Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 17:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Tea Leaves, Easy Clean, Re-usable, Bird Cage Liner Sheets, Sorted Laundry
3. What's New at the Cheapskates Club - New features just for you
4. Submit Your Tip -
5. Living Green in 2014 - Build a Rainwater Collector
6. On the Menu with Anne - A Jam Session
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Plum Jam
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Introduction to Cheapskates by Bob
10. Last Week's Question - Where do I buy whole grains at a decent price?
11. This Week's Question - Fresh Food?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you all had a lovely Easter break. My cousin sent me a meme on Monday, just in time for the after Easter cheap chocolate. It read "Chocolate comes from cocoa which is a tree. That makes it a plant. Therefore chocolate is a salad. Enjoy all your after Easter salads". I will happily admit to having a little "salad" every day this week and thoroughly enjoying it, have you been doing the same?
March seems to have been over for ages, but it was just over three weeks ago that we finished the official 31 Days of MOO for 2014, although the MOOs go on, even providing Easter entertainment for no-longer-bored teens!
"Hi Cath, Easter holidays with the first visitors including two wonderful teenagers. What to have that would interest and engage them? 'MOO 31 days of' maybe: The oil lamp for the boy?? Handmade chocolate for the girl?? I assembled the basic items on the appropriate bedroom table complete with the instructions - I did nothing else. The young ones were enthralled and just made the items without any input from anyone else and were quietly delighted with their efforts and proud of the finished products. The lamp is still working; the chocolates are long gone with plans for different flavours and shapes to come.
I'd have never picked it! Next visit I'll make quite sure I have a lot more MOO to be going on with that will be fun to make and fill the household MOO requirements. 'They' were keen to make the 'bugs be gone' bar...had everything except catnip, even the bee wax. These young people were so pleased with what they had produced with their own hands, how environmentally friendly the products were and how healthy and tasty. That month of MOO continues to give. Thanks, Carol."
Have a lovely 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
Tea Leaves
Approximate $ Savings: Around $30 per year
Ok its only pennies every week but Cath has taught us that every cent counts. We have recently added Kombucha Tea to our probiotic fermenting projects (it is worth Googling if you haven't heard of it) and making it has increased our consumption of teabags noticeably. We prefer Madura Premium Blend which advertises low caffeine (around 2.8%) and when I went to purchase the teabags I noticed the loose leaf was $2.66/100gms compared to $4.14/100gms for bags. We have switched to leaves as of today. All it will cost me is a little extra time in cleaning up after. It is true that we pay more for the conveniences but also that we sacrifice the pleasure that comes with MOO. We are embracing the 'slow' food movement and saving money along with it.
Contributed by Angie Fimmano
Easy Clean, Re-usable, Bird Cage Liner Sheets
Approximate $ Savings: $300+ per year
We have a pet budgie and I did not want to use newspaper as a cage liner as I read that the newsprint can be toxic to pet birds. I was also horrified at the cost of shop bought grit and sand sheets for lining the bottom of the bird cage (about a $1 a sheet).
I wondered what I could use that would be:
1. safe for the bird
2. environmentally friendly and
3. easy on my purse.
I bought a pack of 3 flexible coloured plastic chopping mats ($3 for a pack of 3 at The Reject Shop). Our bird's cage is large so I use 2 of these mats (slightly overlapped) on the base of the cage. They are food grade (so no toxins) and can be washed and re-used over and over again saving me hundreds of dollars each year and without any harm to our bird.
Contributed by Nadine Billingham
Sorted Laundry
We have very little space in our laundry and I was sick of pulling the entire contents of the laundry hamper out and on to the ground for sorting. So, I took a redundant wardrobe hanging storage unit (purchased years ago at a $2 shop) and hung it where the laundry hamper used to be. Then, I made labels for each category of washing that I do with what type of items get washed, which wash cycle to use, which powder and any other "add ins" (i.e. face-washers) so that I don't forget the little items too. It saves so much time on the sorting and a lot of mental energy too. Not to mention the water and power because now I can see when a category is full enough for a load. An added bonus is that it’s now simple enough for my husband to use (given it's all spelled out) and when our fist bub arrives in June I may be able to rely on him to help out :)
Contributed by Krysten Ioannides
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Whats New at the Cheapskates Club?
