Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 05:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Medicine with a Longer Expiry Date, Sparkling Spa Filters, Start Now to Build a Christmas Stockpile
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - The 52 Week Debt Reduction Plan
4. Submit Your Tip - Your best money, time and energy saver could be a winner!
5. Living Green in 2014 - Composting, a Great Way to Go Green
6. On the Menu with Anne - Australia's Favourite Cake
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Inventory Time
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Responsibility by Bluebell234
10. Last Week's Question - Tips for Sticking to the $300 a Month Food Challenge when you work full time
11. This Week's Question - My citrus trees are sick!
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Thank you all for your get well wishes and emails, they've really made me feel better. I'm still coughing, spluttering and wheezing but getting better every day.
Now the school is back and most of us have finished our summer holidays you know what it means don't you - time for a spending freeze. We officially start No Spend February on Saturday, so if you think you need to put a hold on spending or would just like to save a little extra cash this month, please join us. Of course I'll put more info on this challenge in the February Journal (and it will be ready for you on Saturday, it's a huge Journal this month), but in the meantime you can find out more about our annual No Spend Challenge here.
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
Medicine with a Longer Expiry Date
In December I clean out my medicine cabinet, throwing out expired medications. Last year I was horrified by how many that I had bought earlier that year that were now out of date. I threw out about $60 worth of medication (Panadol, cough mixture etc... a lot of those that you use once off). This year I decided to check the use by dates when purchasing and found that toward the back of the shelves were the same product with a 2 or 3 year longer shelf life. The chemists move the products about to expire to the front of the shelf for quick sale. If you carefully examine expiry dates and search or request a bottle with a later expiry date - they are available. This year while cleaning out the medicine cabinet I had only one $6 bottle to throw out and the rest will last another year or two. Saving around $54! Be selective.
Contributed by Griz, Highett
Sparkling Spa Filters
Rather than soak your spa filters in Filterbrite which is $16 for a sachet which does one application dissolve 1/2 cup of cooking salt and 1/2 cup of bi-carb soda in a large bucket . This does exactly the same job as Filterbrite for around 50c .
Contributed by Douglas, Blackburn
Start Now to Build a Christmas Stockpile
After Christmas each year, I buy 2-3 items that are on special each week and store them. I start off with tinned goods (no use by date) and progress from there. These items have to be on special with a significant saving attached. By the end of the year I have 100-150 items that I have stored. These items are things that I would normally buy in my weekly shopping with some added extras to get me over the Christmas period. I save at least $150 if not more by doing it this way. When I have to shop the week before Christmas all I have to buy is meat/fish and fruit and veg. I save in a few ways. Firstly, I get all the specials from week to week, secondly I save one weeks groceries in the Christmas week and thirdly I spend about 20 minutes in that week shopping as all I have to buy is the perishables. I've been doing this for about 5 years and it works brilliantly.
Contributed by Judith, Greenwith
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Teri Mudiman. Teri has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip, a twist on the 52 Week Saving Plan that is paying down debt.
The 52 Week Plan to Reduce Debt
Approximate $ Savings: $1378.00 +
When I first saw the 52 week Money challenge, I thought it might be a good idea so I started two. One is reverse and both into separate savings accounts at the bank. this way I can see which earns more interest. The idea is you put aside $1.00 the first week and $2.00 the second week finishing up with $52 in the last week. This will put $1378.00 into a piggy bank or more into an interest savings account. but then I thought about the credit card or loan account. both are around the $3,000.00 and if both were reduced by that amount by the end of the year how much would I save on interest? so I have started with just the CC now because money is still a bit tight until I go back to work. You wouldn't have to do it from 1st January to 31st December. any block of 52 weeks will do. Set up a reminder each payday. You won't miss it the first few months and by half way you will be getting excited with how it is working.
Congratulations Terri, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
4. Submit your tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
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
Composting: A Great Way to Go Green
Years ago, every backyard had a compost bin. The sole purpose of the compost bin was to fertilize soil for growing a vegetable garden. Today, however, composting has many other benefits besides using it for growing a garden.
