Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 08:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Protecting Your Precious Memories, Re-purpose Advent Calendar Moulds, No New Pillows Needed
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshops - Sustainable Cheapskating
4. Submit Your Tip
5. Living Green in 2014 - It's Time to Ban the Bag
6. On the Menu with Anne - Using Your Stockpile
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Food Shopping Day
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - My Mornings - Bluebell 234
10. Last Week's Question - Natural hair dye solution needed
11. This Week's Question - How to eat well and cheaply in a share house?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
And a warm, hearty, Cheapskates style welcome to all our new members and newsletter subscribers.
I've caught my breath and my feet aren't sore anymore, but the thrill of meeting so many lovely Cheapskaters on Sunday is still with me. What a lovely group of amazing women. There were times I could hardly hear myself as they shared hints and tips and laughed and chatted. Then at times you could have heard a pin drop as they hung on every word.
And dedicated! Are they what! They came from all over Melbourne, as far west as Melton and south as Mornington, Echuca, Wangaratta, even interstate, for the $300 a Month Food Challenge workshop. It was an amazing afternoon, lots of fun and frivolity with a little serious learning thrown in.
Here are some of the emails after the workshop:
"Dear Cath, another terrific workshop today - thank you. It was good to meet Wendy and to listen to her wisdom. And I really got a lot out of seeing her "menu plan" - for me that was very timely. My only regret is that I didn't know about Cheapskates years ago. Oh, the money I could have saved! But I know now, thanks to you. Looking forward to the next workshop." SB
"Thanks Cath, Wendy, Hannah and Meghan for your time and effort and a great afternoon spent with like minded individuals. Have a great week. Cheers." Kellie
"Thanks Cath, great to meet a lot of Cheapskates yesterday. I look forward to doing some research and getting lots of inspiration from you all. Cheers." Rose
"Just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. I have been a Cheapskate for many years and still learnt so much from Wendy and yourself. Highly recommend your mini workshops. Would love an all day one as we women have lots to share. Hugs to you both." Raelene C
The next workshop is just a few weeks away. The details are below. I'm so excited about this workshop. I'm like a child on Christmas Eve, I just can't wait, it will be so good.
This coming week we're on the last leg of the No Spend month challenge this week. I spent some money yesterday, not a lot, $9.99, on some things I will need in a few weeks. They were on sale for 75% off and I just know that when I need them in May they'll either be full price or sold out. Otherwise the spending has been on hold. MOOing really helps. When you know you can make what you need you just don't bother going to the shops. How are you going? Have you been able to keep the spending to just the essentials?
Have a lovely, frugal week of Cheapskating 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
Protecting Your Precious Memories
Living in Australia (and with a week of 40+ temperatures heading our way) it is important for many people to have a bushfire plan in place, including how protect their precious photographs. I live in a metropolitan area but there are always other threats that could damage or destroy photos. I have all of my negatives stored in archival safe sleeves at my mother's house and a back up copy of all of my digital photos saved to DVD and a copy stored at my mother's and another at my father's houses. I also have a portable hard drive that I have used to store back ups of my photos in case my PC ever dies. You could also scan and save any other precious memorabilia and keep copies of them safe offsite also.
Contributed by Donna Reid
Re-purpose Advent Calendar Moulds
Approximate $ Savings: $20-$50
I was clearing away Christmas things recently and came across some of my children's Advent Calendars. I went to recycle the packaging when it occurred to me that the inner plastic mould found inside the Advent calendar would be perfect to use as a mould for homemade Christmas chocolates next year! The tray is shallow (therefore a little melted chocolate will go a long way), they have a cute Christmas theme (at a fraction of the cost of a specialty chocolate mould), and they would otherwise be thrown out, so why not reuse it! The chocolates could be wrapped in cellophane and tied with a nice ribbon or put in a nice mug for a great present for kids/teachers/KK/stocking stuffer etc.
