Biscuit Logs
When making biscuits, make a double recipe and roll one half into a log, slice and then wrap in clingwrap and freeze. These biscuits can then be baked from frozen, and being pre-sliced you can bake one or all of them.
Bargain Bikkies
Ingredients:
7 cups SR flour
2 cups sugar
500g margarine
4 eggs, beaten
1 dessertspoon vanilla essence
Method:
Cream butter and sugar. Mix vanilla essence with eggs and add to butter/sugar, mixing well. Add the flour. The mixture becomes quite stiff at this stage but make sure all the flour is thoroughly mixed in.
Now comes the fun part – creating different varieties of bikkies.
Divide the dough into portions – 4 is a manageable number – and flavour each portion.
Variations:
Cornflake: Take spoonfuls (tea- or dessert- depending on how big you want them) of dough, roll into balls and then roll in crushed cornflakes. I have also used the weetbix crumbs from the bottom of the box too.
Choc Chip: Mix ½ cup choc chips through the dough. Then either roll into balls and freeze or bake, or into a log.
Thumb Prints: Roll into balls, flatten out and then poke a dent in the middle of each bikkie with your thumb. Add a dollop of red jam.
Sultana: Mix through a handful of sultanas
Apricot & Almond: Chop a few dried apricots and add with ¼ cup chopped almonds.
Cherryripe: Add a packet of glace cherries, 1/4 cup choc bits and 2 tbsp coconut.
This mixture freezes really well. You can simply flash freeze the individual bikkies and then bag them, ready to bake. Or you can roll the mixture into logs and freeze. Then simply thaw a log, slice and bake.
Bake in a moderate oven for 10 minutes or until golden. Watch with the choc chip variety that they don’t burn on the bottom – the chocolate melts and may catch on the tray.
This biscuit recipe comes from the Cheapskates Club Recipe File.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Monday, 21 September 2009
Tip of the Day September 21 2009
Old Make-up Make Great Watercolours
Let the kids use the old make up to draw pictures with (using the lipsticks, eyeliners etc). The powders (like eye shadow, blushers etc) can be used like water colours. Just wet a paint brush and dip in.
Contributed by Rachael, Rivervale
Let the kids use the old make up to draw pictures with (using the lipsticks, eyeliners etc). The powders (like eye shadow, blushers etc) can be used like water colours. Just wet a paint brush and dip in.
Contributed by Rachael, Rivervale
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Tip of the Day 20 September 2009
Make Compost Tea
When you are weeding, fill a bucket about half full of weeds and add water until the weeds are covered. Put a lid on the bucket (to stop mozzies) and leave for 3 weeks. You will have a foul smelling but fantastic fertiliser (for free!) for your plants. Use it diluted in a ratio of about 1 part fertiliser to 4 parts water and water your plants on a weekly basis. It gives back nutrients without any chemical additives and you can make as much as you want.
Contributed by Rhonda, Erindale South
When you are weeding, fill a bucket about half full of weeds and add water until the weeds are covered. Put a lid on the bucket (to stop mozzies) and leave for 3 weeks. You will have a foul smelling but fantastic fertiliser (for free!) for your plants. Use it diluted in a ratio of about 1 part fertiliser to 4 parts water and water your plants on a weekly basis. It gives back nutrients without any chemical additives and you can make as much as you want.
Contributed by Rhonda, Erindale South
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Tip of the Day 19 September 2009
Challenge Your Kids
Set them a goal to work out some ways to earn money themselves so they can either save it or spend it on the things they want to do. They can go through and find things in their rooms they no longer want and learn how to sell them on eBay. Offer their services doing things like babysitting, mowing lawns, ironing etc. Or they could even go out and get a job. What a great way to start the year. It will also help them to learn the value of money. They will be more hesitant to spend their hard earned cash.
Contributed by Melanie, Dapto
Set them a goal to work out some ways to earn money themselves so they can either save it or spend it on the things they want to do. They can go through and find things in their rooms they no longer want and learn how to sell them on eBay. Offer their services doing things like babysitting, mowing lawns, ironing etc. Or they could even go out and get a job. What a great way to start the year. It will also help them to learn the value of money. They will be more hesitant to spend their hard earned cash.
