Christmas savers and secrets

Ok So Christmas is upon us and the holiday season brings with it lots of rushing around and expensive buying. Firstly DO NOT leave your shopping till the last minute. The must have gifts will be out of stock and you will only get frustrated and annoyed running around or going from site to site trying to get what you need. You can do Christmas for hardly anything but I do not expect people to throw out years of living in a 'spend culture' to do simple things like make your own decorations from pine cones or make small christmas boxes out of last years cards and put in a few home made sweets to give as gifts. These things sound lovely but don't compare for most with the flashy plastic tat that we all buy at Christmas and regret in the new year. So here are a few other, less radical ideas. Wrap babies gifts in tissue or crepe paper so they can tear it open easily and give you a great photo op. Make use of your slow cooker and put in a stew for Christmas eve. Then you can have the day relaxing, finishing off last minute wrapping, visiting relatives or just dancing to Christmas songs, at the ens of the day you have a lovely stew to dish up with some crusty bread and maybe a glass of red wine for mummy! :) You can use it again (the slow cooker not the stew) on Boxing day with some left over turkey, stuffing and the veg in a chicken stock. Yum. We make the kids a special champagne for christmas day with lemonade and apple juice. They love it and can join in the celebrations. Spray a piece of old trelis with paint and glitter (or what ever you like) and use it to hold Christmas cards. You can attach it to the wall and you do not need to worry about where all the cards will go. Sort out old toys before the big day and donate or put to one side to sell. This leaves room for the new ones and if you sell any before Christmas it can also help to pay for them. REMEMBER to save all the boxes if you can as this makes it easier to sell them later on and you will get more for them. Make a list of all the gifts you wish to buy before you go shopping. If you wait for inspiration to strike, you could be wandering aimlessly around the shops for hours. Cross people off the list as you buy to avoid duplication Buy a few little extras, such as chocolates, just in case you forget somebody or you have unexpected guests bearing gifts. . Buy your gifts over the Internet. Some companies will also gift-wrap and post your presents for a small additional fee. BUT order early to avoid long postage delays. If you are cooking lunch at home, delegate tasks. You don't need to do everything yourself. Make a list of food and ingredients needed. Buy as many non-perishable food items as you can in advance – supermarkets on Christmas Eve are generally extremely busy. Write a Christmas Day timetable. For example, 11.30am – put turkey in the oven. You may need to order particular food items (such as turkeys) from your supermarket by a certain date. Check to avoid disappointment. Consider doing your food shopping online. The store will deliver your groceries to your door. To cut down on cooking on the day, cook and freeze mincepies, gravy, stuffing, bread sauce, parsnips (boiled and then frozen, they cook much quicker in the oven on the day), yorkshire puddings and dessert. All this can be done the week before and will only need a few minutes cooking or a few hours defrosting to be ready to serve. You can take all the stress out of cooking by going out for dinner on the day. Some places do not cost much more at Christmas than on a normal day and you can take along crackers and hats etc to make it special. But book well in advance if you plan to have Christmas lunch at a restaurant. Some restaurants may be fully booked for months before Christmas, so don't wait till the last minute. Don't expect miracles. Christmas is just another day. It will most likely NOT be perfect and things WILL go wrong but it is just gifts and a roast dinner so DON'T PANIC! Remember if you and certain family members bicker all year long, you can be sure there'll be tension at Christmas gatherings so avoid known triggers. For example, if politics is a touchy subject in your family, don't talk about it. If someone brings up the topic, use distraction and quickly move on to something else to talk about. Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing on your breath to cope with anxiety or tension. Family members involved in after-lunch activities are less likely to get into arguments. Plan for something to do as a group after lunch if necessary. After Christmas comes Boxing day. This is the day I hate/love to shop. I look for a bargain and get my wrapping, crackers, cards and even some presents ready for next year. When it is time to take down the cards cut them up as gift tags and recycle what is left. I have never brought a gift tag for a Christmas present. Don't forget to check out my other posts for hangover cures and help to prevent a hangover at all. Most of all enjoy the day and a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL.

Secrets to help you save money while you are Pregnant

Having a baby can be expensive. Wonderful but expensive. Save some money while you still have time and are not running around attending to every whim of your new prodigy. A variety of baby brands offer free trial products and coupons for new parents, so get Googling and see what’s out there that you can sign up for. Just a few of the free products available include bottles and baby food. Buy nursing bras instead of regular bras when you are pregnant (buy at least a size larger). Most women have to go up a size when they are pregnant, I saved money and bought nursing bras and made sure they fit me well with a little room to grow. The nursing bras worked great and I had only had to invest in 2 or 3 bras when I was pregnant. I then did not need to buy new bras once the baby was born. Also breast feeding will save you quite a lot of money and if you can then do. It is free and the best choice for baby. Borrow Maternity clothes if you can or buy empire-waist shirts that can be worn after pregnancy instead of maternity tops and if you are heavily pregnant in winter or know you will be, then buy a coat that buttons up and buy it a few sizes larger. You can use it until your bump gets too big then just cut off the buttons and resew them closer to the edge of the coat. This will make the coat another size bigger still. When you have the baby remove the buttons again and then sew them on a little further in than they were originally this will make the coat fit you again and it will look rather slimming. If you are planning to use disposable nappies then have an American Diaper shower. It is better than a baby shower where you will get a few pairs of socks wrapped up to look like roses or a baby bath that you use once and then stick in the attic. Diaper showers ask every one to bring boxes of nappies with them. Do NOT ask every one to bring newborn as you may find these do not fit or are too small after a week. But ones designed for a few months old would work well and will still fit if baby is born larger than expected or grows quickly. Nappies cost a fortune and a good stock of them is very worth having. Buy scented doggy do bags. They are cheaper than a nappy wrapper and if you have a small bin with a well fitted lid then this works just as well. If you buy baby items try to buy second hand as most things like activity centres and bumbo seats are hardly used and get sold on very quickly. What ever you do buy sterilise it as a matter of course and keep the boxes as it is easier to sell the items on afterwards if they are boxed. This is also a good thing to do with children's toys. Make lovely meals and freeze them. As you get bigger you will have many nights when you do not feel like cooking. Do not get a take away just get out a frozen meal and heat. You can save quite a lot of money by avoiding the urge for a take away. But still treat yourself. You are doing an amazing thing and your mind and body needs a bit of a boost now and then.

