Save a lot of money with a sewing machine
A sewing machine will save you a lot of money. If you are not an avid sewer it's probably best to not get a new one, there are good second hand options: in the paper, Salvation Army op shops etc. Look for a basic machine that you can get to know and get used to it. I am a sewer and sometimes I buy flat sheets at garage sales and make them fitted, you can make your own pillow cases too, very easy, just see how your old ones have been done. With a sewing machine you can do a lot of recycling, your big t-shirts can be altered to your size or kids size. Sometimes I buy fabric from op shops for $1 or $2 that can be made into nice tops, etc. I suggest you go to the library and borrow a book about sewing, that's the way I am learning, and practice every lesson in those books. A sewing machine will pay for itself very quickly, and you will have a lot of fun.
Contributed by Elizabeth, Berkeley
Monday, 20 July 2009
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Tip of the Day 19 July 2009
Tips for a Stress Free Christmas
A great tip for a stress free Christmas is to planning ahead of your shopping time. Make yourself a list of the people and presents you plan to buy and most importantly, your budget for that person. Once you know what you want and the price you want to pay, Christmas shopping is fun. Look through sales catalogues or head to clearance centres where you know you can get a good deal. When you get to the shops, stick to your price plan. Don’t be fooled by advertising and marketing tricks. Remember, a little planning now can give you an enjoyable a happy, stress and debt free Christmas.
A great tip for a stress free Christmas is to planning ahead of your shopping time. Make yourself a list of the people and presents you plan to buy and most importantly, your budget for that person. Once you know what you want and the price you want to pay, Christmas shopping is fun. Look through sales catalogues or head to clearance centres where you know you can get a good deal. When you get to the shops, stick to your price plan. Don’t be fooled by advertising and marketing tricks. Remember, a little planning now can give you an enjoyable a happy, stress and debt free Christmas.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Tip of the Day 18 July, 2009
Get out the door on time
Put an inexpensive battery operated wall clock in the kitchen, bath, bedroom and family room. Now when you stop to do 'one more thing' while you are trying to stay on schedule you will be able to see if you can afford the time. Time yourself to see how long it takes to walk out your door and get to work on 3 different mornings. Then set aside the longest time over the three days for getting ready, out the door and to work on time. You will feel so powerful knowing that you will not be late.
Put an inexpensive battery operated wall clock in the kitchen, bath, bedroom and family room. Now when you stop to do 'one more thing' while you are trying to stay on schedule you will be able to see if you can afford the time. Time yourself to see how long it takes to walk out your door and get to work on 3 different mornings. Then set aside the longest time over the three days for getting ready, out the door and to work on time. You will feel so powerful knowing that you will not be late.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Tip of the Day 17 July, 2009
Free flowing nail polish to the last brush stroke
One way to make those expensive little bottles of nail polish last longer is to store them in the refrigerator between uses. They won't thicken as quickly if they're kept cold, giving you perfect nail cover with every manicure
One way to make those expensive little bottles of nail polish last longer is to store them in the refrigerator between uses. They won't thicken as quickly if they're kept cold, giving you perfect nail cover with every manicure
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Tip of the Day 16 July, 2009
Keeping clippings neat
Ever cut out recipes from magazines or the back of food products, put them somewhere safe and promptly lose them in your kitchen? A great way to keep them all in one place is to take a small photo album with clear drop-in sleeves (you can usually find these at the $2 shop). The recipe clippings are sometimes so small you can fit two, sometimes three, per page. To be really organized you can assign one album per product - pasta, poultry, meat, etc. Keep them neatly together on a pantry shelf where you'll see them and be reminded to try the recipes.