The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way 1 Day Workshop
Come along and join us for a day of fun, frivolity, food and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way.
Click here for more information and to book your place
The Cheapskates Club on Facebook
Renate asked "Just wondering if Cheapskates will ever open a Facebook page?" and I listened. We have a great member forum and an incredibly complex website that has a huge Member's Centre so Facebook has not been on my to-do list. Until now. And it's done. You'll find us on Facebook here. Janine, Scott, Michelle, Rita and Marlein are the first to like our new page; please visit the new page and like us. The first 100 Likes will become "Foundation Cheapskates Club Likers" (and there will be more about that next week).
31 Days of MOO E-book
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. h
Sneak Peek
Did you know you can take a sneak peek at exactly what's in each Journal before you upgrade your membership? Platinum members have full access to all the articles in every Journal, and they can choose to read the Journal on line or download as a newsletter .pdf or plain text .pdf. Click here and you'll see the index page of the current and past Journals back to January 2013.
4. Submit your tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. Living Green in 2014
BUILD A RAINWATER COLLECTOR
We've had some rain here this week. Not a lot, but more than we've had for a good while. The grass is green, the gardens are looking rather lush and the rain barrels are full! Saving water by catching rain water rain water makes sense on so many levels - it’s eco-friendly as you will use less mains water, it’s great for the plants as they love and thrive on rain water, and you’ll save money because rain water is free for all to use.
One of the easiest ways to collect rain water is to install a proper rain water collector that feeds into a tank, but you can also use all sorts of other items to collect as much as you possibly can.
Here are three ideas I use around my garden and yard:
1. Build a rain water collect by using a plastic rubbish bin and guttering. You’ll need to attach a diverter (from any hardware shop or you can make one) to the downpipe which will drain into the rubbish bin. Ideally you will want the barrel to have a cover – especially if you have young children as this could be a drowning hazard. I've cut a hole in the lid of the bin just large enough to take the downpipe.Once it rains the water will go into your standard guttering then divert into the extra downpipe and straight into the bin.
You can also buy several specialty made rain water collectors at many garden centres but making your own is easy and using a plastic rubbish bin is a budget friendly option.
2. Collect rain water for the plants with old plastic bottles. Simply cut the bottom of the bottle off. Then stick the neck end of the bottle (the part you would drink from for example) into the soil. You now have a “funnel” and when it rains the water will go into the funnel and drain into the soil slowly. Once the soil has soaked up enough water the remaining water will stay in the funnel for a day or two and slowly drain into the soil as needed. This works especially well in pot plants and planter bags.
3. Use garden pots to collect rain water. When it rains simply leave old wide top pots out in your garden and let them fill with water. Once filled, you can cover these with an old thick cloth or even old carpet so that the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly. Then simply use the water for your plants as needed.
Collecting rain water is an easy way to become more eco-friendly in the garden. Not only will you help the environment and your plants, as rain water is what they love most, but you'll help your budget too.
6. On the Menu with Anne
A JAM SESSION
This week Wendy has shared her Plum Jam recipe (and its good!) so I thought I'd continue the theme and share my Rhubarb Jam recipe, especially as I have rhubarb going crazy in the garden at the moment. And because it is pretty pink lusciousness in a jar.
Jam is so easy to make, and so very satisfying too. Contrary to what you may believe, it isn't a long drawn out process either. It can be done very quickly, in around an hour from start to finish, including the fruit prep and cleaning up!
I tend to make single batches because they are so quick and often use frozen fruit, bought when it is on a really good sale (that grocery slush fund comes in handy!).
If you haven't ever made jam, do give it a try. It is a simple process and there's even a tip sheet to help you along. You can download your copy of Tips for Making Great Jams here. http://www.cheapskates.com.au/docs/jam_making_tips_.pdf
Rhubarb Jam
Ingredients:
1kg rhubarb stalks (not the leaves, they are poisonous)
1kg white sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
Method:
Cut the rhubarb stalks into 1cm chunks. Layer the rhubarb in a large pot with the sugar and let it rest over night. This will extract a lot of juice from the rhubarb.
