The advice thread for random problems #2

[littlepup]

Question. Would you expect both your children to be invited to a child’s bday party if they were only 2 years age diff or just the one that’s close in age to the child celebrating their bday?

 

[TheGlossy]

I am really freaked out right now.

I have a little safe next to my apartment door. It was originally meant for a spare key I case I get locked out since I live on my own. I have decided to leave it empty, so there’s no key in it. The safe has a tiny black window (like a blind) hides the digits to enter the code. You have to pull it down to enter your code.

I always have this blind set up to hide the digits behind it. I never leave the digits visible. I can see the safe every time I walk in or out the apartment.

I returned from work today and the blind was down as if someone had tried to enter the code and couldn’t get it right, so just up and left without pulling up the blind to hide the digits.

The code left on it seems to be a variation of my birthday (it could have very well been me toying with it a few weeks ago but I always pull the little blind to hide the digits). The thing is I always have the blind up to hide to digits, so if I’d left them visible, I would have noticed.

I’m now really worried. I’m trying to recall if I may have left the digits visible at some point but I would have noticed if I did.

 

[Lalla]

I could do with some car related advice please!

I have a car which I love, it's a tatty old 2009 diesel but it's great. However if Sadiq Khan's plans to expand the ULEZ to Greater London go ahead, next year I'll be paying £12.50 a day to leave my house (!) as my car isn't compliant.

Currently I only use my car at weekends, and once in the week to go to work.

My choices are
1) replace it with a compliant car - post 2006 petrol or post 2014 diesel
2) do without a car (my son has a compliant car I can use)
3) pay the £12.50 a day

I'm inclined against 3 because I refuse to contribute to that man's greed, and 2 is ok except for the fact my son's car has an engine issue which means it can't get over 40mph so can really only be used for little local journeys (the car's only worth £500 and the garage said it will cost much more than that to fix). I'm right on the outskirts of London, so there are no Zip Car or similar locations near me. Plus I really like the convenience of having my own car.

So that leaves me with buying another car. I'm lucky to be in the fortunate position of having about £20k saved so I could buy a new(ish) car outright. However I won't, because it's a massive waste of money given I only do 100 miles a week on average. For the same reason I'm reluctant to lease one as well, because it feels like a lot of money for the use I'll get.

I've only ever bought cars with my Ex, and although I know he would help me if I asked, I'm trying to stay low/ no contact with him, so I need to do this on my own! I'm also a bit concerned about getting ripped off by a garage. Plus the price of 2nd hand cars is through the roof - I paid £1500 for my car 2 years ago. Cars the same age are still £1500 now, even though the true value is more like £1k.

So what would you do if you were me? Up to now I've been hoping there'll be a U turn on the ULEZ but that seems increasingly unlikely!

 

[Gold_7]

My washing machine isn’t draining. I’ve drained the filter - no blockage. Is it possible the pipes are frozen?

 

[Snippysnips]

Our rabbit did this when he was lonely, could you get him a buddy?

I did think, but money wise I just can't, between pet insurance an vaccinations etc, I've always had just one bunny an they have been fine but this one's just mental

It's years since I had a house bunny, but mine used to love the massive cardboard tubes you could get. They were specific pet ones, so he could eat and chew it without getting poorly. I think we used to get balls made from willow which were safe for him to munch on too.

Thanks I'll see if I can find some, he has thenlittke wooden willow balls but he's going through then too quickly

 

[shadowcat5]

Need some advice on food. I made stew in my slow cooker last night, turned it off at about 7pm. Stew was piping hot. Went to bed at 9.30pm and forgot to put it in the fridge. Will it be okay to eat if I heat it up before I do?

 

[stardust1]

Yeah it definitely sounds off. When I worked in energy we had loads of issues with people switching suppliers because the old supplier would give the new company an absolutely mad read and then give them a refund, they’d move and then the new company would be left to pick up the slack. It’s obvious you don’t owe it from that information so absolutely go through the complaints process and get it to the Ombudsman ASAP. Mostly the Ombudsman won’t take a complaint until you’ve raised it with them for a minimum period which is why I’m telling you to go there first.

Thank you, the final meter read is dated from after I moved out so i don’t know if the new occupant of the address changed supplier and that’s where it went tits up. Once I get back from my appointment I will raise it.

I think this is a debt letter rather than British gas. Who do I complain to? I have had no other correspondence except from this debt company.

 

[WeHadFunRight]

Random one but can anyone recommend some good quality but not stupidly expensive slippers? I’ve had mine since October and the sole is wearing away already. I wear them a lot so don’t mind spending money on them if they’ll last longer than 4 months

I have these and I absolutely love them https://www.next.co.uk/style/st191163/229777 - had them a couple of years now. I also bought my dad the Just sheepskin ones and he adores them.

 

[Bobbleowl90]

When did the last direcr debit come out?

I think if nothing is taken by DD for 6 months it is basically cancelled as you haven't authorised if that makes sense?

I only know this as I frequently pause my contact lenses but they won't let you pause for more than 6 months as it cancels the DD. So you can do 5 months then pay a month then pause again but not 7 months straight.

