Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 03:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - The Best Ever Way to Enjoy Christmas Porridge All Year Round, Kids School Lunch Orders, Secondhand Appliances, Complete with Manuals
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Double Glaze with Bubble Wrap
4. Submit Your Tip - Enter your best tip for a chance to win
5. Living Green in 2014 - Reusing Glass Jars
6. On the Menu with Anne - Creamy Pasta Salad
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Making the Most of Garden Produce
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Good Start to the Year by HouseWife2b
10. Last Week's Question - Stinky wheelie bin help!
11. This Week's Question - What do other Mums pack in lunchboxes?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Do you have children to get ready for the new school year? I'm in a kind of limbo this week. Normally I'd be busy making sure books were ordered, collected and covered, shoes still fit, dresses weren't too short and a myriad of other back-to-school stuff. But I don't have any children at school anymore! I don't need to co-ordinate uniform swaps or remember who borrowed which text book. I don't need to argue that school dresses are too short with an adamant teenager. No more saving for books and uniforms and shoes and excursions and camps and school photos.
It's also very liberating. We are now officially free of school timetables. Our lives don't have to revolve around school terms and holidays, or even school hours. I'm not sure what I'll do or when I'll do it. But I know that I'll find things to fill the gap, because it is a gap. I've been doing this school business for 18 years so it's kind of an ingrained habit. But it's one I really hope to break.
If you're still tied to the school year timetable and routine, you'll be getting ready for 2014 now. We have two tip sheets with loads of back-to-school hints and tips to save you money time and energy. Download Back to School on a Budget and Back to School Tips. And then remember: one day you'll be like I am today, wondering where the time went and planning what you're going to do with the years now.
You've let me know how you feel and your newsletter is back to normal. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of staying with our regular format so here it is. If you are one of the subscribers who receive a truncated version I am sorry, but it's easily fixed. You can either click on the link at the bottom to read the full newsletter, or you can always view it in the Newsletter Archive. There is a link straight to the Archive at the bottom of my message in every newsletter too - it's the PPS:…..
Have a great week everyone.
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
The Best Ever Way to Enjoy Christmas Porridge All Year Round
Top tip for using MOO Christmas Fruit Mince: add a couple of spoons of the fruit mince to breakfast oats. It is just an awesome way to begin your day!
Contributed by Glynis Preston
Kids School Lunch Orders
When my sons had lunch orders at school, rather than use a brown paper bag or an envelope, I used to get free from the bank plastic coin bags and would write their order on a piece of paper nd put in the coin bag with the change for their lunch.
Contributed by Diane Leathem
Secondhand Appliances, Complete with Manuals
If you want to buy secondhand appliances but they don't have the instruction book needed to use it, just Google the brand name and model number and print it out. I did this when I bought my second hand bread maker. It only cost me $10 instead of $90 or more for a new one and we have tasty homemade bread.
Contributed by Amanda Pollock
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Jodie McCrowe. Jodie has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
It may seems a little extreme, but it really does work. The hot air gets trapped between the glass and the bubble wrap, instead of coming into the house. Bubble wrap is almost clear, so light can still get into the rooms.
I've done this on the north and west facing windows on our house too and the result is really quite dramatic, lowering the temperature by a good 5 degrees Celsius. And in this current heatwave, 5 degrees cooler makes a huge difference!
Double Glaze with Bubble Wrap
Approximate $ Savings: $10
I have put bubble wrap on the western windows of our unit. Bubble side facing the window taped all around the edges on the glass so wont peel the paint when we move out. This has cut the afternoon heat by at least half. Especially good considering it is our bedroom and a big window.
Congratulations Jodie, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
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. Living Green in 2014
Reusing Glass Jars
Back before I made pasta sauce I'd buy it in glass jars. Thankfully the Cheapskate in me made me store those glass jars for 'ron because these days I don't buy pasta sauce or jam or other spreads that come in glass jars.
I use glass jars for storing all types of things, not just food. And these days, because I rarely buy any processed food, those jars are precious. I look after them because I really don't want to have to replace them.
I have a whole cupboard devoted to glass jars and their lids in the kitchen.
I prefer to use and then re-use my glass jars because, well, I don't need to worry about anything leaching from them into our food (as I do with some plastics). And they are free. I have a variety of sizes and shapes. Wide mouthed jars are great for soups and casseroles. Smaller jars get filled with jam, lemon butter, pickles and chutneys. Tall bottles hold sauces. I have a size and shape for everything I cook and store.