Contributed by Melanie, Dapto
Friday, 18 September 2009
Tip of the Day 18 September 2009
Union Shopper
If you or your partner is a member of a union, check if your union is a member of "Union Shopper". When you buy anything from appliances to cars to chainsaws, these people can get you great deals. You shop around for what product you want and what the best price is you can get. Than you call these people up and they call you back within 48 hours to let you know if they can get you a better price. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years by buying fridge, dishwasher, chainsaw and even 2 cars through this organization. Our fridge saved us $350 for exactly the same fridge, about $2000 on each car. It costs you only 1 phone call to check with them before you buy.
Contributed by Bianca, Advancetown
If you or your partner is a member of a union, check if your union is a member of "Union Shopper". When you buy anything from appliances to cars to chainsaws, these people can get you great deals. You shop around for what product you want and what the best price is you can get. Than you call these people up and they call you back within 48 hours to let you know if they can get you a better price. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years by buying fridge, dishwasher, chainsaw and even 2 cars through this organization. Our fridge saved us $350 for exactly the same fridge, about $2000 on each car. It costs you only 1 phone call to check with them before you buy.
Contributed by Bianca, Advancetown
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Tip of the Day 17 September 2009
Free Scoops
Save the plastic laundry scoops from washing powder and wash them in the dishwasher to thoroughly clean before use with food. Then use them as scoops (they are roughly half a cup) for rice, pasta, any dry foods that you store in Tupperware containers, animal food, anything that you would usually scoop out - esp. handy for Tupperware containers instead of the expensive scoops that you would usually have to buy to go with them, what's more, if you have extra left over that you are not using they take up very little space because they stack on top of each other very neatly in a utensil drawer.
Contributed by Genevieve, Sutherland
Save the plastic laundry scoops from washing powder and wash them in the dishwasher to thoroughly clean before use with food. Then use them as scoops (they are roughly half a cup) for rice, pasta, any dry foods that you store in Tupperware containers, animal food, anything that you would usually scoop out - esp. handy for Tupperware containers instead of the expensive scoops that you would usually have to buy to go with them, what's more, if you have extra left over that you are not using they take up very little space because they stack on top of each other very neatly in a utensil drawer.
Contributed by Genevieve, Sutherland
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Tip of the Day 16 September 2009
Sponge Clean Clothes
Dry cleaning bills can be outrageous, especially for business suits and formal clothes. You can cut your dry cleaning costs by only purchasing clothing that can be washed either in the machine or by hand or by treating small spots and everyday wear yourself. You can cut your dry cleaning by at least a third if you sponge your suits and coats yourself. Hang them in the bathroom while you’re showering and let the steam take the creases away. Invest in a good pressing cloth (under $10) and learn how to properly press trousers and jackets.
Dry cleaning bills can be outrageous, especially for business suits and formal clothes. You can cut your dry cleaning costs by only purchasing clothing that can be washed either in the machine or by hand or by treating small spots and everyday wear yourself. You can cut your dry cleaning by at least a third if you sponge your suits and coats yourself. Hang them in the bathroom while you’re showering and let the steam take the creases away. Invest in a good pressing cloth (under $10) and learn how to properly press trousers and jackets.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Tip of the Day 15 August 2009
Butter Wrappers
Approximate $ Savings: A few cents here and there, but is all adds up
When you use packaged butter, keep the whole wrapper in your fridge door instead of throwing it away. You can use them to line cake tins and to grease the inside of tins instead of buying non-stick greaseproof paper or paper towel. I even use the paper on top of the margarine for greasing. My mother always did this; I thought it was something everyone did, until a girlfriend asked why I had a bunch of old butter wrappers in my fridge door.
Contributed by Fay, Broadford
Approximate $ Savings: A few cents here and there, but is all adds up
When you use packaged butter, keep the whole wrapper in your fridge door instead of throwing it away. You can use them to line cake tins and to grease the inside of tins instead of buying non-stick greaseproof paper or paper towel. I even use the paper on top of the margarine for greasing. My mother always did this; I thought it was something everyone did, until a girlfriend asked why I had a bunch of old butter wrappers in my fridge door.
