$2 Dinner Tuesday
Try replacing lettuce, which has little nutritional value and a short shelf life, with finely shredded cabbage. It can be used in place of the lettuce on salad sandwiches and tacos for a delicious crunch. Use whole leaves in place of rice paper for Vietnamese rolls or as cups to hold potato or rice salads on a plate.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Monday, 9 November 2009
Tip of the Day 9 November 2009
Removing stuck photos
To easily and safely remove photos from those older albums with the self adhesive pages, use your hair dryer. On low, gently and carefully warm the pages a little, until the photos will lift off the page. Carefully slide them off the album and let them cool face down. Your photos will come off easily and safely, no tearing and losing precious pictures.
To easily and safely remove photos from those older albums with the self adhesive pages, use your hair dryer. On low, gently and carefully warm the pages a little, until the photos will lift off the page. Carefully slide them off the album and let them cool face down. Your photos will come off easily and safely, no tearing and losing precious pictures.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Tip of the Day 8 November 2009
Solar stain removal
The best solution for removing tomato-based stains (pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce or just chopped tomatoes) from clothing: hang the garment in the sunshine! Simply wash the stained garment as usual. Then hang it wet on your clothesline, in a window with lots of sunlight or over a backyard lawn chair—anywhere it will be in the direct sun for several hours. Wash and dry the garment again, and it will be as good as new and ready to wear.
The best solution for removing tomato-based stains (pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce or just chopped tomatoes) from clothing: hang the garment in the sunshine! Simply wash the stained garment as usual. Then hang it wet on your clothesline, in a window with lots of sunlight or over a backyard lawn chair—anywhere it will be in the direct sun for several hours. Wash and dry the garment again, and it will be as good as new and ready to wear.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Tip of the Day 7 November 2009
Great Chip Clips
To seal open packets of crisps or crackers in the pantry or frozen veggies in the freezer, use a metal binder clip from the office supply store or a $2 shop. You can get packets for around $2. They don't break like plastic chip clips and they grip harder than clothes pegs, can hold onto a narrower edge and don't fall off in the cupboard or freezer.
To seal open packets of crisps or crackers in the pantry or frozen veggies in the freezer, use a metal binder clip from the office supply store or a $2 shop. You can get packets for around $2. They don't break like plastic chip clips and they grip harder than clothes pegs, can hold onto a narrower edge and don't fall off in the cupboard or freezer.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Tip of the Day 6 November 2009
Twice as Much Bacon From One Package
When you buy pre-packaged bacon, cut the entire packet in half before cooking. The half-size slices fit into the frying pan better, they cook more evenly and the family will think they are getting twice as much. Always start your bacon in a cold pan and it won't stick. You'll end up with lovely crisp rashers, the right size to top a slice of toast or an English muffin.
When you buy pre-packaged bacon, cut the entire packet in half before cooking. The half-size slices fit into the frying pan better, they cook more evenly and the family will think they are getting twice as much. Always start your bacon in a cold pan and it won't stick. You'll end up with lovely crisp rashers, the right size to top a slice of toast or an English muffin.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Tip of the Day, 4 November 2009
Hardboiled Eggs
Now summer and salad season is almost here, hard boiled eggs will be appearing in fridges all over the country. When boiling eggs, add a few onion skins to the water. It will stain the eggs a brown colour so that you can tell them from fresh eggs in the fridge. Don't worry it doesn't affect the taste at all, they still taste like eggs, not onions.
Now summer and salad season is almost here, hard boiled eggs will be appearing in fridges all over the country. When boiling eggs, add a few onion skins to the water. It will stain the eggs a brown colour so that you can tell them from fresh eggs in the fridge. Don't worry it doesn't affect the taste at all, they still taste like eggs, not onions.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Tip of the Day 4 November 2009
Keep Fresh Spices
When we were married we were given a spice rack full of different spices as a gift. It was sitting on my kitchen bench until a friend suggested that they would last better if they were kept in the freezer (spices have a limited shelf life if subjected to heat and light). I went through the rack and threw out any jars that were older than a year. Then I cleaned out the shelf in the door of the freezer. This shelf is too small to hold anything much and tended to collect odd bread crusts etc but it is the perfect size to hold my jars of spices. Now I can read the names on the tall jars at the back. I have them arranged in two rows, alphabetically. I am storing only the spices I use and they are always fresh. My benchtop is less cluttered and the op shop was blessed with a good wooden spice rack to sell.