When you add table scraps and food remnants from cooking to your compost, you create a rich fertilizer for the soil. Not only does using compost provide all-important nutrients to the soil, it also provides a base for moisture retention in the soil once it is fertilized.
Composting is recycling and reusing at it's very basic best. Sending food scraps and green waste to landfill may seem harmless enough but it actually creates a huge problem: the waste doesn't become lovely compost, instead it breaks down into methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
A side benefit of composting is that it actually reduces plant pests and diseases.
All that natural material breaks down and regenerates the soil. Once the soil is aerated and regenerated, it reduces the risk of plant disease.
If you don't already have a compost heap or bin, think about starting one. You don't need to have a huge garden, the compost you produce will do just as well in pots as in the ground - and save you buying and lugging home bags of potting mix.
You can read more about the benefits of composting on my blog.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Australia's Favourite Cake
Is the humble lamington. I love lamingtons, especially homemade, with thick, chocolate icing covering moist plain cake. I love lamingtons thickly covered in sweet coconut that sheds a little with each bite. You just can't eat a lamington without dropping a little coconut.
So here are two lamington recipes, one a quick and easy cheat, one made from scratch. They are both good and worth keeping. When I'm in a hurry the Cheat's Lamington fits the bill. When I have time the regular, made from scratch Lamington is well worth the time and effort. I suggest you try both recipes and choose which one is your favourite :)
Cheats Lamingtons
Ingredients:
250g icing sugar mixture
1?3 cup cocoa powder
1?4 cup milk
2 cups desiccated coconut
2 x 20 cm square sponge cakes
1?3 cup raspberry jam
Method:
To make the icing, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl.
Add the milk and 1/4 cup (60 ml) boiling water and stir until smooth.Spread the coconut on a plate.
Place one of the sponge cakes on a flat surface.
Spread with the jam, top with the other sponge cake, then cut into 16 small squares.Using two forks, roll a cake square in the chocolate icing until well coated, allowing any excess to drip off.
Drop the cake into the coconut and roll with your fingers to coat well.
Transfer to a wire rack to set.
Coat the remaining cake squares in the same way.
The lamingtons will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
CWA Lamingtons
This is the recipe I was taught at CWA many years ago. It's my "go to" lamington recipe and makes beautiful cakes.
Cake:
125g butter
3/4 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup Self Raising Flour
2/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
Icing:
3 cups icing mixture
1 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp cocoa
dessert spoon of golden syrup
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add flour alternatively with milk. Mix until just combined. Pour mixture into a greased and lined lamington slab tin, 11 inches by 7 inches and bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes. After it's thoroughly cooled cut into 4cm by 4cm squares. Wrap cake in foil and put in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Icing: Mix all ingredients together then add a dash of boiling water to mix to a running consistency, but not too runny. Put the icing in a double boiler over boiling water to keep it runny.
To assemble the lamingtons: Put a lamington on a fork and using a soup ladle, pour icing over the top until covered, hold it while it drips then roll in fine coconut.
Put a cake rack over a baking tray. Dry lamingtons on cake rack, the tray will catch any drips. Store in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Bean chilli and cornbread
Saturday: Hamburgers
Sunday: Roast chicken, baked vegetables
Monday: Fish, wedges, salad
Tuesday: Grilled steak and salad
Wednesday: Sweet'n'sour chicken and fried rice
Thursday: Meatloaf and salad or veggies, depending on weather
In the fruit bowl: oranges, kiwi fruit, bananas
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Chocolate Coconut Slice, Ginger Slice
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome to the $300 a month food challenge for 2014. A big welcome to the new (and old) participants who signed up. I hope you enjoy the journey this year as we all aim to lower our food budgets. For those of you who are still thinking about joining the challenge, you are more than welcome to join at any time. It's never too late and we'd love to hear from you.
A great way to keep your food budget under control is to know what you have in your house. By house I mean the pantry, fridge, freezer, laundry cupboard, bathroom cupboard, garage or garden shed. If you are like Cath, you could be keeping supplies under the bed or in the dryer. Whatever works for you !!
