Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 25:17
In this Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Milk Money; Saving with the New Lower Star Rating; Preserving Garlic in Raw Honey
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - Sweet Lamb Curry
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Save Money Buying in Bulk
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. Member's Featured Blog - My Stockpile
8. Last Week's Question - What's the best, frugal dog shampoo?
9. This Week's Question - Meal Planning for a Mixed Meal Family
10. Ask Cath
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
A new Cheapskater asked me this week why I always sign off with "happy Cheapskating".
I always sign off with "happy Cheapskating" because I'm happy to live the Cheapskates way. I like the benefits Cheapskatingcd brings and has brought to my family. And I really want everyone to know that just because you're on a budget - tight, medium or otherwise - you don't need to be sad and miserable, feel deprived or miss out on the good things in life.
Cheapskating isn't for everyone, I'll admit that. But if you want to live life debt free, cashed up and laughing, if you want to avoid the stress and uncertainty of debt, then choosing a frugal lifestyle, living the Cheapskates way is for you.
I can't tell you what to do with your money (OK, I can, but I shouldn't and won't), but I can tell how we live without debt, how we have everything we not only need, but want, and show you that the Cheapskates way works. And I can show you how to take what works for me and my family and tweak it to work for you.
It's not rocket science, but it will require some dedication and yes, you will need to make changes to the way you live and spend and save. Once you’ve made those changes and realised just how good life is, you'll be a happy Cheapskater.
And you'll understand why I always sign off with
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
Milk Money
When I fill up my car I wait until I need milk. I use my 4c off voucher at a Woolworths service station; when you spend an extra $5 in store you get another 4c off per litre. The milk is the same price as the supermarket so I buy 3 x 2 litre milks. I usually get my milk for free as the extra 4c off is an extra $5.60 off, along with the original $5.60, so I end up paying 40 cents for 6 litres of milk. This offer works at Coles as well as they offer the extra 4 cent discount. It's no discount or saving if you're fooled by their other 'discounts' of chocolates, but we all use milk so why not take advantage and save when you can.
Contributed by Sue-Anne Bain
Saving with the New Lower Star Rating
As the price of electricity has been constantly rising and our electric storage hot water system was using too much energy, we installed solar panels to help bring the cost down, but it just didn't save enough money. We then installed a heat pump HWS which dramatically decreased our energy costs by almost half. I was also told that the star rating system on old appliances no longer meant anything, and that less stars on new appliances meant that they were more efficient than an old appliance with more stars. After checking this with a local whitegoods store and having it confirmed, I bought a new fridge-only which only uses 190kWh a year, equating to $1 a week running costs. Our consumption has dropped below half, and in summer we should make money. Our solar panels are monitored by wifi, so you can actually see how the energy from the panels and the grid is used. As I said, not cheap to set up, but we'll worth it for the long haul if you can. Hope this helps with whitegoods, if nothing else.
Contributed by Lyn Plaisted
Preserving Garlic in Raw Honey
As a change from preserving garlic cloves in oil, they can also be preserved in raw honey. Into a sterilized jar, put the peeled separated garlic cloves and cover with raw honey (not supermarket honey). You can use the garlic immediately. Over time, the honey will become more liquid and can be used as a sweet garlic flavouring in stir-fries and marinades. Store indefinitely in fridge.
Contributed by Julie Davis
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
Sweet Lamb Curry
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons mild curry powder
500g cooked lamb, diced
1/2 cup fruit chutney
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, finely chopped
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Plain yoghurt, to serve
Method:
Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Increase heat to high. Add curry powder and lamb. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes or until browned. Stir in chutney, apple, sultanas and stock or water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture thickens. Serve over steamed rice with a dollop of yoghurt on top.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Vegetable Moussaka
Tuesday: Spaghetti Soup
Wednesday: Sweet Curry with left-over lamb & rice
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Stuffed potatoes with cheese, coleslaw, pineapple, sour cream
In the fruit bowl: grapes
In the cake tin: Chocolate slice, caramello slice
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge
Save Money Buying in Bulk!
Buying those things you use frequently in bulk is a great way to save money, time and energy. There are bargains to be had but just shopping in bulk quantities does not guarantee that you are getting a bargain.
The first rule of bulk shopping is: only buy things that you would regularly buy. If you are trying to cut down your spending by shopping in bulk but you go to the outlet and buy a bunch of things you never intended to buy then you are not saving any money! The best bet is to buy household items that you buy every week and that you always keep in stock. Things that you use regularly like toilet paper, soap, tissues, shampoo and conditioner and paper towels are all a good choice. These are things that even a person living alone will eventually use up. Not only will you save money on these items but you’ll be less likely to run out of them. Another way you’ll save money – no more ‘quick trips’ to the supermarket for toilet paper, only to come home with a trolley full of other things.