Tips to Loose weight without losing Money

Random secrets 13-11-14 - Time saver

I have not written in a while. Random Secrets today - Everyone has seen how to cut baby tomatoes with two plates (if you have not then place lots of tomatoes on one plate and put the other plate on top and then cut with a long knife between the plates.) It works well with eggs and small potatoes as well. Anyway these are a few more for your busy day. Too many gift cards/loyalty cards in your purse? Punch a small hole in the corner of each and put them on a key ring. Easy to put away in a pocket in your bag and easy to find as they won't all fall out at the checkout. Get egg shell in a cracked egg? Use the left over half shell to scoop it out. It works like a magnet. Stubbon sticker or label on a gift? Get it off in a few seconds with the warm blast of a hairdryer. Create one pot wonders and look up new ideas. If you have to cook something sticky on an oven pan put foil on it first so the pan stays clean. Place duvet/sheet sets inside one pillow case that matches (put the other pillowcase inside as well if it is a double/king/queen) so you can find them much quicker. I hope these ideas help you today :)

Today's Secret's - 18-03-14 - DIY save and no waste - tips and hints

If you make a hole too big for a wall plug don't panic or go out and buy bigger ones just fill the hole with matchsticks until the plug fits.

If a round headed screw head is damaged use a metal file to make a new slot for your screwdriver.

Saw not gliding smoothly? Use candle wax to get it running well again, if a screw or nail needs lubrication run it through your hair.

Make your own sanding blocks with glue sand paper and any thing square and hard that you might want to chuck away.

Tongue and groove is expensive, cut some grooves into hard board and paint it. No one will know the difference.

No dustpan or don't want to use it to clean up a DIY project? Use some newspaper and wet the edge, brush the dust into it and then just roll it up and throw away.

Always measure twice and cut once, you will waste less.

Try to have the right tools, borrow them, try boot fairs or look on second hand sites to get a bargain.

Want a lovely colour of paint but it costs a fortune? Buy a small pot of the paint and then mix it well into a large pot of white paint. The colour you will get will be slightly lighter but will be close to the colour you wanted.

Have a small area left but you have run out of wallpaper? Go back to the store and ask for a sample of the wall paper you are using, most stores will let you take quite a large piece. Take enough to finish the area.

Keep old paint and paint over any stubborn dirt marks.

Stir vanilla essence into paint to help with the smell.

Paint brushes hard? Boil some vinegar and dip them into it for a few minutes.

Wall paper edge coming away? Use some egg white, paint it on the wallpaper then let it go sticky, now re-stick without paying out for paste.

Salt water will clean a paste brush and stop it going hard.

Bicarbonate of soda in warm water will strip the wall paper quicker.

Lastly, try to have fun when decorating, put on music, order a pizza and laugh at any problems. It will all be much less stressful.

Today's Secret's - Buying second hand or antiques repair and tips to save you money

An obvious one first - If a piece of furniture has little holes in it, it could mean woodworm. If you buy it anyway you may need to get it treated (May is best for this to get the larvae) and quickly as woodworm can spread. It may also reduce the value of the item.

If you want to get an antique look to a piece of furniture mix furniture varnish with soot and rub it in.

Scratches and rings in tables can be removed by using half a walnut rubbed over the scratch or use petroleum jelly on it and leave for 24 hours before buffing in.

To remove ink stains by soaking a piece of cotton in water and placing it on the stain, leave overnight and it will draw it out.

Use crayons of the same colour to fill in scratches or cracks in wood.


Check if handles are original by looking inside the draws to see if there is any extra holes or how new the screws look. Clean Brass handles with lemon juice.

Fabric cleaner with water will clean a gilded plate if left to soak.

Pottery cracks can be filled by heating it slowly to 110 c this opens the crack so you can put in some glue and then let it dry and the crack will seal up.
For hairline cracks boil it in a pan of milk for half an hour and the crack should disappear.

Sniff silver as it has a stronger smell than plate. Learn the difference and you can never be fooled.
To read a hall mark better, breath on it as it will make it stand out or burn a bit of paper and let the soot settle on the hall mark, use tape over it to remove the soot and then place the tape on white paper to see the mark.
To polish silver use your fingers.

Brown sauce can clean brass if you leave it over night.

Brown marks on books can be removed with breadcrumbs.

Almond oil can work a treat on tortoise shell and Ivory.

Remove scratches from your watch face with metal polish.

Denture cleaning tablets popped into a long necked vase will clean it up.

To clean an oil painting just spit on cotton and rub gently, surface dirt can be removed with a piece of bread. Check a small area first as with all these tips.

Real silk will stick to a brick wall. Try it.
Think a designer label may be fake? Check the stitching is even and the lining is of good quality as both will be perfect in an original.

If you attend a car boot sale then get there early as bargains go first.
Never pass up a charity shop some can surprise you.
Try places/sales in early spring as that's when people have a good clear out.
Haggle - it is part of the fun and the only way to get a bargain, if you don't ask you won't get.

Have fun and good luck.

Today's Secret's - 12/03/14 - Gardening tips to save you time and money.

First tip - if you are growing carrots or leeks etc, use old toilet roll tubes to sew your seeds into. Then thin them out. Plant the seedlings you are keeping into the ground inside the tubes. This makes them grow stronger, bigger and straighter. It also keeps them protected from frost and some underground critters.

Plant seeds in a bit of old guttering they are easy to slide off the end for replanting.
Teabags make great seed starters.

The best place to store seeds is in the fridge.

Reflect light with tin foil if your plants don't get much.

Collect seeds from flowers then dry them out and store them, cheaper than buying them.

Swap cuttings and seeds with other gardeners. If you must buy plants do so in the spring as you can get a good idea of the health of the plant. Try not to buy a plant that has moss or weeds in the pot, this could mean it has been in the pot too long.

Save water by putting potted plants under hanging baskets to catch any overspill.

Brush water off your hedge before cutting as a wet hedge is harder to cut.

a potato peeler is great for digging up weeds from the lawn. Blast weeds with Gin and detergent to kill them off.

Use a cut up plastic drink bottle as a mini greenhouse over your pots.

Keep cats and birds away from new seeds with a snake! Use a length of hose pipe that looks snake like and wind it between your seeds.

Pepper and citrus also works well at keeping cats away.

Half a grapefruit left upside (skin side up) down makes a great slug trap. Deter them with crushed egg shells scattered around your plants.

Ok I think this is another one that will need a part two. lol. So many tips but so little time. Keep coming back to read more another day. :)

Today's Secret's - Baking a cake - yum - tips to save you time and money

For a crunchy topping to fruit pies and crumbles, save all the left over bits from cereal and sprinkle on top before baking.

Apple in brown sugar will stop it clumping or going hard.

Add one tablespoon per egg to make meringue stretch further.

Make your own piping bag out of foil.

To bring out the taste of chocolate in a cake add a few granules of coffee.

Save time and dough when baking biscuits. Roll them into a long sausage shape and then cut into disc's. To bake cookies for free, put them on a baking tray in your car on the dashboard. If the day is very hot (Over 25 degrees) the cookies will bake in about an hour.

