Preparedness for when

mardatha

I think this might be a good time to really practice what we preach and try out the preps. Between the upcoming winter with fewer power stations, Putin in charge of the gas pipeline, and Osborne in charge of the tax credits ( which is probly just the same as Putin as they both seem to be KGB) I think things ain't going to get any easier.

[Deleted User]

It makes sense of all the prepping when you look at the potential for disruption and possible power shortages due to various factors including the weather. To see how you would fare when it's only a practise run would be very sensible and give you some idea of whether or not what you have in place for an emergency happening would also be enough to see you through a longer period without power or heating. Interesting exercise MAR!

Frugalsod

COOLTRIKERCHICK wrote: »

Flipping heck, when I was younger I bought expensive skin products, and I thought it made me look/ feel better. But there was nothing wrong with my skin..

Is all about what we drink and eat ( and our DNA from our parents) to what our skin is going to be like..

Nowadays if I feel it needs anything I just slap a bit of sudacreme on my face when I am in the bath, OK I might look a bit white lol, but it does the trick..

Sudacreme is for me a product ( or a supermarket one) that would be a good prepper item, as a little goes a very long way, and its good for loads of skin related stuff

I have seen a number of Youtube videos on alternative skin care products made from basic items like lemons, olive oil and salt. Now these might not be suitable for everyone though they could be good as a money saving option and perfect in a SHTF situation.

Frugalsod

RAS wrote: »

I do wish sometimes that people would be more careful shopping. Some the the pound stores can be more expensive (branded goods) than the own brand versions in major supermarkets or B&M and even Lidl can cost more than the value ranges.

I like Lidl for some things and I use the pound shops but they seem to create this trance-like state that encourages people to think they can afford each item, so it is OK to spend. In fact a little careful shopping would yield much the same at less cost and they would have money left over for the electric.

I try and put something into the food bank each week and I find Sainsbo's basic range and some Tosspots yield more stuff for the bucks as a rule; topped off by some stuff from the discounters, pound shops and chazzers. Got 2 duvet covers and matching pillow cases for £2.96 the other week (in total).

I fully agree. The only way to compare is to use the price per 100g. My comment about Poundland prices were specific to branded goods only.

Personally I look for value products as much as possible, except ready meals and meat. The horse meat scandal has made me ultra aware of what we might be getting there. The value ketchup is pretty good no matter what the store. No need to buy branded versions for me. Value cereals are also excellent and just as good as almost as any are own brand or branded variety.

[Deleted User]

If we are into a SHTF situation and we have salt, olive oil and lemon the last use I'd put them to would be skincare, good barter items all three!

Frugalsod

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

If we are into a SHTF situation and we have salt, olive oil and lemon the last use I'd put them to would be skincare, good barter items all three!

I agree but can be used as a money saving solution until things get that bad. It might still be good for morale for some. Though if people were in that situation I suspect that there would be far more going on in terms of revolt.

GreyQueen

I've always thought a lot of skincare and haircare is a swizz. Encourage people into habits and practises which are pretty much guaranteed to cause problems and then sell them the solutions. Shampoo, rinse and repeat ad nauseum

I don't own any skincare beyond a basic handcream and use soap&water and a flannel. Skin is fine and I look 8-10 years than my actually age. I figure not pulling my face about to apply slap, and not have a slew of chemicals on it has to be helping.

Either that or eating chocolate has unexpected health benefits. But a low-maintenance regime is fast and efficient. I had problem skin until I twigged that the problem was the skincare products and ditched them.

jk0

(Also posted on Landlordzone)

Well, that was a waste of time...

I bet most of you receive a supply pipe insurance offer with your water bills. I've taken this for a number of years. This year they sent me a leaflet mentioning a special offer on a Surestop Switch installed for £69.30.

Recently I found my stop tap impossible to turn, so thought this would be a great alternative. We arranged that they would call today between 12 & 6.

The guy has just left, as he was unable to do the job, due to not having a Thames Water key to shut off the water! This is the firm that still has Thames Water's logo on their paperwork.

Not having a Thames Water key, would also be rather inconvenient if I did call them out for a leaking supply pipe. I just cancelled my direct debit.

Frugalsod

GreyQueen wrote: »

I've always thought a lot of skincare and haircare is a swizz. Encourage people into habits and practises which are pretty much guaranteed to cause problems and then sell them the solutions. Shampoo, rinse and repeat ad nauseum

I don't own any skincare beyond a basic handcream and use soap&water and a flannel. Skin is fine and I look 8-10 years than my actually age. I figure not pulling my face about to apply slap, and not have a slew of chemicals on it has to be helping.

Either that or eating chocolate has unexpected health benefits. But a low-maintenance regime is fast and efficient. I had problem skin until I twigged that the problem was the skincare products and ditched them.

I think the biggest factors are environmental, so smoking, drinking too much and sunbathing all damage the collagen in the skin which ages it significantly. Avoid those and you should look younger and healthier without much extra effort or product.

nuatha

GreyQueen wrote: »

I don't do online banking, I'm far too inclined to transpose numbers when tired. I'd probably send my money to someone else, or accidentally buy a 747 or summat.

Well, speakers haven't gone WHUMP since I plugged the CRT monitor into a powerstrip off another socket to the rest of the pooter and its accessories. Does that mean my monitor is dying, nuatha (or anyone)?

I don't do online banking - I know how insecure the systems can be. As for Rapport, it could be a real money maker, with the effect it has on otherwise healthy systems - but I don't know anyone in the trade who has any advice about it other than don't install it.

Sorry its taken so long to get back to you - if you are expecting a reply from me and don't get one in 48 hours feel free to administer a reminder by PM (or kick in the derrière if you are geographically close enough).

Monitor - it does suggest that the monitor is on its way out, the fact that the frequency of the "Whumps" was increasing suggests that the relevant components are moving towards their demise at an increasing rate. If the flat screen you mentioned elsewhere is still an option I'd make the transition - if not, then keeping an eye out for something suitable would be a good idea. Unfortunately its impossible to give a forecast of how imminent the final demise will be. The last guy in this area who does CRT type monitors and TVs charges £80 to assess the problem, that would buy me a decent 21.5 inch monitor delivered and a couple of chip suppers in this neck of the woods.