Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 08:21
In This Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - Clean the Shower - Again; Photo Shopping; Keeping Cut Cucumber Fresh
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - YoGo Pie
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Gluten Free on a Budget
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. The Cheapskates Club Show
8. The Weekly MOO Challenge - Let's All MOO in March!
9. 2021 Saving Revolution - Lesson 8 - Inventories & Shopping Lists
10. Ask A Question - Have a question? Ask it here
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
No spending month is almost over! I have spent $2, on a bag of beautiful pearl crochet cottons from the op shop. Otherwise just the needed milk, fruit and veg and petrol. As there's only three days left, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make it to the end of February without anymore unnecessary spending. How did you go during No Spending Month? Were you able to keep more money in your purse and bank account? I hope so!
Monday is the first of March and that means it's MOO Month! I love MOO Month, learning new ways to make our own and cross things off the shopping list. Now, more than ever I think, it is important to be able to MOO things we need and want. I have a whole list of new things for us to MOO, starting Monday; I hope you'll join me.
Have a great week everyone.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
2. From The Tip Store
Clean the Shower - Again!
I really dislike cleaning the shower, I'm always trying to find ways to make it easier, so the load is shared. This system seems to be the best so far. I bought a dust pan & brush set, just for the brush. It lives in the shower. For each tiled wall, and glass door, I squeeze undiluted dishwashing detergent along both long sides of the brush. On damp tiles/glass, and starting at the bottom where soap scum is worst, I scrub the walls with the brush. I leave it sit a bit, then rinse while I'm showering. It is working so well, I have sparkling walls and door for not a huge effort. Certainly less effort than other methods I've tried. The sharing of the job hasn't gone so well!
Contributed by Vanessa Reynolds
Photo Shopping
Whenever I come across something I want or need (for me, or a gift), I take a photo on my phone of the object and the price, both prices if it’s on special. I put these photos in a ‘shopping album’, so I can ;buy it later if I need it or it comes on special, text it to my husband so he knows exactly what I am after, or just keep the photo for future reference.
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Keeping Cut Cucumber Fresh
Do you know how the Lebanese cucumbers in the supermarket are wrapped in plastic? Apparently, that’s because they have a much shorter shelf life than regular cucumbers and the plastic wrap keeps them fresher longer. Well it was tested and found to be a great idea to keep cut cucumber fresh for up to a week! Just cut the end off and carefully roll the plastic down as you cut. Then, before putting back in the fridge, roll it up and over the cut end, tuck it under and put the whole thing back into the fridge. I use a rubber band to keep it in place so no air can get it. No more soggy cucumbers after just a couple of days.
Contributed by Anne Fergusson
Add a Tip
3. Share Your Tips
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!
Share Your Tip
4. On The Menu
YoGo Pie
Sometimes it's the simplest desserts that are the most stunning. This pie couldn't be easier to make, after all it's basically just a chocolate custard. Decorate with whipped cream and chocolate curls, and a half a strawberry per slice if you have them, and you'll be the most popular cook on the block. You can buy pre-baked pie shells in the bread/cake department of most supermarkets, or from a cake shop. Otherwise use Elaine's Easy Pastry to make your own.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup corn flour
1/4 cup water
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 baked 20cm pastry shell
300ml cream, whipped
Chocolate curls or shavings
Method:
Combine 2 cups of the milk, sugar, cocoa and butter in a medium-size saucepan. Bring just to a boil over medium heat. In a medium-size bowl, completely stir corn flour into water. Add remaining 1/2 cup milk. Add egg yolks and vanilla, whisking until well-blended. Gradually add egg yolk mixture to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with wire whisk. Cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and smooth. Add marshmallows and stir until they melt and mixture is smooth. Pour into pie shell. Press clingwrap directly on filling (this stops a tough skin forming on top of the custard). Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Remove clingwrap. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls.
Note: When my children were smaller I would often substitute soy milk for the cow's milk in this and other custard based recipes with great success.
