use Stardrops in a spray bottle and I dilute it quite a bit - almost as if you were mixing orange squash. That way it still cleans but it's not too soapy to wipe off.

Soda crystals - put a tablespoonful round the plughole of your sink and pour boiling water over it to dissolve it and wash it down - that will clear grease from the pipes and keep them clear. Or dissolve a spoonful in hot water in a pot with burnt on food (don't do this with aluminium pans) It will get nearly anything off

When I use lentils in chilli I use the red ones straight from the packet and add them at the stage when I am frying the onions and mince. Just let the sauce bubble for a bit longer to make sure they are not crunchy.

This is the way I do things but others have different approaches which all work and I'm sure they will be along soon to give their tips. Don't worry if you get different views, choose one to try out then experiment until you find your own way of doing things.

Hope this helps and welcome again

nuttybabe

Hiya

Hope this helps you:

stardrops - i mix 1/10 stardrops with 1/10 white vinegar with 8/10 water for cleaning the kitchen. for the bathroom i mix 1/10 stardrops with 1/10 bleach with 8/10 water. for shower screen i have a bottle of white vinegar/water 50/50 mix.

soda crystals - i used to put a tablespoon in with my washing powder but now i mostly use it in my own washing gloop. it is brilliant on burnt food and it got my blinds back to white!!!!

Lentils - I use dried. For spag bol i use orange lentils and do what is says on the packet which i think is rinse then boil and then i add them to the spag bol. i also chuck in a handful of oats as it seems to make it more creamy. for cottage pie i use green lentils and do what it says on the packet before chucking them in.

I think thats all!!

Penelope_Penguin

Wecome to OS, don :beer:

Take a look at this thread, designed for new Old stylers I'll merge this thread later, to keep ideas together.

don1975

thanks very much mary and nutty great tip for the oats.penelope a little light reading for tommorrow lol and thank you for a point in the right direction .just one more question where do i buy white vinegar i can only find distilled or malt that is clear or white is this what i need to add or am i looking at the wrong thing??

nuttybabe

its the clear one (i didnt know either when i first read about it!!). around 30p i think. although i have used the brown one for fabric conditioner for my towels when i have run out of the clear one!!!! :P

wogglemaker

Don, distilleed is white,

Luv Woggle

fc123

Hi all...I am a ''fervant'' MSE'er but only read this board...but I don't think I have ever posted on it.

My very good friend who is a newish mum (he is lively 16 months) and is now a lone parent on a very much reduced income.
She is a very prudent individual, lives within her means (no debt etc) but we chatted this afternoon and she really want's too keep certain things in her budget (like gym club as it's a social thing too) but this will mean really hitting Oldstyle big time so the money balances each month.


The one thing she does have is time to prep and cook (eg; she has the time to boil chick peas for 2 hours etc) but I bragged that you guys could feed her and him for £10 per week....and now I am thinking was this too rash?

She doesn't 'do' battery meat or processed but is up for vegetarian if it's cheaper.


I know all the berry packs and 'organic'snack whatsits are pricey so does anyone have any ideas? Maybe a meal plan as he is big enough to eat shared dinners now.


I am going to suggest an organic box delivery once a week @ £13 as, apart from salad, should be plenty...and that's over the £10

Her local shop is Tesco Express but she does have a local indie shop that sells bucnches of coriander etc really cheaply.

I am going to mail her this link with the ideas so she may pop in (I don't think she has posted on forums before).....so thanks in advance.

Penelope_Penguin

Welcome to you both :beer: Try taking a look at this thread - it's been designed with new Old Stylers in mind, and has lots of links and tips

Nargleblast

You could try looking at Weezl's website, which gives a months worth of family meals (breakfasts/lunches/dinners) - a bit over the £10 a week you mentioned, but still could be good for ideas. Haven't got the link but will try to find the site address.

Nargleblast

Try www.cheap-family-recipes.org.uk - that should do it. Alternatively there is the Grocery challenge at the top of the threads list, recipes for everything you can think of. Hope this helps.