The next morning add the orange juice and stir through. Put the pot over a medium heat and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium low and boil for 45 minutes until thick and at gel point, stirring occasionally and scraping down the sides of the pot with a wet pastry brush.
Ladle into hot, sterilised jars. Seal immediately.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Smoked cod in white sauce, salad, bread rolls
Saturday: Hamburgers
Sunday: Baked ham with pineapple glaze, mash, beans, carrots, corn,
Monday: Quiche, wedges and salad
Tuesday: Mac'n'Cheese, grilled ham
Wednesday: Rissoles, steamed vegetables
Thursday: Curried sausages, steamed rice
In the fruit bowl: kiwi fruit, bananas, pears
In the cake tin: Chocolate cake, apple muffins, ANZAC slice
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello Everyone.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy at my house. My DH and I have planted out our winter veggie garden. We've also planted some new plants as well as cuttings we took from plants we liked. They have now grown big enough to be planted out to fill in some gaps.
We have started picking a few lemons off our tree. Soon I'll be freezing the juice to make lemon butter, lemon chicken, biscuits and lemon slice all year round. Our fruit trees have been fed and watered with water collected from the shower and kitchen.
Last week I made ten jars of plum jam. Plums were on sale at our local fruit and veg market. I bought some at one stall for $1.49 a kilo. As DH and I walked around we saw plums for sale at 99 cents a kilo at another stall. So I bought some more. The next day I made up the plum jam with sugar I already had on hand and lemon juice from the freezer. This was from last year's lemon crop. I'd been saving small glass jars for a while as well as friends saving them for me too.
Jam is quite easy to make I don't use any special equipment. Just a big saucepan, glass jars with pop button lids, a wide mouthed funnel, spoons/ladle and a spatula. All equipment used for pouring the jam into the jars is sterilised in a saucepan of boiling water. The glass jars and lids are washed in hot soapy water and rinsed. They are turned up side down onto a tea towel lined baking tray and placed in an oven at 160c for 15 minutes to sterilise.
There's my recipe for plum jam -
2 kg of plums, I like the dark skinned ones
1.7 kg of white sugar
Juice of 2 - 3 lemons
1 cup of water
Place a saucer in the freezer or fridge. This is used to test the jam to see if it's set.
Cut plums in half to remove stones. Cut each half into quarters
Place plums, stones (make sure you count them), lemon juice and water into a large saucepan. The stones help set the jam.
Slowly bring to the boil and simmer until plum flesh breaks down.
Place washed jars and lids into the oven.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Bring back to the boil and stir every now and then until it reaches setting point. This is tested by dropping a little of the jam onto the small saucer from the fridge/freezer. After a minute or two, move your finger through the jam. If it wrinkles then it is ready to bottle.
Remove stones from the saucepan. They usually float to the top.
Pour hot jam into hot jars and seal immediately. Leave on the kitchen bench or table until cool then store away.
Homemade jam is really cheap to make. To make my ten jars of jam I bought 2.25 kg of plums and used 1.8 kg of white sugar. The jars and lemon juice were free. I've calculated that each jar of jam cost 46 cents to make I can easily recoup the costs by selling one or two jars of jam for $3 or $4. I can also give a few away as presents. The rest is ours to eat for free.
Are you going to give jam making a go? What jam do you like to make?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2434-300-a-month-food-challenge-21-04-14
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
MY FAMILY'S LIFESTYLE CHANGE FOR 2014
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2300-My-family-s-lifestyle-change-for-2014
THE 31 DAYS OF MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2376-The-31-Days-of-MOO
HOW DO I PLAN PERSONAL HOME PROJECTS?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2081-How-do-I-plan-personal-home-projects
Most popular blog posts this week
A PENNY SAVED IS WORTH TWO EARNED
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/08/penny-saved-is-worth-two-earned.html
THE PERFECT PANTRY
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/11/the-perfect-pantry.html
A CHANGE OF PLAN AND HOMEMADE APPLE DRINK
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/07/a-change-of-plan-and-homemade-apple.html
9. Member's Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by Bob.
INTRODUCTION TO CHEAPSKATES
Hi, my name is Bob. I read Cath's book EAT WELL, SAVE MORE with enthusiasm and began to more fully understand that spending habits can cause you to live well (or not) on a small budget.