If they break it's not a big deal, the bits go in the recycle bin and I can always ask someone to keep a jar or two for me.
At Christmastime I made up hampers with jams, lemon butter, mustard, pickles and chutney and every jar was unique, from my collection. Some were tall, a couple were squat, some were even patterned. They looked great, didn't cost me a cent and I'm not worried about getting them back.
But best of all I'm not adding anything else to landfill or adding to recycling costs. Did you know that glass can be recycled over and over and over and over.....? It can, so don't put it in the rubbish bin; if you can't use it either find someone who can or make sure you put it in the recycle bin.
I use my recycled glass jars to store:
• Homemade stock
• Homemade pickles
• Homemade jams
• MOO Condensed milk
• Homemade salad dressings
• Homemade BBQ sauce
• Dry goods in the pantry
• Flavoured oils
• MOO yoghurt
• Leftover soup and casserole
Do you save glass jars and bottles? What do you use them for? What kinds are your favourites? Share your recycling and reusing ideas here.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Creamy Pasta Salad
This week has been so hot here. We've been eating plenty of icy cold salads straight from the fridge. I made triple batches of potato, creamy pasta, curried pasta and coleslaw on Monday morning and put them in the fridge. They've been in Tupperware containers, ready for me to portion and add the dressings. So easy. So much cheaper than buying salads from the deli. And so cool and appetizing, just what we need to beat the heat.
If you like the creamy pasta salad you buy at the deli you'll love this one. It's so easy to make and costs a fraction of the supermarket price.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
250g uncooked medium sized pasta
1 med size carrot, grated
1 stick celery, chopped
1 med spring onion, white part discarded, finely chopped
1/2 red capsicum, diced
2/3 cup grated tasty cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
1 x 300ml bottle ready made coleslaw dressing (Praise Traditional)
3 heaped tablespoons sour cream
Add or delete whichever ingredients you don't like
Method:
1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water, drain and chill
2. In small bowl, combine the coleslaw dressing and sour cream
3. Combine pasta, vegetables, cheese and coleslaw dressing mix
4. Season and Chill and VOILA!!
This recipe is from the Recipe File and was contributed by 3ForMe.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Tacos
Saturday: Grilled fish fillets and salad
Sunday: Roast lamb and baked vegetables
Monday: Cream cheese patties and salad
Tuesday: Curried lamb and steamed rice
Wednesday: Spaghetti Carbonara and garlic bread
Thursday: Tandoori lamb chops, salad and wedges
In the fruit bowl: mandarins, grapes, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Lemon Coconut Slice and fruit cake
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
This week's $300 a Month Food Challenge is from the Archives - February 6, 2011.
Good morning everyone and welcome to a new week of stretching our food budgets.
This week I thought I'd talk about making the most of garden produce and veggie specials. The last 6 months I've been very aware of planting seeds for continual crops. Every 6 weeks I've been planting more lettuce seeds and as a result I've only bought one lettuce since Spring which is great as lettuces can cost as much as $3 each. I've done the same with radishes although you need to plant seeds every three weeks for a constant supply.
This year I have planted two crops of beans. The first lot being at the start of Spring and the next lot about 6 - 7 weeks later. I've been picking handfuls of beans every few days and chopping them up and freezing in snap lock bags. No need for blanching. Last year we had so many zucchinis that I froze lots cut up and haven't had to buy any for a year. I also made a lot of zucchini slice and froze enough for the year. Today I'll be making more slice for the freezer as we have just run out.
When I see celery, capsicums and carrots of special I always buy lots and freeze straight away. This is great for stews and casseroles. These veggies do defrost soggy - that's why they are good for stews etc. It is also great for when you are pressed for time and want to get tea in the slow cooker before starting the day.
Tomatoes can be cooked up for spag bol sauce, tomato sauce, chutneys, relish and many other yummy things.
Pumpkin can go off in the fridge very quickly, so when I see it going that way I make up a batch of pumpkin scones to freeze or throw in a pot with lots of other veggies and soup mix and make a great homemade veggie soup. Really good for freezing and makes an easy meal.
Lately I've been stewing apples when they look sad and either having for dessert that night or freezing for when I make an apple cobbler.
What do you do to make the most of your fruit and veggies?
Time for me to go and have morning tea of pumpkin scones from the freezer. Stocks are getting low so as soon as I see it cheap again I'll make another batch. I also need to add a few more things onto my shopping list for next week. I've been really good about not ducking up to the shops for one or two things. I'm trying to stay away as much as possible. I know the more I stay away, the bigger my savings balance will be.