Buying anything perishable in bulk isn’t a good idea, unless you are going to freeze it, bottle it, dehydrate it or share it with a friend. But if you can get a year’s supply of toilet paper for just 20 cents a roll, are you going to pass it up?
The next safest items to stock up on are daily cooking supplies. Things like salt and sugar store well and keep for a very long time. If you cook on a regular basis it saves a lot of money to buy all types of ingredients in bulk from olive oil and spices to flour and sauces.
Now I love to shop at warehouse outlets, where I know I can get a bargain (don’t forget your price book!). Knowing the regular retail price of the goods you purchase is essential. Just because you’re buying in bulk doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a great price! Often the sizes are different, so you need to be able to calculate the per-unit price. That large can of tomato paste may seem cheap, but gram for gram it could work out to be more expensive than the equivalent in small cans.
Another strategy when shopping in bulk is to think of the things that you buy every week or two. If your family goes through peanut butter like its going out of style then you know it will be a good thing to buy. Canned vegetables, soups and bottled pasta sauces are all things that can sit on a shelf in the pantry or garage for a long time and still be used.
Bulk buying can give you a lot of peace – you know you won’t run out of toilet paper, soap powder or baked beans if you have a carton of each of them. But don’t be conned by a good price – if your family won’t eat pickled onions, don’t buy them! Even if they are just 30 cents a jar – that’s money just thrown away.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Stockpiling - Small Wins!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3591-Stockpiling-Small-Wins!
My Retirement Garden
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2581-My-Retirement-Garden
The Stash
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3477-The-Stash
Most popular blog posts this week
Hannah's Double Choc Chip M&M Biscuits
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/08/hannahs-double-choc-chip-m-biscuits.html
An Easy Way to Sort and Treat Stained Laundry
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/02/an-easy-way-to-sort-and-treat-stained.html
From Spendthrift to Cheapskates in 4 Easy Stages
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/02/from-spendthrift-to-cheapskate-in-4.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 Hevva.
Savings Revolution 2017
Can you believe it? The year is half over! I have done my homework... the team seems a little silent this year...I wonder if the battle is getting more difficult for some of us. I see prices going up and up for ingredients...if you wanted to buy prepared and packaged stuff it would seem so easy and so attractive sometimes...a bit like the straight and narrow roads! I know that cooking from scratch for most meals is the way to go and I am confident that although we eat simply we don't sacrifice quality, flavour or nutrition! I have felt side tracked and overwhelmed for this first 6 months of 2017. I must say that the community here has been a welcome distraction and a constant reminder that frugal living is possible without giving anything up in the process.
I love my MOO cleaning products, the stockpile is building back up just enough to suit our lifestyle and I have kept up pretty much with my resolution to avoid spending money on unnecessary stuff. So far this year I have bought a replacement pair of everyday shoes, a new pair of slippers and one top I didn't need! I finally found my winter clothes today...I have been wearing the same three combinations that I COULD find which just shows how little I really need! The op shop in our downstairs is starting to reduce but the TV room is still unusable as there is still furniture to dispose of and I have to bide my time and curb my frustration. I can never be thankful enough for Wendy's saying BE ENCOURAGED! The next tip run will be old window blinds (from underneath the house) and a collection of ancient garden tools. Have kept just the ones we will use. I took a whole lot of pictures yesterday for the next round of eBay sales and even though it is chilly today the sun is shining and I am so grateful for all the wonderful things there are in my world. Hope everyone is well and warm...time to start Christmas shopping and planning!!!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
8. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Karen who wrote
"We have recently acquired a foxie as a pet for our household. Does anyone have suggestions for an economical dog shampoo and conditioner?"
Su Drummond answered
I used to use home brand eucalyptus wool wash on my long haired spaniel. It is gentle on the skin, kept his coat shiny, tangle free and the eucalyptus helps repel fleas.
Kate Crawford answered
Personally, I'd use Cath's liquid laundry soap as the shampoo. The tea tree or eucalyptus oil should deter the fleas, and both are antiseptic for any nicks dogs get playing, and the borax will get rid of mites. Or in a pinch bicarb soda with tea tree oil mixed in. This won't lather, but it will clean all the stinky dog oils off, it's skin and hair. It does work as a hair cleaner on humans too, but will strip hair colour out. I'd then follow with quarter of a cup of vinegar diluted up to one cup with water as the conditioner (it makes my hair silky soft).