Writing an inventory of all your supplies is the first step in the $300 a month challenge. Start in one area of storage and write a list of everything that's there. Maybe writing the inventory in categories might work for you. You could list all tinned items together, all herbs and spices together, all baking ingredients etc. etc.
As you write your inventory, wipe down shelves and cupboards. Maybe your freezer could do with a defrost or sort and toss out. When you get to your pantry, tidy up your supplies and bring the older stock to the front. This will need to be used first so it would be a good idea to write them into your menu plan ( next week's topic ).
Make a note of quantities you have already. You might be surprised to find you don't need to buy more sausages or tinned tomatoes for a while. When you have finished writing your inventory, rewrite it or type it up. You could do a separate one for each area. Maybe even laminate it to keep it clean. Hang it in a easy place to see. This will help you enormously when you write your menu plan and shopping list.
This week's task is to write, rewrite or revise your inventories.
Have a great week and 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
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
What's Growing in Your Veg Garden?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?47-What-s-growing-in-your-veg-garden
How Have You Saved Money Today?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1778-How-have-you-saved-money-today
Homemade Fruit Ice Cream
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2329-Homemade-fruit-icecream
Most popular blog posts this week
Lots of Little Savings Add Up to One Big Amount
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/lots-of-little-savings-add-up-to-one.html
Soaking the Stains Away
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/02/soaking-stains-away.html
DIY Cleaning Wipes
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/10/diy-cleaning-wipes.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 Bluebell234.
Responsibility
"If it is to be it's up to me, I'm responsible for my financial affairs and money management"--True---but now days, clever advertising and marketing strategies will soon relieve us of responsibility if we are not wise to what lengths that area of sales will go to.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the school holidays, I thought I would watch a movie on TV, but after 9 advertisements I lost count of other advertisements all saying things like, "hurry while stocks last, don't miss out, really cheap" etc. The whole speil was rattled off at a fast pace and the inexperienced listener would barely have time to think, let alone pick up the story of the movie, so even when you try to gear your thoughts to enjoy home and not spend it isn't easy and unless you have support and encouragement from web sites such as this one--no one will want to know if you are going through hardship due to financial difficulty.
I choose when to read and listen to advertisements, I am responsible for what I watch on TV and read on the internet or newspapers and magazines. So although the movie was a very good movie, I changed the channel and watched the ABC where at least I could watch a programme advertisement free.
There's a lot to be said for the peace of mind being debt free is and it is achievable when I continue to be in control of my financial decisions.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Lesley who wrote
"I work full-time in a busy role and have a husband and two children. Whilst I'm organised on most levels (the only thing I outsource is after school care), I do struggle with my food bill and menu planning each fortnight. I tend to treat my shopping trips as 'get it over and done with as quickly as possible' on the weekends which often leads to expensive food bills and little meal planning. For those readers who also work full-time (away from the home), what are your tips for keeping your food bill in the same vein as the Cheapskates $300 a Month Food Challenge? Many thanks."
Emily D. answered
Have you tried purchasing your groceries online? You can do it while the kids are in bed. Plan out your meals for the week, and while you shop, you can check the cupboard straight away without needing to guess if you have something or not. Then all you need to do is arrange a delivery time that suits (I think the fee is $8, but if you're dreading groceries that much it'll probably be $8 well spent!) and then all you have to do is wait for your groceries to arrive. Coles has portable EFTPOS on their trucks and they deliver seven days a week.
Chris Peachey answered
Purchasing groceries online works wonders. The big stores often give free delivery for spending over $100. I find that by sitting in front of the computer I can work on a fortnightly menu whilst ordering. It is also easy to check what is already at hand as you order. I still shop for fruit and veg, milk and bread (if the freezer is full) if required on the 'off' week. It is surprising how many set meals we have without thinking about it so jot these down before you start to give you ideas. Also if you happen to see a recipe that you like, cut it out and put it near the computer, ready for your next order.
