Monday, 19 October 2009
An Ideal Pin Cushion
Use a bar of soap. Makes sewing easier and needle just slides through hard material. This is a great idea if you are taking up school pants, tunics, jeans etc as you are able to easily take small stitches without pulling the fabric.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Tip of the Day 18 October 2009
Putting Used Coffee Grounds to Ground
Composting is the most well known use for old coffee grounds. You can add your grounds, filters and even used tea bags right onto your compost pile. As they decompose, they will add nitrogen to your compost. You can also add your old grounds directly into the soil around your plants, or in your flowerpots. The old coffee grounds will increase the acidity of the soil so you'll want to be careful about the amount that you use.
Composting is the most well known use for old coffee grounds. You can add your grounds, filters and even used tea bags right onto your compost pile. As they decompose, they will add nitrogen to your compost. You can also add your old grounds directly into the soil around your plants, or in your flowerpots. The old coffee grounds will increase the acidity of the soil so you'll want to be careful about the amount that you use.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Tip of the Day 17 October 2009
Bag the MP3 Player
MP3 players are almost as prevalent as mobile phones and they are just as sensitive to dust, sand and water and often more expensive to replace so when you go to the beach, river or lake pop your MP3 player into a ziplock bag, leaving the cord for the ear buds trailing out and zip it shut. You'll be able to turn it on and the dust, sand and moisture will stay out.
MP3 players are almost as prevalent as mobile phones and they are just as sensitive to dust, sand and water and often more expensive to replace so when you go to the beach, river or lake pop your MP3 player into a ziplock bag, leaving the cord for the ear buds trailing out and zip it shut. You'll be able to turn it on and the dust, sand and moisture will stay out.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Tip of the Day 16 October 2009
Alternative Grocery Stores
You can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping at the lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest prices. Don't be put off grocery and cleaning items at the discount shops, often the quality is equal to or even better than the more expensive regular supermarket items.
You can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping at the lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest prices. Don't be put off grocery and cleaning items at the discount shops, often the quality is equal to or even better than the more expensive regular supermarket items.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Tip of the Day 15 October 2009
Underbed Storage Keeps Bedrooms Organized
If you want to use the space under the beds for storage, but can't afford the plastic bins, try this. Attach wheels to old drawers and use them instead. Look for old drawers in op shops, or at hard rubbish time. Don't hesitate to knock on the door and ask if you can have the drawers - most people are happy to let them go to a good home. Give them a clean up and line them with scented paper if you are going to store clothing etc. They are great for small toys, Lego, pencils and colouring books etc. And as a bonus, the kids are more likely to tidy up if they can just push the 'mess' under the bed!
If you want to use the space under the beds for storage, but can't afford the plastic bins, try this. Attach wheels to old drawers and use them instead. Look for old drawers in op shops, or at hard rubbish time. Don't hesitate to knock on the door and ask if you can have the drawers - most people are happy to let them go to a good home. Give them a clean up and line them with scented paper if you are going to store clothing etc. They are great for small toys, Lego, pencils and colouring books etc. And as a bonus, the kids are more likely to tidy up if they can just push the 'mess' under the bed!
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Tip of the Day 14 October 2009
Money Myths & Truths
Myth: Buying things on sale is a great way to save money.
Truth: Buying things on sale is a way to spend less money, but it has absolutely nothing to do with saving money
Myth: Buying things on sale is a great way to save money.
Truth: Buying things on sale is a way to spend less money, but it has absolutely nothing to do with saving money
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Tip of the Day 13 October 2009
$2 Dinner Tuesday
Spanish Rice
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tin tomato soup
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ cup grated cheese
Method:
Brown onion, add curry powder. Cook 1 minute. Add tomato soup. Stir in cheese. When melted add the rice, heat through and serve immediately.
Leftovers can be rolled into croquettes or patties, dipped in crumbs and fried.
Spanish Rice
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tin tomato soup
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ cup grated cheese
Method:
Brown onion, add curry powder. Cook 1 minute. Add tomato soup. Stir in cheese. When melted add the rice, heat through and serve immediately.
Leftovers can be rolled into croquettes or patties, dipped in crumbs and fried.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Soft Scrap Stuffing
If you knit, crochet, or do any type of work with washable yarns, save your little bits and pieces and use them for stuffing in dolls, pillows or stuffed animals. It's free stuffing and makes your projects 100% washable!