Contributed by Fay, Broadford
Monday, 14 September 2009
Tip of the Day 14 September 2009
Re-Invent Second-hand Jewellery and Save on New Beads
The latest craze seems to be making your own jewellery. When buying beads, clips etc it can be very expensive from the bead shops. I now go to second hand clothing stores such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army etc and buy very cheap second hand jewellery. I then dismantle the items and reinvent my own fabulous necklaces, earnings bracelets etc.
Contributed by Robyn, Redland Bay
The latest craze seems to be making your own jewellery. When buying beads, clips etc it can be very expensive from the bead shops. I now go to second hand clothing stores such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army etc and buy very cheap second hand jewellery. I then dismantle the items and reinvent my own fabulous necklaces, earnings bracelets etc.
Contributed by Robyn, Redland Bay
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Tip of the Day 13 September 2009
Stop Snails in Their Tracks
Rub Vaseline around the base and top edged of plant pots and seedling trays to keep snails at bay. The slimy little critters can't (or won't) crawl over the Vaseline. The snails are defeated and your pot plants are safe.
Rub Vaseline around the base and top edged of plant pots and seedling trays to keep snails at bay. The slimy little critters can't (or won't) crawl over the Vaseline. The snails are defeated and your pot plants are safe.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Tip of the Day 12 September 2009
Make Flubber
This is great fun to make and even more fun to play with. Because it involves boiling water, for safety an adult will need to supervise young children while the flubber is being made. It looks great made in bright colours such as lime green, purple, hot pink, fire engine red and sunshine yellow. In a container, put some PVA glue and add a small amount of cold water. Mix it well to thin down the PVA. Add some food colouring. Now, carefully add boiling water, mixing well, a little at a time, until it is thick and resembles play dough. Turn it out and knead it well. Then go have some fun with your flubber!
This is great fun to make and even more fun to play with. Because it involves boiling water, for safety an adult will need to supervise young children while the flubber is being made. It looks great made in bright colours such as lime green, purple, hot pink, fire engine red and sunshine yellow. In a container, put some PVA glue and add a small amount of cold water. Mix it well to thin down the PVA. Add some food colouring. Now, carefully add boiling water, mixing well, a little at a time, until it is thick and resembles play dough. Turn it out and knead it well. Then go have some fun with your flubber!
Friday, 11 September 2009
Tip of the Day 11 September 2009
Setting Soap
Let your new soap breath for awhile before you use it. Unwrap it and leave the cakes of soap to dry and harden for 4 weeks before using. Dry soap has a reputation of lasting longer as it has hardened. Put it in your linen cupboard amongst the towels and sheets to keep your linen smelling fresh and silverfish and moths at bay while it matures.
Let your new soap breath for awhile before you use it. Unwrap it and leave the cakes of soap to dry and harden for 4 weeks before using. Dry soap has a reputation of lasting longer as it has hardened. Put it in your linen cupboard amongst the towels and sheets to keep your linen smelling fresh and silverfish and moths at bay while it matures.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Tip of the Day 10 September 2009
Cold Tea
Don't empty the tea pot down the drain. Cold tea makes an excellent cleaner for wood. Wipe over with a cloth dampened with the tea and then polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. This retains the natural patina of the timber without waxing.
Don't empty the tea pot down the drain. Cold tea makes an excellent cleaner for wood. Wipe over with a cloth dampened with the tea and then polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. This retains the natural patina of the timber without waxing.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Tip of the Day 9 September 2009
Coffee Just the Way You Like It
A good cup of coffee is not to be passed up, but it soon adds up to big dollars if you are buying
one or more takeaway coffees a day. Instead of paying $3.20 for your latte, why not invest in a
coffee plunger or even an espresso machine and buy your favourite blend ready ground? Then you can make a cup of coffee just the way you like it any time you like and you’ll be saving heaps. I pay $14.30 for a 200g bag of my favourite blend, freshly ground and get approximately 21 cups of coffee from it, a saving of $48.90 for coffee just the way I like it.
A good cup of coffee is not to be passed up, but it soon adds up to big dollars if you are buying
one or more takeaway coffees a day. Instead of paying $3.20 for your latte, why not invest in a
coffee plunger or even an espresso machine and buy your favourite blend ready ground? Then you can make a cup of coffee just the way you like it any time you like and you’ll be saving heaps. I pay $14.30 for a 200g bag of my favourite blend, freshly ground and get approximately 21 cups of coffee from it, a saving of $48.90 for coffee just the way I like it.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Tip of the Day 8 September 2009
Plain or Self-Raising?