Next week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Meatloaf
Tuesday: Creamy Pumpkin Fettucine
Wednesday: Curried chicken, rice, naan
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Mushroom Quiche, wedges, salad
Saturday: Tacos
In the fruit bowl: lemons, bananas
There are over 1,700 budget and family friendly recipes in the Cheapskates Club Recipe File, all contributed by your fellow Cheapskates, so you know they're good.
Add A Recipe
Recipe File Index
5. The $300 A Month Food Challenge
Gluten Free on a Budget
Before you read any further, I am not gluten free. I do not have any family members who are gluten free. I do not cater for a gluten free diet on my budget. Nor am I a dietician. So, if you are or do any of those things, if you have suggestions that will help other Cheapskaters, please share them as it is a question that crops up regularly and seems to cause a lot of angst.
Don't get conned into buying things that are naturally gluten free, but being marketed as gluten free and costing more from the health food aisle/store/market. There are plenty of them in the supermarket and health food shop. I've even seen some pre-packed fruits marked as "gluten free" - that's what prompted me to write this post.
You do need to be careful if you are a diagnosed coeliac that processed products aren't processed on the same machinery as regular products, but you also need to use commonsense. Seriously, apples do not contain gluten, never have and unless there is a whole lot of modifying of apple genetics, never will.
But if you do need to use gluten free products, you can still stick to your budget by looking at alternative sources for them.
Asian grocers not only keep an amazing variety of foods, herbs and spices, tinned products and cereals, and they are cheap! And just about all Australians can get to at least one Asian grocer without having to travel too far. Don't forget to include Indian and Islander grocers in your search, they are both good sources of very inexpensive foods for those of us with dietary restrictions too.
If you do have a way to go to get to a store, give them a call and see if they have what you need. Most of them are small, independent shops, owned, run and managed by people who actually know what is on the shelves, and who don't mind you asking questions.
You can also go direct to the manufacturer, but check the prices, they're not always cheaper.
For example you can get 4kg Easy Baker Gluten Free white bread mix from Hindustan Imports for $25.45, but it costs $40.60 direct from Laucke (that includes delivery to a Melbourne metro address). Obviously for me it would be cheaper to buy from Hindustan.
And look for alternative products. Substitute rice and potatoes for pasta (spag bol sauce over rice is delicious). Corn thins or rice crackers (check the label on the brand you buy) for bread or crackers. Use rice noodles in stir-fry.
If only one member of the household is GF, it will be worth your time to prepare GF for one, and other food for the rest of the household. As you're preparing simply put aside the food that has to be GF. Meat, poultry, fish can all be dipped in the egg wash and then the GF put aside for the GF crumbs, while regular bread crumbs are used for the rest. Same with sandwiches - only make the GF sandwiches with the expensive GF bread. Use stale GF bread to make GF breadcrumbs (add herbs for seasoned breadcrumbs) or croutons. Make sure you label them clearly so you don't get them mixed up.
Use commonsense, and if you're not sure about something labelled GF, check before paying more for it and you'll be able to stick to your grocery budget.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
From The Article Archive
1001 Uses for Scrunchies
Chewy Muesli Bars
How to Dry Tomatoes - Two Simple Methods
This Week's Hot Forum Topics
Weekly MOO Challenge 6:21
The $5 Pantry Challenge
What's for Dinner 2021
7. The Cheapskates Club Show
Join us live on YouTube every Tuesday and see how we are living debt free, cashed up and laughing - and find out how you can too!
Show ScheduleTuesday: Around the Kitchen Table - join Cath and Hannah for a cuppa and a chat around the kitchen table as they talk about living the Cheapskates way.
Latest Shows
1. Cath's Corner
2. From the Tip Store - Clean the Shower - Again; Photo Shopping; Keeping Cut Cucumber Fresh
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - YoGo Pie
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Gluten Free on a Budget
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. The Cheapskates Club Show
8. The Weekly MOO Challenge - Let's All MOO in March!
9. 2021 Saving Revolution - Lesson 8 - Inventories & Shopping Lists
10. Ask A Question - Have a question? Ask it here
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
No spending month is almost over! I have spent $2, on a bag of beautiful pearl crochet cottons from the op shop. Otherwise just the needed milk, fruit and veg and petrol. As there's only three days left, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make it to the end of February without anymore unnecessary spending. How did you go during No Spending Month? Were you able to keep more money in your purse and bank account? I hope so!
