thorn312

What is the best UK supermarket for flowers?

Posted by Far-Assistance-6783@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 79 comments

thorn312@reddit

I've never had an issue with asda, sainsburys lidl or morissons (they're my locals), just make sure you trim the bottoms of the stalks before putting in a vase as they're often dried over or not in the best condition to absorb water and plant food.

People who are really good at interviews, what's your secret sauce?

Posted by SweetCoconut2757@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 254 comments

thorn312@reddit

I think I interview fairly well, I've never not got a job I've interviewed for, though I suspect that the type of job and skills needed may mean answers vary. Assuming you're qualified etc for the role as you have made it to interview stage, you do always have to remember that you can only control your interview to a degree and there may just be better fits interviewing. Asking questions back is a good shout as you've noted, always have some stories ready to go on how you turned something around in to a win, what you personally added, how you directed others (if relevant) and what was learned (or if your help made the business/team change the way they do something). Make sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room and smile, keep (visible) fidgeting down to a minimum. Think leg bouncing, hair flicking, skin picking (these are things me and my partner do). Be honest and engaging, explain why you think you would be a good fit for the role. My work is in ecommerce so for me, I spent a deal of time on the company's website before the interview to ask questions and say which bits I found engaging. If your interview includes a task, make notes and explain your workings and how you got from step A to step B, if you're not sure on why something is the way it's presented, ask why and if you have an idea, ask if it is what you think. Dont be afraid to say you don't know something, but if you can, frame is in a way like "I'm not sure about x, could you explain further or provide more context" (obviously everything is different and answers will vary) Try to be confident and warm, engage and present yourself as best you can.

Do you go to the cinema alone?

Posted by Any_Weird788@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 515 comments

thorn312@reddit

I don't do cinemas but I wouldn't think twice about someone going alone to enjoy something. I am fine with (and have) gone for meals on my own or taken day trips to wildlife parkway and such alone. For things I really am interested in, I would prefer to go alone and use all of my attention on the thing.

What books do you return to over and over and why?

Posted by DullInflation6@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 188 comments

thorn312@reddit

The Wool series. I'm currently re reading it, it's got a few good plot twists, interesting characters and world. The Unwind series is a great, dark YA series too.

What is everyones favourite wildlife parks, zoos, aquariums to visit?

Posted by Rallam259@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 115 comments

thorn312@reddit

It's not that big, it's actually from your initial list. It's got rooms for insects, fish, carnivorous plants, a fish pond and roaming in the main area if you look are quail, lizards, stick insects etc. The butterflies may also land on you! I went last before starting my new job, I lived alone and so wasn't worried about dragging someone around for hours and it's very humid and hot (not that it bothers me, personally). The staff are lovely and knowledgeable and there's even a section to watch the butterflies emerge and dry out their wings. https://preview.redd.it/dmizzbo2p05h1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7bf31e39127047ac600af5121e1df82173d22e59

What is everyones favourite wildlife parks, zoos, aquariums to visit?

Posted by Rallam259@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 115 comments

thorn312@reddit

Stratford butterfly farm is a top notch one for me too! I go on my own usually because I spend hours there 🤣. Cotswold wildlife park is great and I go somewhat regularly.

where to find cheap cute clothes?

Posted by SuccessfulJury8059@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 21 comments

thorn312@reddit

Ditto on tesco. Got some great lycra shorts and their sports bras with the cross back are my daily bra of choice! Got some funky tan lines though 🤣

When are you supposed to have a bonfire?

Posted by oggglyog@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 216 comments

thorn312@reddit

It's not so common in our own gardens nowadays as I remember it being when I was younger. My neighbour does them somewhat regularly but she let's me know in advance, so I'd try to make people aware ahead of time if you're dead set on it. If you're in an area where all the gardens are backing on to another garden on all sides though I'd probably just avoid it altogether.

When are you supposed to have a bonfire?

Posted by oggglyog@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 216 comments

Can I use £5 Scottish Pound in the South?

Posted by Curious-Campaign1298@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 643 comments

thorn312@reddit

You should be able to but some places will and do refuse to take it as they're not familiar with the currency and so aren't confident in knowing how to spot a fake. Bring a backup payment method just to be safe, my mother lives on one of the Scottish Isles and says it's luck of the draw.

Could you tell me your go-to 'easy-but-delicious' meals?

