In this newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - MOO Lactose Free Yoghurt for a Quarter of the Price; MOO Coffee Scrub; MOO Oxygen Bleach/Oxyclean
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - From the Archives: 90 Cent Hamburger and Wedges
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. Member's Featured Blog - No Time to Scratch
8. Last Week's Question - Where to buy ready-made chair covers
9. Ask Cath
10. Join the Cheapskates Club
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
MOO Month is winding down. By tomorrow we'll have 31 brand new MOOs to add to our repertoire of money, time and energy saving skills. I'm hearing about all those successful MOOs, some from regular MOOers, but the ones that make me really smile are the new MOOers. Their excitement is contagious, making even me want to MOO more!
We have so many Cheapskaters who have been affected by Cyclone Debbie, and while many of them won't be reading today's newsletter, I hope they all know we are all thinking of them and praying for their safety and well-being.
I'll be back in your inbox next Thursday, with more great tips. Until then have a wonderfully frugal week and enjoy living the Cheapskates way.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
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!
2. From The Tip Store
MOO Lactose Free Yoghurt for a Quarter of the Price
My daughter has recently been required to go lactose free due to a food intolerance. It is great that you can purchase lactose free dairy now but the yoghurt and cheese is really expensive.
To make lactose free yoghurt, I have been using the lactose free UHT milk mixed with 1/4 of the lactose free yoghurt (small tub) in a yoghurt maker the same way I would use it for normal yoghurt. If you do not wish to buy the yoghurt to start with, you could use an antibiotic powder as a starter for the yoghurt.
The four pack of yoghurt can retail for close to $6 for four small tubs. You can make one litre for about $1.50-2.00.
I have flavoured with blueberries but my daughter is happy just to have it as is.
Contributed by Kathryn Clarke
MOO Coffee Scrub
Don't throw your used coffee grindings away, put them on a saucer to dry out then take them to your bathroom. Splash your face with warm water, press your wet fingers into the grindings and wash your face using the grindings to gently scrub your face. It smells delicious and your skin will feel so smooth and clean afterwards; you'll love it!
Contributed by Susan Schinzig
MOO Oxygen Bleach/Oxyclean
Ingredients:
1 cup Water
½ cup Peroxide
½ cup baking soda
Instructions:
1. Combine in container.
2. Let sit 20 minutes before using.
Use in your wash or for soaking stained items or for general cleaning! This is really good for stained grout among many other uses.
Contributed by Heather Schlusemeyer
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. 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
4. On the Menu
Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
This recipe is a winter favourite in our home, and a budget winner costing just $6.33 for four serves, or $1.58 per serve.
Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
Serves 4
Cost $6.33
Ingredients:
750g mince $5.25
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs .30c
1 onion, grated .30
1/8 tsp allspice .05c
1 egg, beaten .18
1 cup beef stock
1 tsp cornflour .05
1/2 cup cream .20
Method:
Combine mince, grated onion, allspice and egg until well combined. Roll teaspoonfuls into balls. Chill for 30 minutes. Brown in a lightly greased fry pan until browned all over and cooked through. Set aside to stay warm. In a small sauce pan whisk the beef stock and cornflour and bring to the boil. Whisk in the cream and simmer, stirring continually, 3 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs and serve with mashed potato.
This recipe comes from the $2 Dinners Recipe File
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Swedish Meatballs, noodles
Tuesday: Bolognese Pasta Bake
Wednesday: Lamb kebabs
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Sub sandwiches
In the fruit bowl: grapes, bananas
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
From the Archives: MOO Hamburgers And Wedges For 90 cents Each
As many of you would know, my family has embarked on a lifestyle change. My husband gave up his almost full time job in the takeaway food industry last month. He left so that he will be available to expand his ministry at our local church. I've posted a thread on the forum titled " My family's lifestyle change for 2014 ". In this thread I'm documenting my family's journey as we learn to live on an extremely low income.
One of the lessons we've learnt is to avoid takeaway food. When you consider the cost of takeaway food to feed a family of four we cannot fit it into our new budget. A couple of pizzas would cost about $14. A dinner pack of fish and chips costs $17 and hamburgers and chips from well known fast food outlets would set us back $20+.
Most of my meals cost $3 - $5 to feed four people with the occasional serve of leftovers for the freezer. The cheapest takeaway meal I can make is MOO hamburgers and wedges. I make the hamburger patties in bulk and freeze them into lots of four for future quick meals. The rolls are MOOed ahead of time and frozen as well. In Summer we grow our own lettuce and tomatoes so this reduces the cost as well. Here are the ingredients and costs for the most delicious hamburgers.