Make sure cutters are totally dry after use or else they can go rusty. Put them in the oven as it is cooling to dry them out after washing.

Reuse a cake board, turn it over or cover it in foil.

Spread a little butter on the underside of your cake pieces before you sandwich them together, you can then add less jam as the cake will not absorb it.

Butter cream will keep for two or three weeks in a covered container in the fridge.

To make cakes extra light and fluffy whisk the egg whites before adding and add a spoon of warm water to the mixture just before baking.

There are so many tips that I might have to do a part two of this. Lastly if you use olive oil rubbed around your cake tin instead of butter your cake will be less likely to stick.

To stop cake mixture from sticking to the spoon and wasting it, coat the spoon in milk before use.

Today's Secret's - Bread - the daily staple - Tips on how to save

Bread. We all use it and even those with allergies demand a version of it they can eat. Where would we be without bread?

I think bread costs a ridiculous amount these days. I usually buy the shops own brand BUT I buy the thick sliced. It seems the thin sliced is just too thin and the thick sliced is not cut as thickly as branded bread. No idea why but examine a loaf next time you are shopping and see what you think.

Fussy kids? Use a round pizza cutting wheel to cut the crusts off bread. Less mess and you waste less of the bread. Don't waste those crusts save them in a bag in the freezer and once you have quite a few blend them into breadcrumbs and put onto a pie or over fish/chicken.

Making bulk sandwiches for a picnic or party? Use a stick of cheap butter in a bowl with some milk and then melt together in the microwave for a few seconds the mixture will spread well and last for ages.

If there is a deal on at the supermarket then freeze any extra loafs they actually defrost well and seem to last for a quite a few days. This is also a good idea if you buy a cheap loaf that it about to go out of date. Freeze it with a bit of waxed paper between slices and then just remove what you need and defrost it or toast it, frozen bread toasts up lovely.

You can bake your own bread. It is not complicated and you do not need a fancy bread maker. This is one of many sites with easy bread making recipes -
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/10121/bread-in-four-easy-steps
Copy and paste it into your browser. Yummy bread. Remember to add honey as it keeps the bread moist. Oil added to the bread when baking will make it stay fresh longer.

Flour compacts when settled so fluff it out before measuring to make sure you get the correct amount and that you don't waste any. Flour kept in the freezer will last longer.

To prevent bread from drying out when baking put a cake tin over the top.

Old stale bread? Brush olive oil over the top wrap it in tin foil and bake for a few minutes on a low heat to refresh it. Or plunge it in cold water before baking for about 10 minutes in a warm oven.

If you have a really old bit of bread still don't throw it out. Use as breadcrumbs (see above) or if you are making a stew/soup run the bread over the top before serving to remove extra fat/grease and salt from the dish.

Today's Secret's. 09/03/04 - Camera tips and tricks to save you time and money.

Can I firstly say that unless you are a professional or photography is a keen hobby for you then it is probably not worth spending out lots of money on a fancy camera when so many mobile phones have excellent camera's on them.
If you really want a camera then look for used or refurbished stuff.
Buy the same make as a friend then you can swap lenses and kit as you need it.

Renting can be good if you only need it for a short time and you can not find someone to lend you one.

If you do buy a camera or get given one here are a few tips.

Warm batteries in your hand or armpit before use as this will extend their life.

Always let rechargeable batteries discharge fully this will make them charge up better.

To save your batteries life don't keep zooming in and out, go closer to the object if you need a closer view, it will be steadier shot anyway.

A ski pole/stick upside down can make a great monopod if you don't have a tripod. You can always lean on a wall or fence to get a more stable shot. Think about sound if you are using a camcorder if you are 20 feet away from your subject so is your microphone.

Use cling film to protect your camera from moisture or sand.

Dropped the camera in water? Stop screaming and try an old trick, buy a bag of rice and put the camera deep inside leave it for a few days so the rice can absorb the water. Then try it, this can also work for a mobile or anything electrical.

Use old style film? keep an eye on freecycle and in charity shops as they will sell off old film cheaply.

Use black tape instead of a lens hood as this will stop extra light just as well.

Create a soft edge with see through tape placed around the edge of your lens or put cling film over it.

If you don't have enough light then use someone with a white shirt to bounce the light off them.

Getting your pictures developed? Look around for a good deal, you may find a photobook is a good idea, you can get quite a few pictures on a page if you customise it carefully and it saves on the cost of albums it also saves you time trying to put them all in a book and jotting down where each one was taken as you can type in comments as you make the book.

Try to do more pictures in one go as they are usually a better deal.

For a lovely gift make a collage of pictures from someone's life and glue them around a shoe box and cover it's lid as well. Varnish the outside of the box and line with some material. It makes a lovely keepsake.

Lastly, have fun and to make people smile when taking their picture don't say cheese say "Blow a raspberry!" or "Touch your nose with your tongue" They will try and then laugh at themselves which will make a lovely natural picture.

Today's Secret's - 08/03/14 - Nails - Save money and make varnish last longer.

Important thing first - practise using your none dominant hand as you will need it to be able to paint both of your hands, alternatively make a pact with a good friend you can trust. They paint yours and you paint theirs.

Buy stencils and other aids or make them using masking tape. This is especially good for white tips.

Strengthen nails by rubbing a little oil into your cuticles every day, paint them with clear varnish to stop them splitting as they grow this also helps when filing. (always file in the same direction, don't saw at your nail)

Use felt pens for designs on top of a thick base coat, they are easier to use than paints and you can seal them if you are careful with clear nail varnish. Only paint the top coat on in one direction to stop the pattern being ruined.

To remove yellow tinges from your nails dip them in lemon juice. If you smoke try a little toothpaste scrubbed in. Remove ink with vinegar and salt or use nail varnish remover with acetone to get off tip-ex and glue.

A tip to save money, save the lint from your dryer and use it as cotton wool for removing varnish.

Avoid bubbles in varnish by never shaking it, roll it upside down between your palms.

Stop the top from sticking on the bottle by rubbing petroleum jelly around the tops before putting the lid on. If one is stuck try tapping it gently to loosen it or run it under hot water. If it is really stuck a little nail varnish remover dripped into the grove between bottle and lid can often help.

If nail varnish gets thick and clumpy drop a tiny bit of nail varnish remover into it and stir well. Try it and repeat if it not smooth enough yet.

Make short nails look longer by not painting to the edges and use a metallic varnish to help create the illusion of length.

Colour tips first, then apply as usual and varnish will last longer on the nail.

Keep varnish in the fridge and it will stay runny and fresh longer.

Use lollipop sticks to push back cuticles and scrape nails clean.

Save money and make a great hand cream with a mix of olive oil, Vaseline and a little lavender (or a smell you like) oil. Use sparingly.