If you get your self raising flour and plain flour mixed up, put a spoonful of flour in a bowl and stir in enough vinegar to make a thin smooth bend. If the mixture foams and thickens, then it is self raising, if not and the mix remains smooth and thin, it is plain flour.
If you get your self raising flour and plain flour mixed up, put a spoonful of flour in a bowl and stir in enough vinegar to make a thin smooth bend. If the mixture foams and thickens, then it is self raising, if not and the mix remains smooth and thin, it is plain flour.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Tip of the Day 7 September 2009
The advantages of online shopping for Christmas
It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping, especially if your budget is tight and if you have to send Christmas (or birthday) presents interstate, it pays to check out the prices of online shopping sites before you hit the shopping centres.
The advantages include:
1. often lower freight charges than the postage you would pay
2. some offer free gift wrapping
3.they have specials which regular shops can't beat because of the lower online overheads
4.you don't waste petrol and wear and tear on your vehicle driving to the shops and post office
5.you can shop any time of the day or night without having to find a park or stand in a long queue
6.you can bookmark the sites where you find the best deals so you can compare with shops and find them again if you need to
7.if you've left your shopping to the last minute they usually guarantee delivery before Christmas.
8.most have a free newsletter which tells you about their latest specials
It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping, especially if your budget is tight and if you have to send Christmas (or birthday) presents interstate, it pays to check out the prices of online shopping sites before you hit the shopping centres.
The advantages include:
1. often lower freight charges than the postage you would pay
2. some offer free gift wrapping
3.they have specials which regular shops can't beat because of the lower online overheads
4.you don't waste petrol and wear and tear on your vehicle driving to the shops and post office
5.you can shop any time of the day or night without having to find a park or stand in a long queue
6.you can bookmark the sites where you find the best deals so you can compare with shops and find them again if you need to
7.if you've left your shopping to the last minute they usually guarantee delivery before Christmas.
8.most have a free newsletter which tells you about their latest specials
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Tip of the Day 6 August 2009
Natural Bug Spray
Add sprigs of Rosemary to boiling water in a spray bottle and let it cool. You can then use this spray to deter to rid ants and other bugs from benchtops, cupboards etc. Spray the item with the rosemary water and wipe over. Keep a pot of Rosemary growing by doors and windows that don't have flyscreens to keep flies out of the house. It works when you're camping too. A little pot of Rosemary outside the tent flap will keep the flies away.
Add sprigs of Rosemary to boiling water in a spray bottle and let it cool. You can then use this spray to deter to rid ants and other bugs from benchtops, cupboards etc. Spray the item with the rosemary water and wipe over. Keep a pot of Rosemary growing by doors and windows that don't have flyscreens to keep flies out of the house. It works when you're camping too. A little pot of Rosemary outside the tent flap will keep the flies away.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Tip of the Day 5 September 2009
Make moving house simple
When moving house, save loads of time and money by planning ahead. Gather up anything that hasn't been worn in recent months or any item that you don't absolutely love, sell the things that are in excellent condition on eBay and get rid of the rest by garage sale. What's left might go to someone needy. The money you make will help pay for the move, it's cheaper and easier with less to move and you move into your new place with more space and only items you love. What a great feel! We made $3000 doing this last time we moved and are doing it again now for a future move.
Contributed by Ronnee Russell
Do you have a great money, time or energy saving tip? Click here to share your tip with us
and then check Tip of the Day each day to see if your tip is featured!
When moving house, save loads of time and money by planning ahead. Gather up anything that hasn't been worn in recent months or any item that you don't absolutely love, sell the things that are in excellent condition on eBay and get rid of the rest by garage sale. What's left might go to someone needy. The money you make will help pay for the move, it's cheaper and easier with less to move and you move into your new place with more space and only items you love. What a great feel! We made $3000 doing this last time we moved and are doing it again now for a future move.
Contributed by Ronnee Russell
Do you have a great money, time or energy saving tip? Click here to share your tip with us
and then check Tip of the Day each day to see if your tip is featured!
