Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 15:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Fun Cushions for Kids, One 5 Minute Phone Call Equals Home Loan Interest Savings, File Your Herbs and Spices
3. 31 Days Of MOO E-book - Get your copy today
4. Fun and Frugal Easter Treats
5. Living Green in 2014 - Storing Organic Food
6. On the Menu with Anne - Easy Fish Cakes
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Marinades and Sauces
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Last Week's Question - How do I get the best value from health insurance?
10. This Week's Question - Caring for antique chairs
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you're all have a fantastically frugal week, especially those families on school holiday, or who are about to start holidays. We've been blessed with delightful rain since late yesterday, soft drizzle that has been almost non-stop. Not too heavy, just right for soaking into the ground, and because it's been constant the water barrels are filling fast.
Of course that's meant no outside work. That's OK, I always seem to be able to find something to do inside. Today it's been working with Hannah, getting the materials and things we need for the ALCW Workshop on 17th May and making up the kits for the hands on part of the day.
We've also been brainstorming how to incorporate something new, that a few members have suggested, and we think we've nutted it out. We love to hear your suggestions so keep on sharing them with us. Its' easy to get in touch, you can use the Contact Us or log in and leave me a voice message.
One of our lovely members emailed to ask if it was all right to forward the newsletter to a friend. The answer of course is of course it is! The more we share the more Australians learn how to live the Cheapskates way, debt free, cashed up and laughing. Don't forget to let your friends know they can subscribe and receive their very own copy each week, the newsletter is totally free.
Have a great week everyone.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Fun Cushions for Kids
I just saw these fun cushions on Facebook and thought what a great idea and had to share with all your readers. Round up 5 old pillow cases that you don't use anymore, because we all know it's better to reuse than to buy new. Sew them across the seams leaving the opening clear at the sides so you can insert pillows. You can leave ends open or add a snap fastening or buttons for easy removal of the pillows when it's time to wash the pillowcases. Great for kids to lounge around on the floor.
Contributed by Marilyn Hyde
One 5 Minute Phone Call Equals Home Loan Interest Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $600 plus per annum
Bank of Melbourne is currently offering super discounted home loan interest rates to attract customers from other banks. Check out their website and see what discount you are eligible depending on your home loan amount. Call your bank and advise them of BOM rates and ask if they can beat this rate. I called NAB and in 5 minutes I saved myself $3,000 per annum (combined mortgages over 3 investment properties) as they BEAT the BOM rate being offered. No paperwork to fill in, I just received a letter in the mail saying my rate had been reduced. I advised a friend of this and she did it with ANZ and saved $600 per annum, again with a 5 minute phone call.
Contributed by Michelle Webb
File Your Herbs and Spices
Approximate $ Savings: $20 year
I also buy herbs and spices in the plastic packets but found storing them a nightmare, spilling all the time and losing their pungency faster than jars. I now place the entire packet sideways inside a snack size zip lock bag and label the top then "file" them sideways in a recycled box so they stay neat and I can see at a glance what I am running short of. No need to tip them in the bag, just a small cut to the top of the spice packet and then pop the whole thing in the zip lock bag. Saves room in the pantry rather than lots of glass jars, is very inexpensive to set up and easy to use, I grab the entire box out when cooking for a bit of this and that and best of all no more wasted spices!
Contributed by Ashlea Gibson
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
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
3. 31 Days of MOO e-book
"This month of MOO is amazingly useful Cath!!!!! We are considering being totally off the grid this year, so many useful ideas and the preserving jar light is another goodie. I am now officially the Nanna with the mostest after my first attempt at Elephant Ears on an overnight child minding assignment. 100% :)" Carol
MOO Month is now over and it was a lot of fun and a huge success. Thirty-one new ways to say "no thanks" to supermarkets and department stores were shared during March. I've had a lot of requests to put all 31 MOOs into a book you can download so that's what I've done. In a single PDF, I’ve compiled all 31 MOOs, along with the tutorial, photos and any resource you might need to MOO each project.
"Hello Cath, Currently training Hubby with what MOO means. He just came in from the shed hoping a window blind he found would fit. It didn’t, but his comment “Well Cath would have been pleased I tried”, if I didn't know better I’d think he had another woman in his life called Cath. But breakfast is always enjoyable as I read the latest tips etc. to him. We have a great life together enhanced by our gal ‘Cath’. Kindest regards." Heather
If you are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member you can log in to download your copy from the Printables page.
