Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 40:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Better than Gumption Scouring Powder, Green Slip Savings, Homestay Pays Mortgage
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshop - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - Enter your favourite tip for a chance to win!
5. Living Green in 2014 - Natural Fly Spray
6. On the Menu with Anne - Homemade Drinks
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Making Muffins
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - What Can We Do About It? by Bluebell234
10. Last Week's Question - I’d like a MOO substitute to liquid shoe stretcher
11. This Week's Question - How can I find a spare part?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
The October edition of the Cheapskates Journal was uploaded to the Member's Centre yesterday. Platinum members can log in and read it in the Member's Centre or download it to read at their leisure. If you're not a Platinum Cheapskates Club member but would like a peek at what's in this month's Journal you can see it here.
The workshop last weekend was so much fun, with some Cheapskaters wanting to stay for the whole day! I've had so many emails from disappointed Cheapskaters who couldn't come because of Grand Final Day (AFL of course) that Hannah and I have rejigged a few things and I am very happy to announce another Let's All MOO workshop for Saturday 11th October 2014. The details are just below in the newsletter.
If you're on school holidays I do hope you are enjoying them. There are dozens of great ideas to keep everyone amused and happy and within budget in the Member's Centre and the Tip Store. I've used many of them when our kids were younger and I'll be using a couple of them tomorrow when I look after my ten year old niece. She wants to spend the day having fun with Hannah. Last time we looked after her we made hot cross buns and Easter chocolates. This time I think we'll plant out some seedlings, start some new ones in newspaper pots and make donuts. That ought to keep her busy for the day!
Have a great week everyone.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Better than Gumption Scouring Powder
Recently I saved just over $100 when renewing my Green Slip. I have been shopping around for Comprehensive insurance for the last few years but when I went on those comparison sites Green Slip prices were all within a few dollars different. I was about to renew my current Greenslip when I saw that it said to give them a call to see if they could do cheaper. I thought it can't hurt and gave them a call. They asked me a few questions and then came back with a price over $100 cheaper than the bill I had in front of me. I have been telling all our family & friends to do the same as its worth one phone call.
Contributed by Janna Cleverdon
Green Slip Savings
Approximate $ Savings: Australia
Recently I saved just over $100 when renewing my Green Slip. I have been shopping around for Comprehensive insurance for the last few years but when I went on those comparison sites Green Slip prices were all within a few dollars different. I was about to renew my current Greenslip when I saw that it said to give them a call to see if they could do cheaper. I thought it can't hurt and gave them a call. They asked me a few questions and then came back with a price over $100 cheaper than the bill I had in front of me. I have been telling all our family & friends to do the same as its worth one phone call.
Contributed by Janna Cleverdon
Homestay Pays Mortgage
Approximate $ Savings: $1000's
I have read in my children's school newsletters about Homestay and when my marriage broke up and I was left with the mortgage I had to think how I was going to cover the mortgage by myself. So, after contacting my local high school which is within walking distance of my home, I decided to become a homestay family. Four years ago I gave up my bedroom to two Chinese students and I haven't looked back moneywise because the money goes directly onto my mortgage. As a Cheapskate for years I have always had a budget and shopped and cooked within my means. I save lots of money by cooking everything from scratch and growing some vegetables and fruit. This year I took in an additional student as my son and one daughter moved out and now I have three homestay students with me. My family love having the students and we have learnt so much from them but for me it brings a sense of satisfaction to see my mortgage reducing each week. With three students I am hoping to pay my $202,000 loan off in four years and I am currently negotiating a new lower interest rate on my home loan. I also work full time as a teacher.
Contributed by Candy Ottley
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshops
Let's All MOO Workshop Repeat Performance!
Cheapskates just love to Make Our Own!
The workshop last weekend was amazing! But it was Grand Final day and so many of you let me know you really wanted to do the workshop but had Grand Final day commitments. So I'm doing one more Lets All MOO workshop on Saturday October 18th.
If you wanted to join us last week and couldn't now is your opportunity. This is the last MOOing workshop for this year so come along and join us for fun, frivolity and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way and try to put the supermarkets out of business as we learn to Make Our Own.
Places are limited for this workshop to be held on Saturday 11th October 2014.
Click here for more information and to book your place 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. Living Green in 2014
Natural Fly Spray
The days have only just started to warm up and already the bugs and flies are around. I hate flies and bugs in the house but I hate fly sprays more. Finding safer (to us and our environment) pest control isn't easy, but there are things we can all do that will keep those summer nasties under control.