Monday is the first of March and that means it's MOO Month! I love MOO Month, learning new ways to make our own and cross things off the shopping list. Now, more than ever I think, it is important to be able to MOO things we need and want. I have a whole list of new things for us to MOO, starting Monday; I hope you'll join me.
Have a great week everyone.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
2. From The Tip Store
Clean the Shower - Again!
I really dislike cleaning the shower, I'm always trying to find ways to make it easier, so the load is shared. This system seems to be the best so far. I bought a dust pan & brush set, just for the brush. It lives in the shower. For each tiled wall, and glass door, I squeeze undiluted dishwashing detergent along both long sides of the brush. On damp tiles/glass, and starting at the bottom where soap scum is worst, I scrub the walls with the brush. I leave it sit a bit, then rinse while I'm showering. It is working so well, I have sparkling walls and door for not a huge effort. Certainly less effort than other methods I've tried. The sharing of the job hasn't gone so well!
Contributed by Vanessa Reynolds
Photo Shopping
Whenever I come across something I want or need (for me, or a gift), I take a photo on my phone of the object and the price, both prices if it’s on special. I put these photos in a ‘shopping album’, so I can ;buy it later if I need it or it comes on special, text it to my husband so he knows exactly what I am after, or just keep the photo for future reference.
Contributed by Denise Scotford
Keeping Cut Cucumber Fresh
Do you know how the Lebanese cucumbers in the supermarket are wrapped in plastic? Apparently, that’s because they have a much shorter shelf life than regular cucumbers and the plastic wrap keeps them fresher longer. Well it was tested and found to be a great idea to keep cut cucumber fresh for up to a week! Just cut the end off and carefully roll the plastic down as you cut. Then, before putting back in the fridge, roll it up and over the cut end, tuck it under and put the whole thing back into the fridge. I use a rubber band to keep it in place so no air can get it. No more soggy cucumbers after just a couple of days.
Contributed by Anne Fergusson
Add a Tip
3. Share Your Tips
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!
Share Your Tip
4. On The Menu
YoGo Pie
Sometimes it's the simplest desserts that are the most stunning. This pie couldn't be easier to make, after all it's basically just a chocolate custard. Decorate with whipped cream and chocolate curls, and a half a strawberry per slice if you have them, and you'll be the most popular cook on the block. You can buy pre-baked pie shells in the bread/cake department of most supermarkets, or from a cake shop. Otherwise use Elaine's Easy Pastry to make your own.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup corn flour
1/4 cup water
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 baked 20cm pastry shell
300ml cream, whipped
Chocolate curls or shavings
Method:
Combine 2 cups of the milk, sugar, cocoa and butter in a medium-size saucepan. Bring just to a boil over medium heat. In a medium-size bowl, completely stir corn flour into water. Add remaining 1/2 cup milk. Add egg yolks and vanilla, whisking until well-blended. Gradually add egg yolk mixture to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with wire whisk. Cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and smooth. Add marshmallows and stir until they melt and mixture is smooth. Pour into pie shell. Press clingwrap directly on filling (this stops a tough skin forming on top of the custard). Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Remove clingwrap. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls.
Note: When my children were smaller I would often substitute soy milk for the cow's milk in this and other custard based recipes with great success.
Next week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Meatloaf
Tuesday: Creamy Pumpkin Fettucine
Wednesday: Curried chicken, rice, naan
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Mushroom Quiche, wedges, salad
Saturday: Tacos
In the fruit bowl: lemons, bananas
There are over 1,700 budget and family friendly recipes in the Cheapskates Club Recipe File, all contributed by your fellow Cheapskates, so you know they're good.