If you are not a Platinum Cheapskates Club member you can purchase your copy from the Cheapskates Book Store for just $1.99. It’s really that simple.
4. Fun and Frugal Easter Treats
Chocolate Dipped
If you like to make different gifts, why not be creative and dip some biscuits in melted chocolate? They look elegant, don't take long to do, are cheap and you still get the chocolate fix! A pack of shortbread fingers or wafers is under a dollar, depending on where you buy them, and a small block of chocolate shouldn't cost more than $2.
Total cost: $3.00
Easter Egg Nests
Make up a recipe of Chocolate Crackles and use this as the base to form baskets. Press the mixture into muffin pans to set. Tip them out and then pop in 3 mini eggs (5 cents each from $2 Shop) and top the nest with a fluffy yellow chick (10 cents each from $2 Shop).
Total Cost: $1.50
Pot Full of Goodies
Fill a small terracotta pot or pretty jar or tin bucket ($1 - $3, depending on size and where you buy them) with shredded cellophane or tissue. Then sit three 40g chocolate eggs on top ($2 from dollar shops). Perch a small stuffed rabbit or chick on top, wrap with cellophane and tie with a big bow. The rabbits cost $1.00 each from the $2 Shop, cellophane is 80 cents a sheet (you'll use about half a sheet for this) and ribbon you most likely will have.
Total Cost: $3.90
Fun and Funky Easter Egg Decorations
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/03/fun-and-funky-easter-egg-decorations.html
Hummingbird Cake, an Easter Tradition
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/hummingbird-cake-easter-tradition.html
Magical Easter Treasure Rocks
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/magical-easter-treasure-rocks.html
Easter Egg Hats
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/04/easter-egg-hats.html
Easter Treats Chocolate Making Day
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2009/04/tip-of-day-apri-5-2009.html
Hot Cross Buns
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/04/hot-cross-buns.html
5. Living Green in 2014
Storing Organic Food
An interesting thing happens when foods aren’t laden with artificial preservatives or any unnecessary processing.
And that thing is they don’t last as long as less natural options.
Add to that the fact that organic foods tend to be more expensive and any spoilage can be very costly. So considering all this, here are some things to keep in mind when storing your organic foods.
1. Buy produce in season. Out of season fruits and vegetables generally have a longer travel time, so that can reduce the amount of time you’ll be able to keep them before they spoil. Local produce is also often cheaper and it helps ensure maximum nutrient content. When produce is shipped long distances, it is often harvested just a little earlier than it normally should be.
2. Wash and dry your produce. Never assume that the lack of pesticides means produce doesn’t need to be washed. Dirt can still have bacteria and other harmful substances. Dry produce before storing, moisture will speed up the rotting process.
3. Whole fruits can be stored in the usual manner. Use your crisper or storage containers in your fridge. Of course, some produce like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes and onions shouldn’t be refrigerated. If you cut up any fruits or vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Store grains like flour and pasta in airtight containers. It will keep longer if you store in the fridge (up to 6 months) and even longer in the freezer (up to 1 year).
6. Fresh meat and poultry needs to be used fairly quickly. Large cuts last up to 4 days; items like steaks, chops and chicken pieces last up to 3 days; and minced meats should be used within a day or two.
7. Freeze meats that won’t be used right away. Do the same for excess fruits and vegetables you won’t be able to use. Make sure all products you freeze are in airtight packaging. Fill freezer containers as full as possible, so buy a variety of sizes for best results. Any extra air in your container can contribute to freezer burn.
8. Bottling is another possibility for organic produce. You can create jams, pickle a variety of items, make compotes, can fruits and vegetables in water and more. Of course, do note that the high temperatures in canning can affect the nutritional quality of your produce.
9. Dehydrating food can also help with preservation and can be used in a variety of ways. Dehydrated fruits make a great on-the-road snack, instead of processed food items. In addition, dehydrated produce is excellent for emergency kits, camping trips and more.
And lastly, however you store your food, include a date on foods you store. This will give you an idea of when foods might spoil and which items should be used first.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Easy Fish Cakes
Ingredients:
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp mixed herbs
2 large potatoes, cooked and mashed (or 1 cup cold mashed potato)
1 tbsp Oil
1 tbsp plain flour
Salt and Pepper, to taste
425g can tuna, drained
1 Egg, lightly beaten
Shake'n'Bake (or fresh breadcrumbs)
Method:
Combine onion, mixed herbs, flour, salt, pepper, drained tuna, mashed potatoes and beaten egg.
