Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 01:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Weight Loss and Health and Exercise, Free and Discounted Software Every Day, Cooking in Bulk Saves Straight Away
3. Living Green in 2014 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
4. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite money, time and energy saving tips
5. On the Menu with Anne -
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Take Up the Challenge
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - First Blog by HouseWife2b
9. Last Week's Question - Old fashioned milk ice blocks
10. This Week's Question - DIY will kits - Help!
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Happy New Year. It's the first of January, a brand new beginning to the year, full of the resolutions you've made. New beginnings happen all the time, not just on the 1st of January. Every day we get a new chance to be better at what we do, to laugh more often, be more forgiving, to live a more sustainable life, to spend less and be more generous.
So if you've made your resolutions (or goals -thanks to Mum of 2 for posting her goals, not resolutions, in the forum) don't despair and don't give up. Tomorrow you have a brand new beginning, another chance to start over.
Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas wishes to us, Wayne and I love to hear from you and appreciate your thinking of us.
The latest Journal went live in the Member's Centre yesterday and it's huge. Instead of a Tip Sheet this month there is a whole e-book for you, full of amazing, practical ways you can take up the challenge to reduce, reuse and recycle this year. Some back-to-school ideas and an absolutely no cost way to MOO dried breadcrumbs.
You may have noticed a new page on the website too - a Glossary. We Cheapskaters have a lot of terms we use that may be confusing to new Cheapskaters so Hannah has put together a glossary of the most commonly used terms to help you out. You'll find it here.
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44586 Let me know if there's a term we use that's not there and we'll get it updated.
Have a great week everyone, and enjoy the next seven new beginnings.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Weight Loss and Health and Exercise
Use your computer, iphone or android phone instead of the gym, and save over $1000 per year in weight loss costs
You can save an absolute fortune in weight loss fees (around $70 per month for weekly meeting weight loss clubs) and around $40-$80 per month in gym membership fees. This quickly adds up to big savings of around $1000 or more per year.
Track your fitness on a website like calorie king (prevents calorie amnesia and there is heaps of information on nutrition) or on a google play store app or iTunes store app (search for the free fitness apps).
You can access tailored exercise programs and nutrition programs that will help you keep track of your weight loss.
You can find outdoor gym equipment at a lot of city parks. Go for walks, or buy some simple exercise equipment (you can buy inexpensive exercise equipment from k-mart), or even use vegetable cans or filled water bottles as weights.
There are several common sense keys to weight loss - regular tracking of weight, exercise, food eaten and portion sizes.
You have to eat less and exercise more in order to burn more kilojoules than what you are eating, to get weight loss, and it has to be done consistently.
Follow healthy eating guidelines like that at Nutrition Australia, and the weight will fall off, without your wallet being lighter.
Always check with a doctor or medical practitioner prior to embarking on a weight loss program, because you may need to implement some modifications in order to stay safe. A weight loss program is always better to be monitored by your registered health practitioner, who can support you in your efforts.
Contributed by Lori Woodward
Free and Discounted Software Everyday
This website has free and discounted software on its website everyday. I have used it for over a year and saved well over $20000. This is the site: http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/all-discount-codes
Contributed by Scott Van Leeuwen
Website: http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/all-discount-codes
Cooking in Bulk Saves Straight Away
I normally use 500gm of mince when making any meal which calls for mince (spag bol, tacos, shepherds pie, etc.). I've for a while now, been cooking this using 1kg of mince and splitting it into three meals, instantly getting an extra meal per kilo of mince compared to when I was cooking 500gm at a time. Truly, we haven't noticed the difference in amount. Not only is the same amount of meat going further, I'm getting 2 meals into the freezer each time and we're getting smaller portion sizes. Win! Win! Win!
Contributed by Leanne Catt
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Living Green in 2014
This year the challenge is to reduce, reuse and recycle and save: money, time and energy and our planet.
This week's featured tips are focused on reusing (Shelley's tip) and recycling (Barbara's tip).
1. Reuse
The re-sealable bags that frozen fruit, raspberries, blackberries etc. come in can be reused. I wash them and reuse for storing vegetables, fruit, cheese and so on. They also make great bags for sandwiches and rolls.
2. Recycle
In W.A. the Coles supermarkets have started to provide bins to recycle plastic including food wrappings e.g. frozen veg packs. Instead of dumping used bags into landfill it's just as easy to put them in a green bag and drop them off on your way into the supermarket.
