Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter 28:17
In this Newsletter
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Cooking, Saving Energy and Time with My Dreampot; Gently Used; A Night Off From Cooking - Priceless!
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Fidget Spinner can Save You Money
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Easy Winter Pudding
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Guerrilla Grocery Shopping Part 1
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Time Flies - When You are Having Fun!!
9. Last Week's Question - I need help with pantry organising
10. This Week's Question - Help with a skin care question
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Saving money really is easy. I know you think it is hard, but really it isn't. I absolutely love the way Cheapskaters share their ideas so we can all benefit. Saving only becomes hard when you think you are alone. I'm here to tell you you're not, there are thousands and thousands of Cheapskaters, with a common goal to live life debt free. I started the Cheapskates Club so that I wouldn't have to be alone in my journey, and it's here to support you in yours too.
On that note, I think it's time for a challenge. An all cash, every day challenge. For the next week, just seven short days, I challenge you to use only cash for your shopping, eating out, petrol, entertainment, bill paying (unless you pay them online) and all those miscellaneous expenses. Go to the ATM and withdraw the cash you'll need for the week. Then when you buy something, use cash. Keep your receipts so you'll know where your money is going. And once that cash is gone, it's gone. You can't sneak to the ATM and get a top up or whip out the credit or debit card.
I can't wait to hear how you are doing and how much money you are saving. And I'd love to know what you will do with the money you save. It might only be $5, it could be $50 or $500. And I'd love to know how you manage on a cash budget too. I'm guessing that for some Cheapskaters, a cash budget will be a brand new experience.
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
Cooking, Saving Energy and Time with My Dreampot
My husband recently organised a "Dreampot" for Mothers Day for me from the family. I had been looking at these through eBay etc and admired them at camping shows. Now I have one, it's so exciting.... the Dreampot is a thermal cooker, so think crockpot (sort of?) without using continual electricity. I start the cooking process in the stainless steel inner pots on my gas stove at home (or will try when out and about camping) for 10 - 20 minutes tops - depending on which recipe I choose in the morning. Then I put the two inner pots inside the Dreampot thermos, close the lid and up to eight hours later - a hot cooked meal is ready. After the initial 10-20 minute cooking period, that's it, no more electricity (or gas)being used which is pretty impressive and safer when I go to work and leave the house. Having active teenagers out most evenings with sport, this Dreampot is fabulous for busy families. I can use the cheaper cuts of meat and lots of vegies from the garden. I have already tried corned silverside, curried beef, minestrone, impossible quiche and we are having curried sausages with rice tonight. I am looking forward to trying desserts. I'm going to take it with me to a country basketball weekend soon to save money by having home cooked meals when away!
Contributed by Michelle
Gently Used
Start cruising garage and yard sales now to find "gently used" toys and games. Younger children won't know the difference between brand new and gently used and you will save a bucket load of cash. Look for timeless toys such as Lego, bikes and scooters and dolls and their accessories.
A Night Off From Cooking - Priceless!
Once each week when I'm making a meal for my family, I make enough for my friend's family also. My friend does the same and we usually deliver them at school pick up time on our designated week day. The result is we each use marginally more energy making a meal for two families as we would for a meal for one family. We both get a night off cooking, have only plates and cutlery for dishes and get to eat something that we haven't had to think about! Of course there is always the option of making more and freezing it for another day too. One hundred years ago when I was single, my neighbour and I would share a meal every week - alternating homes weekly! We saved energy and had great company!
Contributed by Lynda
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Allana Burnie. Allana has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Fidget Spinner can Save You Money
No doubt you have heard of the latest fad to hit primary schools all over Australia, well if you are a parent who caved and purchased a fidget spinner (or half a dozen of the colourful spinny things) then maybe you can spin this wasteful purchase around and use it to save money. I am! My boys no longer find these toys amusing so I have strategically placed one spinner in my car, one in my hand bag and one visibly sits on the kitchen bench to remind myself of the money wasted on purchasing these fleeting fads. Hopefully there is a lesson in it for my boys about unnecessary purchases as well. It doesn't have to be a fidget spinner for you, it might be that pair of shoes you never wear, or that bottle of perfume when you already have 10 other bottles.. don't hide them away - put them in view to remind you and to hopefully deter you from making silly purchases ever again.