Patties - 80g of regular beef mince ($4.69 kg) - costing approximately 40 cents each
seasonings of pepper, garlic, seasoned bread crumbs (MOOed), tomato sauce, soy sauce , onion, parsley. I use dried onion and herbs. Costing about 5 cents.
Bread rolls cost 10 cents each to make.
Cheese, lettuce and tomato (if you grow your own) approximately 10 cents. If you need to buy all these allow about 30 cents.
Tomato sauce or mayo about 5 cents.
MOO wedges - potatoes cost about $2.99 for five kilos. For a single serve of wedges with seasoning the cost would be 20 cents.
Total cost for a single hamburger and serve of wedges is $0.90.
If rolls and patties are made and frozen ahead of time, it takes about 15 minutes to make the hamburgers. The wedges take about an hour to cook in the oven. Occasionally my husband adds an egg to his hamburger. We have chickens to supply us with eggs so it doesn't cost us anything to add an egg. This meal is filling, far more filling than what you can buy.
Next time you have a craving for takeaway, have a go at making your own. It's healthier, cheaper, tastier and far more satisfying to make it yourself.
By adding cheaper meals to my menu plan I've reduced our food costs from $270 to $221 for the last four weeks.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED !!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Breakfast on the Go!!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3549-Breakfast-on-the-go!!
What's in Your Food Stockpile?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3536-What-s-In-Your-Food-Stockpile
Tracking your Goals?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3276-tracking-your-goals
Most popular blog posts this week
The Rule of Half
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/11/the-rule-of-half.html
Earning Pocket Money
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/02/earning-pocket-money.html
2016 31 Days of MOO N0. 3 Rosemary Salt
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/03/2016-31-days-of-moo-no-3-rosemary-salt.html
7. Members 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 echidnatow.
No Time to Scratch
They say time flashes by after you retire, but this last month has been ridiculous.
I had a quick trip away to visit my Son and his family. He has some medical problems which are a real worry however, he has a wonderful home with a pool so, with their hospitality, it's like staying at a 5 Star resort. I thought my Queensland Seniors Card may offer me cut-price train tickets but No, need a different type of card - so will pay full-price for another 3 1/2 years - a reality of early retirement.
Working through the Savings Revolution lessons is a slow process for me, especially to create a Spending Plan and an interesting Meal Plan (for one person). My SR notebook is full of copious notes and ideas - so I'm working on some options.
Decided to make use of a lovely rainy day this week, to pull everything out and do a pantry stocktake - what a nightmare! Reluctantly threw out some severely outdated food - waste, waste, waste shame! Everything near expiring is now isolated up the front of pantry, within easy reach. Although I don't have a meal plan as such, I'm on a mission to include at least one item from the stockpile into my meals. I'll have to Google what to do with my tinned Kippers - what was I thinking, I've never eaten them in my life - although I heard they were Lady Di's favourite breakfast. I have enough tinned beans to feed the Italian Army for a year - lucky winter minestrone and soup season is approaching.
I've been busy in MOO March - mainly using things I already have at home:
*Dishcloths - I knitted one (took me 8 hours) then changed to crochet (2 hours) - hence, I'll keep to crochet
*Pickled eggs - only pickled 5 as I just can't imagine what they'll taste like
*Peanut butter - found a packet of raw nuts (had planned to make red sugar-coated ones but it never happened). I used coconut oil and added raw honey - yum
*Coffee Vodka - have to wait 6 weeks for a test!
*Peach, Plum and Port Jam
*Preserved lemons - from my own tree
*2-ingredient pizza bases - for the freezer
*Spicy Eggplant Relish - from my own eggplants
I finished off a Mother’s Day Card. That's the thing about Mums, they still appreciate your efforts, even when it looks like a Pre-Schooler made it. I was inspired by the Crafting Ladies on the Forum - thanks Ladies - I just need more practice.
I also made up six gift packs, for an upcoming family reunion. I knit a soap-saver, similar to Cath's idea, however I use knitting nylon and eyelet lace - have been making and giving them away as gifts for years - I call them 'Scrubbies'. The lace gives your skin a gentle scrub, perfect for after gardening/painting. A scrubbie and a scented 'Bali' soap make a cute unique gift - for the cost of a few dollars.