Add A Recipe
Recipe File Index
5. The $300 A Month Food Challenge
Gluten Free on a Budget
Before you read any further, I am not gluten free. I do not have any family members who are gluten free. I do not cater for a gluten free diet on my budget. Nor am I a dietician. So, if you are or do any of those things, if you have suggestions that will help other Cheapskaters, please share them as it is a question that crops up regularly and seems to cause a lot of angst.
Don't get conned into buying things that are naturally gluten free, but being marketed as gluten free and costing more from the health food aisle/store/market. There are plenty of them in the supermarket and health food shop. I've even seen some pre-packed fruits marked as "gluten free" - that's what prompted me to write this post.
You do need to be careful if you are a diagnosed coeliac that processed products aren't processed on the same machinery as regular products, but you also need to use commonsense. Seriously, apples do not contain gluten, never have and unless there is a whole lot of modifying of apple genetics, never will.
But if you do need to use gluten free products, you can still stick to your budget by looking at alternative sources for them.
Asian grocers not only keep an amazing variety of foods, herbs and spices, tinned products and cereals, and they are cheap! And just about all Australians can get to at least one Asian grocer without having to travel too far. Don't forget to include Indian and Islander grocers in your search, they are both good sources of very inexpensive foods for those of us with dietary restrictions too.
If you do have a way to go to get to a store, give them a call and see if they have what you need. Most of them are small, independent shops, owned, run and managed by people who actually know what is on the shelves, and who don't mind you asking questions.
You can also go direct to the manufacturer, but check the prices, they're not always cheaper.
For example you can get 4kg Easy Baker Gluten Free white bread mix from Hindustan Imports for $25.45, but it costs $40.60 direct from Laucke (that includes delivery to a Melbourne metro address). Obviously for me it would be cheaper to buy from Hindustan.
And look for alternative products. Substitute rice and potatoes for pasta (spag bol sauce over rice is delicious). Corn thins or rice crackers (check the label on the brand you buy) for bread or crackers. Use rice noodles in stir-fry.
If only one member of the household is GF, it will be worth your time to prepare GF for one, and other food for the rest of the household. As you're preparing simply put aside the food that has to be GF. Meat, poultry, fish can all be dipped in the egg wash and then the GF put aside for the GF crumbs, while regular bread crumbs are used for the rest. Same with sandwiches - only make the GF sandwiches with the expensive GF bread. Use stale GF bread to make GF breadcrumbs (add herbs for seasoned breadcrumbs) or croutons. Make sure you label them clearly so you don't get them mixed up.
Use commonsense, and if you're not sure about something labelled GF, check before paying more for it and you'll be able to stick to your grocery budget.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
From The Article Archive
1001 Uses for Scrunchies
Chewy Muesli Bars
How to Dry Tomatoes - Two Simple Methods
This Week's Hot Forum Topics
Weekly MOO Challenge 6:21
The $5 Pantry Challenge
What's for Dinner 2021
7. The Cheapskates Club Show
Join us live on YouTube every Tuesday and see how we are living debt free, cashed up and laughing - and find out how you can too!
Show ScheduleTuesday: Around the Kitchen Table - join Cath and Hannah for a cuppa and a chat around the kitchen table as they talk about living the Cheapskates way.
Latest Shows
8. The Weekly MOO Challenge
Hi there! Have you remembered that next Monday is the start of MOO Month? 31 days of MOOing. Learning to make our own, and ditch the supermarkets and packets and tins not only gives us even more amazing skills, it keeps a lot more of our money in our purses or wallets or bank accounts.
There are so many things we can MOO every day. Most of them we do automatically, without even thinking about it.
Cheapskates Washing Powder is a MOO. Miracle Spray is a MOO that eliminates at least three commercial cleaning products from your shopping list. MOO cake mixes not only save you time, but money and they keep a lot of packaging from the recycle bin and landfill. MOO seed pots mean you can start your seeds whenever you like, and don't need to worry about little pots. Then there is the MOO breadcrumbs that cost nothing to make but taste amazing and you never run out and the MOO iced coffee syrup you enjoy without having to spend $6+ on an iced coffee. Off the top of my head, they are the things I remember MOOing this week, if I keep thinking I'm sure I'll find more.