Happy shopping and be encouraged!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1197-300-a-month-food-challenge-results-6-02-11
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
2014 Savings Tin
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2287-2014-Savings-tin
Today I...
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?820-Today-I...
My Favourite Comfort Food
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2313-my-favourite-comfort-food
Most popular blog posts this week
Keeping Cut Flowers Longer
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2010/02/tip-of-day-14-february-2010.html
The Wrapping Box
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/the-wrapping-box.html
Caring for Your Wooden Chopping Boards
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/03/caring-for-your-wooden-chopping-boards.html
9. 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
Good Start to the Year
Well my first pay for the year is done, budget updated for the year and this fortnights bills paid. POM is back up to date for my yearly bills and have savings started for my wedding. Feeling pretty good!
When doing my budget I found out that my car registration will be $245 cheaper than I had budgeted for! I also decided to get my butt into gear and go to the aquatic centre more. I have a years membership which gives me access to the pool, spa, sauna, gym and all classes; as often as I want. Makes it much cheaper than PAYG prices! I have gone once this year so far and am going to start going to classes as soon as I can.
I start my free courses through Open2Study tomorrow. I am doing 3 of them at once (2-4 hours per week each) to get myself back into the swing of studying. In March I want to start my bachelor again but there isn't much point if I don't get back into it and get focused. It would be a complete waste of time and money.
Time to get cleaning and organized again!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Joanna wrote "This last bout of really hot weather has caused our wheelie bin to smell even worse than usual. The Christmas and New Year holidays haven't helped, with extra rubbish. The way it smells at the moment no one wants to take the rubbish out! Is there a frugal, Cheapskates way I can get it clean and deodorise it at the same time?"
Oh my goodness but Cheapskaters know how to deal with a stink! We have had dozens of answers, far too many to include them all here, but they are in the Tip Store. There you'll find some really creative and very frugal ways to keep your bins sweet.
Helen Brererton answered
When the bin has been emptied, put it upside down on the lawn. Place your "wizz around" lawn sprinkler inside the bin, turn on the hose, and let it wash the inside of the bin. Works wonders, doesn't take long, and leaves the bin nice and clean.
Emma Brown answered
I had the same problem recently. I hosed the bins off first, then sprayed the outside with Miracle Spray. The inside I also used Miracle Spray (bbout 1/4 - 1/2 a batch, don't be shy it is really cheap to make). Just give the bin a good scrub with an old broom and rinse off. I added a few drops of eucalyptus oil as a final touch. My bins came up really well.
Noeline Rowsell answered
If you are putting smelly food scraps in the bin (like prawn shells!) wrap them in newspaper, place in a rubbish bag and tie securely and place in the freezer. It won't smell and will keep until rubbish day. Meets, fruits, gravies etc. will make your bin smell so try not to put them in the bin until just before it is collected. If you have to put it in the bin, make sure it is well wrapped and use your old plastic shopping bags to make sure they don't leak.
Gillian El Gawly answered
I had tried just about everything - soap, bleach, bicarb and vinegar and nothing seemed to work. I now hose the bin and drain it then put a small amount of thick toilet cleaner in the bin. I spread it around with an old broom and leave it for about 5-10 minutes. I then hose the bin out and leave it to dry in the sun. Since doing this, no more smelly bins!
Kirsten Burchard answered
We've had some 'doozy' bin smells and the odd infestation of 'wee wriggling rice' (aka maggots!) in the past because of it. But since using my current method of 'Project Bin Smell Elimination', we've had no problems! First, liberally spray all inside surfaces of the bin with Lavender Oil solution (approximately 1-2 teaspoons Lavender Oil in 500 ml spray bottle) and then throw Bicarb Soda - literally - on all sides of the bin (it will stick to the lavender oil) and another handful on top of the rubbish for fun. No smells. No 'wriggling rice'.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
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Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
Lisa writes
"It's that time of year again - back to school. We have three kids in primary school. I pass down uniforms and hats and spring clean school bags and shop around for shoes, and usually do OK. What I struggle with are lunches and morning teas. My kids must have a "brain food" snack for mid-morning and then lunch. They're all good eaters, I just run out of ideas that will pack and store in school bags until lunchtime. What do other Mums pack in lunchboxes?"
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Lisa let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
12. 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
13. 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!
14. 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.
