Sneaky ways to save the pennies

Magentasue

I tumble dry most things in the winter and, yes, it does cut down the ironing. This time of year, I dry outside and do a ten minute tumble dry for non-iron items otherwise I get comments from my sons about crispy socks!

piglet6

Hi Le Foot!

I'm with you and Magentasue - in fact, I have things tumbling at the moment. 15-20 minutes of tumbling and they can go over the airer overnight, none of the things will need ironing and they will all be soft and fluffy, rather than hard and crispy!:p

Its a no brainer for me - I hate ironing, (and I'm not very quick at it so it takes me forever!:rolleyes:) and for a few minutes of tumbling, I know which choice I'd rather go with!:rotfl:

Piglet

BigMummaF

Putting a splash of white vinegar in the rinse works as an excellent softner, particularly for towels that you're not supposed to use softner on anyway.

Something I've done for years & came via my lovely Dairy Diary one year, is to add a tablespoon of milk to cream before whipping. It comes up more like clotted & almost doubles the volume:p Guess what the offspring had on their scones yesterday:rolleyes:

exlibris

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

I

Think I will get some drier balls too - I begrudge having to use my tumble drier but with the lovely traditional welsh weather -


I have stopped using my drier balls. I don't think they made much difference in drying time BUT they have dented the drum of my drier and that can't be good for it!

BigMummaF

Didn't think of this one before either, but I try to soak dried fruit in black tea for a couple of hours. It plumps up the fruit & gives the appearance of there being a lot more in the dish than there really is.

I weigh out the amount first, then pour on hot black tea & leave it to do it's thang. Strain it well [someone resourceful may have a suggestion for the resulting liquor ]& it looks like you've put in twice as much fruit.

Uniscots97

BigMummaF wrote: »

Didn't think of this one before either, but I try to soak dried fruit in black tea for a couple of hours. It plumps up the fruit & gives the appearance of there being a lot more in the dish than there really is.

I weigh out the amount first, then pour on hot black tea & leave it to do it's thang. Strain it well [someone resourceful may have a suggestion for the resulting liquor ]& it looks like you've put in twice as much fruit.

You either drink the 'juice' yourself (its nice warm) or pour it onto plants.

EagerLearner

Brown sugar is great with olive oil as a body / foot exfoliator. Maybe fill an empty jar ot pot with a lid, add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil too if you like.

However, be gentle if you have sensitive skin and test first. Mine is sensitive and this brown sugar/olive oil works for me but check... as the crystals in salt and sugar can cut the skin.

For face, my skin is sensitive too, so please don't use harsh salt. I want to mix bicarb with olive oil - will be trying this next time I can get my hands on cheap bicarb! x

Maria575757

BigMummaF wrote: »

Didn't think of this one before either, but I try to soak dried fruit in black tea for a couple of hours. It plumps up the fruit & gives the appearance of there being a lot more in the dish than there really is.

I weigh out the amount first, then pour on hot black tea & leave it to do it's thang. Strain it well [someone resourceful may have a suggestion for the resulting liquor ]& it looks like you've put in twice as much fruit.

You could use the resultant liqour as part of the liquid content when making a fruit cake - just adds to the flavour!

BigMummaF

Thanks for the suggestions on the soaked fruit liquid stuff:D

Another good hand wash, particularly if you have a mechanic in the house, is a spoonful of sugar onto the hands, squirt of washing up liquid & work it well. Wash off with warm water.....equally as good as the stuff you buy in a tin but much, much cheaper....& the male fraternity don't mind using it either:p

nannaC

BigMummaF wrote: »

Something I've done for years & came via my lovely Dairy Diary one year, is to add a tablespoon of milk to cream before whipping. It comes up more like clotted & almost doubles the volume:p Guess what the offspring had on their scones yesterday:rolleyes:

Ohhhhhhhh I remember the Dairy Diaries well I used to cut out all the great recipies. Am at this minute just going through my 1988 dairy book of BRITISH FOOD and my 1977 Dairy book of home cooking, both bought new and complete with hand written christmas cake/mock almond paste/fondant icing [for another thread] in the back, along with hubbies hand written DO NOT POISON US cheek he always eats more than everyone else. By the way does anyone remember an excellent 1970's programme called Indoors Outdoors, full of amazing tips used to be on a Sat morning.