Preparing for Winter

Money_maker

fedupandskint wrote: »

Thanks for all the popcorn tips I have a bag of unopened kernals languishing in the pantry.

I bought them with the thought of being MS then wasn't very sure about how to cook them! Might have some tonight as a treat after tea!

There is a popcorn thread on OS - has lots of yummy ideas for 'sauces' and more savoury options. Use the biggest saucepan you have or do two batches as some corn pops later than others. The trick is to pop it all without burning those that have popped!!

I was all set to go to Dunelm today (best prices on flannelette sheets as the P&P online pushes them up too much) when my Dad told me he had some at his home. Round there this afternoon. My Mum - bless her - had bought in packs of these years ago (the 70's) so he had lots to choose from. Came home with 2 doubles (1 new), 2 singles (both new in packaging), 2 pillowcases and 2 ordinary single fitted sheets. They are so thick I can only fit the 2 single and 1 double in the washing machine and its full!! Saved a fortune.

fedupandskint

At the risk of hijacking the thread completely thought I'd update my list now I've found it again so I can write it down!
Completed list :j
Fleeces and blankets
Candles, holder, stick and matches
Draft excluders
Thick socks
Thicker curtains for cold living room
gloves and scarfs
Thick coats and wellies and boots at the ready
Spare room old curtain taken down and a new pair put up to use
Front door panel bubble wrapped for insulation
Behind kick panels lagged with plastic bags
Cold and flu supermarket brand medication stocked up on!
Plenty of tissues and cotton hankies in stock!

To do list
Replace secondary glazing pane in spare room
Thermal vest
replace draft excluders on doors
[STRIKE]reflective panels behind radiators[/STRIKE] leave for this year
Take boots for reheeling/soles
Winter food stock inventory
Complete power cut box
Put everything in car breakdown box

Pending - no rush
Get some grit and a shovel for ice and snow next year
dog walking gloves as fingers froze this year

winniepooh

Gigervamp wrote: »

The Ikea fleeces that are £2.79 are lovely and warm. I've got a few of them.

Just got back from ikea I had to get a few of these

Stocked up on candles and tea lights.

Now just need bed socks

maryb

Does anyone know/remember from last year where is the best place to get a snow shovel? They had some with a very wide plastic 'blade' in one shop last year (after the snow had melted so I didn't bother buying) but I can't remember where I saw them.

You see I am doing my best to ensure it will be a mild winter - it's only cold when I am NOT organised!!

Confuzzled

downshifter wrote: »

You don't need a popcorn maker. If you just cover the base of a saucepan (which has a lid!)

i've been making popcorn like this for years myself and never had any problems

the wee one likes it when i do it because i have a glass lid so she can see what's happening in there when it starts popping

valk_scot

The difference though between popping popcorn in a pan and using a popcorn maker is that you need a bit of oil in the pan for the first method but the second is fat-free. I prefer the pan popped popcorn, but we have a popcorn machine just because it's that wee bit healthier.

When I make it in the pan I put the oil on to heat with four kernals of corn...then when I hear all four have opped I put the rest of the corn in, wait till it start popping then turn the heat down a little so the bottom layer doesn't scorch. I only put enough corn in to cover the base of the pan in a single layer. Then I put salt on it when it's done. Fat AND salt, oh dear!

Gigervamp

Well, you only need about a tablespoon of oil, so it's not very much.

And salty popcorn! Bleurgh! Sugar and lots of it for me! :rotfl:

Molly41

Butterfly_Brain wrote: »

Bless you I hope the delivery goes ok for you x
Try turning the thermostat down and wrap the baby in a shawl with a bonnet the bonnet will help to keep him warm

Hi,
You'd be surprised how quickly babes regulate their heat - after the first 24-48 hours. Follow the guidelines for prevention of Cotdeath and use a room themometer placed at top of cot or crib so it monitoring temp of where babe actually is not room. Lots of thin layers correlating to temp and if you double a baby blanket you double the tog. Its quite straightforwars. Babe shouldn't wear a hat indoor after a few days as it regulates heat through head. Also check temp on back of neck or tummy as hands aand toes dont get proper circulation until older and often feel cold. Im a community midwife by trade and this is the guidance I give. You do need a certain level of heat in your home to keep dampness at bay but im sure you will easily manage. Lots of luck for a lovely birth.

Molly

Bitsy_Beans

Butterfly_Brain wrote: »

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

My biggest issue in our house is a mystery draft that blows down the stairs.
We had this problem and found out it was coming from the loft hatch so DH insulated the hatch itself and the surround and we seem to have the problem sorted.

Well we thought that but if you put your hand up to the loft hatch there's no draft. You can't actually feel a draft on the landing anywhere but sit at the bottom of the stairs and in winter you can really feel it.
Am going to insulate the loft hatch in case but am pretty sure it's not coming from there.......

Olliebeak

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

Butterfly_Brain wrote: »

Well we thought that but if you put your hand up to the loft hatch there's no draft. You can't actually feel a draft on the landing anywhere but sit at the bottom of the stairs and in winter you can really feel it.
Am going to insulate the loft hatch in case but am pretty sure it's not coming from there.......

This may sound a silly question, BUT can I just ask if you have an 'Envirovent' in your home? We have them in all our houses here and sometimes they've been set (by the builders) to 'blow cool air'. Some of my tenants were complaining about draughts last year and we tracked them ALL down to the Envirovents being set incorrectly (and control switches being in the lofts :eek:!).

http://www.envirovent.com/products/domestic/positive_input/loft_mounted/loft_mounted.html