The door has only just just opened for the need for us to embrace a more spending conscious life style. Without going into detail our life has been what you would call financially successful until a bad business venture put us in the position where we had to sell our then existing properties to cover a loss.
We did buy a smaller home (freehold) with the surplus funds. Overdue retirement was upon us so now we have to budget a lifestyle on a pension income.
The scenario of having to live with a perceived shortage of money, from my current observation, can come to not only people with lifelong poor spending habits, but to others for a whole variety of reasons.
True, some of the things that we used to think were 'run of the mill' expenses won't be happening again anytime soon. But at the time we could afford them; that is the 'horses for courses' equation. You have to work with what's on the table.
One door closes - another one opens. The view through our new door is not depressing - there is a somewhat exciting challenge.
I think this is the thread of Cath's book.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Jacksoncamp who wrote "I would love to get into serving more whole grains for my family but I can't seem to find any bulk suppliers at a decent price on net. I also don't seem to have anywhere locally that sells these unless I want to use stock feed! I'm looking for wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, triticale and chia; these can all be cooked whole or roasted and ground for all sorts. I would really appreciate any input, we're in New South Wales, but I am sure there are other Cheapskaters who have the same problem, so any supplier anywhere you know of might help us all."
Marie Hinkley answered
I use 2 Brothers Foods. They are based in Perth WA but I'm pretty sure they deliver Australia wide. Half the price of the supermarkets and I pay a whole $3.50 delivery fee. I love their service and the food is great.
Kate R answered
My suggestion is to look at a growers market. In Adelaide, there's a great stall in Central Market called "Goodies + Grains". Sydney and Melbourne markets are bound to have similar - my favourite in Sydney is the organic market at Rozelle, but there are bigger markets. Naked Foods has a site and they promote where they will be. Large health food shops may also sell in bulk (pack your own), or online I found www.goodness.com.au, www.bulkwholefoods.com.au and www.aussiehealthproducts.com.au
Lisa Noomford answered
I can recommend a company called Farmhouse Direct who can be contacted online under www.farmhousedirect.com.au. They put customers in contact with farmers all over Australia who sell grains, nuts, fruit, veggies, milk, baked goods, meat and chocolate.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
This week's question is another from our Member Forum. Inquisitive writes
"I need help! I live in WA and at the moment we only have one supermarket in our town centre. The produce there is shocking! I went shopping today for mince and it was a pasty grey colour. Their fruit and veg is expensive and below standard for what I'm paying. My question is where do other people find fresh meat, fruit and veg that do not break the budget? My family hasn't eaten meat in weeks because of the poor quality stuff from the supermarket. On a further note if you live outside of WA and have access to fresh fruit and veg, where do you live? And where's the best place to live to grow your own produce? I'm seriously considering a move over East just so I can live a healthier, fresher lifestyle. Thanks in advance for all your advice!!"
Do you have a suggestion?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Inquisitive let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 10 cents a day you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
13. Gift Memberships
Your family and friends will thank you for a whole year when you give them a Platinum Cheapskates Club membership as a gift.
It's so simple: just select the number of gift memberships required, click the Buy Now button and complete the Gift Membership order form (you must use this form to order gift memberships) and we'll get in touch with you to confirm the gift subscriptions.
Click here to order a gift membership right now!
14. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my email address?
This one is easy. Members can update their email address or any other details by clicking on "Edit Profile" directly under their membership number after they have logged in to the Member's Centre. Subscribers to our free newsletter can use the Change Your Address form (under Customer Service in the menu) and fill it out. Once you've filled it in click the send button and we'll do the rest. Please remember to include your old email address so we can find it in the list as well as the new one.
How do I know when my membership should be renewed?