Contributed by Ange Goh
No New Pillows Needed
I was beginning to think about buying new pillows. One washing machine wash, with the 'Cheapskates liquid clothes washing detergent' which I have used for so many years, then hung/balanced on the line in the extraordinary sizzling heat of yesterday and today and they have come up so very well. No new pillows needed.
Contributed by Carol Ryan
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshop
Sustainable Cheapskating
Ever wonder how to start living a more sustainable lifestyle?
Join Cath and guest speaker Gavin Webber (Green Lifestyle Awards - Local Green Hero) at this exciting workshop. Gavin will be talking about his journey over the last 7 years, and how he transformed his suburban home into an energy efficient, money saving, food providing, and thriving oasis in the ‘burbs.
Places are limited and already filling for this workshop to be held on Sunday 16th March, 2014.
You can click here to find out more and book your spot at this very exciting workshop.
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
It's Time to Ban the Bag
Australians send around 4 billion plastic shopping bags to landfill every year. That number just boggles my mind. And that's just the shopping bags, not any other type of plastic bag. It's actually a shameful number and a shameful act.
By now we should all be in the habit of bringing our own bags to the supermarket, butcher, greengrocer, deli, chemist, dress shop, in fact anytime we have shopping to do.
By bringing your own reusable shopping bag, you can save green while going green. Target stores used to encourage you to go green by charging a fee per biodegradable bag used to hold your purchases. The fee was just $0.10 per bag. They don’t do this any more because customers complained. Target have reverted back to giving you a plastic bag to hold your shopping.
If you say no to just 15 plastic bags in one shopping trip, you can stop at least 780 plastic bags going to landfill every year. You'll also save yourself from forming an ever-growing pile of plastic bags in your kitchen's bag dispenser.
Before you leave the house to go shopping put a couple of reusable bags in your handbag and say a resounding "no thank you" to plastic shopping bags. You won't regret it one little bit.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Using Your Stockpile
One of the joys of my life is my grocery stockpile. I love looking at my pantry and store cupboard and seeing the groceries lined up, ready to be used, knowing they have and will save my family money. I love knowing that if the shops were to close or my purse was empty or we were suddenly isolated (OK, that's a bit of a stretch seeing we live in the middle of suburbia) I can feed my family and keep our home clean.
But there's no point in keeping groceries in a stockpile if it's never used. Food does age. Fresh foods go off. Preserved foods start to deteriorate after a while, losing colour and nutrition. Even toiletries and cleaning products can lose their potency. Stockpiles need to be used. Stockpiles are meant to be used.
If you are stockpiling correctly you only have groceries you normally use. I have flours, sugar, pasta, tinned tomatoes, baked beans, fruit, herbs and spices, milk powder, cocoa, rolled oats, meat and chicken (in the freezer of course), dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, washing soda, bicarb soda, white vinegar, borax, eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oils and vodka (for cleaning and making extracts, not drinking!).
You need to rotate your stockpile, and do it regularly. For example when tinned tomatoes are 49c a tin and I buy 36, they go on the bottom of the stack so the oldest cans are on top and used first. When I buy flour the new packets go at the back of the row so I use the oldest first.
Once you have your stockpile built up (I have 3 months of most things, I've seen Cath's and she has 12 months of most things, it's amazing) use it. Then when you do your grocery shopping you simply replace the items you've used.
After last week's pantry challenge my stockpile is still looking healthy, so I'm doing it again. I will need to buy fresh milk, cheese and some fruit and veg. Otherwise everything on my menu this week is from the stockpile.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Salmon patties, MOO wedges, coleslaw
Saturday: Curried chicken, rice and naan
Sunday: MOO Pizzas
Monday: Grilled steak, boiled potatoes with parsley butter, carrots, beans, corn
Tuesday: Spag bol with garlic bread
Wednesday: Rissoles, mash, steamed greens, onion gravy
Thursday: Mushroom quiche and salad
In the fruit bowl: Mandarins, oranges, apples
In the cake tin: ANZAC slice, chocolate cake, blueberry muffins
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello Cheapskaters. This week's topic is "Food shopping day". When my monthly food shopping day arrives I'm all excited. I think it's all the build up to the day with the planning and list writing. It's also the day I get to spend money and not feel guilty.