Tip of the Day 11 October 2009
Fertilize with Ashes
Spread the ashes from your winter wood fires around your garden beds. The ashes will build the soil up, adding potassium. It's the easiest and cleanest way to get rid of ashes and best of all it's free.
Spread the ashes from your winter wood fires around your garden beds. The ashes will build the soil up, adding potassium. It's the easiest and cleanest way to get rid of ashes and best of all it's free.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Tip of the Day 10 October 2009
Camera Stable Table
Fill a small ziplock bag with rice and keep it in your camera bag. It makes a great stable surface to rest your camera on when you want to take time exposure photos or you want to be in the photo and don't have a tripod. Just put the bag on a stable surface and rest the camera on top. Voila, a steady camera and a steady shot!
Fill a small ziplock bag with rice and keep it in your camera bag. It makes a great stable surface to rest your camera on when you want to take time exposure photos or you want to be in the photo and don't have a tripod. Just put the bag on a stable surface and rest the camera on top. Voila, a steady camera and a steady shot!
Friday, 9 October 2009
Tip of the Day 9 October 2009
Frugal Gourmet
Don't be tempted to scrimp on your favourite foods and brands at the supermarket just to save money if it means you won't enjoy your meals and will be tempted to skip them and eat out instead. You'll be wasting money on the food you don't eat and on eating out. Instead employ some savvy shopping strategies and buy the cheese, meats, dressings and occasional treats that you like when they are on sale and enjoy them at home. You'll save money, time and energy and really enjoy your Cheapskate style meals.
Don't be tempted to scrimp on your favourite foods and brands at the supermarket just to save money if it means you won't enjoy your meals and will be tempted to skip them and eat out instead. You'll be wasting money on the food you don't eat and on eating out. Instead employ some savvy shopping strategies and buy the cheese, meats, dressings and occasional treats that you like when they are on sale and enjoy them at home. You'll save money, time and energy and really enjoy your Cheapskate style meals.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Tip of the Day 8 October 2009
Laundry Savers
One of the biggest spends on cleaning products is laundry items: washing powder, fabric softener, ironing aids, stain removers and such. You can still have stain free, clean and soft laundry without spending hundreds of dollars a year on these products. Just try our homemade versions and see for yourself.
Cheapskates Washing Powder
Ingredients:
1 bar soap, grated
1 cup washing soda (Lectric Soda)
1/2 cup borax
Mix together and store in a sealed container. Use 3 scant teaspoons per load for a top-loader and 1 scant teaspoon per load for a front loader. You can use up the small slivers of toilet soap you collect if you like, ordinary bath soap or laundry soap. This recipe is ideal for using up all the leftovers you collect in the family bathroom. This detergent won’t produce masses of suds, but it will get your clothes clean.
Optional:
Give the washing powder an extra boost if you wash really dirty or greasy clothes by adding one small box of bi-carb soda to the mix.
Pre-wash Stain Remover
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup shampoo
1/2 cup water
Mix together and pour into a spray bottle. Spray spots and stains and wash as usual. This is especially good for greasy and food stains.
Ironing Aid
Ingredients:
1 tbsp cornflour
1/2 cup water
Mix the cornflour and in a little of the water to make a paste. Stir into the remaining water and slowly bring to the boil. Cook until cornflour has dissolved. Cool and pour into a spray bottle. If using on dark clothes, spray and then gently wipe over with your hands to prevent flaking.
One of the biggest spends on cleaning products is laundry items: washing powder, fabric softener, ironing aids, stain removers and such. You can still have stain free, clean and soft laundry without spending hundreds of dollars a year on these products. Just try our homemade versions and see for yourself.
Cheapskates Washing Powder
Ingredients:
1 bar soap, grated
1 cup washing soda (Lectric Soda)
1/2 cup borax
Mix together and store in a sealed container. Use 3 scant teaspoons per load for a top-loader and 1 scant teaspoon per load for a front loader. You can use up the small slivers of toilet soap you collect if you like, ordinary bath soap or laundry soap. This recipe is ideal for using up all the leftovers you collect in the family bathroom. This detergent won’t produce masses of suds, but it will get your clothes clean.
Optional:
Give the washing powder an extra boost if you wash really dirty or greasy clothes by adding one small box of bi-carb soda to the mix.
Pre-wash Stain Remover
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup shampoo
1/2 cup water
Mix together and pour into a spray bottle. Spray spots and stains and wash as usual. This is especially good for greasy and food stains.