Jen Brittain answered
I have made a list of all supermarket items that we use and saved it on my computer (initially it took some time at the start, but in the long run it makes compiling the shopping list much quicker and easier). I print it out and keep it in a handy spot. When we run out of an item, I tick it on the list. The day before shopping (we usually shop every 3 - 4 weeks) I grab the list and do a check of cupboards, fridge & pantry, ticking any items that need replacing. I make a list of all the items I have ticked, and stick to what's on the list. This way, I come home with only what we need, and don't have to rely on having to make on-the-spot decisions, that usually end up being the wrong ones.
Lorraine Armstrong answered
On a week night, as you're sitting watching TV, write your menu list for the following month. I do this with my diary in front of me (so I know what nights we'll be out) and with my iPad for cheap meal ideas. You can even engage the kids by asking them for ideas of what they might like to eat (and cook!). Then write a shopping list and you'll find that your shopping time is cut by half. If a month of planning seems too much, start with two weeks or even one.
Jane B. answered
I feel your pain Lesley... - Meal planning does work - we all know it, but just need to do it...I usually work from a master list of recipes (but I do mix it up with seasonal fruit and veg). I do like cooking and sometimes like to try new recipes - the free supermarket magazine or Google search gives me a few ideas...but there sure are times I just want to get it over and done with. I keep it pretty simple through the week...Lots of fresh salads or nutritionally sound mixed frozen veggies, spuds in many forms and a variety of grilled meats - including frozen fish fillets. Sometimes I ask my husband and son to meal plan so I don't need to do that bit. They get involved, have a choice - and that's less I have to do! Any chance you could allocate a night after work to do your lap of the supermarket, so it doesn't eat into your weekend?
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
11. This Week's Question
Marg writes
"My citrus trees need help. They have a black powdery fungus looking coating on trunk and some branches spreading to the leaves. Can any one tell me what I can make/use to clear it up? Thank you in anticipation of lots of useful tips."
If you have a suggestion or idea for Marg 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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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
info@cheapskates.com.au
2. In the Tip Store - Medicine with a Longer Expiry Date, Sparkling Spa Filters, Start Now to Build a Christmas Stockpile
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - The 52 Week Debt Reduction Plan
4. Submit Your Tip - Your best money, time and energy saver could be a winner!
5. Living Green in 2014 - Composting, a Great Way to Go Green
6. On the Menu with Anne - Australia's Favourite Cake
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Inventory Time
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Responsibility by Bluebell234
10. Last Week's Question - Tips for Sticking to the $300 a Month Food Challenge when you work full time
11. This Week's Question - My citrus trees are sick!
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Thank you all for your get well wishes and emails, they've really made me feel better. I'm still coughing, spluttering and wheezing but getting better every day.
Now the school is back and most of us have finished our summer holidays you know what it means don't you - time for a spending freeze. We officially start No Spend February on Saturday, so if you think you need to put a hold on spending or would just like to save a little extra cash this month, please join us. Of course I'll put more info on this challenge in the February Journal (and it will be ready for you on Saturday, it's a huge Journal this month), but in the meantime you can find out more about our annual No Spend Challenge here.
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
Medicine with a Longer Expiry Date
In December I clean out my medicine cabinet, throwing out expired medications. Last year I was horrified by how many that I had bought earlier that year that were now out of date. I threw out about $60 worth of medication (Panadol, cough mixture etc... a lot of those that you use once off). This year I decided to check the use by dates when purchasing and found that toward the back of the shelves were the same product with a 2 or 3 year longer shelf life. The chemists move the products about to expire to the front of the shelf for quick sale. If you carefully examine expiry dates and search or request a bottle with a later expiry date - they are available. This year while cleaning out the medicine cabinet I had only one $6 bottle to throw out and the rest will last another year or two. Saving around $54! Be selective.
Contributed by Griz, Highett
Sparkling Spa Filters
Rather than soak your spa filters in Filterbrite which is $16 for a sachet which does one application dissolve 1/2 cup of cooking salt and 1/2 cup of bi-carb soda in a large bucket . This does exactly the same job as Filterbrite for around 50c .