Bug Spray (for rooms)
This is so simple, made with ingredients you probably already have. It works too. This spray will leave a residue that will need to be wiped off, but it is a far better solution than the poisonous sprays you can buy.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups white vinegar
2 tbsp dishwashing liquid
Method:
Mix together. Pour into a clean spray bottle. Shake to combine.
To use: Shake the bottle and then spray directly onto the flies, mosquitoes or midges or surfaces where they land. Wipe the residue off, along with the dead bugs.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Homemade Drinks
The warmer weather (not that you'd know it the last two days) has brought out the desire for cold drinks. We don't have soft drinks or bought cordials in our house. During winter we drink tea, coffee, hot chocolate or water. But once the weather warms up we like icy cold, refreshing drinks. We still drink plenty of water, but we like other things too.
I make ginger beer regularly, because it is so easy and so refreshing on a very hot day. I also make orange, lemon and orange and lemon cordial and raspberry cordial. I also make lemonade and, when I have rhubarb to spare, rhubarb champagne.
Why do I make these drinks instead of just buying them? Because when I make them I know exactly what is in them and I get to control the sugar content. Cordials especially can be very high in sugar; if you don't want that much sugar you can cut it back and adjust the sweetness with more fruit juice.
Lemonade
Ingredients:
1 cup castor sugar
1 cup lemon juice
3 cups soda water, chilled
Method:
Place the caster sugar in a saucepan with one cup water and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Allow to cool. Stir in the lemon juice. To serve, top with chilled soda water. Adjust sugar if necessary.
Passionfruit Cordial
Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup water
1 cup passionfruit pulp (about 12-16 passionfruit)
Juice of two large lemons
2 level teaspoons tartaric acid
Method:
Put sugar and water in saucepan. Bring to boil and boil for five minutes. Add passionfruit pulp and lemon juice. Bring to boil and boil again for 5 minutes. Strain the pips out and discard. Add the tartaric acid and stir well. Bottle in sterilised bottles. Same keeping and storage as above. It is unlikely this will go off as it will not last. If you want to make natural "Passiona", use soda water when diluting.
Homemade Lemon Cordial
Ingredients:
2 kg castor sugar
1 litre water
30g citric acid
30g tartaric acid
Juice and pulp of 6 lemons, strained
Finely grated rind of 2 lemons
Method:
Dissolve water in sugar over heat in a stock pot. Add citric acid and tartaric acid. Stir to ensure completely dissolved. Cool. Stir in juice and zest and bottle. Make up 1 part cordial to 2 parts cold water.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Cream Cheese Patties and salad
Saturday: Sloppy Joes
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables, cauliflower, gravy
Monday: Spaghetti, garlic bread
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mash, broccoli, carrots, corn, gravy
Wednesday: Schnitzels, potato bake, beans, corn, carrots
Thursday: Fish, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: bananas, kiwi fruit and mandarins
In the cake tin: Choc chip muffins, blueberry muffins, fruit cake
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Making muffins was the very first baked item I learnt to make as a newlywed nineteen years ago. Back then I started my baking passion by using a packet mix. The flavour was vanilla and I made it exactly as the packet said to. The next time I made them I added choc chips. The next time I added choc chips and cocoa. The fourth time I added a little oil to the other added ingredients.
These days I make my own from scratch. I found a recipe on the internet back in 2002 and as usual, I changed the recipe around to suit my family's tastes. They are delicious and because they are chocolate you can hide black chia seeds, linseed meal, oat bran and lots of other goodies to make them healthier.
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do
Wendy's Easy Muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups of self-raising flour
1 cup of sugar
4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1-3/4 cups of milk
2 eggs
150 grams of melted butter
3/4 cup of chocolate chips / bits
Method:
Turn the oven on to 180 degrees.
In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and sifted cocoa powder.
Add the milk, melted butter and eggs. Mix until just combined.
Add the chocolate bits and mix until combined.
Place spoonful's into greased muffins tins or use patty cases.
Bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes until the tops spring back when touched.
Remove from the muffin tins when slightly cool.
Makes about 20 medium muffins or about 30 small muffins.
Notes -
* These muffins freeze well. Add them frozen to your kids' lunchboxes and they'll be thawed by morning break time.