Ever cut out recipes from magazines or the back of food products, put them somewhere safe and promptly lose them in your kitchen? A great way to keep them all in one place is to take a small photo album with clear drop-in sleeves (you can usually find these at the $2 shop). The recipe clippings are sometimes so small you can fit two, sometimes three, per page. To be really organized you can assign one album per product - pasta, poultry, meat, etc. Keep them neatly together on a pantry shelf where you'll see them and be reminded to try the recipes.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 15, 2009
Buy your morning coffee and save
Approximate $ Savings: $365/year
I save money by buying my own homemade coffee! I am hopeless at putting money away for a rainy day, then I had an idea. I cannot function without my morning coffee, so I have put a tin next to the coffee jar, and have to put $1 in the tin before I make my first coffee. I always manage to find $1 in change laying around the house, so instead of it disappearing into thin air, the dollar goes into my coffee tin, helping me to save at least $365 dollars a year, and it is very helpful toward those Christmas expenses! Of course if your partner also enjoys his morning drink, get him to pay, doubling the cash savings.
Contributed by Nicole, Fulham Gardens
Approximate $ Savings: $365/year
I save money by buying my own homemade coffee! I am hopeless at putting money away for a rainy day, then I had an idea. I cannot function without my morning coffee, so I have put a tin next to the coffee jar, and have to put $1 in the tin before I make my first coffee. I always manage to find $1 in change laying around the house, so instead of it disappearing into thin air, the dollar goes into my coffee tin, helping me to save at least $365 dollars a year, and it is very helpful toward those Christmas expenses! Of course if your partner also enjoys his morning drink, get him to pay, doubling the cash savings.
Contributed by Nicole, Fulham Gardens
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 14 2009
Handy mash from leftovers
When you have left over mashed potatoes from a meal, scoop the potatoes into small balls, place them on a cookie sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once completely frozen place them in a labelled and sealed freezer bag. When making potato soup (or any other cream style soup) use the potato balls in the soup to give a creamier, thicker texture. You can use a melon baller to make small, bite sized potato snacks. Just roll in breadcrumbs and shallow fry until golden.
When you have left over mashed potatoes from a meal, scoop the potatoes into small balls, place them on a cookie sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once completely frozen place them in a labelled and sealed freezer bag. When making potato soup (or any other cream style soup) use the potato balls in the soup to give a creamier, thicker texture. You can use a melon baller to make small, bite sized potato snacks. Just roll in breadcrumbs and shallow fry until golden.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 13 2009
A use for teabag dividers
I buy teabags in a box of 100. The teabags are in the box in nice little rows with 3 x rectangular pieces of rather good quality white glossy cardboard separating the rows. Ever since I can remember, when I open a new box of teabags I keep these pieces of cardboard. They make great bookmarks (as is or decorated) and I often use them a gift tags for presents. Just punch a hole in one corner and tie it to the gift with a personalised message written on the card. They can also be used as thread sorters - punch holes down one side, add a snippet of thread and then write the details next to it (if you use pencil then you can re-use them).
Contributed by Deborah, Gawler
I buy teabags in a box of 100. The teabags are in the box in nice little rows with 3 x rectangular pieces of rather good quality white glossy cardboard separating the rows. Ever since I can remember, when I open a new box of teabags I keep these pieces of cardboard. They make great bookmarks (as is or decorated) and I often use them a gift tags for presents. Just punch a hole in one corner and tie it to the gift with a personalised message written on the card. They can also be used as thread sorters - punch holes down one side, add a snippet of thread and then write the details next to it (if you use pencil then you can re-use them).
Contributed by Deborah, Gawler
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 12 2009
How to stop frittering away your hard earned dollars
A good coffee is terrific, though at $3.20 per cup, it puts a serious dent on your budget. Just one coffee per day, (and often you need 2 cafe lattés a day), will cost you $1,168 each year – ouch! You can save over $900 per year by investing in a coffee plunger or an espresso machine and buying your favourite blend of coffee, ready ground. This way you can make a terrific cup of coffee just the way you like it any time you like and you’ll be saving heaps.