Friday, 4 September 2009
Tip of the Day 4 September 2009
Truly Gentle Scrubbers
For scrubbing around the house, such as bathroom or kitchen, don't throw away used socks and stockings that have holes. Roll the sock up, put into the stocking and tie around to make a ball. Use it to scrub bathroom (or anywhere). It's better than any of the mops or cloths from supermarket. It's particularly good for stubborn stain as the stocking can break down the stain and yet is gentle in texture so it won't scratch delicate surfaces.
For scrubbing around the house, such as bathroom or kitchen, don't throw away used socks and stockings that have holes. Roll the sock up, put into the stocking and tie around to make a ball. Use it to scrub bathroom (or anywhere). It's better than any of the mops or cloths from supermarket. It's particularly good for stubborn stain as the stocking can break down the stain and yet is gentle in texture so it won't scratch delicate surfaces.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Tip of the Day 3 September 2009
Safe Stain Remover
Besides absorbing odours in refrigerators and freezers, bicarbonate soda makes a good scouring powder because of its mild abrasiveness. It removes light soil and stains on sinks, bench tops and stovetops. A paste of bicarb and water onto stained Tupperware type containers will miraculously remove the stain. Mixed with water it makes an all around, light-duty cleaner.
Besides absorbing odours in refrigerators and freezers, bicarbonate soda makes a good scouring powder because of its mild abrasiveness. It removes light soil and stains on sinks, bench tops and stovetops. A paste of bicarb and water onto stained Tupperware type containers will miraculously remove the stain. Mixed with water it makes an all around, light-duty cleaner.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Tip of the Day 2 September 2009
Buy treats in bulk
Save a small fortune on your morning and afternoon tea treats and snacks by planning ahead and buying them in bulk from the supermarket. Why pay $1.80 for one chocolate bar from the local milk bar when you can buy a pack of 3 for $3.60 from the supermarket? And you’ll save on multi packs of chips, mints and lollies too. At the same time if you don’t bake, pick up your muffins and cakes from the bakery department and freeze them. You’ll still have your treats and desserts and you’ll be saving money.
Save a small fortune on your morning and afternoon tea treats and snacks by planning ahead and buying them in bulk from the supermarket. Why pay $1.80 for one chocolate bar from the local milk bar when you can buy a pack of 3 for $3.60 from the supermarket? And you’ll save on multi packs of chips, mints and lollies too. At the same time if you don’t bake, pick up your muffins and cakes from the bakery department and freeze them. You’ll still have your treats and desserts and you’ll be saving money.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Tip of the Day 1 September 2009
Fresh Muffins in Minutes
Muffin batter can be frozen and baked from frozen at a later date, saving you time and energy if you prepare a double or triple batch. Line the muffin tin with the papers, add the batter and put the tin in the freezer until the batter has frozen. Take the papers out of the tin, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Simply place the filled paper cases in the muffin tin to bake.
Muffin batter can be frozen and baked from frozen at a later date, saving you time and energy if you prepare a double or triple batch. Line the muffin tin with the papers, add the batter and put the tin in the freezer until the batter has frozen. Take the papers out of the tin, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Simply place the filled paper cases in the muffin tin to bake.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Tip of the Day 31 August 2009
Greeting Card Bookmark
Recycle the greeting cards you have received!
You will need:
Used greeting cards , poster board or cardboard
Crayons, markers or paint
Glue
Instructions:
Cut a strip from the poster board or thin cardboard, about 8 inches x 2 inches. Cut out the picture on the front of a greeting card. Glue the picture at the top of the strip. Allow the glue to dry. Write a message on the strip if you want. If the bookmark is a gift, you can simply write "to:" and "from:" To make your bookmark more durable, cover it with clear contact paper or laminate it.
From the May 2002 Cheapskates Journal
Recycle the greeting cards you have received!
You will need:
Used greeting cards , poster board or cardboard
Crayons, markers or paint
Glue
Instructions:
Cut a strip from the poster board or thin cardboard, about 8 inches x 2 inches. Cut out the picture on the front of a greeting card. Glue the picture at the top of the strip. Allow the glue to dry. Write a message on the strip if you want. If the bookmark is a gift, you can simply write "to:" and "from:" To make your bookmark more durable, cover it with clear contact paper or laminate it.