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Read our privacy policy
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15. 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 - The Best Ever Way to Enjoy Christmas Porridge All Year Round, Kids School Lunch Orders, Secondhand Appliances, Complete with Manuals
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Double Glaze with Bubble Wrap
4. Submit Your Tip - Enter your best tip for a chance to win
5. Living Green in 2014 - Reusing Glass Jars
6. On the Menu with Anne - Creamy Pasta Salad
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Making the Most of Garden Produce
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Good Start to the Year by HouseWife2b
10. Last Week's Question - Stinky wheelie bin help!
11. This Week's Question - What do other Mums pack in lunchboxes?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Do you have children to get ready for the new school year? I'm in a kind of limbo this week. Normally I'd be busy making sure books were ordered, collected and covered, shoes still fit, dresses weren't too short and a myriad of other back-to-school stuff. But I don't have any children at school anymore! I don't need to co-ordinate uniform swaps or remember who borrowed which text book. I don't need to argue that school dresses are too short with an adamant teenager. No more saving for books and uniforms and shoes and excursions and camps and school photos.
It's also very liberating. We are now officially free of school timetables. Our lives don't have to revolve around school terms and holidays, or even school hours. I'm not sure what I'll do or when I'll do it. But I know that I'll find things to fill the gap, because it is a gap. I've been doing this school business for 18 years so it's kind of an ingrained habit. But it's one I really hope to break.
If you're still tied to the school year timetable and routine, you'll be getting ready for 2014 now. We have two tip sheets with loads of back-to-school hints and tips to save you money time and energy. Download Back to School on a Budget and Back to School Tips. And then remember: one day you'll be like I am today, wondering where the time went and planning what you're going to do with the years now.
You've let me know how you feel and your newsletter is back to normal. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of staying with our regular format so here it is. If you are one of the subscribers who receive a truncated version I am sorry, but it's easily fixed. You can either click on the link at the bottom to read the full newsletter, or you can always view it in the Newsletter Archive. There is a link straight to the Archive at the bottom of my message in every newsletter too - it's the PPS:…..
Have a great week everyone.
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
The Best Ever Way to Enjoy Christmas Porridge All Year Round
Top tip for using MOO Christmas Fruit Mince: add a couple of spoons of the fruit mince to breakfast oats. It is just an awesome way to begin your day!
Contributed by Glynis Preston
Kids School Lunch Orders
When my sons had lunch orders at school, rather than use a brown paper bag or an envelope, I used to get free from the bank plastic coin bags and would write their order on a piece of paper nd put in the coin bag with the change for their lunch.
Contributed by Diane Leathem
Secondhand Appliances, Complete with Manuals
If you want to buy secondhand appliances but they don't have the instruction book needed to use it, just Google the brand name and model number and print it out. I did this when I bought my second hand bread maker. It only cost me $10 instead of $90 or more for a new one and we have tasty homemade bread.
Contributed by Amanda Pollock
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Jodie McCrowe. Jodie has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
It may seems a little extreme, but it really does work. The hot air gets trapped between the glass and the bubble wrap, instead of coming into the house. Bubble wrap is almost clear, so light can still get into the rooms.
I've done this on the north and west facing windows on our house too and the result is really quite dramatic, lowering the temperature by a good 5 degrees Celsius. And in this current heatwave, 5 degrees cooler makes a huge difference!
Double Glaze with Bubble Wrap
Approximate $ Savings: $10
I have put bubble wrap on the western windows of our unit. Bubble side facing the window taped all around the edges on the glass so wont peel the paint when we move out. This has cut the afternoon heat by at least half. Especially good considering it is our bedroom and a big window.
Congratulations Jodie, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
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. Living Green in 2014
Reusing Glass Jars
Back before I made pasta sauce I'd buy it in glass jars. Thankfully the Cheapskate in me made me store those glass jars for 'ron because these days I don't buy pasta sauce or jam or other spreads that come in glass jars.
I use glass jars for storing all types of things, not just food. And these days, because I rarely buy any processed food, those jars are precious. I look after them because I really don't want to have to replace them.
I have a whole cupboard devoted to glass jars and their lids in the kitchen.
I prefer to use and then re-use my glass jars because, well, I don't need to worry about anything leaching from them into our food (as I do with some plastics). And they are free. I have a variety of sizes and shapes. Wide mouthed jars are great for soups and casseroles. Smaller jars get filled with jam, lemon butter, pickles and chutneys. Tall bottles hold sauces. I have a size and shape for everything I cook and store.