Shape into approximately 8 large or 15 small patties, covering each patty in Shake'n'Bake. Chill for 30 minutes. Shallow fry in hot oil. Serve with MOO wedges and salad.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Crumbed fish, wedges, salad
Saturday: Freezer meals
Sunday: Roast Lamb, baked vegetables
Monday: Honey soy chicken and fried rice
Tuesday: Spaghetti bolognese
Wednesday: Steak and vegetables
Thursday: Rissoles, vegetables and onion gravy
In the fruit bowl: apples, grapes, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: sultana cake, Weetbix Slice, Lunchbox Cookies
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 everyone.
This week's topic is homemade meat flavourings and marinades. I make all my own now and don't buy any from the supermarket. The only sauce I buy is tomato sauce, bbq sauce and creamy tomato and basil pasta sauce from Aldi.
When we eat chicken, these are the flavourings I make -
Honey/soy - good squirt of honey, small squirt of soy sauce. Mix together and brush over chicken. Season with garlic, pepper, parsley and onion flakes
Lemon chicken - squeeze 1 lemon over chicken. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion flakes and chives. Slice another lemon and place over chicken.
Saucy chicken - use equal parts tomato and bbq sauce. Mix together with 1 - 2 teaspoons of mustard powder. Brush over chicken and season with salt and pepper.
Sweet and sour chicken - cook chicken, place in casserole dish or slow cooker. Add beans, carrot, corn, celery, capsicum and 2 sliced rings of pineapple. In a jug mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp cornflour, good squirt of tomato sauce, 2 tbsp brown vinegar and 1-1/2 cups of water. Pour over chicken and vegies. Cook for 1 to 1-1/2 hours in oven on 180c or in the slow cooker for 6 - 8 hours.
Our spag bol sauce is made from scratch using tinned tomatoes, Italian seasonings and tomato paste.
My family won't eat the supermarket versions of any of these sauces as they say they taste artificial and to be honest, they are. We save a fortune by making them ourselves. Of course there are many other sauces you can make. These are just our favourites.
Do you have a favourite you'd like to share? Perhaps you can post the recipes in the Recipe File or in the cooking section of the forum.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?737-300-a-month-food-challenge-results-25-07-11
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Gratitude Journal
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2404-Gratitude-Journal
Hand Made Gifts
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2400-Hand-made-gifts
Would You be My Mentor?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2418-Would-you-be-my-mentor
Most popular blog posts this week
Cost Per Serving
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013_04_01_archive.html
A Quarterly Meat Shop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/08/a-quarterly-meat-shop.html
When One Partner Isn't a Cheapskate
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014_02_01_archive.html
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Abby who wrote "I have two children who require special therapies like speech and OT. I have private health insurance just for extras for the whole family (two adults and two children) and I pay about $145 a month. How do I work out if it is worthwhile having the insurance or not? Medicare covers only 10 sessions with an OT and 5 with a speech therapist? I spend a lot of money on health, how can I save on this?"
Sheridan Kraus answered
Hi Abby, have you checked whether you have a community health service near where you live? Our local service charges around $14 per visit for medium income families, $9 for lower income or free for children of families with a health care card. Admittedly they are only able to offer speech therapy to children who are not yet attending school, but their OT's see clients of all ages.
Seana Morris answered
My son has a lot of therapy too. An easy way lower the costs is to go fortnightly/monthly (ask you therapist advice) and continue doing your "homework" between visits. It will stretch out the Medicare funded visits.
Andrea Stephens answered
Abby doesn't mention what her children's specific problems are but if her doctor lodges a care plan with Medicare - the relevant item numbers are 721 and 723, then at that visit vouchers known as EPC vouchers can be generated to Allied Health providers such as speech therapists and O.T's. Anyone with a care plan is entitled to 5 allied health visits in a calendar year. This would enhance present access to these services with private health insurance. The only catch is making sure the allied health provider accepts the vouchers as some accept the vouchers but add on a gap fee.
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
10. This Week's Question
John writes "I have eight Victorian chairs I'm wanting to sell that have been in storage but three of them have spots on the fabric that need to cleaned. Any idea what I should use to make them clean?"
If you have a suggestion or idea for John 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
11. 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!
