Your Cheapskates Club Newsletter: 48:14 Bright ideas to save you money
1. Cath's Corner
2. In the Tip Store - Easy Peel Garlic, My MOO Take-A-Cake Holder, No More Ants with this Simple Solution
3. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite money saving tip here
4. Living Green in 2014 - How to Make Your Christmas Dinner A Little More "Green" Part 2
5. On the Menu with Anne - No Bake Chocolate Fudge Fruit Cake
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Menu planning for Christmas
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Thank You Cheapskates
9. Last Newsletter's Question - Any ideas for DIY Weight Watchers meals?
10. This Week's Question - How do I make candle melts?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I'm home, although a little bruised and battered, after our week away. Only I could go on holiday and fall down the side of a mountain and end up with an arm in a sling and bruises the size of dinner plates all over me. We had a great time regardless with great friends, wonderful camp sites, beautiful scenery, fabulous weather and some great adventures. Now I'm back, rested (and black and blue) and ready to enjoy the craziness of December.
This week's newsletter is big, full of hints, tips, ideas, recipes and challenges for you. The new Journal is waiting in the Member's Centre for you if you haven't logged in to read it yet. The Christmas Countdown has officially finished but I know some of you started a couple of weeks later so you're almost ready to sit back and relax.
As we gear up (or wind down) for Christmas just remember: it's one day of the year. You can still have a lovely day and special celebration dinner without going broke. Remember to put your Cheapskating skills to use and practice your Cheapskating habits so you'll really own Christmas 2014.
These emails put a smile on my face when I read them:
"Not only are my herbs standing up after one application of the MOO fertilizer, they are saluting. :) Thanks." Carol.
"Hi Cath, TY for your emails. I enjoy them ,and they seem to calm me, if I'm stressed. I enjoy living the frugal life.
Thankyou," Simone
And lastly, a little reminder again to please not just click reply to newsletters or leave a message on our Facebook page to contact me. I don't get them - they do not come to me at all. Then you get annoyed and frustrated because I haven't answered your question. If you would like to contact me please use the Contact Us form on the website. I will get your request and I will respond as quickly as is possible, bearing in mind that I am not always at the computer or even in the office. This is the best, easiest and least frustrating way to get in touch with me.
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
Easy Peel Garlic
Garlic cloves can be fiddly and hard to peel, but if you know this little trick you won't need any gimmicky garlic peelers and will always be able to peel those cloves quickly and painlessly. Just put a clove of garlic on a hard surface (a cutting board is ideal - I have one I use just for onions, garlic and chives). Then take a large knife and place the widest part (the bit near the handle end) on top of it. Make a fist and very carefully punch the widest part of the knife with the fleshy part of your fist, down near your pinky finger. You'll hear the garlic pop, telling you the peel has split and separated. Then just rub it off with your fingers.
Contributed by Catherine L.
My MOO Take-A-Cake Holder
I love those trendy cake holders with handles, but I not only can't afford them, I don't have the cupboard space to store them. Instead I went to my local $2 Shop and found a rectangular container large enough to hold a slice tray (I used one of the cake tins in the store to measure) and the largest plastic bowl with a lid I could find. Now I have two cake carriers, for a grand total of $4, that I can also use between parties and barbecues. I just spread a little of the icing on the lid of each container to hold the cake in place, then pop the base over the top as the airtight lid.
Contributed by Narelle Benson
No More Ants with this Simple Solution
Summer hasn't even started and already the ants are invading my kitchen, bathroom and laundry. I get rid of ants by mixing one tablespoon of borax (from Coles, in the cleaning aisle) and one teaspoon of sugar. I take cotton balls and wet them, then roll them in the mixture and put one or two in an old jar lid I won't be using again. If you don't have a jar lid use a small square of cardboard. I place these baits where I think the ants are coming in and at intervals along their trails. The ants love it and disappear almost immediately. Just remember to keep the baits away from pets and curious children.