MOOing doesn't take hours. MOOing generally doesn't require any special equipment or even particular skills.
And once you get into the habit, you'll keep finding new ways to MOO and wonder why you never thought of them before.
I hope you join me for MOO month. Check the Cheapskates Club on Monday for the first of the MOO months MOOs.
Get in on the fun and discussions here.
9. 2021 Saving Revolution
Lesson 8 is all about pantry, fridge and freezer inventories and writing a useful shopping list. It's the first step in getting your grocery budget under control, and not spending more than you need, or wasting what you have.
Lesson 9 goes out tomorrow, so if you haven't already looked at Lesson 8, you'd better get cracking!
Log into the 2021 Saving Revolution forum and join the discussions too. They're fun, keep you accountable, and over the course of the year will be an amazing source of valuable hints and tips for you too.
10. Ask A Question
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
11. Join The Cheapskates Club
For just $25 a year, 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!
12. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name at the top of the page to go straight to your profile page where you can update your details, change your password and find your subscription details.
Not a Cheapskates Club member? Then please use the Changing Details form found here to update your email address.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
Memberships are active for one year from the date of joining. You will be sent a renewal reminder before your subscription is due to renew. You can also find your membership expiry date on your profile page.
When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name to go straight to your profile page where you can will find your join date and your expiry date.
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.
How did I get on this list?
The only way you can get onto our newsletter mailing list is to subscribe yourself. You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member.
13. Contact Cheapskates
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
Contact Cheapskates
Hi there! Have you remembered that next Monday is the start of MOO Month? 31 days of MOOing. Learning to make our own, and ditch the supermarkets and packets and tins not only gives us even more amazing skills, it keeps a lot more of our money in our purses or wallets or bank accounts.
There are so many things we can MOO every day. Most of them we do automatically, without even thinking about it.
Cheapskates Washing Powder is a MOO. Miracle Spray is a MOO that eliminates at least three commercial cleaning products from your shopping list. MOO cake mixes not only save you time, but money and they keep a lot of packaging from the recycle bin and landfill. MOO seed pots mean you can start your seeds whenever you like, and don't need to worry about little pots. Then there is the MOO breadcrumbs that cost nothing to make but taste amazing and you never run out and the MOO iced coffee syrup you enjoy without having to spend $6+ on an iced coffee. Off the top of my head, they are the things I remember MOOing this week, if I keep thinking I'm sure I'll find more.
MOOing doesn't take hours. MOOing generally doesn't require any special equipment or even particular skills.
And once you get into the habit, you'll keep finding new ways to MOO and wonder why you never thought of them before.
I hope you join me for MOO month. Check the Cheapskates Club on Monday for the first of the MOO months MOOs.
Get in on the fun and discussions here.
9. 2021 Saving Revolution
Lesson 8 is all about pantry, fridge and freezer inventories and writing a useful shopping list. It's the first step in getting your grocery budget under control, and not spending more than you need, or wasting what you have.
Lesson 9 goes out tomorrow, so if you haven't already looked at Lesson 8, you'd better get cracking!
Log into the 2021 Saving Revolution forum and join the discussions too. They're fun, keep you accountable, and over the course of the year will be an amazing source of valuable hints and tips for you too.
10. Ask A Question
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
11. Join The Cheapskates Club
For just $25 a year, 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!
12. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name at the top of the page to go straight to your profile page where you can update your details, change your password and find your subscription details.
Not a Cheapskates Club member? Then please use the Changing Details form found here to update your email address.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
Memberships are active for one year from the date of joining. You will be sent a renewal reminder before your subscription is due to renew. You can also find your membership expiry date on your profile page.
When you login to the Member's Centre just click on your name to go straight to your profile page where you can will find your join date and your expiry date.
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.
How did I get on this list?
The only way you can get onto our newsletter mailing list is to subscribe yourself. You signed up to receive our Free Newsletter at our Cheapskates Club Web site or are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member.
13. Contact Cheapskates
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
Contact Cheapskates