A good coffee is terrific, though at $3.20 per cup, it puts a serious dent on your budget. Just one coffee per day, (and often you need 2 cafe lattés a day), will cost you $1,168 each year – ouch! You can save over $900 per year by investing in a coffee plunger or an espresso machine and buying your favourite blend of coffee, ready ground. This way you can make a terrific cup of coffee just the way you like it any time you like and you’ll be saving heaps.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Tip of the Day 11 July, 2009
Getting Fit on a Budget
Getting fit can cost you a fortune, however it doesn’t have to be that way. Forget the fancy fitness attire and shop around for some genuine bargains on your fitness gear and shoes. Look to pick up end of lines, seconds and even second hand things for a fraction of the price. Most cities now have discount chains and factory outlets where you can buy top brand shoes for $50 - $80 instead of $150-180. Likewise the major department stores offer clearance and discounts at various times of the year. You can often receive 10 – 20% of the normal price by shopping at Big W or K Mart, especially when they have their sales. Myers and DJ’s have great clearance sales which include sports gear every 6 months. The dedicated sports stores have sales and are often useful to find clearance and end of line discounts.
Getting fit can cost you a fortune, however it doesn’t have to be that way. Forget the fancy fitness attire and shop around for some genuine bargains on your fitness gear and shoes. Look to pick up end of lines, seconds and even second hand things for a fraction of the price. Most cities now have discount chains and factory outlets where you can buy top brand shoes for $50 - $80 instead of $150-180. Likewise the major department stores offer clearance and discounts at various times of the year. You can often receive 10 – 20% of the normal price by shopping at Big W or K Mart, especially when they have their sales. Myers and DJ’s have great clearance sales which include sports gear every 6 months. The dedicated sports stores have sales and are often useful to find clearance and end of line discounts.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Tip of the Day 10 July, 2009
Leftover pizza? Re-heat it for a quick snack!
Leftover pizza can become soggy and unappetizing if it's warmed in the microwave and it dries out and becomes like cardboard if it's reheated in the oven. For perfect re-heated pizza every time, try this simple method. Simply heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick fry-pan on top of the stove, over a medium to low heat and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza or dried out cardboard base. It really works, try it next time you have leftover pizza.
Leftover pizza can become soggy and unappetizing if it's warmed in the microwave and it dries out and becomes like cardboard if it's reheated in the oven. For perfect re-heated pizza every time, try this simple method. Simply heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick fry-pan on top of the stove, over a medium to low heat and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza or dried out cardboard base. It really works, try it next time you have leftover pizza.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 9, 2009
Easy Glider
To keep the zipper on heavy jackets and jeans in tip top shape and to prevent it from sticking, run a bar of soap up and down both sides of the zip after each wash. The zipper will glide easily, preventing tugging when it gets stuck. No more tugging means no more broken zips. A side benefit is the ease of zipping for littlies and those with arthritic fingers.
To keep the zipper on heavy jackets and jeans in tip top shape and to prevent it from sticking, run a bar of soap up and down both sides of the zip after each wash. The zipper will glide easily, preventing tugging when it gets stuck. No more tugging means no more broken zips. A side benefit is the ease of zipping for littlies and those with arthritic fingers.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 8, 2009
$5 Here, $5 There Really Adds Up
When my daughter was getting married a couple of years ago I didn't know how I was going to afford a really beautiful Mother of the Bride outfit. So I decided that I would try to not spend the $5 notes that came my way as change from breaking a note for another purchase. It worked. Whenever I got $5 as change I would put it in a separate purse and forget about it. Well they really started to add up pretty quickly. Within a few months I had a few hundred dollars. When I went shopping for my outfit I ended up finding a truly beautiful outfit for just over $300 dollars and only had to add $25 to what I had saved in $5 notes. It saved me having to put my purchase on credit card and pay back over several months, not to mention the interest that would have been added as well. So I still save my $5's. It's great for Christmas presents, birthdays, and holidays. Now I never spend my $5's until that special time that I've been saving for.