Contributed by Ruth, West Pennant Hills
When we were married we were given a spice rack full of different spices as a gift. It was sitting on my kitchen bench until a friend suggested that they would last better if they were kept in the freezer (spices have a limited shelf life if subjected to heat and light). I went through the rack and threw out any jars that were older than a year. Then I cleaned out the shelf in the door of the freezer. This shelf is too small to hold anything much and tended to collect odd bread crusts etc but it is the perfect size to hold my jars of spices. Now I can read the names on the tall jars at the back. I have them arranged in two rows, alphabetically. I am storing only the spices I use and they are always fresh. My benchtop is less cluttered and the op shop was blessed with a good wooden spice rack to sell.
Contributed by Ruth, West Pennant Hills
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Tip of the Day 3 November 2009
$2 Dinner Tuesday
Spinach and Egg Slice
Ingredients:
500g cooked spinach
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp basil
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cheese
Method:
Cook spinach and drain well then put in a pan with fennel seeds, nutmeg and basil. Turn the spinach over so it gets all the spices. Put in a greased baking tray with deep sides. Beat up eggs with milk and add cheese. Pour over the spinach and if you want to put more cheese on top. Bake in moderate oven till set and golden. I save up all the ends of cheese and freeze them so I have it for this recipe or pizzas .
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa North
Spinach and Egg Slice
Ingredients:
500g cooked spinach
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp basil
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cheese
Method:
Cook spinach and drain well then put in a pan with fennel seeds, nutmeg and basil. Turn the spinach over so it gets all the spices. Put in a greased baking tray with deep sides. Beat up eggs with milk and add cheese. Pour over the spinach and if you want to put more cheese on top. Bake in moderate oven till set and golden. I save up all the ends of cheese and freeze them so I have it for this recipe or pizzas .
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa North
Monday, 2 November 2009
Tip of the Day 2 November 2009
New jeans that are as easy to wear as old ones
When you buy new jeans, do the first wash on their own in warm water with your regular detergent and 1/2 cup of table salt thrown in. The sodium in the coarse crystals softens the new denim to make it as soft and pliable as your older, well-worn threads. Now your jeans feel as fabulous as they look.
When you buy new jeans, do the first wash on their own in warm water with your regular detergent and 1/2 cup of table salt thrown in. The sodium in the coarse crystals softens the new denim to make it as soft and pliable as your older, well-worn threads. Now your jeans feel as fabulous as they look.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Tip of the Day 24 November 2009
$2 Dinner Tuesday
Mayonnaise Scones
Ingredients:
2 cups SR flour
2 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup milk
Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix all ingredients together until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need to add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach this consistency. Using the heel of your hand, press out the dough on a floured surface, to about 2cm thick. Cut with a scone cutter or a glass. Place on a greased scone tray and bake 10 - 15 minutes until cooked. They should be light in colour and flakey on the outside, not doughy inside. Serve with a side salad and spreads.
Mayonnaise Scones
Ingredients:
2 cups SR flour
2 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup milk
Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix all ingredients together until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need to add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach this consistency. Using the heel of your hand, press out the dough on a floured surface, to about 2cm thick. Cut with a scone cutter or a glass. Place on a greased scone tray and bake 10 - 15 minutes until cooked. They should be light in colour and flakey on the outside, not doughy inside. Serve with a side salad and spreads.