Want to know more about living green? Do you have a great way to reduce, reuse or recycle? Click here to share.
4. Submit your tip
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. On the Menu with Anne
Anne is on holiday this week, but she's shared her meal plan for the week.
"It's a little more exotic than we'd normally eat but we're on holiday so the usual rules only apply some of the time. I want to try some new recipes I found in the Recipe File and what better time to use the family as testers than when they're all happy and relaxed on holiday."
I agree with Anne, this is a great week to be trying new recipes. Actually any week is a good week to try a new recipe as far as my lot are concerned. If you try any of Anne's suggested recipes, or other new recipes, don't forget to let us know and submit them to the Recipe File so we can all enjoy them.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Grilled steak and salad
Saturday: Warm Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Sunday: Roast lamb, baked vegetables, gravy
Monday: Magic Tuna and Vegetable Pie, salad
Tuesday: Spaghetti bolognaise
Wednesday: Corn fritters and salad
Thursday: Veggie pastie with tomato salsa, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: Watermelon, plums, oranges, mangos
In the cake tin: Fruit cake, mince tarts, choc chip muffins
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Take Up the Challenge!!!!
As this new forum has been started, some of the new members may not be aware of the $300 a month food challenge or where to start.
It all started when I posted a thread "Food Shopping Made Me Smile" (check it out on the old forum, the replies were quite funny). Many people asked me how I could only spend $300 a month on food. It snow balled from there.
* This challenge is based on a family of 4.
* If you have more or less in your family, then allow $75 per person, per month.
* Buy as much as you can "no name".
* Your shop should consist mostly of ingredients not pre-packaged food.
* Menu plan and do your shopping list from the menu plan.
* Portion control with meat and fill up the dinner plate with lots of vegies.
* Clean out your pantry and use up those things you had forgotten about. and perhaps not buy those things again.
* Look for ways to make things yourself - baking biscuits, making your own laundry powder, cooking from scratch
* Freezing meat into meal sizes.
The $300 is not a hard and fast rule. It is a goal to work towards and you will be much more motivated if you have a goal.
Make sure you have a plan for what you are going to do with the savings you make - maybe pay off a debt, set up a savings account, pay off your mortgage faster or go on a holiday. Wouldn't it be great to have that choice.
Take up the challenge!!! You will not regret it.
Be encouraged!!!!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?24-Take-up-the-challenge-!!!!
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
7.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
2014 Wedding
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2296-2014-Wedding
Capsicums
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2297-capsicums
2014 Savings tin
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2287-2014-Savings-tin
Most popular blog posts this week
Cleaning with Vinegar
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/11/cleaning-with-vinegar.html
Zero Waste
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/06/zero-waste.html
Mexican Zucchini
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/10/mexican-zucchini.html
8. Member's Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by HouseWife2b
First Blog
I am really excited for 2014! Not only am I back onto my Cheapskating rhythm properly again for 2014 but I am also getting married!!
My 2014 tins are ready to go and already have money in them!
Tin #1 is for wedding photography (mom and dad paying most as a present). We are using the $1 weekly challenge for this. Week 1 is $1, week 2 is $2, etc. January's money is already paid to that, we are so organized.
Tin #2 is for Backpacks and Boxes and has mostly silver coins or money from collecting cans/bottles. This money goes towards making up boxes for Operation Christmas Child and backpacks for Backpacks for SA Kids (packs for kids who are going into foster care). It is so worth it when you hear stories about the children's reactions, although sad that there are so many children who need them! We only buy on sale or clearance and have found some amazing bargains this year, here's hoping next year is just as good or better!
Tin #3 is for my wedding. It is a transitional tin, meaning it just holds gold coins/notes until I can bank them into my high interest savings account.
Saving for a cash only wedding is going to be difficult, especially when I don't know the exact date (or month...). I am aiming to spend no more than $5000 total although I am hoping to cut that by as much as possible!
My budget for next year is done and I can't wait until my first pay to get it all started!!
Hope everyone else is having a good start to pre-2014!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Coral who wrote
"Is there anyone who knows how to make the old fashioned lime milk ice blocks like the corner grocery store used to serve?"
Julie Jansen answered
Why not try this. I've made coconut cream gelati several times. Place a couple cans of coconut cream in the fridge for an hour or two. (Longer makes the cream so thick, you'll definitely need a food processor). Drain the coconut water or set aside to enjoy later. Mix the coco cream, some vanilla essence, lime cordial or squeezed lime juice with sugar or dextrose if you're on allow sugar diet. Just keep adding and mixing till it tastes right. Coco cream freezes quite firmly; I would recommend just a couple hours so its at a "sorbet" stage.