Here are some great tips for a successful food shopping day -
* Revise and pack the shopping list into your bag the night before
* Organise cash, credit card or ATM visit
* Pack a pen, water bottle and snack ( if you think you'll need it )
* Avoid mealtimes - the food looks so good
* Pack a snack and drink for the kids
* Give your kids a shopping list to keep them happy
* Use correct sized shopping trolley
* Avoid areas of temptation ( deli, bakery, junk food aisle )
* Use unit pricing to get the best deal
* Look on the top and bottom shelf for cheaper items
* Buy as much as you can no name to keep costs down
* Look for sales of regular items and buy a few extra
* Check use bys, best before dates
* Pick items further back on the shelf for better quality
* Stick to your list
* Ask for a fuel docket for every $30 of groceries bought
* Scan loyalty cards - points can be converted into gift cards
* Check your docket before you leave the store
When you get home, make sure you put your groceries away immediately. Always put your frozen and fridge items away first. Portion meat into meal sizes and freeze. Fill your canisters and containers with dry goods and sort your pantry as you put away. Rotate your groceries - oldest to the front, newer to the back.
File your dockets away, fold your green bags and recycle the plastic bags. Then sit down for a cuppa and think about all the great meals and snacks you'll be making.
How do you have a successful shopping day?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2357-300-a-month-food-challenge-17-02-14&p=38404
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
Big Changes Ahead
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2361-Big-changes-ahead.
The Clear the Clutter Thread - Week 8
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2359-The-Clear-the-Clutter-Thread-Week-8
How Have You Saved Money Today?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1778-How-have-you-saved-money-today
Most popular blog posts this week
How to Add Colour to Your Work Wardrobe
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/09/how-to-add-colour-to-your-work-wardrobe.html
Why I Love My Microfibre Cleaning Cloths
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/02/why-i-love-my-microfibre-cleaning-cloths.html
How to Live the Cheapskates Way in 2012
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/how-to-live-cheapskates-way-in-2012.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.
My Mornings
The garden is a real compliment to the February spending freeze and is producing very well. Considering I lost peaches, pears and apples to cockatoos, parrots and heat stress. Still there are figs a -plenty, bountiful herbs, tomatoes prolific nearing harvest, and although only one water melon is on the vine there are many flowers so I'm hoping more water melon will appear. The orange tree just keeps on keeping on and there are even lemons on the lemon tree despite it being in a pot and suffering heat stress.
I am still chasing birds from the fig tree and this morning our clever new puppy found his way under the netting that protects the water melons, he was promptly subdued.
I have decided to keep my mornings for the garden because it really needs more attention. I will read the members posts in the evening, they are all so interesting, it will be another time management hurdle but with self determination I will do it.
Lets hope this new week allows us to keep our goals in sight.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Margaret who wrote
"Can someone help me with a natural, non permanent hair dye for slightly greying hair?"
Andrea Hewett answered
I discussed this with my DIL, who is a hairdresser, and she suggested strong tea. There aren't many natural hair dyes around except henna, which is permanent.
Jodie Bray answered
You can buy a colored hair mousse from hair suppliers, Hair Warehouse, Priceline and maybe Chemist Warehouse. Some hair salons sell it also. It is very easy to use, you just apply it to the gray area on wet or dry hair (make sure you wear gloves). It does wash out every time you wash your hair though.
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
Susan writes
"My son is about to move into a 5-share, self-cater arrangement on uni campus. All his utilities are accounted for but he and the other 4 will need to feed themselves. Does anyone have experience with how these (so far) unknown students can effectively and economically pool their resources to eat well? Many thanks."
If you have a suggestion or idea for Susan 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.