Contributed by Douglas, Blackburn
Start Now to Build a Christmas Stockpile
After Christmas each year, I buy 2-3 items that are on special each week and store them. I start off with tinned goods (no use by date) and progress from there. These items have to be on special with a significant saving attached. By the end of the year I have 100-150 items that I have stored. These items are things that I would normally buy in my weekly shopping with some added extras to get me over the Christmas period. I save at least $150 if not more by doing it this way. When I have to shop the week before Christmas all I have to buy is meat/fish and fruit and veg. I save in a few ways. Firstly, I get all the specials from week to week, secondly I save one weeks groceries in the Christmas week and thirdly I spend about 20 minutes in that week shopping as all I have to buy is the perishables. I've been doing this for about 5 years and it works brilliantly.
Contributed by Judith, Greenwith
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning tip
This week's winning tip is from Teri Mudiman. Teri has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip, a twist on the 52 Week Saving Plan that is paying down debt.
The 52 Week Plan to Reduce Debt
Approximate $ Savings: $1378.00 +
When I first saw the 52 week Money challenge, I thought it might be a good idea so I started two. One is reverse and both into separate savings accounts at the bank. this way I can see which earns more interest. The idea is you put aside $1.00 the first week and $2.00 the second week finishing up with $52 in the last week. This will put $1378.00 into a piggy bank or more into an interest savings account. but then I thought about the credit card or loan account. both are around the $3,000.00 and if both were reduced by that amount by the end of the year how much would I save on interest? so I have started with just the CC now because money is still a bit tight until I go back to work. You wouldn't have to do it from 1st January to 31st December. any block of 52 weeks will do. Set up a reminder each payday. You won't miss it the first few months and by half way you will be getting excited with how it is working.
Congratulations Terri, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
4. Submit your tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
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
Composting: A Great Way to Go Green
Years ago, every backyard had a compost bin. The sole purpose of the compost bin was to fertilize soil for growing a vegetable garden. Today, however, composting has many other benefits besides using it for growing a garden.
When you add table scraps and food remnants from cooking to your compost, you create a rich fertilizer for the soil. Not only does using compost provide all-important nutrients to the soil, it also provides a base for moisture retention in the soil once it is fertilized.
Composting is recycling and reusing at it's very basic best. Sending food scraps and green waste to landfill may seem harmless enough but it actually creates a huge problem: the waste doesn't become lovely compost, instead it breaks down into methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
A side benefit of composting is that it actually reduces plant pests and diseases.
All that natural material breaks down and regenerates the soil. Once the soil is aerated and regenerated, it reduces the risk of plant disease.
If you don't already have a compost heap or bin, think about starting one. You don't need to have a huge garden, the compost you produce will do just as well in pots as in the ground - and save you buying and lugging home bags of potting mix.
You can read more about the benefits of composting on my blog.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Australia's Favourite Cake
Is the humble lamington. I love lamingtons, especially homemade, with thick, chocolate icing covering moist plain cake. I love lamingtons thickly covered in sweet coconut that sheds a little with each bite. You just can't eat a lamington without dropping a little coconut.
So here are two lamington recipes, one a quick and easy cheat, one made from scratch. They are both good and worth keeping. When I'm in a hurry the Cheat's Lamington fits the bill. When I have time the regular, made from scratch Lamington is well worth the time and effort. I suggest you try both recipes and choose which one is your favourite :)
Cheats Lamingtons
Ingredients:
250g icing sugar mixture
1?3 cup cocoa powder
1?4 cup milk
2 cups desiccated coconut
2 x 20 cm square sponge cakes
1?3 cup raspberry jam
Method:
To make the icing, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl.
Add the milk and 1/4 cup (60 ml) boiling water and stir until smooth.Spread the coconut on a plate.
Place one of the sponge cakes on a flat surface.
Spread with the jam, top with the other sponge cake, then cut into 16 small squares.Using two forks, roll a cake square in the chocolate icing until well coated, allowing any excess to drip off.