Contributed by Lynn Fielding
There are more than 11,000 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. Living Green in 2014
How to Make Your Christmas Dinner A Little More "Green" Part 2
Last week I shared how to make your Christmas dinner a little more green starting with the feature of the meal - the turkey. This week I have some other ideas to turn Christmas dinner into an eco-friendly feast.
Other Green Christmas Dinner Tips
There are a few other ways to save energy on your green Christmas dinner. Although you’ll likely be cooking a lot of the ingredients for the main meal, if you’ll be snacking beforehand, or serving starters, choosing food that doesn’t need cooking will save energy and time.
When you are cooking your food, try to open the oven as little as possible, use lids on saucepans to enable you to turn the heat down, and then leave the oven door open once cooking is finished to let the heat warm up the home.
Go Vegetarian
Although this tip isn’t for everyone, the absolute biggest thing you can do to help protect the environment this Christmas is to go vegetarian. One pound of meat takes far more energy and resources to produce than a pound of vegetables. There are now a huge number of delicious choices for vegetarian Christmas meals. If you can’t go the whole way, perhaps start by replacing a key ingredient with a vegetarian alternative and see how you like it.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers
It goes without saying that you should do your best to make the most of the leftovers after Christmas. Soups, stews and pies are all fantastic ways to use up leftover meat. And, if you’ve got too much to use, cook meals you can freeze or give leftovers to some of your Christmas guests.
5. On the Menu with Anne
No Bake Chocolate Fudge Fruit Cake
Ingredients:
2 pkts chocolate cream biscuits
125g cream cheese
1 egg
1 cup mixed fruit
125g milk chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon water
Method:
Split 1 packet of biscuits in half. Crush the other packet in a food processor or with a rolling pin. In a large bowl mix crushed biscuits, cream cheese, egg, mixed fruit and half the chocolate that has been melted. Line a 20cm square cake tin with half the split biscuits. Spread the chocolate fruit mixture over the biscuits. Place the remaining split biscuits on top of the fruit mixture. Melt remaining chocolate with butter and water, mixing well. Drizzle over the top and in between the biscuits. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Slice into fingers to serve.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Rissoles, fried onions, salad
Saturday: Chicken and vegetable burritos with coriander lime rice
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables, gravy
Monday: Teriyaki stir-fry, fried rice
Tuesday: Meatloaf, tomato gravy, mashed potato, beans, corn
Wednesday: Corned beef, mashed potato, cauliflower, carrot, beans, cheese sauce
Thursday: Cold corned beef and salad
In the fruit bowl: apples, bananas, grapes
In the cake tin: Banana cake, Lunchbox Cookies, Pita Chips, Coconut Biscuits
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
The Christmas season is now upon us and the calendar is starting to fill up with parties and events. Christmas cards need to be written and presents purchased and wrapped. The Christmas tree needs to be put up and decorated. Phew, at times you can feel overwhelmed. There's so much to do.
Before you get too busy, now is a great time to write your menu plan for the month of December. Make sure you have your family calendar beside you as you write down the meals you'd like to have. Planning around activities and events is important. There's no point in planning a roast when half the family is out.
Remember to keep in mind that the weather is a little warmer. Maybe include some bbqs or lighter meals that are easy and quick to prepare. If you have a stash of freezer meals / frozen leftovers then include them around the week of Christmas. You know you'll be crazy busy and take away will be tempting.
Menu plans are not set in stone. If a party comes up at the last minute you can swap meals around to suit your availability. Defrosting meat and meals in the fridge will give you an extra day or two to use it up if your plans change.
Having your menu plan organised now will put your mind at ease. It's something to tick off your list and will only take about half an hour.
Have you started planning your meals for December?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2695-300-a-month-food-challenge-1-12-14&p=46612
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
7. Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Making Gifts Look Tidy
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1683-Making-gifts-look-tidy
Teacher Presents
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1592-Teacher-presents
Are Christmas Cards Outdated?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1083-Are-Christmas-Cards-outdated
Most popular blog posts this week
Re-use Household Items
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/re-use-household-items.html
Being Thrifty is Nifty: Ways to Repurpose Everyday Household Items
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/being-thrifty-is-nifty-ways-to.html
The Scent of Spring
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/06/scent-of-spring.html
8. 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 Janithom.