Pat Parkin answered
When I was a child we had a foxie and she was washed in what we called "Dog Soap", of course it wasn't called that at all. Years later I found out that it was Pinetarsol soap. It wasn't a pretty soap as it was pitch black in colour. The dog never had any skin problems and Mum also used it on her hair as it was always greasy from her being a full time cook in a commercial kitchen. Dog shampoo didn't exist then. I do recall when it was starting to be sold. But my parents didn't switch from what worked well and was cheaper.
Robyne Neal answered
I also have a Jack Russell and a Tenterfield and I wash them both in the laundry sink with a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and I use yellow laundry soap. It cleans them and the oil kills any fleas they get from the grass.
Brenda Conlon answered
Hi Karen, I'm a professional dog groomer and recommend that you buy a good shampoo, we use Fido's everyday shampoo, which is soap free and never causes any problems, it may be a little expensive ($20 a bottle) but is concentrated and goes a long way, forget about conditioner you don't need it. We also use the good old kitchen sponges (not the one with scourers, just the no frills holey looking ones) pack of 3 at the supermarket to wash dogs with as it helps spread the shampoo a long way. Just a small squirt along the back after wetting the dog and sponge to a good lather and rinse. The bottle should last at least a year or more depending on how much you wash the dog.
Rebecca Simmons answered
Homebrand wool wash is an excellent shampoo for dogs; as it contain eucalyptus it's a great flea repellent. For a conditioner, dilute 1 cap of fabric softener with water into 2 litre bottle, pour over your dog and then rinse the dog over with water...your dog will be fresh and it is safe.
9. This Week's Question
Janine writes
"I am having trouble menu planning at present as I have two meat eaters and two vegetarians in the family. Where once I would put the slow cooker on before work and it would feed all four of us, I now find it leaves two of us out. The vegetarian meals are fine even though I am yet to find many slow cooker meals because I can always add meat. It is the meat meals that leave the vegetarians out that are making things hard. Any suggestions? I am finding the vegetarians are living on nachos and wedges a lot. Having a few freezer meals in stock would be good for the let's get take away instead cause it is easy nights (Chinese veggies and noodles etc.)."
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Janine 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
10. Ask Cath
We have lots of resources to help you as you live the Cheapskates way but if you didn't find the answer to your question in our extensive archives please just drop me a note with your question.
I read and answer all questions, either in an email to you, in my weekly newsletter, the monthly Journal or by creating blog posts and other resources to help you (and other Cheapskaters).
Ask Your Question
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 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. 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
13. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskatesclub.net
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Milk Money; Saving with the New Lower Star Rating; Preserving Garlic in Raw Honey
3. Share Your Tips
4. On the Menu - Sweet Lamb Curry
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Save Money Buying in Bulk
6. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
7. Member's Featured Blog - My Stockpile
8. Last Week's Question - What's the best, frugal dog shampoo?
9. This Week's Question - Meal Planning for a Mixed Meal Family
10. Ask Cath
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
A new Cheapskater asked me this week why I always sign off with "happy Cheapskating".
I always sign off with "happy Cheapskating" because I'm happy to live the Cheapskates way. I like the benefits Cheapskatingcd brings and has brought to my family. And I really want everyone to know that just because you're on a budget - tight, medium or otherwise - you don't need to be sad and miserable, feel deprived or miss out on the good things in life.
Cheapskating isn't for everyone, I'll admit that. But if you want to live life debt free, cashed up and laughing, if you want to avoid the stress and uncertainty of debt, then choosing a frugal lifestyle, living the Cheapskates way is for you.
I can't tell you what to do with your money (OK, I can, but I shouldn't and won't), but I can tell how we live without debt, how we have everything we not only need, but want, and show you that the Cheapskates way works. And I can show you how to take what works for me and my family and tweak it to work for you.
It's not rocket science, but it will require some dedication and yes, you will need to make changes to the way you live and spend and save. Once you’ve made those changes and realised just how good life is, you'll be a happy Cheapskater.
And you'll understand why I always sign off with
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
Milk Money
When I fill up my car I wait until I need milk. I use my 4c off voucher at a Woolworths service station; when you spend an extra $5 in store you get another 4c off per litre. The milk is the same price as the supermarket so I buy 3 x 2 litre milks. I usually get my milk for free as the extra 4c off is an extra $5.60 off, along with the original $5.60, so I end up paying 40 cents for 6 litres of milk. This offer works at Coles as well as they offer the extra 4 cent discount. It's no discount or saving if you're fooled by their other 'discounts' of chocolates, but we all use milk so why not take advantage and save when you can.