If they break it's not a big deal, the bits go in the recycle bin and I can always ask someone to keep a jar or two for me.
At Christmastime I made up hampers with jams, lemon butter, mustard, pickles and chutney and every jar was unique, from my collection. Some were tall, a couple were squat, some were even patterned. They looked great, didn't cost me a cent and I'm not worried about getting them back.
But best of all I'm not adding anything else to landfill or adding to recycling costs. Did you know that glass can be recycled over and over and over and over.....? It can, so don't put it in the rubbish bin; if you can't use it either find someone who can or make sure you put it in the recycle bin.
I use my recycled glass jars to store:
• Homemade stock
• Homemade pickles
• Homemade jams
• MOO Condensed milk
• Homemade salad dressings
• Homemade BBQ sauce
• Dry goods in the pantry
• Flavoured oils
• MOO yoghurt
• Leftover soup and casserole
Do you save glass jars and bottles? What do you use them for? What kinds are your favourites? Share your recycling and reusing ideas here.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Creamy Pasta Salad
This week has been so hot here. We've been eating plenty of icy cold salads straight from the fridge. I made triple batches of potato, creamy pasta, curried pasta and coleslaw on Monday morning and put them in the fridge. They've been in Tupperware containers, ready for me to portion and add the dressings. So easy. So much cheaper than buying salads from the deli. And so cool and appetizing, just what we need to beat the heat.
If you like the creamy pasta salad you buy at the deli you'll love this one. It's so easy to make and costs a fraction of the supermarket price.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
250g uncooked medium sized pasta
1 med size carrot, grated
1 stick celery, chopped
1 med spring onion, white part discarded, finely chopped
1/2 red capsicum, diced
2/3 cup grated tasty cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
1 x 300ml bottle ready made coleslaw dressing (Praise Traditional)
3 heaped tablespoons sour cream
Add or delete whichever ingredients you don't like
Method:
1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water, drain and chill
2. In small bowl, combine the coleslaw dressing and sour cream
3. Combine pasta, vegetables, cheese and coleslaw dressing mix
4. Season and Chill and VOILA!!
This recipe is from the Recipe File and was contributed by 3ForMe.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Tacos
Saturday: Grilled fish fillets and salad
Sunday: Roast lamb and baked vegetables
Monday: Cream cheese patties and salad
Tuesday: Curried lamb and steamed rice
Wednesday: Spaghetti Carbonara and garlic bread
Thursday: Tandoori lamb chops, salad and wedges
In the fruit bowl: mandarins, grapes, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Lemon Coconut Slice and fruit cake
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
This week's $300 a Month Food Challenge is from the Archives - February 6, 2011.
Good morning everyone and welcome to a new week of stretching our food budgets.
This week I thought I'd talk about making the most of garden produce and veggie specials. The last 6 months I've been very aware of planting seeds for continual crops. Every 6 weeks I've been planting more lettuce seeds and as a result I've only bought one lettuce since Spring which is great as lettuces can cost as much as $3 each. I've done the same with radishes although you need to plant seeds every three weeks for a constant supply.
This year I have planted two crops of beans. The first lot being at the start of Spring and the next lot about 6 - 7 weeks later. I've been picking handfuls of beans every few days and chopping them up and freezing in snap lock bags. No need for blanching. Last year we had so many zucchinis that I froze lots cut up and haven't had to buy any for a year. I also made a lot of zucchini slice and froze enough for the year. Today I'll be making more slice for the freezer as we have just run out.
When I see celery, capsicums and carrots of special I always buy lots and freeze straight away. This is great for stews and casseroles. These veggies do defrost soggy - that's why they are good for stews etc. It is also great for when you are pressed for time and want to get tea in the slow cooker before starting the day.
Tomatoes can be cooked up for spag bol sauce, tomato sauce, chutneys, relish and many other yummy things.
Pumpkin can go off in the fridge very quickly, so when I see it going that way I make up a batch of pumpkin scones to freeze or throw in a pot with lots of other veggies and soup mix and make a great homemade veggie soup. Really good for freezing and makes an easy meal.
Lately I've been stewing apples when they look sad and either having for dessert that night or freezing for when I make an apple cobbler.
What do you do to make the most of your fruit and veggies?
Time for me to go and have morning tea of pumpkin scones from the freezer. Stocks are getting low so as soon as I see it cheap again I'll make another batch. I also need to add a few more things onto my shopping list for next week. I've been really good about not ducking up to the shops for one or two things. I'm trying to stay away as much as possible. I know the more I stay away, the bigger my savings balance will be.