Mi Caulfield answered
Lime Ice Blocks
Ingredients:
Limes [freshly squeezed] or lemons if preferred - enough for 1/2 cup
350g Greek yoghurt [or thickened cream]
100ml milk
4 tablespoons of icing sugar [or to taste]
Method:
Blend together, and put into moulds. Freeze.
Lime Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 tablespoons finely grated fresh lime zest
1 cup sugar
1-/2 cups heavy cream
1 -1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt
Special equipment:
a candy or instant-read thermometer;
an ice cream maker preparation
Method:
Blend zest and 1/2 cup sugar in a food processor 30 seconds, then stir together with cream and milk in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, and remove from heat. Steep, covered, 30 minutes. Bring remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lime juice to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then boil, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup just begins to turn very pale golden. Remove from heat and whisk in steeped cream. Whisk yolks with salt in a large bowl and add cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Return to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard coats back of spoon and thermometer registers 170°F (do not let boil). Pour through a very fine sieve into a clean bowl and cool, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup lime juice and chill custard, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours. Freeze custard in ice cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
10. This Week's Question
Carolyn writes
"I have four boys who find school holidays boring right about now, straight after Christmas. They play outside most of the time but on rainy days or really hot Aussie summer days they're inside. We all enjoy board and card games but they are expensive and our stash is limited to Scrabble, Operation, Cluedo etc, the old favourites. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for new games we could make or even buy cheaply?"
School holidays can be boring and if kids love board games rather than TV we should do all we can to encourage them. If you are a board game whizz and have made your own games and puzzles and can help Carolyn, share your ideas.
Send your answer
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 10 cents a day you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
12. Gift Memberships
Your family and friends will thank you for a whole year when you give them a Platinum Cheapskates Club membership as a gift.
It's so simple: just select the number of gift memberships required, click the Buy Now button and complete the Gift Membership order form (you must use this form to order gift memberships) and we'll get in touch with you to confirm the gift subscriptions.
Click here to order a gift membership right now!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. Members can update their email address or any other details by clicking on "Edit Profile" directly under their membership number after they have logged in to the Member's Centre. Subscribers to our free newsletter can use the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
What will you do with my email address?
We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.
Read our privacy policy
How Did You Get on Our List?
You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member
14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
[email protected]
2. In the Tip Store - Weight Loss and Health and Exercise, Free and Discounted Software Every Day, Cooking in Bulk Saves Straight Away
3. Living Green in 2014 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
4. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite money, time and energy saving tips
5. On the Menu with Anne -
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Take Up the Challenge
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - First Blog by HouseWife2b
9. Last Week's Question - Old fashioned milk ice blocks
10. This Week's Question - DIY will kits - Help!
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Happy New Year. It's the first of January, a brand new beginning to the year, full of the resolutions you've made. New beginnings happen all the time, not just on the 1st of January. Every day we get a new chance to be better at what we do, to laugh more often, be more forgiving, to live a more sustainable life, to spend less and be more generous.
So if you've made your resolutions (or goals -thanks to Mum of 2 for posting her goals, not resolutions, in the forum) don't despair and don't give up. Tomorrow you have a brand new beginning, another chance to start over.
Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas wishes to us, Wayne and I love to hear from you and appreciate your thinking of us.
The latest Journal went live in the Member's Centre yesterday and it's huge. Instead of a Tip Sheet this month there is a whole e-book for you, full of amazing, practical ways you can take up the challenge to reduce, reuse and recycle this year. Some back-to-school ideas and an absolutely no cost way to MOO dried breadcrumbs.
You may have noticed a new page on the website too - a Glossary. We Cheapskaters have a lot of terms we use that may be confusing to new Cheapskaters so Hannah has put together a glossary of the most commonly used terms to help you out. You'll find it here.
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44586 Let me know if there's a term we use that's not there and we'll get it updated.
Have a great week everyone, and enjoy the next seven new beginnings.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Weight Loss and Health and Exercise
Use your computer, iphone or android phone instead of the gym, and save over $1000 per year in weight loss costs
You can save an absolute fortune in weight loss fees (around $70 per month for weekly meeting weight loss clubs) and around $40-$80 per month in gym membership fees. This quickly adds up to big savings of around $1000 or more per year.