Thank You Cheapskates
I had been receiving the Cheapskates newsletter every week for the past 6 months, I'd read it then just file it away in my email, not really thinking about it, thought there was good tips etc. But then after my trip overseas back in January I came back and had to catch up on bills, and other things got in the way, and the money was just going out the bank account as soon as it came in and was having to struggle between pays. So I started to make notice of the newsletter and then one day went on the website and had a look around and finally light bulb moment thought I can get more out of this website so I joined, and how glad am I that I have.
My paperwork is now all organised and in one area, instead of scattered around my house! So I don't have to go looking for it. We are more aware of what money is going out and to where it goes, my DDs and I have organised meal plans and kept the food shopping down to a minimum.
And I have found a supportive group of people who are in similar situations.
So thank you Cheapskates and everyone this has made things seem more manageable and I know that eventually I'll be debt free and I realise that it's not going to happen overnight, as someone posted in the forum baby steps! Only wish that I was a better gardener, but I'm very hopeless at gardening.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last newsletter's question was from Olivia who wrote
"Hi I'm 70 years old, on an aged pension and would like to do weight watchers. Their food, while interesting, can be a little pricey using specific ingredients, often only once in a blue moon. While I don't want to be living on sausages or mince I do have to watch every dollar. I enjoy cooking and baking. Any help would be appreciated."
Meredith Parkins answered
If you are computer savvy, or have a smart phone, there is a great website (Free) called Myfitnesspal. They have a calorie counting app as well. You basically can use your favourite recipes and it will count the calories, and it will work out an ideal weight/calorie intake to achieve that weight. All free! The website also has fantastic recipes that are easy to make from scratch using everyday ingredients. I have lost 10 kilos using this website and phone app.
Trish O'Halloran answered
Our local community house has a Weight Watchers style of regular gatherings to support each other in the weight loss journey. There are also lots of Weight Watchers cookbooks (try your local library) and recipes on the internet. Good Luck.
Robyn Fedrick answered
While I was doing Weight Watchers I didn't worry about trying to use their recipes either. You do end up buying special ingredients that you hardly use and it just costs too much. The great thing though is you can use the pro points system with any food. When you join up, you get guide that tells you how many pro points different foods are worth. This makes it easy to count points with the foods you use regularly at home. If you join up online, they have a recipe builder, so you can enter your own recipes and it will tell you how many pro points it is. I found the cheapest way was to keep it simple with "meat and 3 veg" meals. For example, use 5 to 6 pro points on meat of your choice and bulk it out with 0 pro point veggies. Use in season veggies as they are the lowest in cost. If you have enough points you could add a roast potato or 1/2 cup rice.
Melissa Kercher answered
I used to do Lite and Easy,but it got to expensive,so I kept all the containers the food came in. Its all about portion control so I fill the containers up with my selected meal plan and lots of salad and you can still watch your weight.
Do you have a question that needs an answer?
Send us your question and receive the combined knowledge of your fellow Cheapskates to solve your problem!
Ask Your Question
10. This Week's Question
Rhonda writes
"I was wondering if any members have a recipe on how to make candle melts, the nice smelly ones as they are expensive to buy and would like to make my own. Thank you."
Do you have the answer?
If you have a suggestion or idea for Rhonda let us know. We'll enter your answer into our Tip of the Week competition, with a one-year membership to the Cheapskates Club as the prize too.
Send your answer
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
For just 10 cents a day you can join the Cheapskates Club and get exclusive access to the Cheapskate Journal, the monthly e-journal that shows you how to cut the costs of everyday living and still have fun.
Joining the Cheapskates Club gives you 24/7 access to the Members Centre with 1000's of money saving tips and articles.
Click here to join the Cheapskates Club today!
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/members/join_form.cfm?item_id=2271
12. Gift Memberships
Your family and friends will thank you for a whole year when you give them a Platinum Cheapskates Club membership as a gift.