Happy shopping and be encouraged!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1197-300-a-month-food-challenge-results-6-02-11
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
2014 Savings Tin
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2287-2014-Savings-tin
Today I...
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?820-Today-I...
My Favourite Comfort Food
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2313-my-favourite-comfort-food
Most popular blog posts this week
Keeping Cut Flowers Longer
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2010/02/tip-of-day-14-february-2010.html
The Wrapping Box
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/the-wrapping-box.html
Caring for Your Wooden Chopping Boards
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/03/caring-for-your-wooden-chopping-boards.html
9. 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
Good Start to the Year
Well my first pay for the year is done, budget updated for the year and this fortnights bills paid. POM is back up to date for my yearly bills and have savings started for my wedding. Feeling pretty good!
When doing my budget I found out that my car registration will be $245 cheaper than I had budgeted for! I also decided to get my butt into gear and go to the aquatic centre more. I have a years membership which gives me access to the pool, spa, sauna, gym and all classes; as often as I want. Makes it much cheaper than PAYG prices! I have gone once this year so far and am going to start going to classes as soon as I can.
I start my free courses through Open2Study tomorrow. I am doing 3 of them at once (2-4 hours per week each) to get myself back into the swing of studying. In March I want to start my bachelor again but there isn't much point if I don't get back into it and get focused. It would be a complete waste of time and money.
Time to get cleaning and organized again!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Joanna wrote "This last bout of really hot weather has caused our wheelie bin to smell even worse than usual. The Christmas and New Year holidays haven't helped, with extra rubbish. The way it smells at the moment no one wants to take the rubbish out! Is there a frugal, Cheapskates way I can get it clean and deodorise it at the same time?"
Oh my goodness but Cheapskaters know how to deal with a stink! We have had dozens of answers, far too many to include them all here, but they are in the Tip Store. There you'll find some really creative and very frugal ways to keep your bins sweet.
Helen Brererton answered
When the bin has been emptied, put it upside down on the lawn. Place your "wizz around" lawn sprinkler inside the bin, turn on the hose, and let it wash the inside of the bin. Works wonders, doesn't take long, and leaves the bin nice and clean.
Emma Brown answered
I had the same problem recently. I hosed the bins off first, then sprayed the outside with Miracle Spray. The inside I also used Miracle Spray (bbout 1/4 - 1/2 a batch, don't be shy it is really cheap to make). Just give the bin a good scrub with an old broom and rinse off. I added a few drops of eucalyptus oil as a final touch. My bins came up really well.
Noeline Rowsell answered
If you are putting smelly food scraps in the bin (like prawn shells!) wrap them in newspaper, place in a rubbish bag and tie securely and place in the freezer. It won't smell and will keep until rubbish day. Meets, fruits, gravies etc. will make your bin smell so try not to put them in the bin until just before it is collected. If you have to put it in the bin, make sure it is well wrapped and use your old plastic shopping bags to make sure they don't leak.
Gillian El Gawly answered
I had tried just about everything - soap, bleach, bicarb and vinegar and nothing seemed to work. I now hose the bin and drain it then put a small amount of thick toilet cleaner in the bin. I spread it around with an old broom and leave it for about 5-10 minutes. I then hose the bin out and leave it to dry in the sun. Since doing this, no more smelly bins!
Kirsten Burchard answered
We've had some 'doozy' bin smells and the odd infestation of 'wee wriggling rice' (aka maggots!) in the past because of it. But since using my current method of 'Project Bin Smell Elimination', we've had no problems! First, liberally spray all inside surfaces of the bin with Lavender Oil solution (approximately 1-2 teaspoons Lavender Oil in 500 ml spray bottle) and then throw Bicarb Soda - literally - on all sides of the bin (it will stick to the lavender oil) and another handful on top of the rubbish for fun. No smells. No 'wriggling rice'.
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11. This Week's Question
Lisa writes
"It's that time of year again - back to school. We have three kids in primary school. I pass down uniforms and hats and spring clean school bags and shop around for shoes, and usually do OK. What I struggle with are lunches and morning teas. My kids must have a "brain food" snack for mid-morning and then lunch. They're all good eaters, I just run out of ideas that will pack and store in school bags until lunchtime. What do other Mums pack in lunchboxes?"
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Lisa let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
12. 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
13. 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!
14. 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.
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15. 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
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