* To add extra goodness, mix two tablespoons each of black chia seeds, linseed meal and oat bran to the dry ingredients. Kids will love them as the muffins are slightly crunchy. You might need to add a little extra milk if the mixture is too stiff.
* For vanilla muffins omit the choc chips and cocoa powder. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
* These muffins are great for kids’ birthday parties. Ice with different coloured icing and top with smarties, sprinkles, coconut or crushed nuts.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2646-300-a-month-food-challenge-29-09-14
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
Things I've Been Learning about Shopping as a Relative Newbie...
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2647-Things-I-vbeen-learning-about-shopping-as-a-relative-newbie-...
Living and Lifestyle Research
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2648-Living-and-Lifestyle-Research
Scales!!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2633-Scales
Most popular blog posts this week
ARRRGH! Those Changing Aisles are Costing You Money!
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/arrrrgh-those-changing-aisles-are.html
Cheapskates Anti-static Spray
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/cheapskates-anti-static-spray.html
Add to Me Muffin Mix
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/add-to-me-muffin-mix.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 Bluebell234.
What Can We Do About It?
I just watched the news, not catching it fully but the tail end of the conversation seemed to say that Australia is the only country in the world that doesn't have a domestic price for natural gas and those who consume it may be faced with a 300% to 400% increase in gas prices.
Prices for essential goods and services are increasing unfairly and I cannot help but think as customers and consumers, as people we are being exploited for financial gain.
People are not commodities, they are the valued and respected past, present and future of our nation.
What can we do to help our families and ourselves maintain a fair and reasonable price on goods and services.
As a consumer and customer we could refuse to pay such a high price, we could look at alternative energy and food sources, we could form a growers and peoples co-operative and grow and produce our own food and energy. That was easy to write but it is not as easy to implement. To get the ball rolling we could call a community meeting and air our grievance, we could form a delegation to appeal to parliament.
For myself I am going to pray in earnest about it, research alternative living and lifestyles. I will live a lifestyle of example where people can see it is possible to maintain stability and steadfastness in the face of exploitation, abuse of power, avarice and greed. I know most who read this site are very capable of independence but every day it is being challenged and attacked, let’s fight back with reason and decency and not despair or become too angry.
I think that as a nation, a people an individual we should learn how to be more independent of such exploitation, we should help the weaker ones who cannot help themselves but we should remain vigilant and steadfast in our dignity and let those who are making living standards more difficult know, it is not only unfair but in the long run it is destructive to society.
Have you ever experienced the feeling that you just get on top of one problem and another problem presents itself, well that is just what the news article I only partially heard did today so I did something positive about it, my first step was to give encouragement to those who may be feeling the same way. Happy Cheapskating!!!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Diana who wrote
"How can I make a substitute for "shoe Stretch" liquid in a small spray pump bottle used for spraying inside tight shoes in order to stretch them?"
Norma Thornton answered
Whenever I buy new shoes, I put on socks or stocking, pour half a cup of warm water into the shoes and walk them dry around the house. No need for any stretching liquid, and the shoes mould to your foot shape while drying.
Carmen Crighton answered
To make your own homemade shoe stretching spray you just need 1 part methylated spirits and 2 parts water. Spray your shoe until it is wet then wear until it dries. Keep doing this until desired stretch is acquired.
Heather Awcock answered
Requirements: a hairdryer, thick socks (think hubby's sports socks or similar). Put on socks. Then take hairdryer and direct it into the toe of the shoe so that you heat the whole toe area up until hot. Then put the shoes on - the material of the shoe (be it plastic or leather) when soft will stretch. Walk around until the shoes cool down - just a few minutes. You may have a couple of minutes of discomfort doing this but the shoes stretch and are then a perfect fit! I have also successfully done this with the heel part too. It was a tip from someone whose father made shoes.
Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
Keith writes
"I have a Black and Decker 'food centre' (processor) which needs a part. Model No is FP 21W. The machine is at least 20 years old but worked perfectly until recently when a plastic component disintegrated. B and D have long gone and I can find no info about spare parts suppliers. I'd be very grateful for any information on how to find the part I need."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Keith 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.