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
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 - Protecting Your Precious Memories, Re-purpose Advent Calendar Moulds, No New Pillows Needed
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshops - Sustainable Cheapskating
4. Submit Your Tip
5. Living Green in 2014 - It's Time to Ban the Bag
6. On the Menu with Anne - Using Your Stockpile
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Food Shopping Day
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - My Mornings - Bluebell 234
10. Last Week's Question - Natural hair dye solution needed
11. This Week's Question - How to eat well and cheaply in a share house?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
And a warm, hearty, Cheapskates style welcome to all our new members and newsletter subscribers.
I've caught my breath and my feet aren't sore anymore, but the thrill of meeting so many lovely Cheapskaters on Sunday is still with me. What a lovely group of amazing women. There were times I could hardly hear myself as they shared hints and tips and laughed and chatted. Then at times you could have heard a pin drop as they hung on every word.
And dedicated! Are they what! They came from all over Melbourne, as far west as Melton and south as Mornington, Echuca, Wangaratta, even interstate, for the $300 a Month Food Challenge workshop. It was an amazing afternoon, lots of fun and frivolity with a little serious learning thrown in.
Here are some of the emails after the workshop:
"Dear Cath, another terrific workshop today - thank you. It was good to meet Wendy and to listen to her wisdom. And I really got a lot out of seeing her "menu plan" - for me that was very timely. My only regret is that I didn't know about Cheapskates years ago. Oh, the money I could have saved! But I know now, thanks to you. Looking forward to the next workshop." SB
"Thanks Cath, Wendy, Hannah and Meghan for your time and effort and a great afternoon spent with like minded individuals. Have a great week. Cheers." Kellie
"Thanks Cath, great to meet a lot of Cheapskates yesterday. I look forward to doing some research and getting lots of inspiration from you all. Cheers." Rose
"Just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. I have been a Cheapskate for many years and still learnt so much from Wendy and yourself. Highly recommend your mini workshops. Would love an all day one as we women have lots to share. Hugs to you both." Raelene C
The next workshop is just a few weeks away. The details are below. I'm so excited about this workshop. I'm like a child on Christmas Eve, I just can't wait, it will be so good.
This coming week we're on the last leg of the No Spend month challenge this week. I spent some money yesterday, not a lot, $9.99, on some things I will need in a few weeks. They were on sale for 75% off and I just know that when I need them in May they'll either be full price or sold out. Otherwise the spending has been on hold. MOOing really helps. When you know you can make what you need you just don't bother going to the shops. How are you going? Have you been able to keep the spending to just the essentials?
Have a lovely, frugal week of Cheapskating 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
Protecting Your Precious Memories
Living in Australia (and with a week of 40+ temperatures heading our way) it is important for many people to have a bushfire plan in place, including how protect their precious photographs. I live in a metropolitan area but there are always other threats that could damage or destroy photos. I have all of my negatives stored in archival safe sleeves at my mother's house and a back up copy of all of my digital photos saved to DVD and a copy stored at my mother's and another at my father's houses. I also have a portable hard drive that I have used to store back ups of my photos in case my PC ever dies. You could also scan and save any other precious memorabilia and keep copies of them safe offsite also.
Contributed by Donna Reid
Re-purpose Advent Calendar Moulds
Approximate $ Savings: $20-$50
I was clearing away Christmas things recently and came across some of my children's Advent Calendars. I went to recycle the packaging when it occurred to me that the inner plastic mould found inside the Advent calendar would be perfect to use as a mould for homemade Christmas chocolates next year! The tray is shallow (therefore a little melted chocolate will go a long way), they have a cute Christmas theme (at a fraction of the cost of a specialty chocolate mould), and they would otherwise be thrown out, so why not reuse it! The chocolates could be wrapped in cellophane and tied with a nice ribbon or put in a nice mug for a great present for kids/teachers/KK/stocking stuffer etc.