Congratulations Allana, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 2,000 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.
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. On the Menu
Easy Winter Pudding
We were blessed with a huge (A10) sized tin of two fruits last week. We love two fruits, usually with ice-cream for dessert in the summer, but we can eat it all year round. The can was too big for just desserts so I very happily pulled this recipe from my book and made a couple of puddings, much to everyone's delight. This pudding is delicious with custard on a cold winter's night. It is also very quick and easy to prepare and inexpensive, too. You can also make this winter treat using a generic butter cake mix; simply mix the butter and cake mix together to make the topping.
The flavour combinations for this dessert are endless. Try Black Forest, use tinned cherries and add 3 tablespoons cocoa to the flour or use a chocolate cake mix. Or tropical - use a tin of crushed pineapple with a butter cake mix. Peaches with a vanilla cake mix or even apple with a teaspoon of cinnamon added to the crumbs or made with a teacake mix. They're all delicious, quick and easy so you're sure to find a favourite, or create a new one just for your family.
Ingredients:
1 large (800g) tin fruit in syrup (can be light syrup)
4 tbsp butter or margarine
2 cups SR flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered milk (full cream or skim)
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place butter, flour, sugar and powdered milk in food processor and whiz to crumbs (or mix with a fork until crumbly). Lightly grease and sugar a casserole dish . Place fruit in the bottom of the dish and pour the syrup over fruit. Top with crumb mix. Bake for 20 minutes until crumbs are golden brown and fruit has heated through.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Peanut Rissoles, veggies
Tuesday: Spaghetti & meatballs
Wednesday: Butter chicken, steamed rice, pappadums
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Pumpkin soup
In the fruit bowl: mandarins
In the cake tin: Cupcakes, pita chips
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge
Guerrilla Grocery Shopping Part 1
I discovered years ago that have routines makes life easier. The Army was on to something - sticking to a routine does keep things ship shape and it's no different when it comes to your groceries, after all the family likes to be routinely fed.
When it comes to grocery shopping I have a very strict routine and it very rarely varies.
1. Pantry, fridge and freezer inventory.
2. Meal plan
3. Shopping list:
a. Use inventories and meal plan to work out what's needed
b. Use my Price Book and catalogues to find the best prices
c. Write up a list in order of the stores to go to
d. Don't be afraid to try generic or cheaper brands and swap-out things on my list
4. Hit the shops!
All up it takes maybe 15 minutes to cover steps 1 through 3. Step 4 - well that's up to you.
You can be a guerrilla shopper and zoom in and zoom out or you can take your time.
A word of warning though: for every 5 minutes over half an hour you spend in the supermarket, you'll spend an extra $10 on average. Yes, $2 a minute!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Plastic Free Tips
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3608-Plastic-free-tips
$150 Clothing Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?83-150-clothing-challenge
Heading into Retirement (used to be called Sunset Years)
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?632-Heading-Into-Retirement-(used-to-be-called-Sunset-Years)
Most popular blog posts this week
A Set of Good Spatulas
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/a-set-of-good-spatulas
After School Treats That Won't Break the Budget (or ruin dinner)
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/after-school-treats-that-wont-break-the-budget-or-ruin-dinner
Putting a Dollar Value on Blessings
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/putting-a-dollar-value-on-blessings
8. 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 sube60.
Time Flies - When You are Having Fun!!
Hi everyone. I don't know where the weeks have gone but it feels just like yesterday since I last wrote.
So to recap. I have been busy cleaning up areas outside like raking. Daughter came down on the weekend and we had a massive pruning day for a lot of the mulberries, olives and pomegranates. Not finished but the back is broken (in more ways than one!).
The trees haven't been done since they were planted and needed doing. I probably won't get any mulberries this year but that doesn't matter. I am still trying to get through last year's crop.