When you login to the Member's Centre you will be told how many days of membership you have left once you have 30 days left. Just click on the link to renew and your membership will just continue on, uninterrupted.
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Read our privacy policy
How Did You Get on Our List?
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15. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
[email protected]
2. In the Tip Store - Tea Leaves, Easy Clean, Re-usable, Bird Cage Liner Sheets, Sorted Laundry
3. What's New at the Cheapskates Club - New features just for you
4. Submit Your Tip -
5. Living Green in 2014 - Build a Rainwater Collector
6. On the Menu with Anne - A Jam Session
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Plum Jam
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - Introduction to Cheapskates by Bob
10. Last Week's Question - Where do I buy whole grains at a decent price?
11. This Week's Question - Fresh Food?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I hope you all had a lovely Easter break. My cousin sent me a meme on Monday, just in time for the after Easter cheap chocolate. It read "Chocolate comes from cocoa which is a tree. That makes it a plant. Therefore chocolate is a salad. Enjoy all your after Easter salads". I will happily admit to having a little "salad" every day this week and thoroughly enjoying it, have you been doing the same?
March seems to have been over for ages, but it was just over three weeks ago that we finished the official 31 Days of MOO for 2014, although the MOOs go on, even providing Easter entertainment for no-longer-bored teens!
"Hi Cath, Easter holidays with the first visitors including two wonderful teenagers. What to have that would interest and engage them? 'MOO 31 days of' maybe: The oil lamp for the boy?? Handmade chocolate for the girl?? I assembled the basic items on the appropriate bedroom table complete with the instructions - I did nothing else. The young ones were enthralled and just made the items without any input from anyone else and were quietly delighted with their efforts and proud of the finished products. The lamp is still working; the chocolates are long gone with plans for different flavours and shapes to come.
I'd have never picked it! Next visit I'll make quite sure I have a lot more MOO to be going on with that will be fun to make and fill the household MOO requirements. 'They' were keen to make the 'bugs be gone' bar...had everything except catnip, even the bee wax. These young people were so pleased with what they had produced with their own hands, how environmentally friendly the products were and how healthy and tasty. That month of MOO continues to give. Thanks, Carol."
Have a lovely 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
Tea Leaves
Approximate $ Savings: Around $30 per year
Ok its only pennies every week but Cath has taught us that every cent counts. We have recently added Kombucha Tea to our probiotic fermenting projects (it is worth Googling if you haven't heard of it) and making it has increased our consumption of teabags noticeably. We prefer Madura Premium Blend which advertises low caffeine (around 2.8%) and when I went to purchase the teabags I noticed the loose leaf was $2.66/100gms compared to $4.14/100gms for bags. We have switched to leaves as of today. All it will cost me is a little extra time in cleaning up after. It is true that we pay more for the conveniences but also that we sacrifice the pleasure that comes with MOO. We are embracing the 'slow' food movement and saving money along with it.
Contributed by Angie Fimmano
Easy Clean, Re-usable, Bird Cage Liner Sheets
Approximate $ Savings: $300+ per year
We have a pet budgie and I did not want to use newspaper as a cage liner as I read that the newsprint can be toxic to pet birds. I was also horrified at the cost of shop bought grit and sand sheets for lining the bottom of the bird cage (about a $1 a sheet).
I wondered what I could use that would be:
1. safe for the bird
2. environmentally friendly and
3. easy on my purse.
I bought a pack of 3 flexible coloured plastic chopping mats ($3 for a pack of 3 at The Reject Shop). Our bird's cage is large so I use 2 of these mats (slightly overlapped) on the base of the cage. They are food grade (so no toxins) and can be washed and re-used over and over again saving me hundreds of dollars each year and without any harm to our bird.
Contributed by Nadine Billingham
Sorted Laundry
We have very little space in our laundry and I was sick of pulling the entire contents of the laundry hamper out and on to the ground for sorting. So, I took a redundant wardrobe hanging storage unit (purchased years ago at a $2 shop) and hung it where the laundry hamper used to be. Then, I made labels for each category of washing that I do with what type of items get washed, which wash cycle to use, which powder and any other "add ins" (i.e. face-washers) so that I don't forget the little items too. It saves so much time on the sorting and a lot of mental energy too. Not to mention the water and power because now I can see when a category is full enough for a load. An added bonus is that it’s now simple enough for my husband to use (given it's all spelled out) and when our fist bub arrives in June I may be able to rely on him to help out :)
Contributed by Krysten Ioannides
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Whats New at the Cheapskates Club?