12. 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!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
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14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
info@cheapskates.com.au
2. In the Tip Store - Fun Cushions for Kids, One 5 Minute Phone Call Equals Home Loan Interest Savings, File Your Herbs and Spices
3. 31 Days Of MOO E-book - Get your copy today
4. Fun and Frugal Easter Treats
5. Living Green in 2014 - Storing Organic Food
6. On the Menu with Anne - Easy Fish Cakes
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Marinades and Sauces
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Last Week's Question - How do I get the best value from health insurance?
10. This Week's Question - Caring for antique chairs
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you're all have a fantastically frugal week, especially those families on school holiday, or who are about to start holidays. We've been blessed with delightful rain since late yesterday, soft drizzle that has been almost non-stop. Not too heavy, just right for soaking into the ground, and because it's been constant the water barrels are filling fast.
Of course that's meant no outside work. That's OK, I always seem to be able to find something to do inside. Today it's been working with Hannah, getting the materials and things we need for the ALCW Workshop on 17th May and making up the kits for the hands on part of the day.
We've also been brainstorming how to incorporate something new, that a few members have suggested, and we think we've nutted it out. We love to hear your suggestions so keep on sharing them with us. Its' easy to get in touch, you can use the Contact Us or log in and leave me a voice message.
One of our lovely members emailed to ask if it was all right to forward the newsletter to a friend. The answer of course is of course it is! The more we share the more Australians learn how to live the Cheapskates way, debt free, cashed up and laughing. Don't forget to let your friends know they can subscribe and receive their very own copy each week, the newsletter is totally free.
Have a great week everyone.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Fun Cushions for Kids
I just saw these fun cushions on Facebook and thought what a great idea and had to share with all your readers. Round up 5 old pillow cases that you don't use anymore, because we all know it's better to reuse than to buy new. Sew them across the seams leaving the opening clear at the sides so you can insert pillows. You can leave ends open or add a snap fastening or buttons for easy removal of the pillows when it's time to wash the pillowcases. Great for kids to lounge around on the floor.
Contributed by Marilyn Hyde
One 5 Minute Phone Call Equals Home Loan Interest Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $600 plus per annum
Bank of Melbourne is currently offering super discounted home loan interest rates to attract customers from other banks. Check out their website and see what discount you are eligible depending on your home loan amount. Call your bank and advise them of BOM rates and ask if they can beat this rate. I called NAB and in 5 minutes I saved myself $3,000 per annum (combined mortgages over 3 investment properties) as they BEAT the BOM rate being offered. No paperwork to fill in, I just received a letter in the mail saying my rate had been reduced. I advised a friend of this and she did it with ANZ and saved $600 per annum, again with a 5 minute phone call.
Contributed by Michelle Webb
File Your Herbs and Spices
Approximate $ Savings: $20 year
I also buy herbs and spices in the plastic packets but found storing them a nightmare, spilling all the time and losing their pungency faster than jars. I now place the entire packet sideways inside a snack size zip lock bag and label the top then "file" them sideways in a recycled box so they stay neat and I can see at a glance what I am running short of. No need to tip them in the bag, just a small cut to the top of the spice packet and then pop the whole thing in the zip lock bag. Saves room in the pantry rather than lots of glass jars, is very inexpensive to set up and easy to use, I grab the entire box out when cooking for a bit of this and that and best of all no more wasted spices!
Contributed by Ashlea Gibson
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
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
3. 31 Days of MOO e-book
"This month of MOO is amazingly useful Cath!!!!! We are considering being totally off the grid this year, so many useful ideas and the preserving jar light is another goodie. I am now officially the Nanna with the mostest after my first attempt at Elephant Ears on an overnight child minding assignment. 100% :)" Carol
MOO Month is now over and it was a lot of fun and a huge success. Thirty-one new ways to say "no thanks" to supermarkets and department stores were shared during March. I've had a lot of requests to put all 31 MOOs into a book you can download so that's what I've done. In a single PDF, I’ve compiled all 31 MOOs, along with the tutorial, photos and any resource you might need to MOO each project.
"Hello Cath, Currently training Hubby with what MOO means. He just came in from the shed hoping a window blind he found would fit. It didn’t, but his comment “Well Cath would have been pleased I tried”, if I didn't know better I’d think he had another woman in his life called Cath. But breakfast is always enjoyable as I read the latest tips etc. to him. We have a great life together enhanced by our gal ‘Cath’. Kindest regards." Heather
If you are a Platinum Cheapskates Club member you can log in to download your copy from the Printables page.
