I use glass or even cups and bowls or in fact most anything crock in the

microwave except plastic. I have been very scared of heating anything

in plastic for years albeit we hear some are safe. Googling makes me

scared of heating plastic. Some people even use glad wrap but that

is a very big no no for me to put on top of anything being heated also. I

buy nothing in plastic if it is available in glass also especially oil or

things which appear would leach into the plastic or rather the plastic

fumes or whatever they are into my food. I know some of the steamers

now are made of plastic. I would not use them and looking to buy one

made of glass with three tiers.

All the best

Phyl.

[size=4]CorningWare is good. Also, I use ordinary soup bowls. Pyrex is good.

Or you can buy microwave cookware etc anywhere these days.

Like you, Moggy, I have tried to find something small and with a handle, but to no avail.[/size]

I use glass or crockery - pyrex is fine, and for some strange reason op shops are full of the stuff - particularly small sizes which are great for singles or for heating small items. I usually pay $2 -5.00 for them, although some of the smaller op shops almost give them away for .50c or $1.

Thanks for the replies. I bought 2 Pyrex bowls with plastic lids and 2 Pyrex jugs for gravy etc. They are not cheap!

I love the tip about op shops. I am going to make a day when I do an "op shop crawl" and see what I can find.

moggy - you would be amazed at the almost new bedlinen I have found - Sheridan doona covers even!! Amazingly cheap. I hardly ever buy household things retail if I can help it. I have sets of wine glasses,champagne glasses, all top quality. You have to be prepared to really trawl as many op shops as you can find, but it's well worth it.

To all seniors finding rising costs a problem.

As others have said, op.shops are the answer. They sell pottery so cheaply, it's almost a joke. If you buy a casserole without a lid, put a dinnerplate on top of it provided it has no silver or gold border. Works well.

To heat up something small, use a pottery soup bowl and again, cover it with a saucer, again, bought at the op.shop.

Some I've spoken to, say, 'I wouldn't go to an op.shop' and when I ask, they say they are scared of being seen in one. WHAT????? If this is pride, forget it. Saving money is saving money.

PS. Check out clothes too. You can often find great items there but you need time to look.

Think of what you can save. I know, been there. Done that. I love op.shops.

Mostly cheaper than markets or garage sales.

I went to the op shop, two actually, and picked up a pyrex container with lid and while browsing got two lovely little ramekin size pottery containers with lids and two tops for $1,,,,,, they were having a sale on clothing.

Came home only spending $8. BARGAINS!!!!

AND the shop was very crowded, so not everyone is too proud.

"Pride goes before a fall" so they say.

I am sure nt to proud--and have found many wonderful and useful things at Op shops--sometimes new--I am sure some throw things out if they are out of fashion as far as colour goes--but I have bought some very nice pillow slips --white--and new--for 50 centsthat were $14 in the stores--I cook in glass in the Mircowave

Just check out the new price of items and you realise tht the Op shops are a blessing indeed. Especially in the kitchen items. SO cheap. I always use glass when cooking scrambled eggs and microwave dishes for veges and pasta/rice etc.

Must go, just made Pop corn in the Microwave and now i will watch some tessin.

Regards

Charlee

hi all , suanne here, i am not above going to op shops. two of my best blouses came from the local, op shop and i reguarly wear them to church where they get a big nod of approval because they think i bought it at myer ha ha lol. i often buy magazines there for gardening tips because how much can a garden change over the years all there is different in a current magazine is ''new' items invented since i last bought one.i keep all the mags until i exhaust the contents and then i go and get a 'new' bundle from the oppo.pride can stop you from having things more cheaply and in these times we need all the help we can get.love reading your letters ...suanne

Today, at the Op Shop, which I sort for, there were half a dozen little ramekins - about a one cup size - had a handle out the side - made by corning ware. No lids, but they weren't made for lids. I was told to throw them out - no-one wanted them any more. Or more importantly, they only made 20 cents on each one! Some charities think only for a " dollar per foot of floor space". I know the charities I want to work for - they help local people - don't send their dollar overseas to "missions", but they are so busy "employing" the "work for the dole" people, that they have lost real sight - they get dollars for doing that. Oh well, I do what I can, but I know I could do so much more with my time and effort.

I remember them--I used to have some--gee I would ave taken them--would be great for the micro wave as well--