Nail fungus can be treated with tea tree oil, avoid it by using antibacterial spray on your files and never sharing with a friend.

Olive oil and salt make a great exfoliator, massage in well and then rinse with warm water.

Metal nail files last a very long time and can be refreshed with a little rub with sand paper. It may be illegal to carry a metal nail file (check the length etc with your local police website) but I can say that one of my friends will not leave home without hers as it makes her feel a little safer walking home in the dark. Those suckers can be sharp and if you ever were attacked (I hope you never are) and happened to have one that you just happened to be holding then go for the eyes! lol.

Today's Secret's - 7/03/14 - Make-up make it last longer and get better effects

I have mostly focused on ladies make-up but I know some guys like a little bit of extra glow so feel free to read on, some tips can be used both sides of the fence!

Press some translucent powder over foundation or fake tan to keep it in place and stop it looking so artificial.

Mix face cream with your foundation to stop it looking too dark and to get a two in one effect that you can apply quickly. (it also makes both last longer)
You can also do this with sun tan lotion.

Mix and match to find your own style and colour.

Your compact powder will last longer if you store your sponge or powder puff upside down as the oil from your skin can make the powder break up and dissolve.

Use a lip pencil in a natural shade to outline lips and fill them in, this gives a great base before putting on lippy. Try a little powder before applying to really keep it in place.

I am not sure if I would recommend it but my friend once used non toxic felt tips as make up. She applied black to her eyes (carefully) and used a dark pink as a lip liner and filler with a little gloss over the top. It did look ok and it was an emergency at a hotel where she had forgotten her make-up bag but be careful if you have sensitive eyes or skin.

To mend a broken lipstick, melt the edges with a match and press them together then smooth gently with your finger then put it in the fridge for a few hours.

You can chill eye and lip pencils in the fridge to really make them precise.
No eye liner? Dip a brush in water and rub it on a dark eye shadow then apply under your eyes.
Mascara too runny? Leave the lid off over night to dry it out a little.

Vaseline, baby oil or cold milk works as a make up remover.

To give your face a boost add some honey to some oats or some cucumber mashed up with yoghurt and smear on then leave for half an hour and remove.

Put on toner using wet cotton wool as the dry stuff will soak up all the toner and waste it. Put on cleaner with clean fingers and then rinse off.

Open your pores with a five minute steam session over a bowl of hot water and then wash your face well.

Get rid of blackheads with lemon juice dabbed on and left over night, wash off in the morning and repeat the next night.

Add sugar to your soap/face wash to get a good scrub and remove dead skin and blackheads.

Go for a free consultation at a make up counter (you do not have to buy any products at the end) Just go for the advice and a bit of pampering. I suggest going to a few different places and see what advice matches so that you can get an idea of what actually suits you and what the assistant is just trying to sell you. Be strong and thank the assistant but be firm that you will not be buying anything today you can say you want to come back with a friend/mum/husband for a second opinion.

Today's secret's - 06/03/14 - Speaking well saves you money - tips and hints.

It is no secret that people are judgemental.

Sad but true.

If you speak correctly it opens more doors and people will listen.
Rightly or wrongly if you are confident and conversational in the way you speak you will find it easier to haggle for a bargain and to get people to agree with you.
If people can't understand you or don't take you seriously you will not get their cooperation.

Learn the correct words for things and the correct way to say words or else you may come across as unintelligent and lose the respect of the person you are trying to get to listen to you.

Make eye contact and be friendly, know your facts. Why should you get a discount? is the item cheaper elsewhere? does the item have a mark or smudge?

Don't be afraid to ask for a deal if you are buying a lot of something. Ask about store discounts or loyalty schemes.

Don't be rude always be polite and nice to the person. Be ready to walk away if you can not get a discount try this with mobile phone contracts and holidays.

Most services can offer something to keep you but be ready to have your bluff called if you are saying give me a discount or I am going to your competitor they may say bye then!!
Be a great customer so that they do not want to lose you. Pay your bills on time and don't be a problem customer or they may just be glad for you to go elsewhere.

To help you annunciate your words try a few tongue twisters (She sells sea shells on the sea shore) practise them and work on your pronunciation.
Record yourself and listen hard to your voice, practise breathing before you speak and then breathing between sentences. Keep your pace steady and your voice at an appropriate level.
Practise moving your lips and mouth, exaggerate the natural movements and see how that effects your speech.

The sounds m,v and f get lost in speech so try to make them active sounds. Stretch your mouth and practise the vowel sounds.

If you have difficulty with certain words whisper them to yourself a few times and then try again. It can often help.

Don't waste money on voice coaches or public speaking teachers just have confidence in your ability.

If you are required to speak in public for any event remember to speak clearly and not to rush. Try to have a guide line of what you want to say written down but don't read it out word for word or it sounds mechanical. Use your natural flare, be animated, enjoy what you are saying and use the tone and pitch of your voice to emphasise the important points.
Use your arms and hands more, be a bit of a caricature of yourself and move around a little if you can.
If you make a mistake just laugh it off and move on, don't dwell on it or you will begin to stumble over other words.
Breath and relax, if you have the time before a hard conversation, meeting or speech do a few stretches, your neck, back and shoulders need a good stretch and you need to stand up straight to keep your lung capacity at it's best.

Today's Secret's - 05/03/14 - Hair - Save money and how to get the best out of your style.

Shop around for a cheap place to get your hair cut or find a home hairdresser as they are often cheaper. Be careful of places that offer one price for everything as you can often find they have hidden add ons.
Dress how you usually dress when going to the hairdressers and be honest about how long you normally take to style it as this will help the hairdresser to assess you and make the style really fit you and your life. If you don't usually blow dry your hair then ask the hairdresser not to blow dry it either as then you will see how it really looks straight away and can call the hairdresser if once it is dry you hate it. A good hairdresser will have you back for free to sort out any mistakes they have made and to keep you happy.

Pick a style you like and that will suit you, ask your hairdresser and listen to their advice. If your hair is thinning have a short layered style to give it body. Thicker hair can be thinned out for the summer so you won't get so hot.

Always think of maintenance when choosing a style or colour. Blonde needs lots of care and watch out for green tinges when you go swimming (tomato ketchup will remove this), any colour will need retouches and the roots doing regularly.  

Practise dyeing your own hair but never do it just before going out or just before a big event like a holiday. Give it a week to settle or a bit of time to actually re-dye it if it needs it. Get dye stains off your skin with a little milk.
If you use a henna dye then enhance it with coffee, red wine or tea depending on the colour intensity you want.
If you home dye then don't fall into some of the home dye traps. Going Blonde? use a good quality bleach and don't panic when you see the many colours your hair will go on the way to white. If you want it really white with no yellow then wait a while and redo the bleach. Make sure you condition well afterwards. Brown? to stop the green tinge add some red to your hair first with some wash out colour or mousse.