Grow Your Own Food
Save money growing your own food. Get a jump on the gardening seasons by starting your plants indoors from seed. Put them in potting mix placed in empty egg cartons. Sit them on a tray in a sunny window and keep them damp. Within days your seeds will be sprouting and in just a few weeks you'll have healthy, strong seedlings ready to be planted out in the garden or into pots. When you put them into the garden (or a pot), cover each plant with an empty soft drink bottle "greenhouse". Create these mini greenhouses by cutting the bottom off empty soft drink bottles. Take the caps off and place them over seedlings to protect them from bugs and frosts until they are established.
Vegetables that can be grown in backyard gardens include tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, capsicums, radishes, egg plant, beans, peas, beetroot, potatoes, onions, spring onions and pumpkins.
Growing your own vegies can save a family of four at least $1,000 a year!
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Tip of the Day 31 October 2009
This Old Wives' Remedy Really Works
If you have a stubborn splinter that you just can't get out, try this old wives' remedy. Make a paste of soap and sugar and put it over the splinter. Cover with a bandaid and leave overnight. Next morning when you take the bandaid off the splinter will lift out with it. Works like a charm and costs practically nothing.
If you have a stubborn splinter that you just can't get out, try this old wives' remedy. Make a paste of soap and sugar and put it over the splinter. Cover with a bandaid and leave overnight. Next morning when you take the bandaid off the splinter will lift out with it. Works like a charm and costs practically nothing.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Tip of the Day 30 October 2009
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead and know what you're going to buy so your grocery shopping trips will be short and sweet -- under 30 minutes if at all possible. If you linger longer, it will cost you. Market surveys indicate shoppers spend an extra 50 cents each minute for every minute over 30 spent in a supermarket.
Plan ahead and know what you're going to buy so your grocery shopping trips will be short and sweet -- under 30 minutes if at all possible. If you linger longer, it will cost you. Market surveys indicate shoppers spend an extra 50 cents each minute for every minute over 30 spent in a supermarket.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Tip of the Day 29 October 2009
Organized Storage Stops Double Up Shopping
If you have a storage problem try installing another shelf in the wardrobe if there is room above the existing shelf. Add a shelf at the bottom or a half shelf. Or put drawer units at the bottom. Or stack see-through boxes. By having things stored properly, you will always be able to find them. If you can find them, you won't double or triple up because you don't know where to put your hand on them!
If you have a storage problem try installing another shelf in the wardrobe if there is room above the existing shelf. Add a shelf at the bottom or a half shelf. Or put drawer units at the bottom. Or stack see-through boxes. By having things stored properly, you will always be able to find them. If you can find them, you won't double or triple up because you don't know where to put your hand on them!
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Tip of the Day 28 October 2009
Plan Early for the Best Savings
If you would like a summer holiday, start planning early in the year, saving a little towards it each week. Shop a season ahead for basic clothing items. When entertaining, start buying extra goodies a few at a time a few weeks before hand. By doing this, the impact on your budget won't be as sudden and you'll be less inclined to impulsively pull out the plastic!
If you would like a summer holiday, start planning early in the year, saving a little towards it each week. Shop a season ahead for basic clothing items. When entertaining, start buying extra goodies a few at a time a few weeks before hand. By doing this, the impact on your budget won't be as sudden and you'll be less inclined to impulsively pull out the plastic!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Tip of the Day 27 October 2009
$2 Dinner
Quiche
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry
4 eggs
1 dollop of cream
Shredded cheese
Diced Ham
Spring onion
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:
Line a quiche dish with the pastry and par-bake it for 5 minutes and mix all of the other ingredients together and pour in the pastry. Cook in the oven until the top is golden brown and is firm to the touch.
Contributed by Kathryn
Quiche
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry
4 eggs
1 dollop of cream
Shredded cheese
Diced Ham
Spring onion
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:
Line a quiche dish with the pastry and par-bake it for 5 minutes and mix all of the other ingredients together and pour in the pastry. Cook in the oven until the top is golden brown and is firm to the touch.