Contributed by Dianne Park
When my daughter was getting married a couple of years ago I didn't know how I was going to afford a really beautiful Mother of the Bride outfit. So I decided that I would try to not spend the $5 notes that came my way as change from breaking a note for another purchase. It worked. Whenever I got $5 as change I would put it in a separate purse and forget about it. Well they really started to add up pretty quickly. Within a few months I had a few hundred dollars. When I went shopping for my outfit I ended up finding a truly beautiful outfit for just over $300 dollars and only had to add $25 to what I had saved in $5 notes. It saved me having to put my purchase on credit card and pay back over several months, not to mention the interest that would have been added as well. So I still save my $5's. It's great for Christmas presents, birthdays, and holidays. Now I never spend my $5's until that special time that I've been saving for.
Contributed by Dianne Park
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 7, 2009
Terrific Tacos
Have the perfect taco shell every time with this simple tip. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the oven has reached 200 degrees, switch it off and immediately drop your taco shells over the oven rack, so they are hanging down. Close the door and leave 10 minutes. Perfect taco shells, ready to be filled and enjoyed.
Have the perfect taco shell every time with this simple tip. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the oven has reached 200 degrees, switch it off and immediately drop your taco shells over the oven rack, so they are hanging down. Close the door and leave 10 minutes. Perfect taco shells, ready to be filled and enjoyed.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 6, 2009
Coin Bags Ideal for Keeping Cottons Clean
I am an avid cross stitcher. Instead of buying an expensive thread box and cards to keep my threads separate, I use the plastic money bags from the bank. I write the cotton number on the outside of the bag and it can fit more than one strand of the same colour in it.
Contributed by Rebecca, Culcairn
I am an avid cross stitcher. Instead of buying an expensive thread box and cards to keep my threads separate, I use the plastic money bags from the bank. I write the cotton number on the outside of the bag and it can fit more than one strand of the same colour in it.
Contributed by Rebecca, Culcairn
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Tip of the Day July 5, 2009
Keeping herbs fresh
When storing your herbs in the fridge, wrap them in a damp tea towel and store in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper. This keeps them fresh for days and they don`t wilt at all as they would in a glass of water.
When storing your herbs in the fridge, wrap them in a damp tea towel and store in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper. This keeps them fresh for days and they don`t wilt at all as they would in a glass of water.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 26, 2009
Beware of packaging changes
When your favourite products change packaging, check carefully to see why. Has it shrunk in size? Is it being made elsewhere? Have the ingredients changed? And most importantly has the unit price changed? Often a change of packaging means a change in size which can be costing you more. While the packaging may give you the impression that the quantity or volume hasn't changed, read the label carefully. If the change has resulted in an increase in price you may choose to look for another cheaper product to replace this one with.
When your favourite products change packaging, check carefully to see why. Has it shrunk in size? Is it being made elsewhere? Have the ingredients changed? And most importantly has the unit price changed? Often a change of packaging means a change in size which can be costing you more. While the packaging may give you the impression that the quantity or volume hasn't changed, read the label carefully. If the change has resulted in an increase in price you may choose to look for another cheaper product to replace this one with.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 25, 2009
Seasoning new towels
Often new towels, while looking soft and fluffy, are not as absorbent as we'd like them to be. To remove the seasoning from new towels, soften them and have them ready to dry you properly, always soak them in a bucket of hot water and 2 cups of white vinegar overnight, then wash on a hot cycle with half the quantity of washing powder that you would normally use and 1/2 cup of bi-carb soda, and in the fabric softener compartment add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Line dry them and they are ready to be put into daily use. You'll have soft, fluffy towels that are super absorbent and dry beautifully.
Often new towels, while looking soft and fluffy, are not as absorbent as we'd like them to be. To remove the seasoning from new towels, soften them and have them ready to dry you properly, always soak them in a bucket of hot water and 2 cups of white vinegar overnight, then wash on a hot cycle with half the quantity of washing powder that you would normally use and 1/2 cup of bi-carb soda, and in the fabric softener compartment add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Line dry them and they are ready to be put into daily use. You'll have soft, fluffy towels that are super absorbent and dry beautifully.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 24, 2009
Out of sight, out of mind
If you have a problem saving, try having an automatic deduction from your wages straight to a separate bank account with limited access. Then have the balance deposited into your everyday account as usual. You can only see what you have left to spend on bills, living etc and you don't have to worry about not spending your savings.