Track your fitness on a website like calorie king (prevents calorie amnesia and there is heaps of information on nutrition) or on a google play store app or iTunes store app (search for the free fitness apps).
You can access tailored exercise programs and nutrition programs that will help you keep track of your weight loss.
You can find outdoor gym equipment at a lot of city parks. Go for walks, or buy some simple exercise equipment (you can buy inexpensive exercise equipment from k-mart), or even use vegetable cans or filled water bottles as weights.
There are several common sense keys to weight loss - regular tracking of weight, exercise, food eaten and portion sizes.
You have to eat less and exercise more in order to burn more kilojoules than what you are eating, to get weight loss, and it has to be done consistently.
Follow healthy eating guidelines like that at Nutrition Australia, and the weight will fall off, without your wallet being lighter.
Always check with a doctor or medical practitioner prior to embarking on a weight loss program, because you may need to implement some modifications in order to stay safe. A weight loss program is always better to be monitored by your registered health practitioner, who can support you in your efforts.
Contributed by Lori Woodward
Free and Discounted Software Everyday
This website has free and discounted software on its website everyday. I have used it for over a year and saved well over $20000. This is the site: http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/all-discount-codes
Contributed by Scott Van Leeuwen
Website: http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/all-discount-codes
Cooking in Bulk Saves Straight Away
I normally use 500gm of mince when making any meal which calls for mince (spag bol, tacos, shepherds pie, etc.). I've for a while now, been cooking this using 1kg of mince and splitting it into three meals, instantly getting an extra meal per kilo of mince compared to when I was cooking 500gm at a time. Truly, we haven't noticed the difference in amount. Not only is the same amount of meat going further, I'm getting 2 meals into the freezer each time and we're getting smaller portion sizes. Win! Win! Win!
Contributed by Leanne Catt
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Living Green in 2014
This year the challenge is to reduce, reuse and recycle and save: money, time and energy and our planet.
This week's featured tips are focused on reusing (Shelley's tip) and recycling (Barbara's tip).
1. Reuse
The re-sealable bags that frozen fruit, raspberries, blackberries etc. come in can be reused. I wash them and reuse for storing vegetables, fruit, cheese and so on. They also make great bags for sandwiches and rolls.
2. Recycle
In W.A. the Coles supermarkets have started to provide bins to recycle plastic including food wrappings e.g. frozen veg packs. Instead of dumping used bags into landfill it's just as easy to put them in a green bag and drop them off on your way into the supermarket.
Want to know more about living green? Do you have a great way to reduce, reuse or recycle? Click here to share.
4. Submit your tip
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. On the Menu with Anne
Anne is on holiday this week, but she's shared her meal plan for the week.
"It's a little more exotic than we'd normally eat but we're on holiday so the usual rules only apply some of the time. I want to try some new recipes I found in the Recipe File and what better time to use the family as testers than when they're all happy and relaxed on holiday."
I agree with Anne, this is a great week to be trying new recipes. Actually any week is a good week to try a new recipe as far as my lot are concerned. If you try any of Anne's suggested recipes, or other new recipes, don't forget to let us know and submit them to the Recipe File so we can all enjoy them.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Grilled steak and salad
Saturday: Warm Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Sunday: Roast lamb, baked vegetables, gravy
Monday: Magic Tuna and Vegetable Pie, salad
Tuesday: Spaghetti bolognaise
Wednesday: Corn fritters and salad
Thursday: Veggie pastie with tomato salsa, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: Watermelon, plums, oranges, mangos
In the cake tin: Fruit cake, mince tarts, choc chip muffins
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Take Up the Challenge!!!!
As this new forum has been started, some of the new members may not be aware of the $300 a month food challenge or where to start.
It all started when I posted a thread "Food Shopping Made Me Smile" (check it out on the old forum, the replies were quite funny). Many people asked me how I could only spend $300 a month on food. It snow balled from there.
* This challenge is based on a family of 4.
* If you have more or less in your family, then allow $75 per person, per month.
* Buy as much as you can "no name".
* Your shop should consist mostly of ingredients not pre-packaged food.
* Menu plan and do your shopping list from the menu plan.
* Portion control with meat and fill up the dinner plate with lots of vegies.
* Clean out your pantry and use up those things you had forgotten about. and perhaps not buy those things again.