Drop the cake into the coconut and roll with your fingers to coat well.
Transfer to a wire rack to set.
Coat the remaining cake squares in the same way.
The lamingtons will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
CWA Lamingtons
This is the recipe I was taught at CWA many years ago. It's my "go to" lamington recipe and makes beautiful cakes.
Cake:
125g butter
3/4 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup Self Raising Flour
2/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
Icing:
3 cups icing mixture
1 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp cocoa
dessert spoon of golden syrup
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add flour alternatively with milk. Mix until just combined. Pour mixture into a greased and lined lamington slab tin, 11 inches by 7 inches and bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes. After it's thoroughly cooled cut into 4cm by 4cm squares. Wrap cake in foil and put in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Icing: Mix all ingredients together then add a dash of boiling water to mix to a running consistency, but not too runny. Put the icing in a double boiler over boiling water to keep it runny.
To assemble the lamingtons: Put a lamington on a fork and using a soup ladle, pour icing over the top until covered, hold it while it drips then roll in fine coconut.
Put a cake rack over a baking tray. Dry lamingtons on cake rack, the tray will catch any drips. Store in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Bean chilli and cornbread
Saturday: Hamburgers
Sunday: Roast chicken, baked vegetables
Monday: Fish, wedges, salad
Tuesday: Grilled steak and salad
Wednesday: Sweet'n'sour chicken and fried rice
Thursday: Meatloaf and salad or veggies, depending on weather
In the fruit bowl: oranges, kiwi fruit, bananas
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies, Chocolate Coconut Slice, Ginger Slice
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Welcome to the $300 a month food challenge for 2014. A big welcome to the new (and old) participants who signed up. I hope you enjoy the journey this year as we all aim to lower our food budgets. For those of you who are still thinking about joining the challenge, you are more than welcome to join at any time. It's never too late and we'd love to hear from you.
A great way to keep your food budget under control is to know what you have in your house. By house I mean the pantry, fridge, freezer, laundry cupboard, bathroom cupboard, garage or garden shed. If you are like Cath, you could be keeping supplies under the bed or in the dryer. Whatever works for you !!
Writing an inventory of all your supplies is the first step in the $300 a month challenge. Start in one area of storage and write a list of everything that's there. Maybe writing the inventory in categories might work for you. You could list all tinned items together, all herbs and spices together, all baking ingredients etc. etc.
As you write your inventory, wipe down shelves and cupboards. Maybe your freezer could do with a defrost or sort and toss out. When you get to your pantry, tidy up your supplies and bring the older stock to the front. This will need to be used first so it would be a good idea to write them into your menu plan ( next week's topic ).
Make a note of quantities you have already. You might be surprised to find you don't need to buy more sausages or tinned tomatoes for a while. When you have finished writing your inventory, rewrite it or type it up. You could do a separate one for each area. Maybe even laminate it to keep it clean. Hang it in a easy place to see. This will help you enormously when you write your menu plan and shopping list.
This week's task is to write, rewrite or revise your inventories.
Have a great week and 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
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
What's Growing in Your Veg Garden?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?47-What-s-growing-in-your-veg-garden
How Have You Saved Money Today?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1778-How-have-you-saved-money-today
Homemade Fruit Ice Cream
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2329-Homemade-fruit-icecream
Most popular blog posts this week
Lots of Little Savings Add Up to One Big Amount
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/lots-of-little-savings-add-up-to-one.html
Soaking the Stains Away
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/02/soaking-stains-away.html
DIY Cleaning Wipes
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/10/diy-cleaning-wipes.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 Bluebell234.
Responsibility
"If it is to be it's up to me, I'm responsible for my financial affairs and money management"--True---but now days, clever advertising and marketing strategies will soon relieve us of responsibility if we are not wise to what lengths that area of sales will go to.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the school holidays, I thought I would watch a movie on TV, but after 9 advertisements I lost count of other advertisements all saying things like, "hurry while stocks last, don't miss out, really cheap" etc. The whole speil was rattled off at a fast pace and the inexperienced listener would barely have time to think, let alone pick up the story of the movie, so even when you try to gear your thoughts to enjoy home and not spend it isn't easy and unless you have support and encouragement from web sites such as this one--no one will want to know if you are going through hardship due to financial difficulty.