Buy a cheap two in one shampoo and a small bottle of branded shampoo. Then when washing your hair in the shower use a good amount of the two in one with a tiny dollop of the expensive stuff. Rub it in well and use any suds to clean the rest of you. Wash out and you will have lovely clean conditioned hair and a clean body without the need to buy conditioner or body wash.
Don't buy expensive dandruff shampoo just add some olive oil to your conditioner. If you need a more intensive dandruff solution then dry thyme and sage in warm water as a final rinse or nettle heads soaked in boiling water (sieve both solutions before use) then use as a above.

When washing your hair don't pile it up on your head as it will tangle, wash it loose and leave it to dry long.

Hair is more fragile when wet so use a wide tooth comb to brush it.

A good repair for your hair and to stop it being brittle use two eggs mixed with an egg cup full of olive oil. Rub it into dry hair and then wash off thoroughly or try the same with a large amount of mayonnaise.
Use corn oil rubbed into the end of your hair to help with split ends. Rub it in gently, leave for a few minutes and then wash out. Pure bristle brushes can reduce split ends.

Add vinegar to your conditioner (only a teaspoon) to make your hair shine.

If you run out of hair conditioner you can use fabric conditioner instead but only use a little bit.

Petroleum jelly makes a good styling product. Pale ale makes a great setting lotion. Use egg white or sugar water to get a really firm hold but watch out for bees. lol

When cutting children's hair at home give them a blank drawing of a face and let them put the cutting around the face as you cut so they are distracted. You could always try cutting the stray bits while they sleep or are watching TV, a fish tank, etc to keep them from getting upset.

Today's secret's - 04/03/14 - Fish for eating - save money and get the best.

Fish. Maybe an odd choice but there can be some real bargains to be had.

Did you know you can buy a salmon carcass from a fishmonger for a very cheap price? The meat on it is still salmon and can be used for fish pies, salads, soups and lots of other dishes.
Ask your fishmonger if there are any other bargains he has, he may have some fish he couldn't sell or some other bits you could use in a pie.

Buy cheap fresh fish at the end of the supermarket day (when it get's reduced to pennies) and then freeze it, you can wet it first to make a protective coat of water on the fish. It will keep for ages and can be used once defrosted like it is fresh, just don't freeze it again.

Make a tin of tuna go further. Add lots of sweetcorn and a little crumble of cheese and then mix with lots of mayonnaise or salad cream. It can now be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and used on sandwiches, salads or in toasties. If you separate it before adding the condiment you can use half for a tuna bake and the rest can be kept as above.

If you want to buy a fish and need to check the freshness check the scales are bright, the gills are pink, the tail should be stiff and the eyes should be clear and not sunken.

Don't buy plaice that has roe in it as it will be tasteless.

Ray, skate and shark should be soaked in water for 20 min before cooking or they will taste of ammonia.

Don't always discard a mussel that doesn't open check there is enough room in the pan for them to open and stir regularly. Try to cook them in smaller batches as this lets them open freely.

Before you skin or gut a fish rub your fingers in salt to get a better grip. You can flash grill a fish first in a very hot grill as then the scorched skin is easier to remove. Clean the fish on newspaper or kitchen roll as this means no mess at the end, you can just throw out the paper.
Mustard will remove a fishy smell from a chopping board. For wooden/plastic chopping boards use a piece of lemon dipped in salt to remove stains and help with smells.
You can also use lemon on your hands to get rid of fishy smells.

Cover a fish with batter or breadcrumbs by putting them in a bag and then put in the fish and shake gently.
Half a teaspoon of sugar in a batter mix will make it stick better.
You can used crushed up crisps as a coating for fish. Yummy!

You don't need an expensive steamer for fish just place a colander over a pan of boiling water put the fish in and cover with a lid. If you are shallow frying the fish dip it in boiling water first so it won't fall apart once cooked.

To get a few drops of lemon juice for a dish by piercing a lemon with a cocktail stick and then squeezing. Then leave the cocktail stick in the hole and store the lemon for use another day.

Haddock is very salty so poach it in milk, trout goes well with balsamic vinegar and bacon laid over white fillets helps them to stay moist.

Add celery to the pot when cooking fish to help reduce the odour. Use vinegar in the wash or soak them in a little tea when cleaning the pots and pans it will stop them coming out as smelly as they went in.

 

Today's Secret's - 3/03/14 - House buying and selling - hints and tips to get the best bargain possible

Firstly Selling - Clean, clean, clean. Repaint areas that are very grubby, tidy away everything non essential and wash down anything like sofa's etc. They may not be buying those things but you need to show your house at it's best. NO clutter!

Ask a friend round to have a look and give you a brutally honest review. Take on board what they say and try to change the things they didn't like. It is all about pleasing the public not yourself. Fix any little annoying jobs like a dripping tap or a squeaky door.
Clean your windows and remove nets to let in light.
Don't use strong air fresheners or brew coffee as it makes buyers suspicious.
Keep pets out of the way and do not have too many people in the house as it can be intimidating.

Research estate agents - register as a buyer and see what sort of service you get. If you go with an estate agent get a friend to register as a buyer and see if they get told about your property. Make sure any pictures taken are in colour.
Never say you want a quick sale.

To see what sort of price you will get look at four properties near by for sale and work out their average price, remove 5% to get a realistic selling price. (Aim to put yours on the market for about 10% more than you actually want at least)

If the house you are selling is empty get the mail cleared regularly and air the property.

When a potential buyer turns up make them welcome and offer a drink, turn off the telly and be nice.
Give them an information pack about building plans, utility costs, local transport and a map showing the area.

Solicitors? Don't go with the agents recommendation look for yourself and ask friends. Get a solicitor in place as soon as you put your house up for sale to save time. Keep a record of everything your solicitor does and all contact just to cover yourself.

Buying - If you find an area you like check local papers for any information like flooding, crime or plans for new runways!
Go to the area as much as you can to look around and get to know the streets and people also look for new for sale signs then get in first for a viewing.

Look at the rooms and not the furniture. Would your large sofa fit? Would there be room for your huge TV or would the room be dwarfed?

Check cupboards and under stairs for signs of damp and be suspicious of strong fragrances as these could be being used to cover a damp smell.

Look for a new home over C
hristmas or the holidays as this is a quiet time and you can get a good deal.

View the house at different times and different days and if you don't feel too silly doing it go at night and sit nearby in your car. You can see if the neighbours party all weekend or have a large dog that barks into the night.

Willow trees near by could mean an underground water supply but this could mean damp. Check the property well before making a decision. Bulging walls can mean the roots of the tree's are interfering with the property structure so get this checked out. Think about the leaves you will have to tidy up and how the house will look at different times of year. With no leaves on the trees will the house be overlooked?