The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way 1 Day Workshop
Come along and join us for a day of fun, frivolity, food and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way.
Click here for more information and to book your place
The Cheapskates Club on Facebook
Renate asked "Just wondering if Cheapskates will ever open a Facebook page?" and I listened. We have a great member forum and an incredibly complex website that has a huge Member's Centre so Facebook has not been on my to-do list. Until now. And it's done. You'll find us on Facebook here. Janine, Scott, Michelle, Rita and Marlein are the first to like our new page; please visit the new page and like us. The first 100 Likes will become "Foundation Cheapskates Club Likers" (and there will be more about that next week).
31 Days of MOO E-book
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. h
Sneak Peek
Did you know you can take a sneak peek at exactly what's in each Journal before you upgrade your membership? Platinum members have full access to all the articles in every Journal, and they can choose to read the Journal on line or download as a newsletter .pdf or plain text .pdf. Click here and you'll see the index page of the current and past Journals back to January 2013.
4. Submit your tip
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 3,000 pages of money saving hints, tips and ideas. Let's get together and make the Cheapskates Club Australia's largest online hint, tip and idea library. Share your favourite money saving, time saving or energy saving hint and be in the running to win a one-year membership to The Cheapskate Club. We publish a Winning Tip each Thursday, so enter your great money, time or energy saving idea now.
Share your favourite hint or tip that saves money, time and energy and be in the running to win a one-year subscription to The Cheapskate Journal.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Submit your tip
5. Living Green in 2014
BUILD A RAINWATER COLLECTOR
We've had some rain here this week. Not a lot, but more than we've had for a good while. The grass is green, the gardens are looking rather lush and the rain barrels are full! Saving water by catching rain water rain water makes sense on so many levels - it’s eco-friendly as you will use less mains water, it’s great for the plants as they love and thrive on rain water, and you’ll save money because rain water is free for all to use.
One of the easiest ways to collect rain water is to install a proper rain water collector that feeds into a tank, but you can also use all sorts of other items to collect as much as you possibly can.
Here are three ideas I use around my garden and yard:
1. Build a rain water collect by using a plastic rubbish bin and guttering. You’ll need to attach a diverter (from any hardware shop or you can make one) to the downpipe which will drain into the rubbish bin. Ideally you will want the barrel to have a cover – especially if you have young children as this could be a drowning hazard. I've cut a hole in the lid of the bin just large enough to take the downpipe.Once it rains the water will go into your standard guttering then divert into the extra downpipe and straight into the bin.
You can also buy several specialty made rain water collectors at many garden centres but making your own is easy and using a plastic rubbish bin is a budget friendly option.
2. Collect rain water for the plants with old plastic bottles. Simply cut the bottom of the bottle off. Then stick the neck end of the bottle (the part you would drink from for example) into the soil. You now have a “funnel” and when it rains the water will go into the funnel and drain into the soil slowly. Once the soil has soaked up enough water the remaining water will stay in the funnel for a day or two and slowly drain into the soil as needed. This works especially well in pot plants and planter bags.
3. Use garden pots to collect rain water. When it rains simply leave old wide top pots out in your garden and let them fill with water. Once filled, you can cover these with an old thick cloth or even old carpet so that the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly. Then simply use the water for your plants as needed.
Collecting rain water is an easy way to become more eco-friendly in the garden. Not only will you help the environment and your plants, as rain water is what they love most, but you'll help your budget too.
6. On the Menu with Anne
A JAM SESSION
This week Wendy has shared her Plum Jam recipe (and its good!) so I thought I'd continue the theme and share my Rhubarb Jam recipe, especially as I have rhubarb going crazy in the garden at the moment. And because it is pretty pink lusciousness in a jar.
