HOUSEHOLD TIPS NOT FOUND IN WOMAN'S WEEKLY

[Stanley]

My free leccy day needs more planning than I thought in order to get the most out of it!

[Tizer]

Canned foods are frowned upon by many people today. It's a shame because they have their advantages as you noted. For those like me whose digestive system can't cope with much fibrous veg and fruit, canned versions are acceptable and do a useful job. I eat canned peaches and prunes, for example, but we always go for the ones in fruit juice, not syrup and I don't eat the liquid anyway. Similarly, jam is seen by some as bad because it has a lot of sugar in it. We buy high-quality jam with a high fruit content and that allows me to eat blackcurrants, strawberries etc - packed with antioxidants!

[Gadge]

Yes, and one great thing about canned foods, is that they are extremely 'safe food' from a microbiological standpoint.

I have several books written by one Richard Lacey, a microbiologist/medico who played a large part in exposing the scandalous Government coverup of the 1980's UK BSE episodes. 'Poison On A Plate' is the title of his book on that subject, and it's very sobering reading.

The gist of his message is, that the industrialisation of food production/manufacturing has, in several specific ways, resulted in compromised food safety, for quite a few common food products. Particularly as regards their consumption by elderly or immunity-compromised folk.

[Stanley]

Some things, like tinned tomatoes and baked beans are actually superior to the natural uncooked version.
Don't overfill your slow cooker. Food seems to expand more in them and they make a horrible mess when they boil over.......

[Stanley]

We are all allowed one treat a day! Mine is my morning pint of proper coffee, the only time I drink it during the day. I really enjoy it every morning and have got making it down to a fine art. So my tip is, decide what your treat is and allow yourself the luxury of having it without guilt! It is, I am sure, very good for you.

[Stanley]

The more I struggle with the vacuum cleaner on the stairs the more I am drawn towards expenditure on a hand held cordless cleaner!

[Stanley]

I'm not a cleanliness fanatic but even I recognise that the cleaner the kitchen sink and the lavatory are, the better it is for you. Don't forget the nozzle of the tap and the handles. Possibly the dirtiest thing in the house is a wet dish cloth left to fester on the draining board!

[Big Kev]

The more I struggle with the vacuum cleaner on the stairs the more I am drawn towards expenditure on a hand held cordless cleaner!

A very useful bit of kit, I bought one of the Dyson cordless machines.

[Stanley]

That's what I have in mind Kev. I've not quite convinced myself yet......

[Cathy]

Get a long handled / rechargeable one Stanley, they have one for dog hairs too.

[Big Kev]

That's what I have in mind Kev. I've not quite convinced myself yet......

There are less expensive brands, might be worth trying one of those first...

[Moh]

Our daughter bought us a Hoover cordless rechargeable from Studio Ltd. £99. - it is magic - powerful and has a small brush & nozzle extra.

[Stanley]

I'll have a word with Garry, he has never led me astray.....

[Stanley]

This morning I am taking advantage of the free leccy. I have had no difficulty in saving the energy hungry jobs. Just a matter of forethought, always a good thing.......

[Tizer]

When you consider buying anything cordless always check its weight and see if there are lighter versions. Some cordless gadgets and tools are very heavy. I know it from personal experience, especially now that I can't hold up heavy things for long.

[Stanley]

Not a problem at the moment Tiz. I talked to my mate John yesterday about cordless drills, his advice was the high end De Walt.....
Cultivate friends who buy houses with 12 acre lakes.......

[Stanley]

It's very tempting when you are shopping for household equipment to go for the cheapest price. I have made such mistakes in the past. I have learned my lesson! It's worth paying more for the best and getting something that isn't a fake or a lightly built copy. There are so many cheap knock-offs around these days that you can soon get bitten! I bought a new high end cordless drill yesterday and thanks to the intuitive advertising the next time I went on another site I was presented with a selection of the 'same' drills at half the price. This caused me no grief at all, I know that the one I have got is the best, It will perform better, last longer and the batteries won't explode when on charge! It is a die cast body with metal gears and reliable electronics. So today's tip is buyer beware!

[Cathy]

It's also a good idea when you are online to check the Review's for the product.

[Stanley]

Good tip Cathy. Organisations like The Consumers Association have been very effective in raising standards and giving advice on choice.

[Tizer]

If you are sure that the more expensive brand of a product will be better and worth the extra cost then go for it. But experience has taught us that well-known brand names at high prices don't always turn out to be better quality these days. One of the reasons is that many brands have been bought up by venture capitalists who cut back drastically on quality, or the brand is still with the original company but is now a cash cow. Sorry to sound pessimistic but it's true!

[Stanley]

I got the drill yesterday Tiz and it smells right! I can't fault it and such an advance on the old Metabos I have had for 20 years.
Today's tip, have a daughter in Oz, they get the news before we do! She says that there are rumours that Prince Philip is dead, she is usually spot on!

[Cathy]

We've been told that The Queen has called a meeting of all staff. Will be on our evening news.

[Moh]

Prince Philip is not dead - he is retiring from official duties in August - maybe some of the lazier young royals will have to step up to the mark!

[Stanley]

Yes Moh, the rumours got in front a bit! But I still think there is something more behind all this. So today's tip is don't believe everything the media says!

[Stanley]

If you're feeling a bit low, like I was yesterday, (Election results, finishing the engine and cutting my finger chopping onions!) the best thing to do is do something! Action is the cure for mild depression and worry!