The swelling is due to histamine release, which is the body's natural response to an allergen. Anti-histamine neutralises it. Older antihitamines cause drowsiness (hence "don't drive or operate machinery" warning) Newer ones generally don't, but may not be a effective. Once your body has s...

Our home and contents insurance are up for renewal and the quote has come in rather pricey. Have run comparison site quotes, and there are some great prices out there, but most companies come out in reviews as appalling when people actually try to claim. Anyone have experience of a decent company th...

When my daughter had her horse we had loads of mice in her stable. They were VERY cute, but did do a lot of damage. My kid wouldn't let the yard manager put down bait in her tack room. We were always finding rugs with bits chewed out, which didn't please me much. In the end we just put everything in...

I never use pectin - I think it makes the jam slimey textured. Damson and plum set very well by themselves (as you found out, bmps!) I would def melt it all down gently with some added water and get it to the set you want - too much faff doing it every time you want to eat some. If it tastes good it...

The spurge moths are very pretty, aren't they?
Why is one of the atlas ones wearing a bonnet?

Good for you! A triumph of spirit over medical ignorance.

Your question brings back memories. When I shared a terraced house (2 up, 2 down & 1 out the back) I wanted a piano, so bought one that was advertised in the window of Oxfam. Arranged for it to be moved and paid extra for 2 men as I wanted it to go upstairs in my room. But it ended up in the sh...

Thought it was rather sad and ironic that Pauline Kidner of Secret World has spent her life saving badger cubs, and that is the area they chose to try out the cull. But I still think it is a complex subject with no clear rights and wrongs. I feel for the farmers who have spent generations building u...

Thanks for the suggestions, which sounded "interesting" but a bit hairy! Hired 2 men and a van and it is safely home. I WAS a bit peeved she withheld that bit of info, and was worried about what else she hadn't told me, but it is fine, so all's well that ends well, though it did cost me £7...

Have a look at Cinnamon Trust. And I think the Dog's Trust do a peace-of-mind thing as well.
(No idea why I know this - I don't even have a dog!)

Thanks! Really interesting idea

I've just bought a replacement for my very old cooker on ebay. It was only after I'd bought it the seller revealed the collection was from a 3rd floor flat! We'd planned to collect it ourselves with our campervan, but there is no way we can cope with getting it down 3 flights of stairs. I've been gi...

Or even better and more frugal, I am recycling one of my old, unloved (replaced) pillows into extra filling for my worn-flat kitchen seat pads.

I believe that blue bulbs are supposed to be excellent for craft work, but they are not easy to find, and expensive. Depends how much you do, but we have standard fluorescent lighting in our klitchen, and I find that fine for working by.

VERY cute! Well done that lady.