It's so simple: just select the number of gift memberships required, click the Buy Now button and complete the Gift Membership order form (you must use this form to order gift memberships) and we'll get in touch with you to confirm the gift subscriptions.
Click here to order a gift membership right now!
13. Frequently Asked Questions
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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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?
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14. Contact Details
The Cheapskates Club -
Showing you how to live life
debt free, cashed up and laughing!
PO Box 5077 Studfield Vic 3152
www.cheapskates.com.au
[email protected]
2. In the Tip Store - Easy Peel Garlic, My MOO Take-A-Cake Holder, No More Ants with this Simple Solution
3. Submit Your Tip - Share your favourite money saving tip here
4. Living Green in 2014 - How to Make Your Christmas Dinner A Little More "Green" Part 2
5. On the Menu with Anne - No Bake Chocolate Fudge Fruit Cake
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy - Menu planning for Christmas
7. Cheapskates Buzz - Cheapskaters are talking in the Forum and on Cath's blog
8. Member's Featured Blog - Thank You Cheapskates
9. Last Newsletter's Question - Any ideas for DIY Weight Watchers meals?
10. This Week's Question - How do I make candle melts?
11. Join the Cheapskates Club
12. Gift Memberships
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Contact Details
1. Cath's Corner
Hello Cheapskaters,
I'm home, although a little bruised and battered, after our week away. Only I could go on holiday and fall down the side of a mountain and end up with an arm in a sling and bruises the size of dinner plates all over me. We had a great time regardless with great friends, wonderful camp sites, beautiful scenery, fabulous weather and some great adventures. Now I'm back, rested (and black and blue) and ready to enjoy the craziness of December.
This week's newsletter is big, full of hints, tips, ideas, recipes and challenges for you. The new Journal is waiting in the Member's Centre for you if you haven't logged in to read it yet. The Christmas Countdown has officially finished but I know some of you started a couple of weeks later so you're almost ready to sit back and relax.
As we gear up (or wind down) for Christmas just remember: it's one day of the year. You can still have a lovely day and special celebration dinner without going broke. Remember to put your Cheapskating skills to use and practice your Cheapskating habits so you'll really own Christmas 2014.
These emails put a smile on my face when I read them:
"Not only are my herbs standing up after one application of the MOO fertilizer, they are saluting. :) Thanks." Carol.
"Hi Cath, TY for your emails. I enjoy them ,and they seem to calm me, if I'm stressed. I enjoy living the frugal life.
Thankyou," Simone
And lastly, a little reminder again to please not just click reply to newsletters or leave a message on our Facebook page to contact me. I don't get them - they do not come to me at all. Then you get annoyed and frustrated because I haven't answered your question. If you would like to contact me please use the Contact Us form on the website. I will get your request and I will respond as quickly as is possible, bearing in mind that I am not always at the computer or even in the office. This is the best, easiest and least frustrating way to get in touch with me.
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
Easy Peel Garlic
Garlic cloves can be fiddly and hard to peel, but if you know this little trick you won't need any gimmicky garlic peelers and will always be able to peel those cloves quickly and painlessly. Just put a clove of garlic on a hard surface (a cutting board is ideal - I have one I use just for onions, garlic and chives). Then take a large knife and place the widest part (the bit near the handle end) on top of it. Make a fist and very carefully punch the widest part of the knife with the fleshy part of your fist, down near your pinky finger. You'll hear the garlic pop, telling you the peel has split and separated. Then just rub it off with your fingers.
Contributed by Catherine L.
My MOO Take-A-Cake Holder
I love those trendy cake holders with handles, but I not only can't afford them, I don't have the cupboard space to store them. Instead I went to my local $2 Shop and found a rectangular container large enough to hold a slice tray (I used one of the cake tins in the store to measure) and the largest plastic bowl with a lid I could find. Now I have two cake carriers, for a grand total of $4, that I can also use between parties and barbecues. I just spread a little of the icing on the lid of each container to hold the cake in place, then pop the base over the top as the airtight lid.