From the May 2002 Cheapskates Journal
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Tip of the Day 30 August 2009
Everything's Rosy with Buckets as Budget Pots
I bought 20 bare rooted roses when on special for $5.50 each. I looked at pots and it was going to cost a minimum of $4.80 for each pot to pot them out until we move house. Rather expensive until my husband came up with the idea of buckets. We bought them at 79 cents each drilled 5 holes in the bottom of each one and hey presto they have turned into brilliant pots and saving us at least $80.00
Contributed by Maureen Newman
Do you have a great money, time or energy saving tip? Click here to share your tip with us and then check Tip of the Day each day to see if your tip is featured!
I bought 20 bare rooted roses when on special for $5.50 each. I looked at pots and it was going to cost a minimum of $4.80 for each pot to pot them out until we move house. Rather expensive until my husband came up with the idea of buckets. We bought them at 79 cents each drilled 5 holes in the bottom of each one and hey presto they have turned into brilliant pots and saving us at least $80.00
Contributed by Maureen Newman
Do you have a great money, time or energy saving tip? Click here to share your tip with us and then check Tip of the Day each day to see if your tip is featured!
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Tip of the Day 29 August 2009
Playdough
All kids love playdough, even the big ones. It’s very simple and extremely cheap to make and lasts for ages. This recipe makes a small tub of playdough, you can easily double or triple it for larger batches. Store it in a container with a lid or in ziplock bags to keep it from drying out.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1 tablespoon oil
few drops of food colouring
1/2 cup boiling water
Method:
Mix all together and knead until reaches dough consistency.
Play dough is a great party favour too! It’s easy and cheap to make and kids really love it. Save your take away style containers to store it in. These can be personalised with each child s name and the date of the birthday party, all ready for them to take home.
All kids love playdough, even the big ones. It’s very simple and extremely cheap to make and lasts for ages. This recipe makes a small tub of playdough, you can easily double or triple it for larger batches. Store it in a container with a lid or in ziplock bags to keep it from drying out.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1 tablespoon oil
few drops of food colouring
1/2 cup boiling water
Method:
Mix all together and knead until reaches dough consistency.
Play dough is a great party favour too! It’s easy and cheap to make and kids really love it. Save your take away style containers to store it in. These can be personalised with each child s name and the date of the birthday party, all ready for them to take home.
Friday, 28 August 2009
Grocery Tracking Spreadsheet
The hardest thing when sticking to a grocery budget is knowing when you’ve reached it! I have a simple spreadsheet with all the usual grocery items I buy listed and how much each costs, and before each shop I mark off each item I need and then check the total. This gives me a good idea of how much my shop will cost before I even get to the store. I also print the list off each shop and this becomes my shopping list. It takes a little time to get it started but is a great help once it’s up and
running.
Contributed by Mirella
Platinum Members can download the Cheapskates Grocery Tracking Spreadsheet from the Member's Centre.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Tip of the Day 27 August 2009
Ironing Aid
I have found the best ironing spray is to mix 50 - 100ml of fabric softener (I use a sachet that makes up into 2 litres) in a spray bottle. A few squirts on the garments before going into the dryer for a few minutes to simply soften them before ironing saves a lot of time and hard ironing effort. Clothes are much easier to iron if they are still barely damp so that the ironing finishes the drying process.
NOTE: This does not stain or mark any fabrics, nor does it leave that crust that some ironing aids leave.
Contributed by Christine
I have found the best ironing spray is to mix 50 - 100ml of fabric softener (I use a sachet that makes up into 2 litres) in a spray bottle. A few squirts on the garments before going into the dryer for a few minutes to simply soften them before ironing saves a lot of time and hard ironing effort. Clothes are much easier to iron if they are still barely damp so that the ironing finishes the drying process.
NOTE: This does not stain or mark any fabrics, nor does it leave that crust that some ironing aids leave.
Contributed by Christine
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Tip of the Day 26 August 2009
Take your lunch to work
Pack your lunch each day. Sounds simple enough, and should just be common sense, but it's one of those money and time saving tips that tends to get ignored for those very reasons. Pack your own lunch and you’ll save time and money and have a much more appetising meal. You can prepare sandwiches, bread rolls, roll-ups, bagels, leftovers, fresh salads (and you’ll know it’s fresh) ready to pull out of the fridge and go. By taking your lunch to work just 3 days a week you can save approximately $700 (or more) a year!