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
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
info@cheapskates.com.au
2. In the Tip Store - Better than Gumption Scouring Powder, Green Slip Savings, Homestay Pays Mortgage
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshop - Lets All MOO
4. Submit Your Tip - Enter your favourite tip for a chance to win!
5. Living Green in 2014 - Natural Fly Spray
6. On the Menu with Anne - Homemade Drinks
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Making Muffins
8. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
9. Member's Featured Blog - What Can We Do About It? by Bluebell234
10. Last Week's Question - I’d like a MOO substitute to liquid shoe stretcher
11. This Week's Question - How can I find a spare part?
12. Join the Cheapskates Club
13. Gift Memberships
14. Frequently Asked Questions
15. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
The October edition of the Cheapskates Journal was uploaded to the Member's Centre yesterday. Platinum members can log in and read it in the Member's Centre or download it to read at their leisure. If you're not a Platinum Cheapskates Club member but would like a peek at what's in this month's Journal you can see it here.
The workshop last weekend was so much fun, with some Cheapskaters wanting to stay for the whole day! I've had so many emails from disappointed Cheapskaters who couldn't come because of Grand Final Day (AFL of course) that Hannah and I have rejigged a few things and I am very happy to announce another Let's All MOO workshop for Saturday 11th October 2014. The details are just below in the newsletter.
If you're on school holidays I do hope you are enjoying them. There are dozens of great ideas to keep everyone amused and happy and within budget in the Member's Centre and the Tip Store. I've used many of them when our kids were younger and I'll be using a couple of them tomorrow when I look after my ten year old niece. She wants to spend the day having fun with Hannah. Last time we looked after her we made hot cross buns and Easter chocolates. This time I think we'll plant out some seedlings, start some new ones in newspaper pots and make donuts. That ought to keep her busy for the day!
Have a great week everyone.
PS: Love our site? We love referrals! Send a note to your favourite newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, friends and relatives, and tell them about us!
PPS: You can read this newsletter and past copies on the website in the Newsletter Archive.
2. From The Tip Store
Better than Gumption Scouring Powder
Recently I saved just over $100 when renewing my Green Slip. I have been shopping around for Comprehensive insurance for the last few years but when I went on those comparison sites Green Slip prices were all within a few dollars different. I was about to renew my current Greenslip when I saw that it said to give them a call to see if they could do cheaper. I thought it can't hurt and gave them a call. They asked me a few questions and then came back with a price over $100 cheaper than the bill I had in front of me. I have been telling all our family & friends to do the same as its worth one phone call.
Contributed by Janna Cleverdon
Green Slip Savings
Approximate $ Savings: Australia
Recently I saved just over $100 when renewing my Green Slip. I have been shopping around for Comprehensive insurance for the last few years but when I went on those comparison sites Green Slip prices were all within a few dollars different. I was about to renew my current Greenslip when I saw that it said to give them a call to see if they could do cheaper. I thought it can't hurt and gave them a call. They asked me a few questions and then came back with a price over $100 cheaper than the bill I had in front of me. I have been telling all our family & friends to do the same as its worth one phone call.
Contributed by Janna Cleverdon
Homestay Pays Mortgage
Approximate $ Savings: $1000's
I have read in my children's school newsletters about Homestay and when my marriage broke up and I was left with the mortgage I had to think how I was going to cover the mortgage by myself. So, after contacting my local high school which is within walking distance of my home, I decided to become a homestay family. Four years ago I gave up my bedroom to two Chinese students and I haven't looked back moneywise because the money goes directly onto my mortgage. As a Cheapskate for years I have always had a budget and shopped and cooked within my means. I save lots of money by cooking everything from scratch and growing some vegetables and fruit. This year I took in an additional student as my son and one daughter moved out and now I have three homestay students with me. My family love having the students and we have learnt so much from them but for me it brings a sense of satisfaction to see my mortgage reducing each week. With three students I am hoping to pay my $202,000 loan off in four years and I am currently negotiating a new lower interest rate on my home loan. I also work full time as a teacher.
Contributed by Candy Ottley
There are more than 11,000 great tips in the Tip Store
3. The Art of Living the Cheapskates Way Workshops
Let's All MOO Workshop Repeat Performance!
Cheapskates just love to Make Our Own!
The workshop last weekend was amazing! But it was Grand Final day and so many of you let me know you really wanted to do the workshop but had Grand Final day commitments. So I'm doing one more Lets All MOO workshop on Saturday October 18th.
If you wanted to join us last week and couldn't now is your opportunity. This is the last MOOing workshop for this year so come along and join us for fun, frivolity and frugality as we refine the Art of Living the Cheapskates Way and try to put the supermarkets out of business as we learn to Make Our Own.
Places are limited for this workshop to be held on Saturday 11th October 2014.