Ironing Aid
Ingredients:
1 tbsp cornflour
1/2 cup water
Mix the cornflour and in a little of the water to make a paste. Stir into the remaining water and slowly bring to the boil. Cook until cornflour has dissolved. Cool and pour into a spray bottle. If using on dark clothes, spray and then gently wipe over with your hands to prevent flaking.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Tip of the Day 7 October 2009
Keep the Change (and watch your savings grow)
As silly and as simple as it sounds, only spending notes and saving coins can grow your savings by hundreds of dollars each year. Except for the coins needed for parking meters and ticket machines on public transport (and keep these in a separate container in your bag or the car) save every coin you get. Between you and your partner you will save an amazing amount of money over the year. Of course it's not saved until it is safely in a savings account so total it and bank it every month. You'll be saving virtually without even trying.
As silly and as simple as it sounds, only spending notes and saving coins can grow your savings by hundreds of dollars each year. Except for the coins needed for parking meters and ticket machines on public transport (and keep these in a separate container in your bag or the car) save every coin you get. Between you and your partner you will save an amazing amount of money over the year. Of course it's not saved until it is safely in a savings account so total it and bank it every month. You'll be saving virtually without even trying.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Tip of the Day 6 October 2009
$2 Dinner Challenge
With the cost of basic food items rising continually having some tasty, nutritious budget conscious meals that help stretch the grocery budget is a necessity. The Cheapskates Club has a forum thread full of great ideas for $2 meals. These meals cost a total of $2 and serve 4 so they fit in really well with the Bare Bones Grocery Challenge too. If you'd like to join us in the $2 Dinner Challenge, login and go to the forum.
Today's $2 Dinner is Veggie Crisper Fried Rice, a simple dish to get you started on your $2 Dinner Challenge.
Ingredients:
2 cups rice @25c
1 onion @20c
1 egg @20c
soy sauce @10c
1tbsp vegetable oil @10c
Veggies from the crisper - old carrots, peas, corn, capsicum, celery, spring onion, etc
Method:
Two hours beforehand cook rice in boiling water. Drain and lay on a tray in the fridge to dry. Dice veggies into small pieces. When ready to cook, heat oil in wok or heavy based fry pan. Saute veggies two minutes, being careful not to brown them. Remove from pan. Whisk egg and add to pan. Cook 1 minute without stirring, turn and cook 30 seconds. Remove from pan and shred. Add rice to pan and toss to heat through. Add veggies and shredded egg and toss through rice. Turn heat down to low and warm through. Season with soy sauce before serving.
Contributed by Anne F.
Please share your $2 dinner ideas with us, the more we have the more we save.
With the cost of basic food items rising continually having some tasty, nutritious budget conscious meals that help stretch the grocery budget is a necessity. The Cheapskates Club has a forum thread full of great ideas for $2 meals. These meals cost a total of $2 and serve 4 so they fit in really well with the Bare Bones Grocery Challenge too. If you'd like to join us in the $2 Dinner Challenge, login and go to the forum.
Today's $2 Dinner is Veggie Crisper Fried Rice, a simple dish to get you started on your $2 Dinner Challenge.
Ingredients:
2 cups rice @25c
1 onion @20c
1 egg @20c
soy sauce @10c
1tbsp vegetable oil @10c
Veggies from the crisper - old carrots, peas, corn, capsicum, celery, spring onion, etc
Method:
Two hours beforehand cook rice in boiling water. Drain and lay on a tray in the fridge to dry. Dice veggies into small pieces. When ready to cook, heat oil in wok or heavy based fry pan. Saute veggies two minutes, being careful not to brown them. Remove from pan. Whisk egg and add to pan. Cook 1 minute without stirring, turn and cook 30 seconds. Remove from pan and shred. Add rice to pan and toss to heat through. Add veggies and shredded egg and toss through rice. Turn heat down to low and warm through. Season with soy sauce before serving.
Contributed by Anne F.
Please share your $2 dinner ideas with us, the more we have the more we save.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Homemade Soap
Have you ever tried making your own soap? It can be a lot of fun, with the added benefit of you being able to create a soap to suit your skin. Handmade soaps make lovely gifts too. Wrap a bar in cellophane, tie it off with raffia and add a paper label for a lovely present that is useful and decorative. Good soap needs time to harden, 4 - 6 weeks at least, so start your soap making now to have a supply on hand for those unexpected Christmas gifts you need.
Vanilla and Almond Soap
This soap is great for removing dirt and oil from the skin without drying. Vanilla gives it a delicious fragrance and the ground almonds provide a beautifully textured soap.