Lastly, I upgraded to NBN this week. I increased from 50GB a month to unlimited, for a saving of $15 a month - go figure - I hope it's as reliable as my old ADSL2.
Our region is awaiting Cyclone Debbie (Category 4) to cross the coast just south of us, on Tuesday morning. You hope you're prepared enough - but these cyclones can be unpredictable and dangerous. I pray it crosses the coast in an uninhabited area, causes little damage and we benefit from the expected rain, to relieve our drought (and water restrictions).
Have a great productive week Everyone.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
8. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Janie-Lee who wrote
"Just wondering if any Cheapskaters know where I could get a couple of Tub chair covers. The chairs are brand new white Tullstas from Ikea but we have 1 each black, ginger and tortoise shell cats who do lay on the chairs and they are previously abused cats so they are with us for life. I've looked online but the prices are nearly what the chairs are worth and I don't sew- at all apart from basic button replacement- so I'm hoping for some fabulous ideas from our lovely- and brilliant- Cheapskaters. I'm pretty handy at painting etc. but would really like to buy covers rather than re-cover as I like to wash them to keep our home smelling nice and not like a cattery. Thanks for any ideas!"
C. C. answered
Janie-Lee you could try a website called: www.ziilch.com.au.
You can request free stuff off this website as well as donate free stuff on the website. It saves you money and helps the environment also. I hope that helps.
Kit Miller answered
Try your local op shop to maybe buy some cushion covers with or without the cushion inserts, they are usually about 3 - 4 dollars each. If it is just the cushion cover, you could insert an old towel for some thickness. These can easily be washed when needed and still look attractive. Hope this helps you as I am a cat lover also!
Elizabeth Oldfield answered
Hi Janie-Lee, I have an Ikea armchair in a cream fabric, I don't have cats, but I do have a coffee-spilling DH. I have bought several cheap cotton 'throws', as well as a large canvas drop sheet from Bunnings, which I cut up to the right size. I cover my chair with these, rotating them, so that they get regular washing. The drop-sheet in particular, looks like an expensive linen chair cover. This may not be a final solution for you, but it's a good stop-gap.
9. Ask CathWe 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
10. 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!
11. 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
12. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - MOO Lactose Free Yoghurt for a Quarter of the Price; MOO Coffee Scrub; MOO Oxygen Bleach/Oxyclean
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - From the Archives: 90 Cent Hamburger and Wedges
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. Member's Featured Blog - No Time to Scratch
8. Last Week's Question - Where to buy ready-made chair covers
9. Ask Cath
10. Join the Cheapskates Club
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
MOO Month is winding down. By tomorrow we'll have 31 brand new MOOs to add to our repertoire of money, time and energy saving skills. I'm hearing about all those successful MOOs, some from regular MOOers, but the ones that make me really smile are the new MOOers. Their excitement is contagious, making even me want to MOO more!
We have so many Cheapskaters who have been affected by Cyclone Debbie, and while many of them won't be reading today's newsletter, I hope they all know we are all thinking of them and praying for their safety and well-being.
I'll be back in your inbox next Thursday, with more great tips. Until then have a wonderfully frugal week and enjoy living the Cheapskates way.
Happy Cheapskating,
Cath
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!
2. From The Tip Store
MOO Lactose Free Yoghurt for a Quarter of the Price
My daughter has recently been required to go lactose free due to a food intolerance. It is great that you can purchase lactose free dairy now but the yoghurt and cheese is really expensive.
To make lactose free yoghurt, I have been using the lactose free UHT milk mixed with 1/4 of the lactose free yoghurt (small tub) in a yoghurt maker the same way I would use it for normal yoghurt. If you do not wish to buy the yoghurt to start with, you could use an antibiotic powder as a starter for the yoghurt.
The four pack of yoghurt can retail for close to $6 for four small tubs. You can make one litre for about $1.50-2.00.
I have flavoured with blueberries but my daughter is happy just to have it as is.
Contributed by Kathryn Clarke
MOO Coffee Scrub
Don't throw your used coffee grindings away, put them on a saucer to dry out then take them to your bathroom. Splash your face with warm water, press your wet fingers into the grindings and wash your face using the grindings to gently scrub your face. It smells delicious and your skin will feel so smooth and clean afterwards; you'll love it!