Posted by Intrepid_Layer_9441@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 192 comments

thorn312@reddit

It's much the same here (albeit reversed). I cook, he cleans. I love cooking and am happy to spend ages in the kitchen with YouTube or something in the background and if it involves lots of prep, I bring the chopping board and knife, peeler etc, food waste bin over to the coffee table and watch TV while doing it. We also have complete opposites with how we like a lot of food cooked with me being less cooked or rare when appropriate, he would rather things be more cooked. I actively enjoy cooking, my other half really really hates it. We have much different brains in most ways, I thrive in slight chaos when there's lots going on at once and take great delight in serving up nice food. Well, he gets the pretty food, I get the bits that don't look as nice and usually eat from a plastic tub which is referred to as the goblin bowl.

Could you tell me your go-to 'easy-but-delicious' meals?

Posted by Intrepid_Layer_9441@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 192 comments

thorn312@reddit

It probably depends on your definition and skill, my partner doesn't like to cook and has said that when he sees a recipe that professes to be quick and easy starts with chopping an onion he nopes out. I would say for me, pasta dishes like spag bol or easy chilli. You can use jars if supermarket own brand sauce if you don't want to make your own, the branded ones unless on offer, are usually pricey. Instant noodles, beans on toast and pot noodles are also much loved. Check if your local supermarket has a loyalty card or app, it's almost prohibitively too expensive to use tesco without their card nowadays. Tins of soup are always a nice cheap option, lidl does very cheap fresh crusty bread as well.

What's the one habit, hobby or past time you used to do all of the time but now you couldn't care less about?

Posted by kam_pra@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 182 comments

What in hot weather is your go-to ice lollie or ice cream?

Posted by Various_Extreme_8773@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 149 comments

Do people in UK love Tom & Jerry?

Posted by Mysterious-Trip-3632@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 126 comments

thorn312@reddit

The old ones yes, I grew up on. Other honourable mentions are looney tunes, scooby doo, batfink (slightly more niche) and Pinky and the Brain.

What are some good swear words/phrases?

Posted by Plankton-Inevitable@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 87 comments

thorn312@reddit

Twatwaffle and cockwomble and sometimes I love to use a relatively chill one in an obtuse situation, like pants or fiddlesticks. See also SON OF A BITCH in Harry style from Resident Alien

Is anybody knowledgeable on food banks?

Posted by Helpful-Leg4443@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 58 comments

thorn312@reddit

I also don't have an answer to your direct question, but I want to echo some of the other positive comments. It is okay to need help sometimes and you're not a burden in any way. I'm sorry that you're going through a tough patch. If you ever need someone to talk to, please feel free to reach out. I'm not sure where you're located but if you happen to be in or near Gloucestershire, I often freeze leftovers and would be more than happy to share.

How much does your car cost you each month?

Posted by CandidBar4794@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 123 comments

thorn312@reddit

As others have pointed out, this question is a bit of a how long's a piece of string. Factors to think about that will make a difference How old are you? Have you had a car and insurance before? (I assume not but still) How many miles are you planning on doing every month? Is it a finance purchase? Will you be able to set some aside from things like repairs, MOTs, etc If you find a car you might be purchasing, put all the details in to compare the market or a similar site and you'll get some ideas on insurance costs, if you're young and a first driver, these will be a lot higher. My first car costed me £2000 for the first year with a black box. Do you know anyone who is in a similar situation and does drive who may be able to give you an idea of their costs?

Why do people act like you can't be a little bit cold in the hot weather, and if you aren't basically naked you're seen as weird?

Posted by Inner-Marketing4591@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 25 comments

thorn312@reddit

Probably just trying to make conversation, it's very weather talk for something to say. But saying get your body out is uncool imo

Which supermarket has the best avocados?

Posted by hedml@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

Has anyone else noticed animals and birds not getting out of the way of cars like they used to?

Posted by KittyGrewAMoustache@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 58 comments

thorn312@reddit

My father one spotted one waiting to ambush him at the side of the motorway so he moved over both lanes and the thing ran with him. They're daft birds. Beautiful, but daft. My mother once hit one also on the motorway and it went through the bumper, it was like a scene from looney tunes, there was a distinct pheasant shaped hole.

Has anyone else noticed animals and birds not getting out of the way of cars like they used to?

Posted by KittyGrewAMoustache@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 58 comments

thorn312@reddit

Touch wood I've never hit an animal in the car, but it might be the time of year if this is recent because there are young animals still learning the ropes. We are also constantly building and expanding in to wild areas and animals' homes, there's only so many places they can go and if they need to get across many roads to get there then it's obviously harder. Except pheasants. They have always aimed for cars.