1/3 cup whole almonds
113.5g castile* bath soap
1/4 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon vanilla scented essential oil
1. Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside.
2. Shred the soap and set aside.
3. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to the boil; then reduce heat to a simmer. Add bath soap and mix until dissolved.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil, and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended.
5. Spoon the soap into a mould and let set for five hours or until hardened.
6. Use it in the shower!
Enjoy!
Contributed by Korina, Woy Woy
Note: Castile these days refers to the type of soap. First made in Spain from olive oil, it gets it's name from the region, Castilla. Castile soap is olive oil based, very soft and gentle and suitable for the most sensitive of skins. You'll find it at your health food shop, good soap shops or online.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Tip of the Day 4 October 2009
Give the Lawn a Feed
Feed your lawn with this easy to make lawn food and you'll have lush, green grass for the coming summer. This recipe makes a lot of lawn food, you'll need a large container to mix it in. A 20 litre spray pack is ideal for spreading the mixture over your lawn, it's not too heavy to carry and it will cover a reasonable area before you need to refill.
Ingredients:
1 can beer
1 cup Epsom salts
1 cup ammonia
1 cup dishwashing liquid
1 cup mouthwash
80 litres water
Method:
Combine all the ingredients. Spray generously on lawn, preferably early in the morning.
Feed your lawn with this easy to make lawn food and you'll have lush, green grass for the coming summer. This recipe makes a lot of lawn food, you'll need a large container to mix it in. A 20 litre spray pack is ideal for spreading the mixture over your lawn, it's not too heavy to carry and it will cover a reasonable area before you need to refill.
Ingredients:
1 can beer
1 cup Epsom salts
1 cup ammonia
1 cup dishwashing liquid
1 cup mouthwash
80 litres water
Method:
Combine all the ingredients. Spray generously on lawn, preferably early in the morning.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Tip of the Day 3 October 2009
Fading Travel Plans
Don't be afraid to use a pen to mark out your travel route in street directories or on maps, your own or those supplied by hire car companies. Go to your local craft or fabric shop and pick up a fabric marking pen, the type used by quilters and dressmakers. These pens contain disappearing ink, so after a few days the marks you've made on your map will simply disappear.
Don't be afraid to use a pen to mark out your travel route in street directories or on maps, your own or those supplied by hire car companies. Go to your local craft or fabric shop and pick up a fabric marking pen, the type used by quilters and dressmakers. These pens contain disappearing ink, so after a few days the marks you've made on your map will simply disappear.
Friday, 2 October 2009
Tip of the Day 2 October 2009
Use Gift Cards to Stay on Budget
If you have trouble sticking to your grocery budget try this trick. Once a month buy a gift card at your supermarket to the value of your grocery budget for the coming month. Each time you shop, use the gift card to pay for the groceries. As the balance decreases, you'll be aware of how much is left in the grocery budget to do you until the end of the month. Seeing the shrinking balance will help you track your grocery spending for the month and keep you from over-spending the grocery budget. You can apply the same principle to petrol and any other regular fixed budget categories you may have. You'll also be more inclined to stick to your budget because the gift cards can generally only be used at specific stores.
If you have trouble sticking to your grocery budget try this trick. Once a month buy a gift card at your supermarket to the value of your grocery budget for the coming month. Each time you shop, use the gift card to pay for the groceries. As the balance decreases, you'll be aware of how much is left in the grocery budget to do you until the end of the month. Seeing the shrinking balance will help you track your grocery spending for the month and keep you from over-spending the grocery budget. You can apply the same principle to petrol and any other regular fixed budget categories you may have. You'll also be more inclined to stick to your budget because the gift cards can generally only be used at specific stores.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Tip of the Day 1 October 2009
Personalised Freebies Galore!
Looking for personalised address labels, key rings (for the kid's schoolbags), personalised stationary etc? Then visit www.vistaprint.com.au and check out their free stuff. Sign up to their newsletter to get regular updates on more free stuff as soon as it becomes available! Vistaprint offers lots of free items and only charges you postage on those items that they offer free of charge. They give 3 postal options and although I've always used the slowest (and cheapest) option I've always received my order within in 10-14 days. My first order was for address labels which I personalised using a massive range of designs. I've since ordered address labels for my mum, Christmas address labels, really cool and original personalised key rings for my daughter's schoolbag, business cards (personalised to give to friends and acquaintances as address cards), hats, t-shirts, calendars, fridge magnets and christmas cards and I've only ever paid for the postage. With Christmas not that far away, doing your shopping at Vistaprint can save you money, time and energy.