Contributed by Narelle Benson
No More Ants with this Simple Solution
Summer hasn't even started and already the ants are invading my kitchen, bathroom and laundry. I get rid of ants by mixing one tablespoon of borax (from Coles, in the cleaning aisle) and one teaspoon of sugar. I take cotton balls and wet them, then roll them in the mixture and put one or two in an old jar lid I won't be using again. If you don't have a jar lid use a small square of cardboard. I place these baits where I think the ants are coming in and at intervals along their trails. The ants love it and disappear almost immediately. Just remember to keep the baits away from pets and curious children.
Contributed by Lynn Fielding
There are more than 11,000 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. Living Green in 2014
How to Make Your Christmas Dinner A Little More "Green" Part 2
Last week I shared how to make your Christmas dinner a little more green starting with the feature of the meal - the turkey. This week I have some other ideas to turn Christmas dinner into an eco-friendly feast.
Other Green Christmas Dinner Tips
There are a few other ways to save energy on your green Christmas dinner. Although you’ll likely be cooking a lot of the ingredients for the main meal, if you’ll be snacking beforehand, or serving starters, choosing food that doesn’t need cooking will save energy and time.
When you are cooking your food, try to open the oven as little as possible, use lids on saucepans to enable you to turn the heat down, and then leave the oven door open once cooking is finished to let the heat warm up the home.
Go Vegetarian
Although this tip isn’t for everyone, the absolute biggest thing you can do to help protect the environment this Christmas is to go vegetarian. One pound of meat takes far more energy and resources to produce than a pound of vegetables. There are now a huge number of delicious choices for vegetarian Christmas meals. If you can’t go the whole way, perhaps start by replacing a key ingredient with a vegetarian alternative and see how you like it.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers
It goes without saying that you should do your best to make the most of the leftovers after Christmas. Soups, stews and pies are all fantastic ways to use up leftover meat. And, if you’ve got too much to use, cook meals you can freeze or give leftovers to some of your Christmas guests.
5. On the Menu with Anne
No Bake Chocolate Fudge Fruit Cake
Ingredients:
2 pkts chocolate cream biscuits
125g cream cheese
1 egg
1 cup mixed fruit
125g milk chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon water
Method:
Split 1 packet of biscuits in half. Crush the other packet in a food processor or with a rolling pin. In a large bowl mix crushed biscuits, cream cheese, egg, mixed fruit and half the chocolate that has been melted. Line a 20cm square cake tin with half the split biscuits. Spread the chocolate fruit mixture over the biscuits. Place the remaining split biscuits on top of the fruit mixture. Melt remaining chocolate with butter and water, mixing well. Drizzle over the top and in between the biscuits. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Slice into fingers to serve.
This week we will be eating:
Friday: Rissoles, fried onions, salad
Saturday: Chicken and vegetable burritos with coriander lime rice
Sunday: Roast beef, baked vegetables, gravy
Monday: Teriyaki stir-fry, fried rice
Tuesday: Meatloaf, tomato gravy, mashed potato, beans, corn
Wednesday: Corned beef, mashed potato, cauliflower, carrot, beans, cheese sauce
Thursday: Cold corned beef and salad
In the fruit bowl: apples, bananas, grapes
In the cake tin: Banana cake, Lunchbox Cookies, Pita Chips, Coconut Biscuits
There are over 1,400 other great money saving meal ideas in the Recipe File
6. The $300 a Month Food Challenge with Wendy
The Christmas season is now upon us and the calendar is starting to fill up with parties and events. Christmas cards need to be written and presents purchased and wrapped. The Christmas tree needs to be put up and decorated. Phew, at times you can feel overwhelmed. There's so much to do.
Before you get too busy, now is a great time to write your menu plan for the month of December. Make sure you have your family calendar beside you as you write down the meals you'd like to have. Planning around activities and events is important. There's no point in planning a roast when half the family is out.
Remember to keep in mind that the weather is a little warmer. Maybe include some bbqs or lighter meals that are easy and quick to prepare. If you have a stash of freezer meals / frozen leftovers then include them around the week of Christmas. You know you'll be crazy busy and take away will be tempting.
