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Car Cooking DIY Garden Hobbies Housework Miscellaneous |
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Car Avoid applying severely cold de-icer to car windows with activated embedded heating elements. Thermal shock may crack the glass. Source: Bob A sheet of newspaper folded into a pad, with a little water, ideal for cleaning grease and grime from windscreen/wiper blades. The newsprint ink acts as a degreaser, the paper is absorbent. Source: Bob Paint Tippex on to your footpump. Write on required tyre pressures - front/rear. Source: Bob Squirt WD40 into all locks to prevent them freezing up solid in Winter. Source: Bob Leave your car sparkling like new after washing it by adding lime/lemon juice or vinegar to the final rinse water. The acid neutralises the alkaline of the detergent thus preventing smears. Window cleaners' secret. Source: Carol Do your kids suffer from car-sickness? Keep an empty two litre plastic ice cream tub in the car. If they start to feel queasy, its easy for them to hold, the lid prevents smells and when you arrive at your destination it's easily disposed of. Source: Carol Apply limescale descaling fluid to blocked screen washer jets for easy maintenance. Source: Bob Cooking Quick recipes from Helen: Rich Shortbread 100g softened butter 50g caster sugar 125g plain flour 25g semolina Extra caster sugar Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Using fork, gradually stir in flour and semolina. Draw mixture together with finger tips. Press into lightly buttered 18cm / 7in sandwich tin. Prick well all over. Either pinch up edges with finger and thumb or ridge with prongs of fork. Bake in centre of moderate oven (160ºC / 325ºF or Gas#3) for about 40 minutes (or until colour of pale straw). Leave in tin for 5 minutes. Cut into 8 triangles. Dredge with extra caster sugar. Remove from tin when cold. Store in airtight tin. Makes eight Shortbreads. Scones 200g self-raising flour 25g sugar 50g butter 125ml milk Extra milk for brushing Sift flour into bowl. Rub in butter finely. Add milk all at once. Mix to soft, but not sticky, dough with knife. Turn on to lightly floured board. Knead quickly until smooth. Roll out to about 1cm / ½in thickness. Cut into 9 or 10 rounds with 6cm / 2½in biscuit cutter. Transfer tobuttered baking tray. Brush tops with milk. Bake towards top of hot oven (230ºC / 450ºF or Gas#8) for 7 to 10 minutes (or until well risen and golden brown). Cool on wire rack. Serve with butter or whipped cream and jam. Makes 10 scones. Fruity Fingers 125g butter or margarine 100g caster sugar 2 eggs 150g self-raising flour 1½ cups sultanas Turn on the oven to 180ºC / 350ºF or Gas#4 and grease a baking tin with a little butter on a piece of kitchen paper. (Any shallow baking tin can be used.) Put butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until mixture is pale yellow and creamy. Break eggs into bowl one at a time, mixing well with the wooden spoon each time. Add flour and mix. Add sultanas and mix again. Spoon mixture into the prepared tin. Put in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Turn off the oven and take out the tin. Turn tin upside down, then place cake right way up on a serving plate and cut into 24 slices. American Choc Chip Cookies 5oz flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 4oz butter or margarine 3oz brown sugar 3oz granulated sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 egg 6oz chocolate chips Combine soda and flour. Cream the butter and the sugar. Beat egg with vanilla extract and gradually add this to the creamed mixture. Add the flour a spoonful at a time and mix in thoroughly. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop rounded tablespoonful on a baking sheet. Approximately 30 cookies. Bake at 190ºC / 375ºF Gas#5 for about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Lentil Soup 2oz lentils ½ oz butter 1 small carrot 1 small onion Small piece turnip ½ pint milk ½ pint stock Wash and drain lentils. Wash, peel and chop vegetables. Fry vegetables gently in butter for 10 minutes. Add lentils, milk, stock and seasoning. Place lid on saucepan and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Liquidise then reheat gently. Serves 2-3. Bread & Butter Pudding 3 thin slices bread butter or margarine 2oz dried fruit e.g. raisins, sultanas, currants 1 egg ½ pint milk 1oz sugar Butter bread and cut into quarters. Place a layer of bread squares on the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Continue with layers until bread is used up, finishing with layer of bread and butter. Beat egg and milk together with vanilla essence. Pour egg mixture over bread and fruit and leave to stand for 20 minutes. Bake at 160ºC / 325ºF Gas#3 for about 45 minutes to an hour or until pudding is set and the top crisp. Serves 2. "When baking I follow instructions, when cooking I use my instincts." Thank you Helen Shrewsbury Biscuits from Jenny 8oz self raising flour 4oz caster sugar 4oz butter or margarine 1 egg (beaten) 2 tablespoons currants 1 lemon Mix flour and sugar in a bowl and rub in fat until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add beaten egg and mix to a stiff paste