Contributed by Susan Schinzig
MOO Oxygen Bleach/Oxyclean
Ingredients:
1 cup Water
½ cup Peroxide
½ cup baking soda
Instructions:
1. Combine in container.
2. Let sit 20 minutes before using.
Use in your wash or for soaking stained items or for general cleaning! This is really good for stained grout among many other uses.
Contributed by Heather Schlusemeyer
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. 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
4. On the Menu
Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
This recipe is a winter favourite in our home, and a budget winner costing just $6.33 for four serves, or $1.58 per serve.
Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
Serves 4
Cost $6.33
Ingredients:
750g mince $5.25
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs .30c
1 onion, grated .30
1/8 tsp allspice .05c
1 egg, beaten .18
1 cup beef stock
1 tsp cornflour .05
1/2 cup cream .20
Method:
Combine mince, grated onion, allspice and egg until well combined. Roll teaspoonfuls into balls. Chill for 30 minutes. Brown in a lightly greased fry pan until browned all over and cooked through. Set aside to stay warm. In a small sauce pan whisk the beef stock and cornflour and bring to the boil. Whisk in the cream and simmer, stirring continually, 3 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs and serve with mashed potato.
This recipe comes from the $2 Dinners Recipe File
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Swedish Meatballs, noodles
Tuesday: Bolognese Pasta Bake
Wednesday: Lamb kebabs
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Sub sandwiches
In the fruit bowl: grapes, bananas
In the cake tin: Lunchbox Cookies
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
From the Archives: MOO Hamburgers And Wedges For 90 cents Each
As many of you would know, my family has embarked on a lifestyle change. My husband gave up his almost full time job in the takeaway food industry last month. He left so that he will be available to expand his ministry at our local church. I've posted a thread on the forum titled " My family's lifestyle change for 2014 ". In this thread I'm documenting my family's journey as we learn to live on an extremely low income.
One of the lessons we've learnt is to avoid takeaway food. When you consider the cost of takeaway food to feed a family of four we cannot fit it into our new budget. A couple of pizzas would cost about $14. A dinner pack of fish and chips costs $17 and hamburgers and chips from well known fast food outlets would set us back $20+.
Most of my meals cost $3 - $5 to feed four people with the occasional serve of leftovers for the freezer. The cheapest takeaway meal I can make is MOO hamburgers and wedges. I make the hamburger patties in bulk and freeze them into lots of four for future quick meals. The rolls are MOOed ahead of time and frozen as well. In Summer we grow our own lettuce and tomatoes so this reduces the cost as well. Here are the ingredients and costs for the most delicious hamburgers.
Patties - 80g of regular beef mince ($4.69 kg) - costing approximately 40 cents each
seasonings of pepper, garlic, seasoned bread crumbs (MOOed), tomato sauce, soy sauce , onion, parsley. I use dried onion and herbs. Costing about 5 cents.
Bread rolls cost 10 cents each to make.
Cheese, lettuce and tomato (if you grow your own) approximately 10 cents. If you need to buy all these allow about 30 cents.
Tomato sauce or mayo about 5 cents.
MOO wedges - potatoes cost about $2.99 for five kilos. For a single serve of wedges with seasoning the cost would be 20 cents.
Total cost for a single hamburger and serve of wedges is $0.90.
If rolls and patties are made and frozen ahead of time, it takes about 15 minutes to make the hamburgers. The wedges take about an hour to cook in the oven. Occasionally my husband adds an egg to his hamburger. We have chickens to supply us with eggs so it doesn't cost us anything to add an egg. This meal is filling, far more filling than what you can buy.
Next time you have a craving for takeaway, have a go at making your own. It's healthier, cheaper, tastier and far more satisfying to make it yourself.
By adding cheaper meals to my menu plan I've reduced our food costs from $270 to $221 for the last four weeks.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED !!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Breakfast on the Go!!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3549-Breakfast-on-the-go!!
What's in Your Food Stockpile?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3536-What-s-In-Your-Food-Stockpile
Tracking your Goals?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3276-tracking-your-goals
Most popular blog posts this week
The Rule of Half
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/11/the-rule-of-half.html
Earning Pocket Money
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/02/earning-pocket-money.html
2016 31 Days of MOO N0. 3 Rosemary Salt
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/03/2016-31-days-of-moo-no-3-rosemary-salt.html
7. Members 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 echidnatow.
No Time to Scratch
They say time flashes by after you retire, but this last month has been ridiculous.