Contributed by Sue-Anne Bain
Saving with the New Lower Star Rating
As the price of electricity has been constantly rising and our electric storage hot water system was using too much energy, we installed solar panels to help bring the cost down, but it just didn't save enough money. We then installed a heat pump HWS which dramatically decreased our energy costs by almost half. I was also told that the star rating system on old appliances no longer meant anything, and that less stars on new appliances meant that they were more efficient than an old appliance with more stars. After checking this with a local whitegoods store and having it confirmed, I bought a new fridge-only which only uses 190kWh a year, equating to $1 a week running costs. Our consumption has dropped below half, and in summer we should make money. Our solar panels are monitored by wifi, so you can actually see how the energy from the panels and the grid is used. As I said, not cheap to set up, but we'll worth it for the long haul if you can. Hope this helps with whitegoods, if nothing else.
Contributed by Lyn Plaisted
Preserving Garlic in Raw Honey
As a change from preserving garlic cloves in oil, they can also be preserved in raw honey. Into a sterilized jar, put the peeled separated garlic cloves and cover with raw honey (not supermarket honey). You can use the garlic immediately. Over time, the honey will become more liquid and can be used as a sweet garlic flavouring in stir-fries and marinades. Store indefinitely in fridge.
Contributed by Julie Davis
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
Sweet Lamb Curry
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons mild curry powder
500g cooked lamb, diced
1/2 cup fruit chutney
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, finely chopped
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Plain yoghurt, to serve
Method:
Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Increase heat to high. Add curry powder and lamb. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes or until browned. Stir in chutney, apple, sultanas and stock or water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture thickens. Serve over steamed rice with a dollop of yoghurt on top.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Vegetable Moussaka
Tuesday: Spaghetti Soup
Wednesday: Sweet Curry with left-over lamb & rice
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Stuffed potatoes with cheese, coleslaw, pineapple, sour cream
In the fruit bowl: grapes
In the cake tin: Chocolate slice, caramello slice
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
5. The $300 a Month Food Challenge
Save Money Buying in Bulk!
Buying those things you use frequently in bulk is a great way to save money, time and energy. There are bargains to be had but just shopping in bulk quantities does not guarantee that you are getting a bargain.
The first rule of bulk shopping is: only buy things that you would regularly buy. If you are trying to cut down your spending by shopping in bulk but you go to the outlet and buy a bunch of things you never intended to buy then you are not saving any money! The best bet is to buy household items that you buy every week and that you always keep in stock. Things that you use regularly like toilet paper, soap, tissues, shampoo and conditioner and paper towels are all a good choice. These are things that even a person living alone will eventually use up. Not only will you save money on these items but you’ll be less likely to run out of them. Another way you’ll save money – no more ‘quick trips’ to the supermarket for toilet paper, only to come home with a trolley full of other things.
Buying anything perishable in bulk isn’t a good idea, unless you are going to freeze it, bottle it, dehydrate it or share it with a friend. But if you can get a year’s supply of toilet paper for just 20 cents a roll, are you going to pass it up?
The next safest items to stock up on are daily cooking supplies. Things like salt and sugar store well and keep for a very long time. If you cook on a regular basis it saves a lot of money to buy all types of ingredients in bulk from olive oil and spices to flour and sauces.
Now I love to shop at warehouse outlets, where I know I can get a bargain (don’t forget your price book!). Knowing the regular retail price of the goods you purchase is essential. Just because you’re buying in bulk doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a great price! Often the sizes are different, so you need to be able to calculate the per-unit price. That large can of tomato paste may seem cheap, but gram for gram it could work out to be more expensive than the equivalent in small cans.
Another strategy when shopping in bulk is to think of the things that you buy every week or two. If your family goes through peanut butter like its going out of style then you know it will be a good thing to buy. Canned vegetables, soups and bottled pasta sauces are all things that can sit on a shelf in the pantry or garage for a long time and still be used.
Bulk buying can give you a lot of peace – you know you won’t run out of toilet paper, soap powder or baked beans if you have a carton of each of them. But don’t be conned by a good price – if your family won’t eat pickled onions, don’t buy them! Even if they are just 30 cents a jar – that’s money just thrown away.
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
6. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Stockpiling - Small Wins!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3591-Stockpiling-Small-Wins!