* Look for ways to make things yourself - baking biscuits, making your own laundry powder, cooking from scratch
* Freezing meat into meal sizes.
The $300 is not a hard and fast rule. It is a goal to work towards and you will be much more motivated if you have a goal.
Make sure you have a plan for what you are going to do with the savings you make - maybe pay off a debt, set up a savings account, pay off your mortgage faster or go on a holiday. Wouldn't it be great to have that choice.
Take up the challenge!!! You will not regret it.
Be encouraged!!!!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?24-Take-up-the-challenge-!!!!
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
7.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
2014 Wedding
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2296-2014-Wedding
Capsicums
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2297-capsicums
2014 Savings tin
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2287-2014-Savings-tin
Most popular blog posts this week
Cleaning with Vinegar
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/11/cleaning-with-vinegar.html
Zero Waste
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/06/zero-waste.html
Mexican Zucchini
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/10/mexican-zucchini.html
8. Member's Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by HouseWife2b
First Blog
I am really excited for 2014! Not only am I back onto my Cheapskating rhythm properly again for 2014 but I am also getting married!!
My 2014 tins are ready to go and already have money in them!
Tin #1 is for wedding photography (mom and dad paying most as a present). We are using the $1 weekly challenge for this. Week 1 is $1, week 2 is $2, etc. January's money is already paid to that, we are so organized.
Tin #2 is for Backpacks and Boxes and has mostly silver coins or money from collecting cans/bottles. This money goes towards making up boxes for Operation Christmas Child and backpacks for Backpacks for SA Kids (packs for kids who are going into foster care). It is so worth it when you hear stories about the children's reactions, although sad that there are so many children who need them! We only buy on sale or clearance and have found some amazing bargains this year, here's hoping next year is just as good or better!
Tin #3 is for my wedding. It is a transitional tin, meaning it just holds gold coins/notes until I can bank them into my high interest savings account.
Saving for a cash only wedding is going to be difficult, especially when I don't know the exact date (or month...). I am aiming to spend no more than $5000 total although I am hoping to cut that by as much as possible!
My budget for next year is done and I can't wait until my first pay to get it all started!!
Hope everyone else is having a good start to pre-2014!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Coral who wrote
"Is there anyone who knows how to make the old fashioned lime milk ice blocks like the corner grocery store used to serve?"
Julie Jansen answered
Why not try this. I've made coconut cream gelati several times. Place a couple cans of coconut cream in the fridge for an hour or two. (Longer makes the cream so thick, you'll definitely need a food processor). Drain the coconut water or set aside to enjoy later. Mix the coco cream, some vanilla essence, lime cordial or squeezed lime juice with sugar or dextrose if you're on allow sugar diet. Just keep adding and mixing till it tastes right. Coco cream freezes quite firmly; I would recommend just a couple hours so its at a "sorbet" stage.
Mi Caulfield answered
Lime Ice Blocks
Ingredients:
Limes [freshly squeezed] or lemons if preferred - enough for 1/2 cup
350g Greek yoghurt [or thickened cream]
100ml milk
4 tablespoons of icing sugar [or to taste]
Method:
Blend together, and put into moulds. Freeze.
Lime Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 tablespoons finely grated fresh lime zest
1 cup sugar
1-/2 cups heavy cream
1 -1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt
Special equipment:
a candy or instant-read thermometer;
an ice cream maker preparation
Method:
Blend zest and 1/2 cup sugar in a food processor 30 seconds, then stir together with cream and milk in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, and remove from heat. Steep, covered, 30 minutes. Bring remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lime juice to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then boil, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup just begins to turn very pale golden. Remove from heat and whisk in steeped cream. Whisk yolks with salt in a large bowl and add cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Return to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard coats back of spoon and thermometer registers 170°F (do not let boil). Pour through a very fine sieve into a clean bowl and cool, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup lime juice and chill custard, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours. Freeze custard in ice cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
10. This Week's Question
Carolyn writes
"I have four boys who find school holidays boring right about now, straight after Christmas. They play outside most of the time but on rainy days or really hot Aussie summer days they're inside. We all enjoy board and card games but they are expensive and our stash is limited to Scrabble, Operation, Cluedo etc, the old favourites. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for new games we could make or even buy cheaply?"
School holidays can be boring and if kids love board games rather than TV we should do all we can to encourage them. If you are a board game whizz and have made your own games and puzzles and can help Carolyn, share your ideas.
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14. Contact Details
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www.cheapskates.com.au
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