Website: www.vistaprint.com.au
Looking for personalised address labels, key rings (for the kid's schoolbags), personalised stationary etc? Then visit www.vistaprint.com.au and check out their free stuff. Sign up to their newsletter to get regular updates on more free stuff as soon as it becomes available! Vistaprint offers lots of free items and only charges you postage on those items that they offer free of charge. They give 3 postal options and although I've always used the slowest (and cheapest) option I've always received my order within in 10-14 days. My first order was for address labels which I personalised using a massive range of designs. I've since ordered address labels for my mum, Christmas address labels, really cool and original personalised key rings for my daughter's schoolbag, business cards (personalised to give to friends and acquaintances as address cards), hats, t-shirts, calendars, fridge magnets and christmas cards and I've only ever paid for the postage. With Christmas not that far away, doing your shopping at Vistaprint can save you money, time and energy.
Website: www.vistaprint.com.au
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Tip of the Day 30 September 2009
Walk or use public transport
Don’t waste money on taxis. Try walking or if it’s a distance you’ll be travelling try public
transport. If you’re in the CBD of major cities, look for free public transport. For example Melbourne has the City Circle tram which is free to travel on. It literally circles the CBD and Docklands , a great time and money saver. You don't need to be a tourist to use these free services.
Don’t waste money on taxis. Try walking or if it’s a distance you’ll be travelling try public
transport. If you’re in the CBD of major cities, look for free public transport. For example Melbourne has the City Circle tram which is free to travel on. It literally circles the CBD and Docklands , a great time and money saver. You don't need to be a tourist to use these free services.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Tip of the Day 29 August 2009
A Childhood Favourite
Use stale cake to make jelly cakes. Cut the cake into squares and toss in a strawberry or raspberry jelly, cooled until it is quite thick but not set. Cover each piece of cake with the jelly and then toss in coconut.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Tip of the Day 28 September 2009
Make a Memory Quilt
Instead of purchasing fabric to make a quilt, why not use your old clothing? My grandmother made me a quilt for my 21st birthday that was created using left over fabric and out grown clothes. My mother's wedding dress, scraps from the bridesmaids, my christening dress, the first dress I wore home from hospital, my old school uniforms, band tee shirts, the seat covers from my first car, my high school formal dress: literally every square tells a story that means more to me than any colour coordinated fashion quilt ever could do- and every piece of it was free.
Contributed by Sandi, Brisbane
Instead of purchasing fabric to make a quilt, why not use your old clothing? My grandmother made me a quilt for my 21st birthday that was created using left over fabric and out grown clothes. My mother's wedding dress, scraps from the bridesmaids, my christening dress, the first dress I wore home from hospital, my old school uniforms, band tee shirts, the seat covers from my first car, my high school formal dress: literally every square tells a story that means more to me than any colour coordinated fashion quilt ever could do- and every piece of it was free.
Contributed by Sandi, Brisbane
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Tip of the Day 27 September 2009
An Easy Way to Grow Carrots
Approximate $ Savings: $200
Since I was young I have always been a keen gardener. Unfortunately the soil where I live is very hard and I have had no success in the past at growing carrots. I needed a way to solve this problem as I spend lots of money throughout the year buying organic carrots. My solution was to get old tyres from my local tyre store (they usually give them away for free or a very small charge) and fill them with soil and compost, and then plant the carrot seeds on top. As the soil has been built up, I now have delicious carrots that are very healthy and big. This year I have tried planting potatoes with great success. The tyres in my garden are a great space and water saver also.
Contributed by Annaleise Mahoney
Approximate $ Savings: $200
Since I was young I have always been a keen gardener. Unfortunately the soil where I live is very hard and I have had no success in the past at growing carrots. I needed a way to solve this problem as I spend lots of money throughout the year buying organic carrots. My solution was to get old tyres from my local tyre store (they usually give them away for free or a very small charge) and fill them with soil and compost, and then plant the carrot seeds on top. As the soil has been built up, I now have delicious carrots that are very healthy and big. This year I have tried planting potatoes with great success. The tyres in my garden are a great space and water saver also.
Contributed by Annaleise Mahoney
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Tip of the Day 26 September 2009
Kids Craft Workshops
Having three young children school holidays can be quite exhausting and expensive. This block however we went to our local Bunnings and did 3 kids craft workshops each week plus 2 on the weekends all for free. At the end of the activity the kids also got free face painting. After that off to the indoor play area for free play. We even went there over Easter for the free Easter egg hunt. We go to Bunnings in south Oakleigh but check your local Bunnings for what they may offer. My kids can't wait to get there and get crafty.