Try out a tap upstairs to make sure the water pressure is good.

Always change the locks in a house when you move in to be sure no one else has access.

Today's Secret's - 2/03/14 - Clothes cleaning and hints to make them last longer

Ok by special request - Clothing. Washing and mending, hints and tips on making clothes last longer.

If you go out to buy trousers but have no time to try them on then wrap the waist of the trousers (still done up) around your neck, if the ends touch then they will fit your waist. To check socks wrap them around your clenched fist, if the heel meets the toe then they will fit.

I hate static on my clothes and have always used hairspray to stop skirts sticking to my legs or tops to my tummy but you can also use metal, a safety pin put inside a top or skirt that you know gets static filled will eliminate it. Other metal works too.

Put woolies in a pillow case when washing to protect them and keep them in shape, using glycerine in the wash can stop them being itchy and spray them lightly with hairspray to stop them shedding.

Bicarbonate of soda can boost your washing detergent liquid, soften your water and save you using fabric conditioner.
Use slightly less detergent than recommended to stop clothes retaining detergent after a wash and keep them looking newer longer.

Get out blood stains by getting the person who's blood it is to suck on the stain (Yuck!). Their saliva will help remove it.
Use methylated spirits to remove grass stains, for coffee use egg yolk and glycerine and sweat stains can be removed with a soak of vinegar before washing.

Dirty collar's on white shirt's? Oily hair shampoo can help remove the dirt ring. A couple of crushed aspirin in the wash can also help.
For really grubby work clothes (Not white ones) pour a can of coke over them, soak and then wash them.
White socks gone grey? use lemon juice on them, soak them for five minute and then boil them to make them white again.

Turn white t-shirts inside out when washing and dry in the shade to stop them yellowing.

If you use a line to dry your clothes then remember to wash your pegs now and then as they can leave dirty marks on your clothes.

If you iron a piece of clothing and it looks shiny. Dampen a cloth and place it over the shine them steam iron for a short while. Remove the cloth and check the item if it still looks shiny then repeat until it looks better. Still shiny? Dry a little black coffee brushed over them and repeat the above.
To put in a good lasting crease for work trousers put a tiny bit of paper glue on the inside of the trouser leg along the crease and then iron.

If clothes keep falling off their hangers use a rubber band on each end of the hanger to keep them in place.

Worried about damp in your cupboards? Add a few sticks of chalk to soak it up. Moths don't like bay leaves or cedar chips so put a few of those in as well.

Buttons keep falling off? Use a little nail varnish on the thread to strengthen it.
Mend a hem in an emergency with a stapler.
Sometimes jeans get a white line down them, if your in a hurry use a blue felt pen to fill it in. If you have a little longer then use some blue dye mixed with water and brush it on to the white areas carefully.

Treat wigs with fabric conditioner to keep them looking great.

Trying to save money? Don't be afraid to look in charity shops and boot sale's for clothes. Sometimes you can get a real bargain. I hate to buy children's clothes and shoes brand new as they grow so quickly, nearly new sales and other places sell off items that are still in great condition and at a fraction of the cost. Wash all items thoroughly when you get home as although they may be clean you may find you or your children's skin won't get on with what ever washing powder the previous owner used.

Today's secret's -01-03-14 Pest control - deter and remove beasties from your home

Ok today is about pest's. The small invaders in your home and I don't include children in this! lol

The best weapon you have against bugs is to vacuum your house even under the sofa and behind furniture. Make sure they have no safe haven to hide.

Woodlice like it damp so use talc to dry out area's and don't over water house plants.

Book lice can be killed by using a hair-dryer on it's highest heat to blast them away. Use a tumble dryer to kill bed bugs in pillows or moth eggs in clothes.
Beg bugs love a warm bed so keep bed clothes folded down in the day time to air the bed and to deter the bugs.

Spiders like it warm and the like to climb up drainpipes. When you let out the warm bath water or washing up water send an icy blast down to make the pipes cold. This will stop them from climbing up in search of a cosy spot.

Beetles and small flies will lay their eggs in flour and sugar so put it in an air tight container to stop them getting in. This is a good idea for most food as it will only encourage bugs if left open or exposed.

Ants hate salt, pepper, chalk and curry powder. Use any to deter them.

Keep flies away with bunches of elderflowers and deter them and other bugs from bothering you on a warm afternoon by drinking some tonic and lemon/lime it puts pests off. For keeping away mosquitoes eat Marmite or anything high in vitamin B.

Might have mice? put down some talc and see if foot prints appear. Found a mouse hole? Put toothpaste around it. They hate the minty smell as do rats but you need a very strong peppermint oil to deter them.

Put screwed up chicken wire into gaps or spaces in the roof to stop squirrels and birds coming in. The same in sheds but to deter rabbits use human hair or see if your neighbours have a cat and will give you some cat hair as this can be placed in the loft/shed and when fresh it can scare away most small animals.

Water and a little washing up liquid mixed with some citrus oil makes a good insect spray.

Found a wasp nest? Put a garlic clove that is bruised and battered by the entrance, they will soon leave.

If you can handle it and want one, buy a cat. They will keep your house free of many bugs and will scare off most rodents.

Todays secrets 28/02/14 - Food, Never waste leftovers - hints and tips to make food last longer.

By special request today I shall be giving some handy hints on how not to waste food.

There are no such thing as bin-able left overs in my house. I always have a use for everything.

Potato peelings can be fried up like chips and eaten (wash well first) They taste really nice and have lots of handy nutrients in them. (I keep mine in water in a sealed container until the next day so I can use them with something for lunch like fish fingers or eggs) To stop potato's sprouting in the cupboard add an apple (never store onions with potato's they go off much quicker).

Any citrus peel can be dried out and used as fire lighters for a barbecue or real fire they also make it smell lovely. Orange peel is good to freeze along with other bits of left over fruit or fruit that looks like it might be about to turn. Put it all in a small bag, freeze and then add to drinks instead of ice cubes. Yummy and looks really pretty. Banana's freeze exceptionally well, just peel and put in a bag. Good to use for cakes and loafs.
You can also freeze most fresh herbs and when you need them don't defrost them just rub the frozen plant between your fingers to sprinkle it in to the dish.

Old wrinkly lemons and limes can be restored by boiling for about two minutes in hot water. Never keep bananas with other fruit in the bowl as they release chemicals that ripen's the other fruit quickly and makes it start to go off sooner.

Stop fruit going mouldy in the bowl by adding a sheet of kitchen roll at the bottom, it absorbs moisture. This will also work with the salad draw or you can use a clean sponge.

