Great Tips... one liners

CCP

I don't think it's been mentioned yet - using bicarb and vinegar to clear slow-running drains, rather than buying bottles of sink unblocker. It works just as well, doesn't produce unpleasant fumes, and has got to be better for the environment, too.

Th best thing about this forum, though, is that I can come on here and talk about things like that without having people look at me as if I'm strange and potentially dangerous! :rotfl:

(I'm not saying I'm not strange, of course... )

fedupandskint

I didn't know how far to stretch a chicken and to make stock from the carcass. Every time now I stretch it so it lasts nearly all week plus the stock in soups and rissotto

I never knew how good stardrops was for cleaning. I use this every time for the kitchen and it goes a long way

I never ever bought the basics range from Mr S - now I do, fruit and veg, downsized brands to biscuits and tea bags, tissues and floor cleaner and all are great. I used to be such a brand snob 2 yrs ago

I stopped baking when I grew up - I have restarted baking over the last year and its great - cheaper and I'm sure better for you.

I got a BM - and use this to make bread for me! Nice - much cheaper and nicer than shop bought

Bicarb and white vinegar for clearing the sink pipes and oven pride instead of oven mate - both so good!

Soup and stew making - never realised how easy this was and tasty - now I do and stick to this formula

Try and make all meals and stopped buying ready meals - have the odd one but vastly reduced in consumption rates

Composting away tissues, used matches, fruit and veg peelings etc odd envelope - things Iwouldn't have thought about before

Preserving - I discovered a love of chutney making and marmalade making that I didn't know I had. Much nicer than bought stuff and generally cheaper

This forum has helped me a lot to a new way of life and one that is less consumerist and more enjoyable in many ways!

kitschkitty

I discovered stardrops and adding white vinegar to the washing machine on this forum.

Lindy_-_Loo

Its very simple but I didnt realise that you could freeze things like peppers, I used to throw them away instead of doing this!

Ive had lots of cheaper deals through using the site

Started making cakes to put in lunchbags rather that buying them.

Lots more but cant think!

Emstick14

Justamum wrote: »

The size they come in works fine I find. My MIL used to cut up her brillo pads and green scourers. They ended up being pretty useless as there was nothing to get hold of.

I found that it was a watse using a whole one just for a the Sunday roast dishes, so when someone on here suggested cutting them in half, I was all for it. Yes, there isn't much to get old of as such but it does the same job and I can throw it away after without feeling too bad as I have in affect doubled the amount I have bought!

I need to look into Stardrops, this is one thing I haven't ventured yet.

I do use soda crystals now
I have draught proofed all doors and windows
Searched the web for cheaper deals on things
Make use of leftovers
Compost

There are probably more things but can't think specifically

GetRealBabe

Hi

Freezing vegetables: batches of carrot and celery for pasta sauce and stews. Also leeks.

Freezing wine, orange peel for marmalade and using up left overs.

Cooking meals from scratch and starting to bake.

flabadabado

That it's possible to use a single pot of bicarb, 2 basics bottles of vinegar and a cheap bottle of bleach in various combos to leave a rental property in a cleaner state than when you moved in. (As noted on our extremely pernickety exit papers!) For less than £2 we got our ENTIRE £800 deposit back. Yay for the cleaning sticky!

emiff6

What I've learned on this forum that I didn't know before is that there is a huge community of inventive, knowledgeable and generous people ready and willing to share their ideas and help solve other people's problems, and there is no question, however difficult or tricky, that someone can't answer. These forums are brilliant! Thank you all!

nopot2pin

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

The best kind, the cheapest ones you can get your hands on. Ikea sell them quite cheaply and so do @sda, especially when they've got their two for three quid dealio going on. The colour doesn't really matter as it's only the nieghbours who will see them when they're drawn

Thanks
I will check Ikea next time I am in... I know it will also help with the blackout factor Doncha just love multitasking money saving ideas

fedupandskint wrote: »

I stopped baking when I grew up - I have restarted baking over the last year and its great - cheaper and I'm sure better for you.

Ditto.. and the same with preserving

wssla00

I have learnt how amazing astonish is for cleaning the oven! It is amazing stuff at a quid... perfect!

Also, how to cut my shopping bill down with the help of the GC!