Menu plans are not set in stone. If a party comes up at the last minute you can swap meals around to suit your availability. Defrosting meat and meals in the fridge will give you an extra day or two to use it up if your plans change.
Having your menu plan organised now will put your mind at ease. It's something to tick off your list and will only take about half an hour.
Have you started planning your meals for December?
Have a great week and BE ENCOURAGED!!!
The $300 a Month Food Challenge
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?2695-300-a-month-food-challenge-1-12-14&p=46612
The Post that Started it All
http://www.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=44265
7. Cheapskates Buzz
This week's hot forum topics
Making Gifts Look Tidy
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1683-Making-gifts-look-tidy
Teacher Presents
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1592-Teacher-presents
Are Christmas Cards Outdated?
http://www.cheapskatesclub.com.au/memberforum/showthread.php?1083-Are-Christmas-Cards-outdated
Most popular blog posts this week
Re-use Household Items
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/02/re-use-household-items.html
Being Thrifty is Nifty: Ways to Repurpose Everyday Household Items
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2013/06/being-thrifty-is-nifty-ways-to.html
The Scent of Spring
http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2011/06/scent-of-spring.html
8. 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 Janithom.
Thank You Cheapskates
I had been receiving the Cheapskates newsletter every week for the past 6 months, I'd read it then just file it away in my email, not really thinking about it, thought there was good tips etc. But then after my trip overseas back in January I came back and had to catch up on bills, and other things got in the way, and the money was just going out the bank account as soon as it came in and was having to struggle between pays. So I started to make notice of the newsletter and then one day went on the website and had a look around and finally light bulb moment thought I can get more out of this website so I joined, and how glad am I that I have.
My paperwork is now all organised and in one area, instead of scattered around my house! So I don't have to go looking for it. We are more aware of what money is going out and to where it goes, my DDs and I have organised meal plans and kept the food shopping down to a minimum.
And I have found a supportive group of people who are in similar situations.
So thank you Cheapskates and everyone this has made things seem more manageable and I know that eventually I'll be debt free and I realise that it's not going to happen overnight, as someone posted in the forum baby steps! Only wish that I was a better gardener, but I'm very hopeless at gardening.
Login to read more Cheapskates Club member blogs
9. Last Week's Question
Last newsletter's question was from Olivia who wrote
"Hi I'm 70 years old, on an aged pension and would like to do weight watchers. Their food, while interesting, can be a little pricey using specific ingredients, often only once in a blue moon. While I don't want to be living on sausages or mince I do have to watch every dollar. I enjoy cooking and baking. Any help would be appreciated."
Meredith Parkins answered
If you are computer savvy, or have a smart phone, there is a great website (Free) called Myfitnesspal. They have a calorie counting app as well. You basically can use your favourite recipes and it will count the calories, and it will work out an ideal weight/calorie intake to achieve that weight. All free! The website also has fantastic recipes that are easy to make from scratch using everyday ingredients. I have lost 10 kilos using this website and phone app.
Trish O'Halloran answered
Our local community house has a Weight Watchers style of regular gatherings to support each other in the weight loss journey. There are also lots of Weight Watchers cookbooks (try your local library) and recipes on the internet. Good Luck.
Robyn Fedrick answered
While I was doing Weight Watchers I didn't worry about trying to use their recipes either. You do end up buying special ingredients that you hardly use and it just costs too much. The great thing though is you can use the pro points system with any food. When you join up, you get guide that tells you how many pro points different foods are worth. This makes it easy to count points with the foods you use regularly at home. If you join up online, they have a recipe builder, so you can enter your own recipes and it will tell you how many pro points it is. I found the cheapest way was to keep it simple with "meat and 3 veg" meals. For example, use 5 to 6 pro points on meat of your choice and bulk it out with 0 pro point veggies. Use in season veggies as they are the lowest in cost. If you have enough points you could add a roast potato or 1/2 cup rice.
Melissa Kercher answered
I used to do Lite and Easy,but it got to expensive,so I kept all the containers the food came in. Its all about portion control so I fill the containers up with my selected meal plan and lots of salad and you can still watch your weight.
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