Left over wine? (Hah!) Any wine can be frozen as cubes to put into soups, stock and stews.

Carrots will stay fresh in the fridge for weeks in a sealed container if you top and tail them first. An onion put into the fridge for a few hours before cutting will be hard pressed to make you cry and if you singe their root end they stay fresh longer.

Eggs will stay fresher longer if you store them pointed side down.

Stop your cheese from going all hard in the fridge, spread a little butter or margarine over the surface before you wrap it up.

Put old teabags into potted plants to pep them up but take them out of the cup before you put in the sugar. Filter coffee left overs are great for cleaning grease from pans and also left over grounds are good for deterring ants.

Ham or bacon a little dried out? Soak it in milk for a few minutes to see it restored.

Rice freezes very well and can be kept for ages.

Old crisps or crackers that you are thinking of chucking out? Don't! Use them instead on the top of the meat layer in a cottage/sheppard's pie, place them on the top and then pipe or spoon your mashed potato on top. If tastes lovely and keeps the mash fluffy. This can also be done with a fish pie but check the flavour of the crisps won't over power the taste of the fish.

Meat for the stew pot a little tough? No problem just add a few corks (real ones) from your wine bottles to the stew. They tenderise the meat and reduce cooking time. Just remember to take them out before serving! lol

Use up all the left overs from most meals (a roast, a curry, even a chinese) and freeze them individually (So don't mix curry and sausage and mash, unless you like that sort of thing!) Then when you fancy a soup take out a bag, defrost and put it in the blender with some cream, yoghurt or water. Blend well and heat up on the stove, add seasoning or a stock cube for taste and serve your home made soup with some crusty bread. Another use for roasts or dishes that include potato is to mix it up a bit in the food processor and then fry it up for some tasty bubble and squeak.

Use items in the bottom/back of your freezer often if you don't rotate your purchases as you put your shopping away. I find if I grab two things from the bottom of my freezer, I then challenge myself to find a recipe to use them up. It means I try something new and older food gets used up before it goes bad.
The same goes for the fridge or the larder. Some tins can sit on the shelf for ages and them end up in the bin. Better that you find a use for them. Example - I had some tins of macaroni dessert in a sweet custard like sauce, we had tried a tin for dessert and hated it but I refused to throw it away. I opened a tin and sieved the macaroni catching the sauce in a bowl. I gently washed the circles of macaroni and noticed that they looked like spaghetti hoops. I cooked them in some tomato juice, a little purée and a splash of tomato ketchup and served it like spaghetti hoops they got eaten rather quickly by my lot. I then thickened the left over sweet sauce in the bowl with some flour and simmered it for a while. I added sliced banana and we had banana and custard for dessert. I used up the tins and everyone was happy. Simple but effective.

Hang up apple cores from a tree or fence in your garden to help feed the birds.

Lastly, try not to buy what you don't need. If something is buy two get one free but you could never get around to eating it then it is NOT a bargain just a waste. See how much you can find a way to re-use and remember if it is not sweet or meat then it can go on the compost heap! x

Secrets for today 27/02/14 - Shoes tips to save you money and keep your shoes lovely

Ahhhh one of my favourite subjects today. Shoes!

I love my shoes and try to take care of them but I like ways that save me money. So here we go.

Shoe shopping, if you can afford it! Go at the end of the day as your feet swell and the shoes will fit better. Also always try on both shoes as your shape and size may vary between feet and it is best to check both.

If the soles of your shoes feel slippery then rub them with sandpaper.

For a waterproof coating use a coat of floor wax.

To make leather shoes last longer use saddle soap to clean them.
Run out of shoe polish? you can use floor wax, glass spray or furniture polish. Black shoes can be polished well with the inside of a orange skin and for brown shoes you can use the inside of a banana skin but don't buff them just let them dry.
Prevent scuff marks with a little clear nail varnish over the toe and heel area.
Scuff marks can be covered with felt pen but do it slowly and build up the colour.

Stiletto's can get marks on the heels, spray them with a matching car paint as it lasts longer or for a quick fix use a felt pen.
Look up how to replace your own heel tips, it is quite easy and the tips cost only a few pennies. It can save you a fortune on shoe repairs.

Suede shoes can be cleaned with a pencil eraser or freshen them up by putting them over some steam from the kettle or a pan of water.

Patent leather can be made shiny again with petroleum jelly, vegetable oil or furniture polish and buff with some tissue or newspaper.

White Trainers? Keep them looking whiter longer by spraying them with starch when you get them. Bathroom and kitchen cleaner can work a treat on white trainers.

Canvas shoes can be cleaned with carpet shampoo.

Satin shoes can get very stained, white spirit will remove water marks but always check first on a small area.

Smelly shoes? Use some orange peel, a fabric sheet or bicarbonate of soda in them over night. For trainers or boots you can put a little unused cat litter into a sock and put inside over night.

Try to give your shoes a rest, don't wear the same pair every day. Give them a rest to dry out and it is good for your feet not to go into the same space every day.

Lastly, love your shoes and your feet. x

Today's Secrets (26/02/14) - Cars tips and hints to save you money

Cars today, I hope some of my thoughts save you time or money.

Stop windows steaming up with a little washing up liquid rubbed over them or half a potato! Make sure you wipe them down well afterwards and don't get any on the paint work.

Spray glass cleaner on the cloth not the glass it saves using too much and it won't get on the paintwork to damage it.

For a quick and easy way to clean your car, watch for the rain and then go out and rub in some car shampoo let it rain and then once it stops go out and leather it off. You save water and time.

Use lemonade on chrome wheels as it makes them come up a treat.

Inside the car damp down the upholstery to remove fluff and dust, then use rubber gloves to collect any hairs. Do this often and you will be able to away with hoovering less.

Smelly car? Use a cleaner that has bactericide in it as it is the bacteria that smells.

At the garage always make sure you ask about any extra charges that are not explained. If the garage says you need a new part then ask for the old part back in the box supplied for the new part. They then have to use NEW parts and they actually have to do the work.
If they say they need to change the oil then ask what oil they need and go and buy your own. It means you get to see the price and not pay huge mark ups.

Need to do an emergency repair on a bolt but the spanner is slightly too big? Use a coin to fill the gap. If the bolt is rusty then pour some cola on it and let it dry, it should make it easier to move.

Rear light smashed but the bulb is ok? then use a bit of red plastic (carrier bag ) to cover it until you can get to a garage and if your indicator light goes then use the one from your fog light until you can buy a new one.

Lastly if you get stuck in the mud use your rubber mats from the seat wells under the wheels to help get some purchase. Rock the car slightly and drive it back and forward a tiny bit before trying to get out.

Enjoy!

Today's secrets and tips - (25/02/14) Pet care, cats, dogs and birds

Hi, thought I would do Pet care and saving money today.