My Retirement Garden
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2581-My-Retirement-Garden
The Stash
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3477-The-Stash
Most popular blog posts this week
Hannah's Double Choc Chip M&M Biscuits
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/08/hannahs-double-choc-chip-m-biscuits.html
An Easy Way to Sort and Treat Stained Laundry
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2016/02/an-easy-way-to-sort-and-treat-stained.html
From Spendthrift to Cheapskates in 4 Easy Stages
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2015/02/from-spendthrift-to-cheapskate-in-4.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 Hevva.
Savings Revolution 2017
Can you believe it? The year is half over! I have done my homework... the team seems a little silent this year...I wonder if the battle is getting more difficult for some of us. I see prices going up and up for ingredients...if you wanted to buy prepared and packaged stuff it would seem so easy and so attractive sometimes...a bit like the straight and narrow roads! I know that cooking from scratch for most meals is the way to go and I am confident that although we eat simply we don't sacrifice quality, flavour or nutrition! I have felt side tracked and overwhelmed for this first 6 months of 2017. I must say that the community here has been a welcome distraction and a constant reminder that frugal living is possible without giving anything up in the process.
I love my MOO cleaning products, the stockpile is building back up just enough to suit our lifestyle and I have kept up pretty much with my resolution to avoid spending money on unnecessary stuff. So far this year I have bought a replacement pair of everyday shoes, a new pair of slippers and one top I didn't need! I finally found my winter clothes today...I have been wearing the same three combinations that I COULD find which just shows how little I really need! The op shop in our downstairs is starting to reduce but the TV room is still unusable as there is still furniture to dispose of and I have to bide my time and curb my frustration. I can never be thankful enough for Wendy's saying BE ENCOURAGED! The next tip run will be old window blinds (from underneath the house) and a collection of ancient garden tools. Have kept just the ones we will use. I took a whole lot of pictures yesterday for the next round of eBay sales and even though it is chilly today the sun is shining and I am so grateful for all the wonderful things there are in my world. Hope everyone is well and warm...time to start Christmas shopping and planning!!!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
8. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Karen who wrote
"We have recently acquired a foxie as a pet for our household. Does anyone have suggestions for an economical dog shampoo and conditioner?"
Su Drummond answered
I used to use home brand eucalyptus wool wash on my long haired spaniel. It is gentle on the skin, kept his coat shiny, tangle free and the eucalyptus helps repel fleas.
Kate Crawford answered
Personally, I'd use Cath's liquid laundry soap as the shampoo. The tea tree or eucalyptus oil should deter the fleas, and both are antiseptic for any nicks dogs get playing, and the borax will get rid of mites. Or in a pinch bicarb soda with tea tree oil mixed in. This won't lather, but it will clean all the stinky dog oils off, it's skin and hair. It does work as a hair cleaner on humans too, but will strip hair colour out. I'd then follow with quarter of a cup of vinegar diluted up to one cup with water as the conditioner (it makes my hair silky soft).
Pat Parkin answered
When I was a child we had a foxie and she was washed in what we called "Dog Soap", of course it wasn't called that at all. Years later I found out that it was Pinetarsol soap. It wasn't a pretty soap as it was pitch black in colour. The dog never had any skin problems and Mum also used it on her hair as it was always greasy from her being a full time cook in a commercial kitchen. Dog shampoo didn't exist then. I do recall when it was starting to be sold. But my parents didn't switch from what worked well and was cheaper.
Robyne Neal answered
I also have a Jack Russell and a Tenterfield and I wash them both in the laundry sink with a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and I use yellow laundry soap. It cleans them and the oil kills any fleas they get from the grass.
Brenda Conlon answered
Hi Karen, I'm a professional dog groomer and recommend that you buy a good shampoo, we use Fido's everyday shampoo, which is soap free and never causes any problems, it may be a little expensive ($20 a bottle) but is concentrated and goes a long way, forget about conditioner you don't need it. We also use the good old kitchen sponges (not the one with scourers, just the no frills holey looking ones) pack of 3 at the supermarket to wash dogs with as it helps spread the shampoo a long way. Just a small squirt along the back after wetting the dog and sponge to a good lather and rinse. The bottle should last at least a year or more depending on how much you wash the dog.
Rebecca Simmons answered
Homebrand wool wash is an excellent shampoo for dogs; as it contain eucalyptus it's a great flea repellent. For a conditioner, dilute 1 cap of fabric softener with water into 2 litre bottle, pour over your dog and then rinse the dog over with water...your dog will be fresh and it is safe.
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