If you have a problem saving, try having an automatic deduction from your wages straight to a separate bank account with limited access. Then have the balance deposited into your everyday account as usual. You can only see what you have left to spend on bills, living etc and you don't have to worry about not spending your savings.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 23, 2009
Apple snacks
Don't waste the apple peelings when you are getting apples ready to make apple sauce or stewed apple. Before you peel them wash them well. Then peel the apples, putting the peelings aside. Toss them in cinnamon sugar and bake on an oiled biscuit tray in a 160 degree oven until they are golden and crisp. They make a delicious treat to nibble on.
Don't waste the apple peelings when you are getting apples ready to make apple sauce or stewed apple. Before you peel them wash them well. Then peel the apples, putting the peelings aside. Toss them in cinnamon sugar and bake on an oiled biscuit tray in a 160 degree oven until they are golden and crisp. They make a delicious treat to nibble on.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 22, 2009
Think outside the craft store
With the scrapbooking craze at the moment, tools can be very expensive but I've found a way to cut costs. I wanted a heat gun so I could give embossing a go, but to buy a heat gun from craft stores, was going to cost me between $60-$80 for the gun, so my hubby told me to try Bunnings (or any other hardware store), and I did. They were only about $30 for a heat gun (a big saving). But it didn't stop there, I ended up purchasing the tool from Kmart when they had 20% off tools, which saved me even more. I also wanted a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and to buy them from the craft store was going to cost $10-$20 a pair. I had a look in the beauty section at Big W and found a pair that would do the job for $4.50. The last saving I made was for paper storage (you end up acquiring a lot of paper) and again, to buy something to store paper in at the craft store was around $120+, way out of my budget. So again I went to Big W and bought a "Desktopper" (a plastic box that hold suspension files, make sure you get the ones without the lids), and it fits all of my paper in neatly, I can buy more suspension files when needed, it doesn't take up much room (it sits neatly on my desk top - hence the name) and it only cost between $11-$18. I hope this helps other crafters out there.
Contributed by Lisa, Nambour
With the scrapbooking craze at the moment, tools can be very expensive but I've found a way to cut costs. I wanted a heat gun so I could give embossing a go, but to buy a heat gun from craft stores, was going to cost me between $60-$80 for the gun, so my hubby told me to try Bunnings (or any other hardware store), and I did. They were only about $30 for a heat gun (a big saving). But it didn't stop there, I ended up purchasing the tool from Kmart when they had 20% off tools, which saved me even more. I also wanted a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and to buy them from the craft store was going to cost $10-$20 a pair. I had a look in the beauty section at Big W and found a pair that would do the job for $4.50. The last saving I made was for paper storage (you end up acquiring a lot of paper) and again, to buy something to store paper in at the craft store was around $120+, way out of my budget. So again I went to Big W and bought a "Desktopper" (a plastic box that hold suspension files, make sure you get the ones without the lids), and it fits all of my paper in neatly, I can buy more suspension files when needed, it doesn't take up much room (it sits neatly on my desk top - hence the name) and it only cost between $11-$18. I hope this helps other crafters out there.
Contributed by Lisa, Nambour
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Tip of the Day June 21, 2009
Whip up a home brew
Here is s a great way to brew up your own plant fertiliser at a cost of about 5 cents per 5 litres: add 2 teaspoons of plain household ammonia to 5 litres of water. Allow the mixture to steep for a full 24 hours. Use this liquid on plants instead of using costly commercial fertiliser.
Caution: If you use more than two teaspoons per 5 litres of water it will be too strong, and you will burn your plants. In this case more is definitely not better.
Here is s a great way to brew up your own plant fertiliser at a cost of about 5 cents per 5 litres: add 2 teaspoons of plain household ammonia to 5 litres of water. Allow the mixture to steep for a full 24 hours. Use this liquid on plants instead of using costly commercial fertiliser.
Caution: If you use more than two teaspoons per 5 litres of water it will be too strong, and you will burn your plants. In this case more is definitely not better.
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