Inside, I have been gradually cleaning and decluttering and am now working in the kitchen. That is a big job. How do we accumulate so much stuff?! The pantry storage cupboard and the rest of the food storage areas keep on being moved around and will eventually reflect, I hope our proper usage for 2 people - if and when the youngest boy decides to leave home!
I am currently studying the science of gardening and I guess that has given me the motivation to 'do' stuff outside. It is still cold and bleak some days but the nectarines have buds so spring can only be around the corner. Then shade house pots - look out - I will grow cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and silverbeet if nothing else. Every little bit helps.
The C/C is still on track with my 40 little squares chart filling in very nicely. I think it will be about March next year but to see the little amount of interest being added each month is so satisfying. Unfortunately, the EF and POM funds have had a bit of a big hit but at least nothing has gone on the C/C since January - yahoo!
I still read the Savings Revolution to stay on track. I have even got the filing etc. all done for the last financial year. Those systems put in place have been a super help. Now for tax, file the online emails and it should sail along nicely.
I do hope everyone is well and eating lovely cheap yummy soups to keep warm!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club Member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Emma who wrote
"I have very deep pantry shelves (60cm deep) and only two of the shelves are at a height that I can see well into without standing on a step. I'm really struggling to work out the best way to organise it so that I know what's in there and can easily get things out from the back of the shelves. Cans in particular are a problem, they're currently up on a higher shelf and I just have no idea what's up there. We're in a rental house as well, which limits what I can do to the pantry to make it more user friendly. Any ideas to help would be gratefully appreciated!"
Krystal S. answered
It sounds like we have a similar pantry, mine is essentially a base cabinet that stretches up to the ceiling. I place cans in a U shape leaving an open space in the middle to make everything easy to see and grab. I keep my appliances in the top of the pantry - it's easy to remember what is up there and since they don't get used every day it isn't a big deal to grab the step ladder when needed. Most of our pantry items are actually kept in the shallow wall cabinets. Once I stopped thinking that the pantry is for food, everything started to work well in my kitchen.
Margaret Lewis answered
I have plastic coated wire shelving, about 6 inches high, in nearly all my cupboards. Cans and jars can then be stored underneath and on top of the shelf giving double storage in each larger shelf. Cans are best stored on the middle shelves. Under the sink, saucepans, frypans etc can be stored using these shelves. The shelves are at the back of the cupboard and smaller items are at the front. Probably purchased from Kmart, Big W and Ikea have some smaller metal ones. Some of the plastic coated ones extend to be made wider. Good luck.
Sarah French answered
I use lazy susans in my pantry as they fit perfectly in the space available and allow me to have easy access to everything in there. This makes managing pantry items easy, ensures nothing goes out of date and helps me to be a bit more creative in my cooking! I bought the lazy susans at Ikea for around $15.
Emily Smith answered
I have my pantry organised according to what I use the most. At hip/waist height I have canned goods, sauces, relishes, herbs and spices and the like. Next shelf I have pasta, dry goods, cereals, and the few packet mixes I buy on special. My highest shelf is my baking shelf, only because it's the stuff I use least often. Being up high I know what's up there and what I need. I keep my flours up there, that's the only item I use regularly that stays up. I also have all of my food in Tupperware containers (check out op shops if you're a Tupperware fan, if not, any sealable container will do. Make sure it's water tight and keeps moths out!) and everything is clearly labelled. I go through my Tupperware before shopping and I have my cans stacked on shelf inserts which doubles my storage space. I can clearly see what I need because the cans are organised by what they are. I have a corner pantry which has pretty deep shelving, so I feel your pain!
10. This Week's Question
Kit writes
"Does anyone have a tried and successful recipe for removing skin pigmentation (brown spots) from face and hands. I have tried a product from the chemist but without success. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Kit 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. 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
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!
13. 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
14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Cooking, Saving Energy and Time with My Dreampot; Gently Used; A Night Off From Cooking - Priceless!
3. Cheapskate's Winning Tip - Fidget Spinner can Save You Money
4. Share Your Tips
5. On the Menu - Easy Winter Pudding
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge - Guerrilla Grocery Shopping Part 1
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Time Flies - When You are Having Fun!!