I had a quick trip away to visit my Son and his family. He has some medical problems which are a real worry however, he has a wonderful home with a pool so, with their hospitality, it's like staying at a 5 Star resort. I thought my Queensland Seniors Card may offer me cut-price train tickets but No, need a different type of card - so will pay full-price for another 3 1/2 years - a reality of early retirement.
Working through the Savings Revolution lessons is a slow process for me, especially to create a Spending Plan and an interesting Meal Plan (for one person). My SR notebook is full of copious notes and ideas - so I'm working on some options.
Decided to make use of a lovely rainy day this week, to pull everything out and do a pantry stocktake - what a nightmare! Reluctantly threw out some severely outdated food - waste, waste, waste shame! Everything near expiring is now isolated up the front of pantry, within easy reach. Although I don't have a meal plan as such, I'm on a mission to include at least one item from the stockpile into my meals. I'll have to Google what to do with my tinned Kippers - what was I thinking, I've never eaten them in my life - although I heard they were Lady Di's favourite breakfast. I have enough tinned beans to feed the Italian Army for a year - lucky winter minestrone and soup season is approaching.
I've been busy in MOO March - mainly using things I already have at home:
*Dishcloths - I knitted one (took me 8 hours) then changed to crochet (2 hours) - hence, I'll keep to crochet
*Pickled eggs - only pickled 5 as I just can't imagine what they'll taste like
*Peanut butter - found a packet of raw nuts (had planned to make red sugar-coated ones but it never happened). I used coconut oil and added raw honey - yum
*Coffee Vodka - have to wait 6 weeks for a test!
*Peach, Plum and Port Jam
*Preserved lemons - from my own tree
*2-ingredient pizza bases - for the freezer
*Spicy Eggplant Relish - from my own eggplants
I finished off a Mother’s Day Card. That's the thing about Mums, they still appreciate your efforts, even when it looks like a Pre-Schooler made it. I was inspired by the Crafting Ladies on the Forum - thanks Ladies - I just need more practice.
I also made up six gift packs, for an upcoming family reunion. I knit a soap-saver, similar to Cath's idea, however I use knitting nylon and eyelet lace - have been making and giving them away as gifts for years - I call them 'Scrubbies'. The lace gives your skin a gentle scrub, perfect for after gardening/painting. A scrubbie and a scented 'Bali' soap make a cute unique gift - for the cost of a few dollars.
Lastly, I upgraded to NBN this week. I increased from 50GB a month to unlimited, for a saving of $15 a month - go figure - I hope it's as reliable as my old ADSL2.
Our region is awaiting Cyclone Debbie (Category 4) to cross the coast just south of us, on Tuesday morning. You hope you're prepared enough - but these cyclones can be unpredictable and dangerous. I pray it crosses the coast in an uninhabited area, causes little damage and we benefit from the expected rain, to relieve our drought (and water restrictions).
Have a great productive week Everyone.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
8. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Janie-Lee who wrote
"Just wondering if any Cheapskaters know where I could get a couple of Tub chair covers. The chairs are brand new white Tullstas from Ikea but we have 1 each black, ginger and tortoise shell cats who do lay on the chairs and they are previously abused cats so they are with us for life. I've looked online but the prices are nearly what the chairs are worth and I don't sew- at all apart from basic button replacement- so I'm hoping for some fabulous ideas from our lovely- and brilliant- Cheapskaters. I'm pretty handy at painting etc. but would really like to buy covers rather than re-cover as I like to wash them to keep our home smelling nice and not like a cattery. Thanks for any ideas!"
C. C. answered
Janie-Lee you could try a website called: www.ziilch.com.au.
You can request free stuff off this website as well as donate free stuff on the website. It saves you money and helps the environment also. I hope that helps.
Kit Miller answered
Try your local op shop to maybe buy some cushion covers with or without the cushion inserts, they are usually about 3 - 4 dollars each. If it is just the cushion cover, you could insert an old towel for some thickness. These can easily be washed when needed and still look attractive. Hope this helps you as I am a cat lover also!
Elizabeth Oldfield answered
Hi Janie-Lee, I have an Ikea armchair in a cream fabric, I don't have cats, but I do have a coffee-spilling DH. I have bought several cheap cotton 'throws', as well as a large canvas drop sheet from Bunnings, which I cut up to the right size. I cover my chair with these, rotating them, so that they get regular washing. The drop-sheet in particular, looks like an expensive linen chair cover. This may not be a final solution for you, but it's a good stop-gap.
9. Ask CathWe 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
10. 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!
11. 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
12. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152