I choose when to read and listen to advertisements, I am responsible for what I watch on TV and read on the internet or newspapers and magazines. So although the movie was a very good movie, I changed the channel and watched the ABC where at least I could watch a programme advertisement free.
There's a lot to be said for the peace of mind being debt free is and it is achievable when I continue to be in control of my financial decisions.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Lesley who wrote
"I work full-time in a busy role and have a husband and two children. Whilst I'm organised on most levels (the only thing I outsource is after school care), I do struggle with my food bill and menu planning each fortnight. I tend to treat my shopping trips as 'get it over and done with as quickly as possible' on the weekends which often leads to expensive food bills and little meal planning. For those readers who also work full-time (away from the home), what are your tips for keeping your food bill in the same vein as the Cheapskates $300 a Month Food Challenge? Many thanks."
Emily D. answered
Have you tried purchasing your groceries online? You can do it while the kids are in bed. Plan out your meals for the week, and while you shop, you can check the cupboard straight away without needing to guess if you have something or not. Then all you need to do is arrange a delivery time that suits (I think the fee is $8, but if you're dreading groceries that much it'll probably be $8 well spent!) and then all you have to do is wait for your groceries to arrive. Coles has portable EFTPOS on their trucks and they deliver seven days a week.
Chris Peachey answered
Purchasing groceries online works wonders. The big stores often give free delivery for spending over $100. I find that by sitting in front of the computer I can work on a fortnightly menu whilst ordering. It is also easy to check what is already at hand as you order. I still shop for fruit and veg, milk and bread (if the freezer is full) if required on the 'off' week. It is surprising how many set meals we have without thinking about it so jot these down before you start to give you ideas. Also if you happen to see a recipe that you like, cut it out and put it near the computer, ready for your next order.
Jen Brittain answered
I have made a list of all supermarket items that we use and saved it on my computer (initially it took some time at the start, but in the long run it makes compiling the shopping list much quicker and easier). I print it out and keep it in a handy spot. When we run out of an item, I tick it on the list. The day before shopping (we usually shop every 3 - 4 weeks) I grab the list and do a check of cupboards, fridge & pantry, ticking any items that need replacing. I make a list of all the items I have ticked, and stick to what's on the list. This way, I come home with only what we need, and don't have to rely on having to make on-the-spot decisions, that usually end up being the wrong ones.
Lorraine Armstrong answered
On a week night, as you're sitting watching TV, write your menu list for the following month. I do this with my diary in front of me (so I know what nights we'll be out) and with my iPad for cheap meal ideas. You can even engage the kids by asking them for ideas of what they might like to eat (and cook!). Then write a shopping list and you'll find that your shopping time is cut by half. If a month of planning seems too much, start with two weeks or even one.
Jane B. answered
I feel your pain Lesley... - Meal planning does work - we all know it, but just need to do it...I usually work from a master list of recipes (but I do mix it up with seasonal fruit and veg). I do like cooking and sometimes like to try new recipes - the free supermarket magazine or Google search gives me a few ideas...but there sure are times I just want to get it over and done with. I keep it pretty simple through the week...Lots of fresh salads or nutritionally sound mixed frozen veggies, spuds in many forms and a variety of grilled meats - including frozen fish fillets. Sometimes I ask my husband and son to meal plan so I don't need to do that bit. They get involved, have a choice - and that's less I have to do! Any chance you could allocate a night after work to do your lap of the supermarket, so it doesn't eat into your weekend?
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11. This Week's Question
Marg writes
"My citrus trees need help. They have a black powdery fungus looking coating on trunk and some branches spreading to the leaves. Can any one tell me what I can make/use to clear it up? Thank you in anticipation of lots of useful tips."
If you have a suggestion or idea for Marg 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
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