adding lemon juice gradually so as not to allow mixture to become too moist. Roll out thinly and cut into rounds with a scone cutter d 30. Place on greased baking sheetes and bake in moderate oven 160ºC for about 15 minutes. For a "Rich Biscuit" alternative omit currants. Beware overcooking the biscuits. Source: Alfred Scambled Egg Source: Lizzie 2 large eggs 6 tablespoons milk ½ oz butter or margarine 1 tomato 2 slices buttered toast Put a stop to the rumours about microwave scrambled egg not being as nice as when it's made on the hob. This recipe is just as delicious and it's much quicker too. Serves 1. Beat together 2 large eggs and 6 tablespoons of milk in a microwaveable bowl. Add butter and season to taste. Put in the microwave and cook on HIGH for 60 seconds. Stir and return to the microwave and cook on HIGH for a further 60 seconds. If you prefer your eggs more firm, cook on HIGH for a further 10 secs. Serve on buttered toast with sliced tomato on the side. DIY oven chips - cut raw potatoes into chips or wedges. Pour a drop of cooking oil into a bowl, add the chips and stir to apply a thin coating of oil. Cook on a baking tray in oven at 200ºC for 20 minutes. Source: TJ To cook fresh corn on the cob - remove most of the green parts except the final layer and place in the microwave for 1 minute. Then open up and eat with fresh butter. This is the best way to cook corn. Source: Karen Cook many baked potatoes in conventional oven. Allow to cool, wrap individually in clingfilm and freeze. Reheat in microwave as required, mmm... delicious. Source: Jill Prepare all non meat or fish work/school sandwiches with fresh bread at weekend. Wrap each days' separately and freeze. Thaw during morning for refreshing daily lunch. Source: Jill Frozen bread toasted under grill tastes great as it is crispy outside and moist inside. Source: Anna Cooking apples peel like a dream if you first plunge them into a bowl of boiling water for a minute. Source: Mary Frozen bread is easier to grate for breadcrumbs than fresh if stale bread is not available. Source: Joanna Keep cereal/pasta fresh by sealing bag with clothes peg. Source: Jill Freeze bag of Maltesers/Treets. Delicious served with hot tea or coffee and no mess. Source: Jill Wrap jacket potatoes in paper kitchen towel to prevent drying out when cooked in microwave. Source: Jill Boiled egg: Prick end of shell with pin, allow air to escape and prevent cracking. Source: May Hard boiled eggs for salad: Boil eggs for about 10 minutes then immediately immerse in cold running water to cool them quickly and reduce risk of unsightly black marks in white. Source:May Cooking - boiled potatoes for salad: Add a dash of lemon juice to water before boiling - stops potatoes going "black" when cool for salad. Source: May For perfect crackling on pork, simply brush with a little vinegar or cider and sprinkle with salt. Don't baste. Source: Betty To obtain the finest orange or lemon zest, deep freeze the fruit, then grate while frozen. Source: Belinda Lemonade - slice a whole lemon into semi-circle segments, wrap concertina style with clingfilm then freeze for individual use later. Source: Jill Kiwi fruit easy way to eat - cut in half and spoon out flesh as if eating an egg. Source: Helen To remove a stubborn cork, dip woollen cloth into boiling water, wrap tightly around the bottleneck and the cork will loosen. Source: Ruth I had to transport a large fruit flan to a party but worried that the clingfilm would stick. I cut a straw in half, placed in the centre of the flan and stretched the film over the top. Voilà - a clingfilm umbrella. Rowena If honey has gone sugary, stand jar in hot water to liquefy it. Source: Pam Cauliflower will turn out beautifully white if you add just a drop of milk to the cooking water. Source: Jayne Fan assisted ovens - reduce cooking temperature by 20ºC/30ºC. Source: Patricia Temperature Conversion Formula: ºF = ( ºC × 1·8 ) + 32 ºC = ( ºF - 32 ) ÷ 1·8 To type oven º settings e.g. ºC / ºF hold Alt then enter 167 or 0167 on number pad. Release Alt. Approximate Oven Temperature Conversion:
Print: Oven Temperature Conversion Approximate Ingredients Conversion:
Print: Ingredients Conversion DIY Use liquid soap as a barrier cream. Apply well into skin and under nails. When work completed, all dirt will wash away easily. Source: Mom White spirit used for cleaning brushes will separate out into clean spirit and sediment if left to stand for a week in a jar. Gently pour off clean liquid and decant through an old stocking prior to use. Source: Dad To stop wood screws from rusting and becoming jammed in timber dip into grease before fitting. Source: Danny No more bruised fingers or thumbs, when trying to hammer in a small tack. First push the tack through a strip of cardboard, grip the cardboard strip, position the tack then hammer it home... no need to cover the childrens ears anymore ! Source: Danny Insert paint roller tray into a plastic carrier bag. Place flat. Pour paint on top and apply as usual. When decorating finished discard bag, no messy tray cleaning!!! :) Source: Anne Use a paint roller to paste wallpaper. It does the job more evenly than a brush and in a fraction of the time. Source: David