Click here for more information and to book your place 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. Living Green in 2014
Natural Fly Spray
The days have only just started to warm up and already the bugs and flies are around. I hate flies and bugs in the house but I hate fly sprays more. Finding safer (to us and our environment) pest control isn't easy, but there are things we can all do that will keep those summer nasties under control.
Bug Spray (for rooms)
This is so simple, made with ingredients you probably already have. It works too. This spray will leave a residue that will need to be wiped off, but it is a far better solution than the poisonous sprays you can buy.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups white vinegar
2 tbsp dishwashing liquid
Method:
Mix together. Pour into a clean spray bottle. Shake to combine.
To use: Shake the bottle and then spray directly onto the flies, mosquitoes or midges or surfaces where they land. Wipe the residue off, along with the dead bugs.
6. On the Menu with Anne
Homemade Drinks
The warmer weather (not that you'd know it the last two days) has brought out the desire for cold drinks. We don't have soft drinks or bought cordials in our house. During winter we drink tea, coffee, hot chocolate or water. But once the weather warms up we like icy cold, refreshing drinks. We still drink plenty of water, but we like other things too.
I make ginger beer regularly, because it is so easy and so refreshing on a very hot day. I also make orange, lemon and orange and lemon cordial and raspberry cordial. I also make lemonade and, when I have rhubarb to spare, rhubarb champagne.
Why do I make these drinks instead of just buying them? Because when I make them I know exactly what is in them and I get to control the sugar content. Cordials especially can be very high in sugar; if you don't want that much sugar you can cut it back and adjust the sweetness with more fruit juice.
Lemonade
Ingredients:
1 cup castor sugar
1 cup lemon juice
3 cups soda water, chilled
Method:
Place the caster sugar in a saucepan with one cup water and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Allow to cool. Stir in the lemon juice. To serve, top with chilled soda water. Adjust sugar if necessary.
Passionfruit Cordial
Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup water
1 cup passionfruit pulp (about 12-16 passionfruit)
Juice of two large lemons
2 level teaspoons tartaric acid
Method:
Put sugar and water in saucepan. Bring to boil and boil for five minutes. Add passionfruit pulp and lemon juice. Bring to boil and boil again for 5 minutes. Strain the pips out and discard. Add the tartaric acid and stir well. Bottle in sterilised bottles. Same keeping and storage as above. It is unlikely this will go off as it will not last. If you want to make natural "Passiona", use soda water when diluting.
Homemade Lemon Cordial
Ingredients:
2 kg castor sugar
1 litre water
30g citric acid
30g tartaric acid
Juice and pulp of 6 lemons, strained
Finely grated rind of 2 lemons
Method:
Dissolve water in sugar over heat in a stock pot. Add citric acid and tartaric acid. Stir to ensure completely dissolved. Cool. Stir in juice and zest and bottle. Make up 1 part cordial to 2 parts cold water.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Cream Cheese Patties and salad
Saturday: Sloppy Joes
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables, cauliflower, gravy
Monday: Spaghetti, garlic bread
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mash, broccoli, carrots, corn, gravy
Wednesday: Schnitzels, potato bake, beans, corn, carrots
Thursday: Fish, wedges, salad
In the fruit bowl: bananas, kiwi fruit and mandarins
In the cake tin: Choc chip muffins, blueberry muffins, fruit cake
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
7. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
Making muffins was the very first baked item I learnt to make as a newlywed nineteen years ago. Back then I started my baking passion by using a packet mix. The flavour was vanilla and I made it exactly as the packet said to. The next time I made them I added choc chips. The next time I added choc chips and cocoa. The fourth time I added a little oil to the other added ingredients.
These days I make my own from scratch. I found a recipe on the internet back in 2002 and as usual, I changed the recipe around to suit my family's tastes. They are delicious and because they are chocolate you can hide black chia seeds, linseed meal, oat bran and lots of other goodies to make them healthier.
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do
Wendy's Easy Muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups of self-raising flour
1 cup of sugar
4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1-3/4 cups of milk
2 eggs
150 grams of melted butter
3/4 cup of chocolate chips / bits
Method:
Turn the oven on to 180 degrees.
In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and sifted cocoa powder.
Add the milk, melted butter and eggs. Mix until just combined.
Add the chocolate bits and mix until combined.
Place spoonful's into greased muffins tins or use patty cases.
Bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes until the tops spring back when touched.
Remove from the muffin tins when slightly cool.