If you are not a Platinum Cheapskates Club member you can purchase your copy from the Cheapskates Book Store for just $1.99. It’s really that simple.
4. Fun and Frugal Easter Treats
Chocolate Dipped
If you like to make different gifts, why not be creative and dip some biscuits in melted chocolate? They look elegant, don't take long to do, are cheap and you still get the chocolate fix! A pack of shortbread fingers or wafers is under a dollar, depending on where you buy them, and a small block of chocolate shouldn't cost more than $2.
Total cost: $3.00
Easter Egg Nests
Make up a recipe of Chocolate Crackles and use this as the base to form baskets. Press the mixture into muffin pans to set. Tip them out and then pop in 3 mini eggs (5 cents each from $2 Shop) and top the nest with a fluffy yellow chick (10 cents each from $2 Shop).
Total Cost: $1.50
Pot Full of Goodies
Fill a small terracotta pot or pretty jar or tin bucket ($1 - $3, depending on size and where you buy them) with shredded cellophane or tissue. Then sit three 40g chocolate eggs on top ($2 from dollar shops). Perch a small stuffed rabbit or chick on top, wrap with cellophane and tie with a big bow. The rabbits cost $1.00 each from the $2 Shop, cellophane is 80 cents a sheet (you'll use about half a sheet for this) and ribbon you most likely will have.
Total Cost: $3.90
Fun and Funky Easter Egg Decorations
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/03/fun-and-funky-easter-egg-decorations.html
Hummingbird Cake, an Easter Tradition
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/hummingbird-cake-easter-tradition.html
Magical Easter Treasure Rocks
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/03/magical-easter-treasure-rocks.html
Easter Egg Hats
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/04/easter-egg-hats.html
Easter Treats Chocolate Making Day
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2009/04/tip-of-day-apri-5-2009.html
Hot Cross Buns
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2012/04/hot-cross-buns.html
5. Living Green in 2014
Storing Organic Food
An interesting thing happens when foods aren’t laden with artificial preservatives or any unnecessary processing.
And that thing is they don’t last as long as less natural options.
Add to that the fact that organic foods tend to be more expensive and any spoilage can be very costly. So considering all this, here are some things to keep in mind when storing your organic foods.
1. Buy produce in season. Out of season fruits and vegetables generally have a longer travel time, so that can reduce the amount of time you’ll be able to keep them before they spoil. Local produce is also often cheaper and it helps ensure maximum nutrient content. When produce is shipped long distances, it is often harvested just a little earlier than it normally should be.
2. Wash and dry your produce. Never assume that the lack of pesticides means produce doesn’t need to be washed. Dirt can still have bacteria and other harmful substances. Dry produce before storing, moisture will speed up the rotting process.
3. Whole fruits can be stored in the usual manner. Use your crisper or storage containers in your fridge. Of course, some produce like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes and onions shouldn’t be refrigerated. If you cut up any fruits or vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Store grains like flour and pasta in airtight containers. It will keep longer if you store in the fridge (up to 6 months) and even longer in the freezer (up to 1 year).
6. Fresh meat and poultry needs to be used fairly quickly. Large cuts last up to 4 days; items like steaks, chops and chicken pieces last up to 3 days; and minced meats should be used within a day or two.
7. Freeze meats that won’t be used right away. Do the same for excess fruits and vegetables you won’t be able to use. Make sure all products you freeze are in airtight packaging. Fill freezer containers as full as possible, so buy a variety of sizes for best results. Any extra air in your container can contribute to freezer burn.
8. Bottling is another possibility for organic produce. You can create jams, pickle a variety of items, make compotes, can fruits and vegetables in water and more. Of course, do note that the high temperatures in canning can affect the nutritional quality of your produce.
9. Dehydrating food can also help with preservation and can be used in a variety of ways. Dehydrated fruits make a great on-the-road snack, instead of processed food items. In addition, dehydrated produce is excellent for emergency kits, camping trips and more.
And lastly, however you store your food, include a date on foods you store. This will give you an idea of when foods might spoil and which items should be used first.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Easy Fish Cakes
Ingredients:
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp mixed herbs
2 large potatoes, cooked and mashed (or 1 cup cold mashed potato)
1 tbsp Oil
1 tbsp plain flour
Salt and Pepper, to taste
425g can tuna, drained
1 Egg, lightly beaten
Shake'n'Bake (or fresh breadcrumbs)
Method:
Combine onion, mixed herbs, flour, salt, pepper, drained tuna, mashed potatoes and beaten egg.
