What’s something you buy which is cheap/basic that is really good?

[Earbogeys]

Mine is bars of unscented soap from (predictably) Aldi, and also Waitrose own salt and vinegar crisps.

What gems are in your life?

@Lovecatsnonstopbutcanthaveany Thank you!

@macon they also do man line but I haven’t check that out as DH is still very snobbish with his perfumes ..
But I seriously got rid of all mine as I love the Superdrug’s ones.
Anyway if you google up Artiscent Atelier, you will find more info from bloggers etc.

Freeway cola - tastes amazing
Sainsbury's basic range bar of soap

I’ve recently discovered that the Tesco Springforce All Purpose cloths are better than the their more expensive own brand ones. 35p for 10 as opposed to £1.05.

[quote Lovecatsnonstopbutcanthaveany]@withrosesaroundthedoor
@macon[/quote]
Thank you so much.

Drain your rice after cooking? Are you crazy? It won't be perfect and fluffy!

After a bit of googling and a test run, it turns out I can make perfect rice in my Instant Pot in less than 15 minutes (ok more if you count the washing) so much as I like the idea of a dedicated rice cooker, I'm going to save my pennies.

Not read the full thread but noticed a few rice posts. Apparently if you use the absorb all water method it's more likely to have higher levels of arsenic in it. The best way to cook rice is to rinse before cooking, boil in water (more than you would do in absorb method) then when cooked rinse through (cold water quickly through) to separate and get rid of excess starch. It won't cool down if you do a quick rinse. This gets rid of excess arsenic. Perfect rice, safer too!

Nicky toilet paper from home bargins is really luxury paper but very cheap and you can buy them in big bags

Asda baked beans (red can ones not saver) are much nicer than Heinz

I love lidl 'professor peppy' Dr pepper knock-off taste alot like it

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda really cleans drains

Bicarbonate soda and super glue makes really strong epoxy resin type filler. I've fixed chipped plated and cups by using this filler and its lasted for years.

Morrisons oat milk is the nicest oat milk I've tasted

@Leontine

I’ve recently discovered that the Tesco Springforce All Purpose cloths are better than the their more expensive own brand ones. 35p for 10 as opposed to £1.05.

I use those also. Way cheaper than Aldi or Lidl equivalents and better imo.

Aldi Magnum washing up liquid
Bicarb and white vinegar both bought in bulk
Superdrug Micellar Water

@ScrambledSmegs

Drain your rice after cooking? Are you crazy? It won't be perfect and fluffy!

After a bit of googling and a test run, it turns out I can make perfect rice in my Instant Pot in less than 15 minutes (ok more if you count the washing) so much as I like the idea of a dedicated rice cooker, I'm going to save my pennies.

Arsenic?? OMG! I’ve never heard that! I’m serious. I’m not taking the micky.

@ScrambledSmegs

Drain your rice after cooking? Are you crazy? It won't be perfect and fluffy!

After a bit of googling and a test run, it turns out I can make perfect rice in my Instant Pot in less than 15 minutes (ok more if you count the washing) so much as I like the idea of a dedicated rice cooker, I'm going to save my pennies.

So sorry, ScrambledSmegs - I wrongly quoted you. X

@loloballlolo

Not read the full thread but noticed a few rice posts. Apparently if you use the absorb all water method it's more likely to have higher levels of arsenic in it. The best way to cook rice is to rinse before cooking, boil in water (more than you would do in absorb method) then when cooked rinse through (cold water quickly through) to separate and get rid of excess starch. It won't cool down if you do a quick rinse. This gets rid of excess arsenic. Perfect rice, safer too!

Arsenic! I’m shocked! I’ve never heard this. I’m serious. I’m not joking or being provocative. X

@ScrambledSmegs (and anyone who has a pressure cooker or instant pot)…not a money saving thing (well maybe it is)…Google the 7 minute risotto recipe. You get a quick and delicious risotto in very little time. I tend to throw in leftovers of ham/veg/whatever would go well and it turns out lovely. Cheap, fast, easy meal :) I just buy the cheapest non branded Arborio rice

@ScrambledSmegs

It's not cheap as chips but the Your Good Skin hot cloth cleanser from Boots is absolutely the best I've tried. I've tried and binned loads because of my hideously reactive skin, this is wonderfully effective and gentle.

I love it too, it feels very luxurious much nicer than Liz Earle. I love Superdrug's too but not as much as Boots

Agree with a blue tub of Astral cream. And read Joanna Lumley has always used it.

Sorry if already said, but Dove Miscellar soap. Lovely texture, non drying and non irritating anywhere. Second earlier mention of aqueous cream. New find is Primark old fashioned concealer stick £1 . Such a vast range of shades, quick and easy to use, non cakey and has a brightening effect. Heard that Ordinary serum is good, tried out a tester today and will buy when my current 3x it’s £5 cost runs out. Aldi deodorant (daughter keeps pinching) and Aldi stir in pasta sauces.

Asda value (or whatever they call it) dishwasher tablets, plain white cardboard box on the bottom shelf, cheap as chips and work great.
Aldi hash browns, so nice.
Always have a tube as lansinoh or similar (the one that's for nipples). It cures cracked feet in one application, and stops bleeding from cuts etc.

There needs to be a separate thread for RICE cooking methods, it is relentless on this one!

Am with the Nivea Soft lovers, have been using it for years now. Aldi wash up liquid and dishwasher tabs, so good. Elbow grease is the only cleaning product used, apart from hot water and vinegar for the windows. Washing soda crystals added to the detergent in the machine too.

I also find that bar soap loses it's fragrance very quickly, but it is a good eco bet. I need to find little bars like in hotels. Anyone know? Hotels use liquid soap in wall mounted dispensers now, so no dice for nicking a little bar anymore, or maybe it's just the hotels I frequent!

Great thread, it is fascinating to read everyone's suggestions.

Yes, there is a trace amount of arsenic in rice. I have been doing the old 1 rice:2 water, boil in a saucepan/nothing to drain method for as long as I have been cooking, which is over 40 years now, and I am happy to report that I and everyone I have been feeding all these years is alive and well. There is also a trace amount of arsenic in apples, pears, and grapes. Also tap water, brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, beer, and wine.

And don't bite your fingernails...

E45 cream. Hydrates my skin better than any moisturiser.

You can stop rice from tasting boring by sprinkling on some garlic oil after you've cooked it. Can also add mixed herbs.

Aldi herbs in jars - so much cheaper than tesco herbs.

Aldi fizzy pop.. although I’m bloody addicted to the stuff now x

A pipette/baster thingy much easier than trying to tip the pan to get the juices onto a spoon. Best 3 quid I've spent in ages.