Contributed by Ange Goh
No New Pillows Needed
I was beginning to think about buying new pillows. One washing machine wash, with the 'Cheapskates liquid clothes washing detergent' which I have used for so many years, then hung/balanced on the line in the extraordinary sizzling heat of yesterday and today and they have come up so very well. No new pillows needed.
Contributed by Carol Ryan
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshop
Sustainable Cheapskating
Ever wonder how to start living a more sustainable lifestyle?
Join Cath and guest speaker Gavin Webber (Green Lifestyle Awards - Local Green Hero) at this exciting workshop. Gavin will be talking about his journey over the last 7 years, and how he transformed his suburban home into an energy efficient, money saving, food providing, and thriving oasis in the ‘burbs.
Places are limited and already filling for this workshop to be held on Sunday 16th March, 2014.
You can click here to find out more and book your spot at this very exciting workshop.
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
It's Time to Ban the Bag
Australians send around 4 billion plastic shopping bags to landfill every year. That number just boggles my mind. And that's just the shopping bags, not any other type of plastic bag. It's actually a shameful number and a shameful act.
By now we should all be in the habit of bringing our own bags to the supermarket, butcher, greengrocer, deli, chemist, dress shop, in fact anytime we have shopping to do.
By bringing your own reusable shopping bag, you can save green while going green. Target stores used to encourage you to go green by charging a fee per biodegradable bag used to hold your purchases. The fee was just $0.10 per bag. They don’t do this any more because customers complained. Target have reverted back to giving you a plastic bag to hold your shopping.
If you say no to just 15 plastic bags in one shopping trip, you can stop at least 780 plastic bags going to landfill every year. You'll also save yourself from forming an ever-growing pile of plastic bags in your kitchen's bag dispenser.
Before you leave the house to go shopping put a couple of reusable bags in your handbag and say a resounding "no thank you" to plastic shopping bags. You won't regret it one little bit.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Using Your Stockpile
One of the joys of my life is my grocery stockpile. I love looking at my pantry and store cupboard and seeing the groceries lined up, ready to be used, knowing they have and will save my family money. I love knowing that if the shops were to close or my purse was empty or we were suddenly isolated (OK, that's a bit of a stretch seeing we live in the middle of suburbia) I can feed my family and keep our home clean.
But there's no point in keeping groceries in a stockpile if it's never used. Food does age. Fresh foods go off. Preserved foods start to deteriorate after a while, losing colour and nutrition. Even toiletries and cleaning products can lose their potency. Stockpiles need to be used. Stockpiles are meant to be used.
If you are stockpiling correctly you only have groceries you normally use. I have flours, sugar, pasta, tinned tomatoes, baked beans, fruit, herbs and spices, milk powder, cocoa, rolled oats, meat and chicken (in the freezer of course), dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, washing soda, bicarb soda, white vinegar, borax, eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oils and vodka (for cleaning and making extracts, not drinking!).
You need to rotate your stockpile, and do it regularly. For example when tinned tomatoes are 49c a tin and I buy 36, they go on the bottom of the stack so the oldest cans are on top and used first. When I buy flour the new packets go at the back of the row so I use the oldest first.
Once you have your stockpile built up (I have 3 months of most things, I've seen Cath's and she has 12 months of most things, it's amazing) use it. Then when you do your grocery shopping you simply replace the items you've used.
After last week's pantry challenge my stockpile is still looking healthy, so I'm doing it again. I will need to buy fresh milk, cheese and some fruit and veg. Otherwise everything on my menu this week is from the stockpile.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Salmon patties, MOO wedges, coleslaw
Saturday: Curried chicken, rice and naan
Sunday: MOO Pizzas
Monday: Grilled steak, boiled potatoes with parsley butter, carrots, beans, corn
Tuesday: Spag bol with garlic bread
Wednesday: Rissoles, mash, steamed greens, onion gravy
Thursday: Mushroom quiche and salad
In the fruit bowl: Mandarins, oranges, apples
In the cake tin: ANZAC slice, chocolate cake, blueberry muffins
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello Cheapskaters. This week's topic is "Food shopping day". When my monthly food shopping day arrives I'm all excited. I think it's all the build up to the day with the planning and list writing. It's also the day I get to spend money and not feel guilty.