Pack your lunch each day. Sounds simple enough, and should just be common sense, but it's one of those money and time saving tips that tends to get ignored for those very reasons. Pack your own lunch and you’ll save time and money and have a much more appetising meal. You can prepare sandwiches, bread rolls, roll-ups, bagels, leftovers, fresh salads (and you’ll know it’s fresh) ready to pull out of the fridge and go. By taking your lunch to work just 3 days a week you can save approximately $700 (or more) a year!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Tip of the Day 25 August 2009
Turn an overcooked cake into a gourmet delight
If a cake is over cooked and dry, make a lemon or orange syrup and pour over. Let it soak into the cake, then cut into squares and serve with a dollop of cream. To make the syrup mix 3/4 cup sugar, juice of 3 lemons or oranges and 4 tablespoons water over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil and stir constantly for two minutes. Pour over the cooled cake; let it rest about 30 minutes before serving.
This works for any cake, plain or fruit. Try an orange syrup over a fruit cake, sheer bliss. Or lemon over a buttercake, orange over a chocolate cake is delicious too.
If a cake is over cooked and dry, make a lemon or orange syrup and pour over. Let it soak into the cake, then cut into squares and serve with a dollop of cream. To make the syrup mix 3/4 cup sugar, juice of 3 lemons or oranges and 4 tablespoons water over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil and stir constantly for two minutes. Pour over the cooled cake; let it rest about 30 minutes before serving.
This works for any cake, plain or fruit. Try an orange syrup over a fruit cake, sheer bliss. Or lemon over a buttercake, orange over a chocolate cake is delicious too.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Tip of the Day 24 August 2009
Cheap cards
Save money on greeting cards and postage by sending an e-greeting (electronic greeting) instead. There are several sites on the Internet that provide the service for free! There is a large selection of greeting cards to choose from and you can personalize the card with your very own message too. There are some great websites out there, with absolutely wonderful, free e-cards you can send. There are birthday cards, get well cards, mother’s day cards, bon voyage cards, friendship cards, even condolence cards. These sites have some of the best e-cards I’ve come across:
http://cards.123greetings.com
http://www.2000greetings.com
http://www.bluemountain.com
Save money on greeting cards and postage by sending an e-greeting (electronic greeting) instead. There are several sites on the Internet that provide the service for free! There is a large selection of greeting cards to choose from and you can personalize the card with your very own message too. There are some great websites out there, with absolutely wonderful, free e-cards you can send. There are birthday cards, get well cards, mother’s day cards, bon voyage cards, friendship cards, even condolence cards. These sites have some of the best e-cards I’ve come across:
http://cards.123greetings.com
http://www.2000greetings.com
http://www.bluemountain.com
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Tip of the Day 23 August 2009
The veggie exchange
In my family we have a lot of green thumbs. Every summer in particular, there's a competition going on to see who will grow the biggest tomatoes, best cucumbers, larges watermelons etc., all of them organic. I seem to grow the best tasting pumpkins and lots of potatoes, my sister the most delicious tomatoes. Last year I came up with a solution. One person grows four things only. My sister grew tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and watermelon, my father grew herbs, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower and I grew pumpkin, corn, potatoes and beans. Then we exchanged. So the whole summer (and winter) we all ate free veggies. Now our veggie exchange has grown with other family members and neighbours joining in. We also have a 'saucing day' where we all get together (byo jars) and make sauce for the upcoming months. Everyone helps, including all the children and not only do we have fun, but we all save a bundle!
Contributed by Maria, Kinglake West
In my family we have a lot of green thumbs. Every summer in particular, there's a competition going on to see who will grow the biggest tomatoes, best cucumbers, larges watermelons etc., all of them organic. I seem to grow the best tasting pumpkins and lots of potatoes, my sister the most delicious tomatoes. Last year I came up with a solution. One person grows four things only. My sister grew tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and watermelon, my father grew herbs, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower and I grew pumpkin, corn, potatoes and beans. Then we exchanged. So the whole summer (and winter) we all ate free veggies. Now our veggie exchange has grown with other family members and neighbours joining in. We also have a 'saucing day' where we all get together (byo jars) and make sauce for the upcoming months. Everyone helps, including all the children and not only do we have fun, but we all save a bundle!
Contributed by Maria, Kinglake West
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