Jam is so easy to make, and so very satisfying too. Contrary to what you may believe, it isn't a long drawn out process either. It can be done very quickly, in around an hour from start to finish, including the fruit prep and cleaning up!
I tend to make single batches because they are so quick and often use frozen fruit, bought when it is on a really good sale (that grocery slush fund comes in handy!).
If you haven't ever made jam, do give it a try. It is a simple process and there's even a tip sheet to help you along. You can download your copy of Tips for Making Great Jams here. http://www.cheapskates.com.au/docs/jam_making_tips_.pdf
Rhubarb Jam
Ingredients:
1kg rhubarb stalks (not the leaves, they are poisonous)
1kg white sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
Method:
Cut the rhubarb stalks into 1cm chunks. Layer the rhubarb in a large pot with the sugar and let it rest over night. This will extract a lot of juice from the rhubarb.
The next morning add the orange juice and stir through. Put the pot over a medium heat and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium low and boil for 45 minutes until thick and at gel point, stirring occasionally and scraping down the sides of the pot with a wet pastry brush.
Ladle into hot, sterilised jars. Seal immediately.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Smoked cod in white sauce, salad, bread rolls
Saturday: Hamburgers
Sunday: Baked ham with pineapple glaze, mash, beans, carrots, corn,
Monday: Quiche, wedges and salad
Tuesday: Mac'n'Cheese, grilled ham
Wednesday: Rissoles, steamed vegetables
Thursday: Curried sausages, steamed rice
In the fruit bowl: kiwi fruit, bananas, pears
In the cake tin: Chocolate cake, apple muffins, ANZAC slice
There are over 1,300 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Hello Everyone.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy at my house. My DH and I have planted out our winter veggie garden. We've also planted some new plants as well as cuttings we took from plants we liked. They have now grown big enough to be planted out to fill in some gaps.
We have started picking a few lemons off our tree. Soon I'll be freezing the juice to make lemon butter, lemon chicken, biscuits and lemon slice all year round. Our fruit trees have been fed and watered with water collected from the shower and kitchen.
Last week I made ten jars of plum jam. Plums were on sale at our local fruit and veg market. I bought some at one stall for $1.49 a kilo. As DH and I walked around we saw plums for sale at 99 cents a kilo at another stall. So I bought some more. The next day I made up the plum jam with sugar I already had on hand and lemon juice from the freezer. This was from last year's lemon crop. I'd been saving small glass jars for a while as well as friends saving them for me too.
Jam is quite easy to make I don't use any special equipment. Just a big saucepan, glass jars with pop button lids, a wide mouthed funnel, spoons/ladle and a spatula. All equipment used for pouring the jam into the jars is sterilised in a saucepan of boiling water. The glass jars and lids are washed in hot soapy water and rinsed. They are turned up side down onto a tea towel lined baking tray and placed in an oven at 160c for 15 minutes to sterilise.
There's my recipe for plum jam -
2 kg of plums, I like the dark skinned ones
1.7 kg of white sugar
Juice of 2 - 3 lemons
1 cup of water
Place a saucer in the freezer or fridge. This is used to test the jam to see if it's set.
Cut plums in half to remove stones. Cut each half into quarters
Place plums, stones (make sure you count them), lemon juice and water into a large saucepan. The stones help set the jam.
Slowly bring to the boil and simmer until plum flesh breaks down.
Place washed jars and lids into the oven.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Bring back to the boil and stir every now and then until it reaches setting point. This is tested by dropping a little of the jam onto the small saucer from the fridge/freezer. After a minute or two, move your finger through the jam. If it wrinkles then it is ready to bottle.
Remove stones from the saucepan. They usually float to the top.
Pour hot jam into hot jars and seal immediately. Leave on the kitchen bench or table until cool then store away.
Homemade jam is really cheap to make. To make my ten jars of jam I bought 2.25 kg of plums and used 1.8 kg of white sugar. The jars and lemon juice were free. I've calculated that each jar of jam cost 46 cents to make I can easily recoup the costs by selling one or two jars of jam for $3 or $4. I can also give a few away as presents. The rest is ours to eat for free.