Dogs - Fleas can be deterred by putting a garlic capsule in your dogs food, using tea tree oil in it's bath or a dash of cider vinegar in the final rinse.
Put dog shampoo (you can use baby shampoo if you need to) into a squeezy bottle and add 50% water, the solution is easier to use and won't clump up the hair and it will last twice as long. If the dog has rolled in something nasty then try some tomato ketchup to help remove the smell.

If your dog chews the furniture try rubbing it with vapour rub or oil of cloves as a deterrent.
Dog barking at people walking by? Don't yell at it as it will think you are joining in. Talk to it firmly and quietly and move it from the window saying "SHHHHH" in a low tone.
Make your own chew toy with a hollow bone and some cream cheese spread thinly inside or use a rubber bone and make a small hole in the material then push dog treats inside, the dog will be amused for hours.

To clean a dogs teeth wrap a fabric plaster around your finger and put a drop of bicarbonate of soda on it then rub over the teeth.
A chamois leather will make a short haired dogs coat gleam.

Cats - Use an old baking tray as a litter tray and fill it with soil if you don't want to pay out for cat litter. Stop them using your lawn as a toilet by putting down pepper.

Give a cat a glossy coat by rubbing its coat with a cotton ball dipped in diluted vinegar.

Make your own catnip toy with some tights and catnip rolled up into a ball and tied off or make a cat maze with cardboard boxes (cut a few holes in the boxes to make them even more fun).

Stop cats scratching the furniture by using a citrus based oil or lemon furniture spray to make them steer clear. Make a cat it's own scratching post with an old table or chair and some carpet tiles stuck to the legs and top.

Too much milk can cause diarrhoea so feed cats water.

Yawn at your cat to show it you are enjoying it's company.

Birds - Rub new wire cages with vinegar to get rid of excess zinc. Use branches in the cage for variety, willow or bamboo is good but not cherry tree as it is toxic. Use paper in the bottom it is cheap and also great for stopping bacteria spreading. Never use sandpaper as the particles can get stuck in a birds feet and cause infection.

A cheap play stand can be made with a bucket of sand and bits of old tree pushed into it also a free toy can be found in a fir cone.

If a birds egg gets a small crack you can fix it with clear nail varnish and this will usually hold it.

Collect berries in the autumn and freeze them for use as treats the rest of the year. Finches also like dandelions and some birds like to eat crickets or meal worms if you can catch them.

Today's secrets (24/02/14) Party Tips for the perfect dinner party.

Ok, firstly don't try too hard.

If you make dishes that take lots of work or you have never prepared before there is a high chance it could all go wrong.
Stick to dishes you know and try to find a way to present them that gives a wow factor. Also complicated dishes could mean you spend the whole night in the kitchen, neglecting your guests. So find dishes you can prepare in advance, a chilled dessert or a salad to start.

Try to mix it up a bit, start with fish then have meat or vice versa. Don't have too many spices in one course or it could ruin the taste buds for the next.

Set your heating lower than normal as the guests will generate their own heat.

For a sweet smell and to disguise odours from fish or cabbage put some orange peel in the oven on a low heat or some cloves and vinegar in boiling water can also help.

Burnt a pan? Leave cold tea in it over night and you should find the black crust is easier to remove.

Mash potato all runny? Add a beaten egg white and put in the oven for about 15 minutes on a medium heat.

To make dishes that go a little further try a stew or cover dishes in sauce. One piece of chicken on someone's plate looks a little sparse but cover it in sauce with some mushrooms and onions in it or other veg and it looks like so much more. The same can be said for fish and vegetable dishes.

Sprinkle any plain dish with a little parsley or cress over the top just before serving and it can look much fancier.

Table cloth seen better days? put rose petals on the table or cut out shapes from tissue paper and sprinkle them on the table cloth.

If you run out of eggs when making a cake then just add a teaspoon of vinegar for each missing egg. Don't try this for more than half of the needed eggs (4 eggs needed then use 2 eggs and 2 spoons of vinegar but no more)

Dishwasher powder all run out? Mix a drop of washing up liquid (only a drop) with baking soda and use this instead.

Line weighing scales with cling film before you weigh sticky ingredients as it makes it easier to clean out.

To thicken runny gravy add a little instant mashed potato powder.

Keep all left over vegetables and meat in a container in the fridge and the next day when you are tired from the night before, add a stock cube and a little water or cream and then blend the left overs to make a tasty soup.

Cooking cauliflower, then add a little milk to the water to keep it whiter than white, if you find it a little bland then add a chicken stock cube to the water.

Serving wine? Then also serve water as it makes the wine last longer and quenches everyone's thirst. Also serve your best wines first and then bring out cheaper wines once everyone is enjoying themselves too much to notice.

Meat a little tough? Squirt a little lemon juice on it before serving.

 Lastly to avoid a hangover have a slice of toast with honey, a large glass of water and a headache tablet (check the label) just before bed, this will help to keep you hangover free the next morning. ENJOY!

Today's secret - Salad to last longer

Welcome to my hints and tips page.

I have made this blog to try to help others save time and money.
At the moment I am on a strict budget as our roof blew off in the recent storms and a new one has cost a fortune. (Don't speak to me about insurance companies!) Therefore I am trying to find ways to make things go a little further and cost a LOT less. So if like me you are trying to save cash then come back and I will try to help.
If you have any tips as well please feel free to post them. Ok lets get started......

I have found that if I want to make my lettuce stay fresh longer then I keep it in the fridge wrapped in some paper towel inside a plastic bag - find it still went limp? Simple, put it in a bowl with a bit of clean rinsed coal. (try B&Q or ebay for a piece)

Soggy tomatoes? (No I am not being rude. lol ) Place them in salty water for ten minutes to firm them up and remember if you keep your tomatoes in the fridge then take them out at least ten minutes before eating as this will make them juicier and tastier to eat.

For a fresh home made salad dressing mix a squeeze of lemon with a pinch of paprika then mix into some plain yoghurt with a sprinkle of either parsley or mustard cress. Yummy.

Chopping up pickled beetroot but hate the mess on your chopping board? well use the lid of the jar to hold the beetroot in place and to stop red stains. If you get some stains on your hands then just rub them with a little raw potato - this also works with red cabbage stains.

To clean the cheese grater after use grate a little of the raw potato mentioned above - it cleans the gunk from the holes.

Use different sides of your chopping board for things that smell strongly and things that don't as the strong smells can contaminate the rest and ruin a good meal.

If like me you get in a mess with cling film then put it in the fridge for a while before use as it makes it easier to handle.

Lastly if you add chilli's to your salad and your fingers start to tingle or hurt then rub a little vinegar over them to neutralise the burn.

I hope some of these helped. x