Decorating - paint fumes: A few slices of onion or lemon on a saucer in the room help to "mask" obnoxious paint fumes. :) Source: Anne Use "daylight" bulb for decorating during poor light conditions. Source: Julia Wrap the bristles of your wet paint brush with cling film, during lunch break, to keep the paint moist for when you recommence decorating. Source: June An elastic band secured over the handles of a pair of pliers creates a mini vice when you need a "third hand" for soldering guitar jack plugs, using Super Glue, painting / varnishing small delicate objects etc. Caution: avoid inhaling fumes from soldering. Source: Bob Smear talcum powder on to the plastic screw threads of pendant light fittings - enables easy disassembly if required later. :) Source: Bob Use car body filler to repair rotten window frames. It dries quickly, can be painted over, keeps the rain off and lasts for years. Source: Dick A magnetised screwdriver (stroke screwdriver against magnet several times) most useful when manipulating screws in awkward to reach locations. Source: Bob Apply vinegar to stain on wooden furniture e.g. coffee mug ring stain on table. Cover area with brown paper and apply warm iron to lift unsightly mark. Source: Mick After DIY - when sweeping dusty concrete floor e.g. garage, sprinkle water around first. Brush sludge into dustpan rather than inhale dubious debris. Protect yourself. Source: Bob Protect your watch by wrapping it in clingfilm when doing messy or wet tasks. Even if the watch and case are water proof, the plastic wrap will prevent dust, paint, or other substances damaging to a watch from coming in contact with it, yet you can still tell the time. Source: Simon Ladders - remember the 1 in 4 rule. Enhances stability. For every 4 units up ensure 1 unit out from wall. You'll only fall once... Source: Bob Use empty paint tin with wire hook through handle to hold tools/brushes whilst up ladder. Source: Bob Protect spectacle lenses with clingfilm whilst painting ceilings. Source: Ivor DIY web site tips via RollerCoaster Garden Apply neat bleach with a soft brush to remove black algae from paving slabs. Source: Mom Recycle broken terracotta flowerpots by breaking them into smaller pieces and using as drainage in a larger pot. Source: Elizabeth Elderflowers are a good insect repellent. Place sprays on the table when eating in the garden. Source: Mary Lawn Maintenace. To prevent birds eating grass seed when repairing bald patches of lawn: Mix soil, seed and water into a bucket, cover with polythene to retain moisture and place in shed for 2 weeks. When seeds have germinated use the mixture to repair lawn - birds are thwarted ! :) Source: Bob Improve your garden and save time and precious resources. Don't spend time watering when you should be enjoying your garden. Water infrequently but well to encourage deep rooting. Use water late in the evenings when evaporation is reduced. Source: Kew Gardens Hobbies Juggling - practise over bed/sofa/table to save your back when picking up. Source: Bob To prevent accidental erasure of favourite audio / video recordings remove plastic "blank" at back left of cassette shell. If required to record later, cover hole with sticky tape. Source: Bob Put on Teletext 888 (UK) when the kids are watching TV. Lots of childrens' cartoons supply text. It teaches your kids to read while they watch. Source: Joan Pet food foil dishes, when washed thoroughly, make ideal paint pallets for children. Source: Anne If you are into collecting board games like my husband, then stickytape on the boxes need not be a bugbear anymore. Just use a hairdryer to melt the sticky and it just pulls off easily. Source: Anon To make salt dough models mix one part fine table salt with two parts good quality plain flour and just enough water to make a suitable mixture for modelling. The addition of a small amount of cooking oil in the mix will improve consistency for smooth finish. Bake at 150 °C for two hours. Allow to cool, paint with acrylic paint and seal with varnish to prevent fungal growth. Source: Frank Housework Remove cat hairs from upholstery by wiping them off with a damp rubber glove. Source: Fliveya Put a dab of clear nail varnish on the buttons of a new shirt to fuse the threads together. Buttons won't fall off. Source: Bronwen To remove candle wax from furniture gently heat the spill with a hairdryer until it softens, then wipe away with a cloth. Alternatively, put ice on the wax until it freezes, then use a plastic spatula to scrape it off. Both methods work equally well, without damaging furniture. Source: Francis To clean soap and grime off shower doors use steel wool to clean it all off and then wash the excess away after finishing. Source: Karen To keep a fridge smelling fresh after cleaning add some (approximately 1-2 teaspoons) vanilla essence to the water as you are cleaning the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 months after this with normal usage but longer if it is not used often. Source: Karen Release jammed vacuum cleaner tubes by pouring hot water over the join (unplug the cleaner first). Source: Sarah To remove dried-on food from work surfaces, sew a button to your dishcloth and just scrape it away. Source: Louise You can gently scent your room by rubbing a few drops of perfume onto a cold light bulb. It will emit a pleasant aroma whenever the light is on. Source: Leisa If a flask smells musty, fill it with warm water and two tablespoons of vinegar. Then leave it to stand for an hour before rinsing well. Source: Catherine Use an old oven glove to shine shoes. It saves getting polish all over your hands and can be popped in the washing machine when dirty. Source: Anne To move heavy furniture put each leg into a waxed carton ( eg an empty milk carton). It will slide easily. Source: Catherine Hang a carrier bag on a coat hanger along with your coat and place gloves, scarves, hats etc inside. No more frantic searching. Source: Mary Use an old toothbrush to clean awkward taps and corners of sinks. Source: Anne To avoid the bristles becoming bent, do not leave brooms standing on bristles. Source: Anne A pillowcase over a long-handled brush head makes a great duster for ceilings. Source: Valerie To polish patent leather, rub with the inside skin of a freshly peeled banana. Allow to dry and rub vigorously with a soft cloth. Source: Duncan Use a pencil eraser to remove unsightly scuff marks from painted skirting boards, doors, steps etc. Source: June Instead of just opening windows to let fresh air into a house, why not use a fan on the window sill to blow the air in and aerate your whole home much more efficiently ! Source: Symon Moving house? Protect china p;ates by alternating them with paper plates when packing. Source: Gillian Apply solution of bleach and water to clean grouting between bathroom/kitchen tiles with old toothbrush. Caution: ensure adequate ventilation. Source: Bob Can't get a tomato stain out of an item of clothing? Hang it out wet in the sun and see the difference. Vital for spaghetti eaters! Source: Joanne Miscellaneous To prevent losing a favorite pin/brooch, after poking it through your clothing, stick an earring back on it and hook it. If it comes unhooked, you still won't lose it. I have a $65 fairy pin which is prone to coming undone, this has saved it many times! Source: Tonya On NHS crutches? Bind the handle grips with tennis racquet tape to prevent blisters. Source: Sandra Ease discomfort of dry skin/"arthritic" stiff hands; apply WD40 lubricant and rub in. Source: Nurse via Ronnie Restore showerproofing to anorak that has been washed by using shoe protector. Read instructions on aerosol can. Source: Norman To evict mice, squirt minty toothpaste around the mouseholes. They don't like the smell. Source: Lesley To stop a toddler's food dish from slipping off their high chair or the table, put a rubber suction soap holder on the bottom of the plate or bowl - it will hold it firmly in place. Source: Janet After walking on the beach apply talcum powder to your feet which will absorb the moisture and sand will easily brush off. Source: Julia If your shoe laces keep slipping undone then tie in usual way, take the two loops and tie together "over and under" once to make secure. Source: Grandma. p.s. eat your greens ! Prioritise post with Bulldog clips coloured Red / Amber / Green pinned to cork noticeboard. Source: Jill On a family outing, attach your mobile phone number to young children. Source: Mary The digits of the answers to the 9 Times table add up to nine e.g. 2 × 9 = 18 1 + 8 = 9 Source: Bob Philosophy - when a child, I had a thirty button accordion. Each button played two notes. It was only when I realised that I needed just five buttons to play most tunes that I really began to play. Source: Dick Happiness is good health and a bad memory. Source: Ingrid Bergman Use baby wipes to remove make-up and mascara. They leave skin feeling soft and clean. Source: Sylvia Use hair conditioner on legs before shaving. Smoother than shaving and prevents cutting the skin. Source: Sharon CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably is a recent initiative by the Department of Health to help alleviate suffering caused by suicidal thoughts / mental illness / drug dependency. Originally based in Manchester it is now available nationwide 5.00pm to 3.00am. If you need to speak to a counsellor Freephone 0800 585858 Mark time up to about 30 seconds, without a watch, by using the phrase "one thousand and one" as a one second digit spacer. Source: Bob Cleaning plastic lense spectacles with wet strength tissue may cause scratches. Weak solution of water and washing up liquid with toilet tissue fine. Source: Bob Cut out images from old Christmas cards, use hole punch and ribbon to create gift tags. Source: Jill Save screw top bottles to contain excess cooking fat, then dispose in bin. Better than using the sink which may block, if it does use washing soda crystals and hot water to clear. Source: Bob Always put fresh water in the kettle after last use. Do not leave kettle empty. This reduces the risk of it boiling dry when used again. Source: Geoffrey Be kind to your kidneys, dilute pure orange juice with water. Source: Helen Health & Safety in case of fire: Keep spare front door key at floor level near door because smoke and fumes rise high... Source: Jill Hot hand towels at restaurant ideal for polishing up your rings. Source: Jill |