Are you going to give jam making a go? What jam do you like to make?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2434-300-a-month-food-challenge-21-04-14
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
MY FAMILY'S LIFESTYLE CHANGE FOR 2014
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2300-My-family-s-lifestyle-change-for-2014
THE 31 DAYS OF MOO
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2376-The-31-Days-of-MOO
HOW DO I PLAN PERSONAL HOME PROJECTS?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2081-How-do-I-plan-personal-home-projects
Most popular blog posts this week
A PENNY SAVED IS WORTH TWO EARNED
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/08/penny-saved-is-worth-two-earned.html
THE PERFECT PANTRY
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/11/the-perfect-pantry.html
A CHANGE OF PLAN AND HOMEMADE APPLE DRINK
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/07/a-change-of-plan-and-homemade-apple.html
9. Member's Featured Blog
Platinum Cheapskates Club members have their very own Cheapskating blogs, and they are wonderful and inspirational and encouraging and even funny. This week's featured blog is written by Bob.
INTRODUCTION TO CHEAPSKATES
Hi, my name is Bob. I read Cath's book EAT WELL, SAVE MORE with enthusiasm and began to more fully understand that spending habits can cause you to live well (or not) on a small budget.
The door has only just just opened for the need for us to embrace a more spending conscious life style. Without going into detail our life has been what you would call financially successful until a bad business venture put us in the position where we had to sell our then existing properties to cover a loss.
We did buy a smaller home (freehold) with the surplus funds. Overdue retirement was upon us so now we have to budget a lifestyle on a pension income.
The scenario of having to live with a perceived shortage of money, from my current observation, can come to not only people with lifelong poor spending habits, but to others for a whole variety of reasons.
True, some of the things that we used to think were 'run of the mill' expenses won't be happening again anytime soon. But at the time we could afford them; that is the 'horses for courses' equation. You have to work with what's on the table.
One door closes - another one opens. The view through our new door is not depressing - there is a somewhat exciting challenge.
I think this is the thread of Cath's book.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Jacksoncamp who wrote "I would love to get into serving more whole grains for my family but I can't seem to find any bulk suppliers at a decent price on net. I also don't seem to have anywhere locally that sells these unless I want to use stock feed! I'm looking for wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, triticale and chia; these can all be cooked whole or roasted and ground for all sorts. I would really appreciate any input, we're in New South Wales, but I am sure there are other Cheapskaters who have the same problem, so any supplier anywhere you know of might help us all."
Marie Hinkley answered
I use 2 Brothers Foods. They are based in Perth WA but I'm pretty sure they deliver Australia wide. Half the price of the supermarkets and I pay a whole $3.50 delivery fee. I love their service and the food is great.
Kate R answered
My suggestion is to look at a growers market. In Adelaide, there's a great stall in Central Market called "Goodies + Grains". Sydney and Melbourne markets are bound to have similar - my favourite in Sydney is the organic market at Rozelle, but there are bigger markets. Naked Foods has a site and they promote where they will be. Large health food shops may also sell in bulk (pack your own), or online I found www.goodness.com.au, www.bulkwholefoods.com.au and www.aussiehealthproducts.com.au
Lisa Noomford answered
I can recommend a company called Farmhouse Direct who can be contacted online under www.farmhousedirect.com.au. They put customers in contact with farmers all over Australia who sell grains, nuts, fruit, veggies, milk, baked goods, meat and chocolate.
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11. This Week's Question
This week's question is another from our Member Forum. Inquisitive writes
"I need help! I live in WA and at the moment we only have one supermarket in our town centre. The produce there is shocking! I went shopping today for mince and it was a pasty grey colour. Their fruit and veg is expensive and below standard for what I'm paying. My question is where do other people find fresh meat, fruit and veg that do not break the budget? My family hasn't eaten meat in weeks because of the poor quality stuff from the supermarket. On a further note if you live outside of WA and have access to fresh fruit and veg, where do you live? And where's the best place to live to grow your own produce? I'm seriously considering a move over East just so I can live a healthier, fresher lifestyle. Thanks in advance for all your advice!!"
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15. Contact Details
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