9. Last Week's Question - I need help with pantry organising
10. This Week's Question - Help with a skin care question
11. Ask Cath
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
Saving money really is easy. I know you think it is hard, but really it isn't. I absolutely love the way Cheapskaters share their ideas so we can all benefit. Saving only becomes hard when you think you are alone. I'm here to tell you you're not, there are thousands and thousands of Cheapskaters, with a common goal to live life debt free. I started the Cheapskates Club so that I wouldn't have to be alone in my journey, and it's here to support you in yours too.
On that note, I think it's time for a challenge. An all cash, every day challenge. For the next week, just seven short days, I challenge you to use only cash for your shopping, eating out, petrol, entertainment, bill paying (unless you pay them online) and all those miscellaneous expenses. Go to the ATM and withdraw the cash you'll need for the week. Then when you buy something, use cash. Keep your receipts so you'll know where your money is going. And once that cash is gone, it's gone. You can't sneak to the ATM and get a top up or whip out the credit or debit card.
I can't wait to hear how you are doing and how much money you are saving. And I'd love to know what you will do with the money you save. It might only be $5, it could be $50 or $500. And I'd love to know how you manage on a cash budget too. I'm guessing that for some Cheapskaters, a cash budget will be a brand new experience.
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
Cooking, Saving Energy and Time with My Dreampot
My husband recently organised a "Dreampot" for Mothers Day for me from the family. I had been looking at these through eBay etc and admired them at camping shows. Now I have one, it's so exciting.... the Dreampot is a thermal cooker, so think crockpot (sort of?) without using continual electricity. I start the cooking process in the stainless steel inner pots on my gas stove at home (or will try when out and about camping) for 10 - 20 minutes tops - depending on which recipe I choose in the morning. Then I put the two inner pots inside the Dreampot thermos, close the lid and up to eight hours later - a hot cooked meal is ready. After the initial 10-20 minute cooking period, that's it, no more electricity (or gas)being used which is pretty impressive and safer when I go to work and leave the house. Having active teenagers out most evenings with sport, this Dreampot is fabulous for busy families. I can use the cheaper cuts of meat and lots of vegies from the garden. I have already tried corned silverside, curried beef, minestrone, impossible quiche and we are having curried sausages with rice tonight. I am looking forward to trying desserts. I'm going to take it with me to a country basketball weekend soon to save money by having home cooked meals when away!
Contributed by Michelle
Gently Used
Start cruising garage and yard sales now to find "gently used" toys and games. Younger children won't know the difference between brand new and gently used and you will save a bucket load of cash. Look for timeless toys such as Lego, bikes and scooters and dolls and their accessories.
A Night Off From Cooking - Priceless!
Once each week when I'm making a meal for my family, I make enough for my friend's family also. My friend does the same and we usually deliver them at school pick up time on our designated week day. The result is we each use marginally more energy making a meal for two families as we would for a meal for one family. We both get a night off cooking, have only plates and cutlery for dishes and get to eat something that we haven't had to think about! Of course there is always the option of making more and freezing it for another day too. One hundred years ago when I was single, my neighbour and I would share a meal every week - alternating homes weekly! We saved energy and had great company!
Contributed by Lynda
There are currently more than 12,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. Cheapskates Winning Tip
This week's winning tip is from Allana Burnie. Allana has won a one year Platinum Cheapskates Club membership for submitting her winning tip.
Fidget Spinner can Save You Money
No doubt you have heard of the latest fad to hit primary schools all over Australia, well if you are a parent who caved and purchased a fidget spinner (or half a dozen of the colourful spinny things) then maybe you can spin this wasteful purchase around and use it to save money. I am! My boys no longer find these toys amusing so I have strategically placed one spinner in my car, one in my hand bag and one visibly sits on the kitchen bench to remind myself of the money wasted on purchasing these fleeting fads. Hopefully there is a lesson in it for my boys about unnecessary purchases as well. It doesn't have to be a fidget spinner for you, it might be that pair of shoes you never wear, or that bottle of perfume when you already have 10 other bottles.. don't hide them away - put them in view to remind you and to hopefully deter you from making silly purchases ever again.