Here are some great tips for a successful food shopping day -
* Revise and pack the shopping list into your bag the night before
* Organise cash, credit card or ATM visit
* Pack a pen, water bottle and snack ( if you think you'll need it )
* Avoid mealtimes - the food looks so good
* Pack a snack and drink for the kids
* Give your kids a shopping list to keep them happy
* Use correct sized shopping trolley
* Avoid areas of temptation ( deli, bakery, junk food aisle )
* Use unit pricing to get the best deal
* Look on the top and bottom shelf for cheaper items
* Buy as much as you can no name to keep costs down
* Look for sales of regular items and buy a few extra
* Check use bys, best before dates
* Pick items further back on the shelf for better quality
* Stick to your list
* Ask for a fuel docket for every $30 of groceries bought
* Scan loyalty cards - points can be converted into gift cards
* Check your docket before you leave the store
When you get home, make sure you put your groceries away immediately. Always put your frozen and fridge items away first. Portion meat into meal sizes and freeze. Fill your canisters and containers with dry goods and sort your pantry as you put away. Rotate your groceries - oldest to the front, newer to the back.
File your dockets away, fold your green bags and recycle the plastic bags. Then sit down for a cuppa and think about all the great meals and snacks you'll be making.
How do you have a successful shopping day?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2357-300-a-month-food-challenge-17-02-14&p=38404
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
Big Changes Ahead
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2361-Big-changes-ahead.
The Clear the Clutter Thread - Week 8
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2359-The-Clear-the-Clutter-Thread-Week-8
How Have You Saved Money Today?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1778-How-have-you-saved-money-today
Most popular blog posts this week
How to Add Colour to Your Work Wardrobe
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/09/how-to-add-colour-to-your-work-wardrobe.html
Why I Love My Microfibre Cleaning Cloths
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/02/why-i-love-my-microfibre-cleaning-cloths.html
How to Live the Cheapskates Way in 2012
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/08/how-to-live-cheapskates-way-in-2012.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.
My Mornings
The garden is a real compliment to the February spending freeze and is producing very well. Considering I lost peaches, pears and apples to cockatoos, parrots and heat stress. Still there are figs a -plenty, bountiful herbs, tomatoes prolific nearing harvest, and although only one water melon is on the vine there are many flowers so I'm hoping more water melon will appear. The orange tree just keeps on keeping on and there are even lemons on the lemon tree despite it being in a pot and suffering heat stress.
I am still chasing birds from the fig tree and this morning our clever new puppy found his way under the netting that protects the water melons, he was promptly subdued.
I have decided to keep my mornings for the garden because it really needs more attention. I will read the members posts in the evening, they are all so interesting, it will be another time management hurdle but with self determination I will do it.
Lets hope this new week allows us to keep our goals in sight.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Margaret who wrote
"Can someone help me with a natural, non permanent hair dye for slightly greying hair?"
Andrea Hewett answered
I discussed this with my DIL, who is a hairdresser, and she suggested strong tea. There aren't many natural hair dyes around except henna, which is permanent.
Jodie Bray answered
You can buy a colored hair mousse from hair suppliers, Hair Warehouse, Priceline and maybe Chemist Warehouse. Some hair salons sell it also. It is very easy to use, you just apply it to the gray area on wet or dry hair (make sure you wear gloves). It does wash out every time you wash your hair though.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
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11. This Week's Question
Susan writes
"My son is about to move into a 5-share, self-cater arrangement on uni campus. All his utilities are accounted for but he and the other 4 will need to feed themselves. Does anyone have experience with how these (so far) unknown students can effectively and economically pool their resources to eat well? Many thanks."
If you have a suggestion or idea for Susan 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.
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
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]