Shape into approximately 8 large or 15 small patties, covering each patty in Shake'n'Bake. Chill for 30 minutes. Shallow fry in hot oil. Serve with MOO wedges and salad.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Crumbed fish, wedges, salad
Saturday: Freezer meals
Sunday: Roast Lamb, baked vegetables
Monday: Honey soy chicken and fried rice
Tuesday: Spaghetti bolognese
Wednesday: Steak and vegetables
Thursday: Rissoles, vegetables and onion gravy
In the fruit bowl: apples, grapes, kiwi fruit
In the cake tin: sultana cake, Weetbix Slice, Lunchbox Cookies
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 everyone.
This week's topic is homemade meat flavourings and marinades. I make all my own now and don't buy any from the supermarket. The only sauce I buy is tomato sauce, bbq sauce and creamy tomato and basil pasta sauce from Aldi.
When we eat chicken, these are the flavourings I make -
Honey/soy - good squirt of honey, small squirt of soy sauce. Mix together and brush over chicken. Season with garlic, pepper, parsley and onion flakes
Lemon chicken - squeeze 1 lemon over chicken. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion flakes and chives. Slice another lemon and place over chicken.
Saucy chicken - use equal parts tomato and bbq sauce. Mix together with 1 - 2 teaspoons of mustard powder. Brush over chicken and season with salt and pepper.
Sweet and sour chicken - cook chicken, place in casserole dish or slow cooker. Add beans, carrot, corn, celery, capsicum and 2 sliced rings of pineapple. In a jug mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp cornflour, good squirt of tomato sauce, 2 tbsp brown vinegar and 1-1/2 cups of water. Pour over chicken and vegies. Cook for 1 to 1-1/2 hours in oven on 180c or in the slow cooker for 6 - 8 hours.
Our spag bol sauce is made from scratch using tinned tomatoes, Italian seasonings and tomato paste.
My family won't eat the supermarket versions of any of these sauces as they say they taste artificial and to be honest, they are. We save a fortune by making them ourselves. Of course there are many other sauces you can make. These are just our favourites.
Do you have a favourite you'd like to share? Perhaps you can post the recipes in the Recipe File or in the cooking section of the forum.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?737-300-a-month-food-challenge-results-25-07-11
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
8.Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Gratitude Journal
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2404-Gratitude-Journal
Hand Made Gifts
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2400-Hand-made-gifts
Would You be My Mentor?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2418-Would-you-be-my-mentor
Most popular blog posts this week
Cost Per Serving
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013_04_01_archive.html
A Quarterly Meat Shop
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/08/a-quarterly-meat-shop.html
When One Partner Isn't a Cheapskate
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014_02_01_archive.html
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Abby who wrote "I have two children who require special therapies like speech and OT. I have private health insurance just for extras for the whole family (two adults and two children) and I pay about $145 a month. How do I work out if it is worthwhile having the insurance or not? Medicare covers only 10 sessions with an OT and 5 with a speech therapist? I spend a lot of money on health, how can I save on this?"
Sheridan Kraus answered
Hi Abby, have you checked whether you have a community health service near where you live? Our local service charges around $14 per visit for medium income families, $9 for lower income or free for children of families with a health care card. Admittedly they are only able to offer speech therapy to children who are not yet attending school, but their OT's see clients of all ages.
Seana Morris answered
My son has a lot of therapy too. An easy way lower the costs is to go fortnightly/monthly (ask you therapist advice) and continue doing your "homework" between visits. It will stretch out the Medicare funded visits.
Andrea Stephens answered
Abby doesn't mention what her children's specific problems are but if her doctor lodges a care plan with Medicare - the relevant item numbers are 721 and 723, then at that visit vouchers known as EPC vouchers can be generated to Allied Health providers such as speech therapists and O.T's. Anyone with a care plan is entitled to 5 allied health visits in a calendar year. This would enhance present access to these services with private health insurance. The only catch is making sure the allied health provider accepts the vouchers as some accept the vouchers but add on a gap fee.
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10. This Week's Question
John writes "I have eight Victorian chairs I'm wanting to sell that have been in storage but three of them have spots on the fabric that need to cleaned. Any idea what I should use to make them clean?"
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