It’s meant to be monthly. I do usually pay it manually but surely if they were to cancel it they have to inform me? :/ I have paid the amount as soon as I’ve received the letter but really worried about a late payment on my credit file and a default as we’ve literally gone to view a house we love today

 

[Rxt156]

I have reported to ombudsman. I can hand on heart say I never received anything until last week about it. He is trying to give me a ‘one off offer discount’ for £1300they keep threatening with court but i just found 6 emails where I told them the meter was faulty in 2020

Is it genuine? Have they been sending letters to the wrong address?
Do you have evidence of meter readings from when you were there/moved out?

 

[TheGlossy]

For some reason, I can’t stop thinking about joining an online dating app. I’ve zero interest in dating as I’ve a lot going on, but something in me keeps telling me to set up an account.

I’m not interested in meeting anyone through an app to be fair, so I don’t know why I suddenly feel the urge to go on some app. It doesn’t help I keep seeing ads for this same app everywhere (buses, TV etc).

I’m 32 and perhaps I should think about widening my horizons to meet someone but to be fair, I’ve no interest. I’m conflicted. Besides, I’ve already been on apps (6 years ago or so), and it wasn’t great.

 

[TheGlossy]

What didn't you like about automatic?

It's as easy and stop and go!

I learnt auto as I learnt to drive at 30 and didn't get on with gears when I originally tired at 17 so knew it would be miles quicker without gears

It sounds silly but I don’t understand it. I think it probably has to do with the instructor though because his English was poor and I couldn’t understand a thing he was teaching me. I had 3 lessons then I stopped because I absolutely hated those lessons.

Maybe I should give auto a go with a different driving school.

 

[littlepup]

I brushed my teeth last night and went off to bed, woke up a few hours later with the most disgusting taste in my mouth. Like a kind of ear wax and stomach bile mix. Had a drink of water which made it worse. Jumped out of bed and brushed my teeth again, it settled it a bit but not fully. Went back to sleep, woke up and the taste was in full force. Brushed my teeth, had breakfast, trying to get the taste out of my mouth but its still there. Its affecting everything I eat or drink. Google isn't very helpful. Any idea?!

I'd give me teeth a really good floss too just to be sure n take some antacid incase it's reflux. Is it better sitting up vs laying down?

 

[fakesheikh]

Might post this on a couple of threads! Hoping someone has an answer…

how does one get foundation marks out from a jacket collar?I’ve not washed it as it’s a puffer jacket and I don’t want it to lose its puff. Any ideas? Makeup remover, micellar water, baby wipes does not take it out.

 

[LaBlonde]

Random but don’t know where to ask. What colour planner should I get? It is between the lavender or taupe. I am so torn, I like the clean girl aesthetic but worried taupe will show dirt too quick. I also like girly style so was thinking of lavender. I have no clue. Thanks in advance.

Filofax A5 Nofolk Leather Personal Organiser, Taupe

Buy Filofax A5 Nofolk Leather Personal Organiser from our Calendars & Diaries range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

the lavender would be my preference - it’s a lovely soft shade and i always go for a pastel

 

[CoffeeMamma]

From where is she travelling?

Newcastle is our nearest city

 

[queenbees]

I also think this! I don't think the police would be making phone calls to an individual for a minor bump on private(?) land. At best the person who thought they'd been hit would get a crime reference number after dialling 101. How would the police have your number anyway? I'd have thought that a more serious "crime" would have to be investigated for them to get hold of it.

I think because they’re saying it was “hit and run”. Which it wasn’t really. I’m not sure how the police had my number but I assume it was due to they had a number plate and got it through the insurance company?? The police officer did tell me on the phone that she had passed my details on to the other party so I do believe she has done that. I did get a crime ref number as well which I rang back later on to double check it was a legit officer because I did begin to doubt as well

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

I saw a reel on Instagram and they used miceller water to get stains out of suede shoes. I thought of this question immediately

Brilliant, was just coming on here to ask how to get stains out of my suede bag.
Going to try this

 

[littlepup]

Wondering if someone has some advice.
The wall in my bedroom is wet. I don't know whether it's a leak or condensation. I have the window open and a dehumidifier but nothing seems to shift it. The wall has mould on it. I can clean the mould off (shout out to cillit bang mould cleaner) and it does come off but it's obviously not dealing with the source of the problem. Does anyone have any advice? I have contacted the landlord (I'll refrain from comment on that)

What’s on the other side of the wall, is it external? If so, is it wet?

 

[Mamacita]

Teacher here and honestly I think the voice just becomes accustomed to it. I teach full days on a Monday and by Monday afternoon my throat is killing me, thankfully towards the end of the week it seems a little better

It is defo something you just get used to. At first I was the same, very sore throat (also sore feet from standing at the front of a class all day ) but it is just second nature. I have noticed though that I drink a LOT more water at work than when I am at home. 2 litres minimum per day just during work hours I think that helps

Thanks both. It's so annoying as I don't do these sessions that often but when I do my throat feels awful for at least another day. I don't even need to talk loud or anything seriously respect to those that do it every day as it is exhausting. But good to know it's fairly normal and not just me!