Makes about 20 medium muffins or about 30 small muffins.
Notes -
* These muffins freeze well. Add them frozen to your kids' lunchboxes and they'll be thawed by morning break time.
* To add extra goodness, mix two tablespoons each of black chia seeds, linseed meal and oat bran to the dry ingredients. Kids will love them as the muffins are slightly crunchy. You might need to add a little extra milk if the mixture is too stiff.
* For vanilla muffins omit the choc chips and cocoa powder. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
* These muffins are great for kids’ birthday parties. Ice with different coloured icing and top with smarties, sprinkles, coconut or crushed nuts.
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2646-300-a-month-food-challenge-29-09-14
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
Things I've Been Learning about Shopping as a Relative Newbie...
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2647-Things-I-vbeen-learning-about-shopping-as-a-relative-newbie-...
Living and Lifestyle Research
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2648-Living-and-Lifestyle-Research
Scales!!
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2633-Scales
Most popular blog posts this week
ARRRGH! Those Changing Aisles are Costing You Money!
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/arrrrgh-those-changing-aisles-are.html
Cheapskates Anti-static Spray
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/cheapskates-anti-static-spray.html
Add to Me Muffin Mix
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/09/add-to-me-muffin-mix.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 Bluebell234.
What Can We Do About It?
I just watched the news, not catching it fully but the tail end of the conversation seemed to say that Australia is the only country in the world that doesn't have a domestic price for natural gas and those who consume it may be faced with a 300% to 400% increase in gas prices.
Prices for essential goods and services are increasing unfairly and I cannot help but think as customers and consumers, as people we are being exploited for financial gain.
People are not commodities, they are the valued and respected past, present and future of our nation.
What can we do to help our families and ourselves maintain a fair and reasonable price on goods and services.
As a consumer and customer we could refuse to pay such a high price, we could look at alternative energy and food sources, we could form a growers and peoples co-operative and grow and produce our own food and energy. That was easy to write but it is not as easy to implement. To get the ball rolling we could call a community meeting and air our grievance, we could form a delegation to appeal to parliament.
For myself I am going to pray in earnest about it, research alternative living and lifestyles. I will live a lifestyle of example where people can see it is possible to maintain stability and steadfastness in the face of exploitation, abuse of power, avarice and greed. I know most who read this site are very capable of independence but every day it is being challenged and attacked, let’s fight back with reason and decency and not despair or become too angry.
I think that as a nation, a people an individual we should learn how to be more independent of such exploitation, we should help the weaker ones who cannot help themselves but we should remain vigilant and steadfast in our dignity and let those who are making living standards more difficult know, it is not only unfair but in the long run it is destructive to society.
Have you ever experienced the feeling that you just get on top of one problem and another problem presents itself, well that is just what the news article I only partially heard did today so I did something positive about it, my first step was to give encouragement to those who may be feeling the same way. Happy Cheapskating!!!
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
10. Last Week's Question
Last week's question was from Diana who wrote
"How can I make a substitute for "shoe Stretch" liquid in a small spray pump bottle used for spraying inside tight shoes in order to stretch them?"
Norma Thornton answered
Whenever I buy new shoes, I put on socks or stocking, pour half a cup of warm water into the shoes and walk them dry around the house. No need for any stretching liquid, and the shoes mould to your foot shape while drying.
Carmen Crighton answered
To make your own homemade shoe stretching spray you just need 1 part methylated spirits and 2 parts water. Spray your shoe until it is wet then wear until it dries. Keep doing this until desired stretch is acquired.
Heather Awcock answered
Requirements: a hairdryer, thick socks (think hubby's sports socks or similar). Put on socks. Then take hairdryer and direct it into the toe of the shoe so that you heat the whole toe area up until hot. Then put the shoes on - the material of the shoe (be it plastic or leather) when soft will stretch. Walk around until the shoes cool down - just a few minutes. You may have a couple of minutes of discomfort doing this but the shoes stretch and are then a perfect fit! I have also successfully done this with the heel part too. It was a tip from someone whose father made shoes.
Ask Your Question
11. This Week's Question
Keith writes
"I have a Black and Decker 'food centre' (processor) which needs a part. Model No is FP 21W. The machine is at least 20 years old but worked perfectly until recently when a plastic component disintegrated. B and D have long gone and I can find no info about spare parts suppliers. I'd be very grateful for any information on how to find the part I need."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Keith 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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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
info@cheapskates.com.au