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

thorn312@reddit

It's certainly easier to clean and you don't have to struggle with changing the covers! I changed my friend's bedding once while she was away so she'd come home to a nice bed not realising they have a super king. I do not have the necessary wingspan for that. Never again. I do love to get snuggly under my fake feather duvet in the winter though. My partner runs hot all the time and I'm always frozen in winter so being able to steal his warmth is a delight. It was actually a necessity in my last flat as the heating just didn't work properly and I couldn't afford to use it anyway. Every lunch break when he was staying (we work from home) was mandatory lay in bed and heat up time. Sounds a bit depressing and in all honesty that flat was, but I love you I back on that part fondly.

How do I stop my upstairs from getting way hotter than downstairs?

Posted by Food_Cats1@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 225 comments

thorn312@reddit

I didn't buy the boiler (we rent and man that thing is so old it has a ticking timer in it!) and we don't use the heating much, even in the winter. 200 might be nothing to some people but it's a lot to me, who has minimal savings and is working hard to save up. As I said, it's obviously subjective, I personally would only very rarely use an AC unit, we had a portable one growing up, I just cope pretty well in the heat. So I would only use an AC for a few nights a year like now, I wouldn't use it all summer or in spring mostly. My partner on the other hand probably would get much more use out of one. If you're likely going to use it all summer and spring then yes it's definitely more worth it. All personal preference and opinion, that's just mine 😊

How do I stop my upstairs from getting way hotter than downstairs?

Posted by Food_Cats1@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 225 comments

thorn312@reddit

Hope it helps you cope in the heat, friend! £200 for me is definitely what I'd consider a high expense, for something I am realistically going to use very little throughout the year, but then my other half really struggles in the heat, even when it's not super warm (by my standards) so it would probably get used by him a lot. It varies from person to person in all aspects really.

How do I stop my upstairs from getting way hotter than downstairs?

Posted by Food_Cats1@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 225 comments

thorn312@reddit

Heat rises, upstairs will just be hotter, unfortunately. It's noticeable in my house as well, it hits you as you go upstairs and we also have fans, windows open, etc. Your cats will come down if it gets unbearable but also I feed mine chilled wet food, add ice to his water and give him frozen or chilled treats. This morning was the first morning he didn't want to cuddle in bed because he was SO hot, he splooted on the landing instead of going downstairs I think as his compromise. You can get AC units that you run the pipe out of the window to vent the hot air and they're actually really good, but they're not cheap (to me, anyway). Just keep the air moving, try to blow the heated air out of a window, but it's so hot at the moment that the outside air is boiling as well.

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

thorn312@reddit

Yeah, I'm not a very social person so I didn't have people over much, but if it was more than one person, someone had to sit on my bed. But somtimes little layovers like that are necessary. I made sure to leave it better than when I moved in, I left an actual water resistant bathroom blind, shower caddy, spice rack, new loo seat and shower curtain, new runner rug, new cooker etc.

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

thorn312@reddit

It's like night and day. I'm glad that I lived in the flat when I did because it was needed at the time and it makes me appreciate what I have again. It was never supposed to be my home. It was just temporary.

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

thorn312@reddit

Yeah, that flat overall was disgusting, moldy and depressing, but I did what I could to add whimsy, I hung fairy lights and fake plant vines and flowers all around the little bed nook thing, curtains around it for some perceived privacy (which really wasn't working). In a proper house now though!

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

thorn312@reddit

I used some duvet covers to create a sort of tent in my last flat and use the fan to keep blasting air in. The flat didn't have a bedroom, just this ancient bed base in the main room so it was easy to attach to essentially the walls on every side.

Pyjama people, how do you survive the warm nights?

Posted by mousey76397@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 119 comments

Why do I feel the need to "make the most" out of the sun?

Posted by DescriptionFuture851@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 163 comments

Why do I feel the need to "make the most" out of the sun?

Posted by DescriptionFuture851@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 163 comments

thorn312@reddit

I have been spending an hour or two in an inflatable paddling pool with a book. Reading is the best way for me to be able to stay outside. I also spend a good amount of time watching insects. Suncream mandatory.

How do I go about giving up a dog?

Posted by Loose_Object8570@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 10 comments

thorn312@reddit

My guess is German Shepherd. We had a friend whose family had one and it chewed up their whole house as they left it alone all day. It is a hard decision to make, but ultimately you are putting the dog's wellbeing first and trying to do right for it. You will likely get some heated comments because the reality is that in an ideal world, circumstances don't change or we're able to work around them to keep pets. If it's an option for you financially, something like a doggy daycare may be able to help with the pup's enrichment needs in the days? If this isn't an option to you, I would suggest checking with shelters near to you first if you haven't already, do not rehome any animal online, you have no idea who they're going to. I'm fortunate to have had cats who are generally very independent and my partner and I also work from home (my current cat is a bit needy!), this was a decision your family made based on your situation not changing, though I wonder if it could have been better thought out in terms of your collective future plans. I still think you are doing your best to do right for the dog, even if I get downvoted for it.