Congratulations Allana, I hope you enjoy your Cheapskates Club membership.
The Cheapskate's Club website is over 2,000 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.
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. On the Menu
Easy Winter Pudding
We were blessed with a huge (A10) sized tin of two fruits last week. We love two fruits, usually with ice-cream for dessert in the summer, but we can eat it all year round. The can was too big for just desserts so I very happily pulled this recipe from my book and made a couple of puddings, much to everyone's delight. This pudding is delicious with custard on a cold winter's night. It is also very quick and easy to prepare and inexpensive, too. You can also make this winter treat using a generic butter cake mix; simply mix the butter and cake mix together to make the topping.
The flavour combinations for this dessert are endless. Try Black Forest, use tinned cherries and add 3 tablespoons cocoa to the flour or use a chocolate cake mix. Or tropical - use a tin of crushed pineapple with a butter cake mix. Peaches with a vanilla cake mix or even apple with a teaspoon of cinnamon added to the crumbs or made with a teacake mix. They're all delicious, quick and easy so you're sure to find a favourite, or create a new one just for your family.
Ingredients:
1 large (800g) tin fruit in syrup (can be light syrup)
4 tbsp butter or margarine
2 cups SR flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered milk (full cream or skim)
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place butter, flour, sugar and powdered milk in food processor and whiz to crumbs (or mix with a fork until crumbly). Lightly grease and sugar a casserole dish . Place fruit in the bottom of the dish and pour the syrup over fruit. Top with crumb mix. Bake for 20 minutes until crumbs are golden brown and fruit has heated through.
This week we will be eating:
Sunday: Roast Lamb
Monday: Peanut Rissoles, veggies
Tuesday: Spaghetti & meatballs
Wednesday: Butter chicken, steamed rice, pappadums
Thursday: MOO Pizza
Friday: Haystacks
Saturday: Pumpkin soup
In the fruit bowl: mandarins
In the cake tin: Cupcakes, pita chips
There are over 1,500 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File.
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge
Guerrilla Grocery Shopping Part 1
I discovered years ago that have routines makes life easier. The Army was on to something - sticking to a routine does keep things ship shape and it's no different when it comes to your groceries, after all the family likes to be routinely fed.
When it comes to grocery shopping I have a very strict routine and it very rarely varies.
1. Pantry, fridge and freezer inventory.
2. Meal plan
3. Shopping list:
a. Use inventories and meal plan to work out what's needed
b. Use my Price Book and catalogues to find the best prices
c. Write up a list in order of the stores to go to
d. Don't be afraid to try generic or cheaper brands and swap-out things on my list
4. Hit the shops!
All up it takes maybe 15 minutes to cover steps 1 through 3. Step 4 - well that's up to you.
You can be a guerrilla shopper and zoom in and zoom out or you can take your time.
A word of warning though: for every 5 minutes over half an hour you spend in the supermarket, you'll spend an extra $10 on average. Yes, $2 a minute!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
The Post that Started it All
7. Cheapskates Buzz
Most popular forum posts this week
Plastic Free Tips
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?3608-Plastic-free-tips
$150 Clothing Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?83-150-clothing-challenge
Heading into Retirement (used to be called Sunset Years)
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?632-Heading-Into-Retirement-(used-to-be-called-Sunset-Years)
Most popular blog posts this week
A Set of Good Spatulas
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/a-set-of-good-spatulas
After School Treats That Won't Break the Budget (or ruin dinner)
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/after-school-treats-that-wont-break-the-budget-or-ruin-dinner
Putting a Dollar Value on Blessings
http://www.cheapskatesclub.net/living-the-cheapskates-way/putting-a-dollar-value-on-blessings
8. 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 sube60.
Time Flies - When You are Having Fun!!
Hi everyone. I don't know where the weeks have gone but it feels just like yesterday since I last wrote.
So to recap. I have been busy cleaning up areas outside like raking. Daughter came down on the weekend and we had a massive pruning day for a lot of the mulberries, olives and pomegranates. Not finished but the back is broken (in more ways than one!).