Contributed by Margaret, Hughesdale
Having three young children school holidays can be quite exhausting and expensive. This block however we went to our local Bunnings and did 3 kids craft workshops each week plus 2 on the weekends all for free. At the end of the activity the kids also got free face painting. After that off to the indoor play area for free play. We even went there over Easter for the free Easter egg hunt. We go to Bunnings in south Oakleigh but check your local Bunnings for what they may offer. My kids can't wait to get there and get crafty.
Contributed by Margaret, Hughesdale
Friday, 25 September 2009
Tip of the Day September 25 2009
Thinking Outside the Supermarket
Approximate $ Savings: $5 or more per week
Watch for specials at places other than the regular supermarkets. Toys R Us had Kleenex Cottonelle toilet paper for $6.99 for a pack of 16. Priceline also has good specials for health and beauty products. Your local chemist most likely stocks a range of soap powders and other household supplies, often at much lower prices than supermarkets. Don't go past department stores for cleaning supplies and toiletries at discount prices either. See if your greengrocer stocks canned goods (tomatoes, beetroot, corn etc) at budget friendly prices. Thinking outside the square (or supermarket in this case) can save you hundreds of dollars a year on basic household staples.
Approximate $ Savings: $5 or more per week
Watch for specials at places other than the regular supermarkets. Toys R Us had Kleenex Cottonelle toilet paper for $6.99 for a pack of 16. Priceline also has good specials for health and beauty products. Your local chemist most likely stocks a range of soap powders and other household supplies, often at much lower prices than supermarkets. Don't go past department stores for cleaning supplies and toiletries at discount prices either. See if your greengrocer stocks canned goods (tomatoes, beetroot, corn etc) at budget friendly prices. Thinking outside the square (or supermarket in this case) can save you hundreds of dollars a year on basic household staples.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Tip of the Day 24 September 2009
Fix Chipped China and Ceramics and Save $$$$
Approximate $ Savings: $50 - $100
I recently considered throwing away several decorative wall plates and other ceramic items which were chipped until I remembered my favourite tube of glue - Selleys All Fix. This glue has a thick paste-like consistency and dries to a white colour. I was easily able to fill the chips level with the surface of the plate, and smooth off the surface using my fingers. Once dry, I used felt tip pens to add any necessary colour. The repairs were quick and easy to do and the items are now back on display, with the repairs being hardly noticeable. This method is not recommended for items used to serve food as the glue may not be food safe and if your china is antique or very valuable, leave repairs to the experts. A helpful web link with instructions using a similar method is http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-repair-chipped-china
Contributed by Sharee, Woodville Park
Approximate $ Savings: $50 - $100
I recently considered throwing away several decorative wall plates and other ceramic items which were chipped until I remembered my favourite tube of glue - Selleys All Fix. This glue has a thick paste-like consistency and dries to a white colour. I was easily able to fill the chips level with the surface of the plate, and smooth off the surface using my fingers. Once dry, I used felt tip pens to add any necessary colour. The repairs were quick and easy to do and the items are now back on display, with the repairs being hardly noticeable. This method is not recommended for items used to serve food as the glue may not be food safe and if your china is antique or very valuable, leave repairs to the experts. A helpful web link with instructions using a similar method is http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-repair-chipped-china
Contributed by Sharee, Woodville Park
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Tip of the Day 23 September 2009
Borrow magazines from library
How often do you by a magazine and just flick through it out of boredom? Instead of spending your hard earned money on magazines and papers you’ll probably either never really read or just browse and throw away, visit your local library. You’ll find plenty of magazines and papers there, all free to read. Alternatively, find a good quality magazine that you’ll really enjoy and subscribe to it. There are often bonuses and extras that come with magazine subscriptions. And you won’t be tempted by intriguing headlines at the supermarket checkout either.
How often do you by a magazine and just flick through it out of boredom? Instead of spending your hard earned money on magazines and papers you’ll probably either never really read or just browse and throw away, visit your local library. You’ll find plenty of magazines and papers there, all free to read. Alternatively, find a good quality magazine that you’ll really enjoy and subscribe to it. There are often bonuses and extras that come with magazine subscriptions. And you won’t be tempted by intriguing headlines at the supermarket checkout either.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Tip of the Day September 22 2009
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.
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.
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
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