Hard Times

I've adopted the same approach when buying walking boots, as I keep saving the one that hasn't worn out. Unforturtunately, it's always the boot from the same leg that wears out first, and I now have several boots all the same. To make it even worse the manufacturer changes the actual size relative to the shoe size every few years, dammit.

 

You organising a Boot Sale then John?:WINK1: Where shall I park?

 

Or, get a Remoska to cook the chicken. Not a cheap option, even on Ebay but an extremely handy bit of kit for a cheap, tasty meal.

 

That looks interesting..................

 

A few salad plants got knocked back in the frost so just put a few tablespons of Alfalfa seeds in a mug to sprout.

 

Can't believe no one has mention taking things from skips yet. I must have saved a few bob by now doing this.

Also don't pay for my own clothes anymore. I do online surveys and get a £10 voucher to spend on clothes at tescos, Dorothy Perkins etc, at least once every 2 months.

 

Skips are good, builders will usually let you take firewood from them, saves them money too.

How do you do the online surveys without getting bombarded by junk e mails Jane?

A link would be appreciated

 

http://www.valuedopinions.co.uk/

I don't think I've received any junk mail because of signing up to that site. They do however send you a email telling you there is a new survey every other day or so. Sometimes you get screened out but it's the most rewarding survey site I've used. They give out vouchers for amazon, argos, tescos etc etc. Takes about 2 weeks to a month to receive them in the post though.

 

Cheers Jane,

Will go for that in the morning As I said in Tesco, every Lidl helps

 

Good tip - However I just tried to sign up for this site but couldn't get past the captchas.

 

Hot water from tea, goes into flasks for washing up (there's only two of us so it works)
Growing things to eat obviously! and keeping seeds for the nice plants out the front.
Got a cycle and trailer, only used the bike lately but the weathers getting good...
Do repairs in my little workshop, the usual things to try and get by, I suppose.
and freeview tv only...

 

On Superscrimpers a lady poured a cheapo bottle of cola down the loo and left it overnight.

No need to buy expensive kitchen cleaners - either use diluted bleach (the cheap thin stuff) in a spray bottle or else diluted white vinegar. Both of them cut through grease and kill bacteria. This works for bathroom cleaning and floors as well. I prefer to use vinegar as it's more environmentally friendly than bleach.

When doing your washing, only add half the recommended amount of washing powder/liquid. Does the job just as well. You can also mix soda crystals with the washing powder half and half which has the added bonus of cleaning the pipes as the soda crystals degrease them.

You can use white vinegar as an alternative to fabric softener on towels (fabric softener makes towels less absorbent in any case).

No need to buy expensive dishwasher cleaners - bung a cup of cheap malt vinegar in the dishwasher every few washes (with the dishes), or again you can use soda crystals.

About once a month I mix soda crystals with hot water in the washing up bowl (or you can do it in the sink with the plug in). Once the soda crystals are dissolved, I pour it down the plughole. Helps keeps the drains clear of grease and saves on having to buy drain unblockers.

If your drain does get blocked, get some caustic soda instead of the more expensive drain unblockers. It works just as well.

Don't buy expensive handwash - I use the cheapest big bottles of bubble bath and decant into a dispenser. Does the job just as well for a fraction of the price. I also use bubble bath instead of shower gel - again, it does the same job but much cheaper.

On the TV theme, if you have Sky Sports and only really watch the football, then change your package at the end of the season to remove it, then add it again when the season starts in August.

I know it's obvious, but turn everything off at the plug, including the television, microwave, etc. Not only does it save leccy but also reduces the risk of fire.

 

That (and another thread) reminded me of:

Just before Economy 7 finishes in the morning, pour boiling water into a large, wide necked flask onto scraps stuff specially prepared for the hens' lunch that needs cooking.

 

beat the petrol costs by getting an e-bike ....

works with battery (40 miles to a fully charged battery), no tax or licence or MOT needed and can do 25mph, and is classed as a bicycle (it also has pedals)

this is my daughter with hers that was delivered an hour ago (paid £300 off gumtree .... it has only been ridden for 10 miles, and the the girl who owned it previously wants a 50cc instead)