The trees haven't been done since they were planted and needed doing. I probably won't get any mulberries this year but that doesn't matter. I am still trying to get through last year's crop.
Inside, I have been gradually cleaning and decluttering and am now working in the kitchen. That is a big job. How do we accumulate so much stuff?! The pantry storage cupboard and the rest of the food storage areas keep on being moved around and will eventually reflect, I hope our proper usage for 2 people - if and when the youngest boy decides to leave home!
I am currently studying the science of gardening and I guess that has given me the motivation to 'do' stuff outside. It is still cold and bleak some days but the nectarines have buds so spring can only be around the corner. Then shade house pots - look out - I will grow cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and silverbeet if nothing else. Every little bit helps.
The C/C is still on track with my 40 little squares chart filling in very nicely. I think it will be about March next year but to see the little amount of interest being added each month is so satisfying. Unfortunately, the EF and POM funds have had a bit of a big hit but at least nothing has gone on the C/C since January - yahoo!
I still read the Savings Revolution to stay on track. I have even got the filing etc. all done for the last financial year. Those systems put in place have been a super help. Now for tax, file the online emails and it should sail along nicely.
I do hope everyone is well and eating lovely cheap yummy soups to keep warm!
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9. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Emma who wrote
"I have very deep pantry shelves (60cm deep) and only two of the shelves are at a height that I can see well into without standing on a step. I'm really struggling to work out the best way to organise it so that I know what's in there and can easily get things out from the back of the shelves. Cans in particular are a problem, they're currently up on a higher shelf and I just have no idea what's up there. We're in a rental house as well, which limits what I can do to the pantry to make it more user friendly. Any ideas to help would be gratefully appreciated!"
Krystal S. answered
It sounds like we have a similar pantry, mine is essentially a base cabinet that stretches up to the ceiling. I place cans in a U shape leaving an open space in the middle to make everything easy to see and grab. I keep my appliances in the top of the pantry - it's easy to remember what is up there and since they don't get used every day it isn't a big deal to grab the step ladder when needed. Most of our pantry items are actually kept in the shallow wall cabinets. Once I stopped thinking that the pantry is for food, everything started to work well in my kitchen.
Margaret Lewis answered
I have plastic coated wire shelving, about 6 inches high, in nearly all my cupboards. Cans and jars can then be stored underneath and on top of the shelf giving double storage in each larger shelf. Cans are best stored on the middle shelves. Under the sink, saucepans, frypans etc can be stored using these shelves. The shelves are at the back of the cupboard and smaller items are at the front. Probably purchased from Kmart, Big W and Ikea have some smaller metal ones. Some of the plastic coated ones extend to be made wider. Good luck.
Sarah French answered
I use lazy susans in my pantry as they fit perfectly in the space available and allow me to have easy access to everything in there. This makes managing pantry items easy, ensures nothing goes out of date and helps me to be a bit more creative in my cooking! I bought the lazy susans at Ikea for around $15.
Emily Smith answered
I have my pantry organised according to what I use the most. At hip/waist height I have canned goods, sauces, relishes, herbs and spices and the like. Next shelf I have pasta, dry goods, cereals, and the few packet mixes I buy on special. My highest shelf is my baking shelf, only because it's the stuff I use least often. Being up high I know what's up there and what I need. I keep my flours up there, that's the only item I use regularly that stays up. I also have all of my food in Tupperware containers (check out op shops if you're a Tupperware fan, if not, any sealable container will do. Make sure it's water tight and keeps moths out!) and everything is clearly labelled. I go through my Tupperware before shopping and I have my cans stacked on shelf inserts which doubles my storage space. I can clearly see what I need because the cans are organised by what they are. I have a corner pantry which has pretty deep shelving, so I feel your pain!
10. This Week's Question
Kit writes
"Does anyone have a tried and successful recipe for removing skin pigmentation (brown spots) from face and hands. I have tried a product from the chemist but without success. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you can help Kit 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.
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11. Ask Cath
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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).
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