What tips do you have for keeping your house cool in these temperatures?

Posted by Effective-Project-49@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 288 comments

thorn312@reddit

Open windows both sides of the house and the patio door to get a oeioer throughwind, for the patio door I have a bug screen to minimise fly action. Just today I successfully slapped a fly out of the kitchen window and was proud.

Are there more bees this year?

Posted by Programmer-Severe@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 44 comments

Rubbish bins werent collected - ants infestation what to do?

Posted by Parking_Departure705@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

thorn312@reddit

Get on your council website, report a missed bin collection (and ask for why they didn't in case you've accidentally don't something wrong like overfilled a bin or put the wrong thing in the wrong one). You can usually find an email address to use as well.

Do you wait for the kettle to turn itself off before using the boiled water?

Posted by Flaky-Walrus7244@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 232 comments

thorn312@reddit

I wait because I often boil a full kettle and if it's still bubbling, it could very much come out on its own when I'm not expecting it to. I am extremely clumsy.

Are there more bees this year?

Posted by Programmer-Severe@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 44 comments

thorn312@reddit

Thank you! I had mining bees in the lawn earlier in the year and have seen many different types all over. The plants I've seen that they seem to LOVE that I've currently got flowering (or have flowered already) are wild radish, rocket, alliums, dandelions, senetti, bugloss, dog rose and foxgloves, but once more opens like the nasturtiums, there'll be more. I also plant nasturtiums every year specifically for cabbage white butterflies to have as a food source for the caterpillars. I'm always amazed to just sit and watch and see what's muddling around in the garden, I love all the insects and birds, etc.

Are there more bees this year?

Posted by Programmer-Severe@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 44 comments

thorn312@reddit

My garden is FULL of bees. You can hear them buzzing around from miles away. I've photographed a good few on all sorts of plants, but I have planted and grown specifically for wildlife as a whole. I leave lots of self sewders and plants widely regarded as weeds and the bees love them. I've seen loads of other insects too https://preview.redd.it/jed3hutejw2h1.jpeg?width=4624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae3e51fb1532bbeb3bbced0ffa3e7d585ecfd332

What is a reliable and a reasonable priced vacuum cleaner would you recommend?

Posted by Swimming_Drummer_940@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 66 comments

thorn312@reddit

I have had two VAX cleaners and both have been great. I had an annoying interaction with shark when I was trying to buy a cleaner (there was no mention of two discounts not stacking but they did specify others), I placed the order, order accepted, order cancelled with no explanation and the email basically said don't bother contacting to ask why, staff can't see. I thought maybe I'd left my old billing address as we'd just moved, same thing. I emailed and asked if it was the codes as I work in commerce myself and got a reply saying yes. I asked if they would honour it for the sake of £20 and then I'd be spending a couple hundred in their product. They said no, each time I emailed I got a different person and so I got the VAX. left a review detailing it and suddenly they contacted to say they would honour it. Tooooo late. It was less about the money for me and more if they're this awkward when I'm trying to spend money with them, what would any aftercare be like? That's just my personal experience though and I see many good comments suggesting them so maybe take mine with a grain of salt!

Why is there a cavity under my flowerbeds?

Posted by VL69@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 63 comments

UK Heatwaves - do you love them or loathe them?

Posted by Chocolateforlunch37@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 1298 comments

UK Heatwaves - do you love them or loathe them?

Posted by Chocolateforlunch37@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 1298 comments

thorn312@reddit

Both. If I'm at home and can get in the paddling pool and watch the bugs, read and have a fan if needed, I'm happy. If I were still working in an office or stuck in the car, I would not enjoy it.

Is there a plague of ants going on?

Posted by Sea-Still5427@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

How will you spend upcoming heatwave?

Posted by Desperate-Drawer-572@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 318 comments

How will you spend upcoming heatwave?

Posted by Desperate-Drawer-572@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 318 comments

Do you know your neighbours' names?

Posted by Rough-Foundation9208@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 309 comments

thorn312@reddit

I know either side. One side put a new home card through when we moved in that told me her name, her partner, their cats and a few other bits with her phone number. She is an absolutely lovely lady.

What’s the etiquette around asking a coworker about their salary in the UK?

Posted by Automatic_Sorbet_849@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 69 comments

thorn312@reddit

Never had an issue with it myself, with the exception of an old coworker gossiping in the work kitchen about his payrise when the majority of the company was going through redundancies.