Contributed by Kathryn
Monday, 26 October 2009
Tip of the Day 26 October 2009
Making a Magnetic Photo Frame
Recycle promotional magnets by spray painting them, then cutting out the middle to make a picture frame for your refrigerator. They are the ideal size for those little 'extra' pictures that come with school photos - just perfect for Granny to have on her fridge.
Recycle promotional magnets by spray painting them, then cutting out the middle to make a picture frame for your refrigerator. They are the ideal size for those little 'extra' pictures that come with school photos - just perfect for Granny to have on her fridge.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Tip of the Day 25 October 2009
Get the Watering Right
Gardens need 30ml (an inch in imperial measurements) of water a week. But how do you know low long to water to get that amount? Put a can, a pot or a glass under your sprinkler and see how long it takes for the container to collect 30ml of water.
Gardens need 30ml (an inch in imperial measurements) of water a week. But how do you know low long to water to get that amount? Put a can, a pot or a glass under your sprinkler and see how long it takes for the container to collect 30ml of water.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Tip of the Day 24 October 2009
Car Organizer
It may sound simple but it really works, especially if you have young children. Hand a shoe organizer over the back of the front seats in the car and use it to keep the back of the car tidy and clutter free. The pockets are deep enough to hold drink bottles and pencil cases and wide enough for books and small toys.
It may sound simple but it really works, especially if you have young children. Hand a shoe organizer over the back of the front seats in the car and use it to keep the back of the car tidy and clutter free. The pockets are deep enough to hold drink bottles and pencil cases and wide enough for books and small toys.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Set a Bargain Budget
Allow a set amount of money each week for 'bargain' buys - extra cheap margarine, soap powder, toilet paper etc. - on top of your grocery budget. This way you will always be able to take advantage of a great buy when you find it, without putting a strain on your budget. If you don't use it each week, save it and you will build up your bargain fund quite quickly.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Tip of the Day 22 October 2009
Natural Air Freshener
For a natural, non-toxic room deodoriser try this mixture. Place 6 peppermint tea bags in a glass of cold water. Sit it on a sunny window sill to steep until the tea is very strong - about half an hour. Then squeeze the tea bags into the tea, pour it into a spray bottle and top up with cold water. You can now safely spray your cupboard doors, bench tops, sinks even around the pet bowls for a lovely fresh, clean scent. And without poisoning the family or the animals.
For a natural, non-toxic room deodoriser try this mixture. Place 6 peppermint tea bags in a glass of cold water. Sit it on a sunny window sill to steep until the tea is very strong - about half an hour. Then squeeze the tea bags into the tea, pour it into a spray bottle and top up with cold water. You can now safely spray your cupboard doors, bench tops, sinks even around the pet bowls for a lovely fresh, clean scent. And without poisoning the family or the animals.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Tip of the Day 21 October 2009
A Personal Loan from Savings
"I borrow from my savings account when I am short rather than use credit cards. I divide the amount by ten, multiply by twelve and start making payments for a year. I pay myself 20% interest and my savings account is growing fast."
Contributed by Gordon, Beecroft
"I borrow from my savings account when I am short rather than use credit cards. I divide the amount by ten, multiply by twelve and start making payments for a year. I pay myself 20% interest and my savings account is growing fast."
Contributed by Gordon, Beecroft
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Tip of the Day 20 October 2009
$2 Dinner Tuesday
Zucchini Slice
Ingredients:
400grams grated Zucchini (very cheap when in season).
1 large Onion
250 grams chopped bacon
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup SR flour (lightly packed)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 eggs
salt/pepper to taste.
Method:
Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Pour mixture into a well greased slice baking dish and bake in a moderate oven for 30 - 40 minutes. Serve with a side salad. Makes 6 good sized slices!
Contributed by Belinda Walker
Zucchini Slice
Ingredients:
400grams grated Zucchini (very cheap when in season).
1 large Onion
250 grams chopped bacon
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup SR flour (lightly packed)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 eggs
salt/pepper to taste.
Method:
Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Pour mixture into a well greased slice baking dish and bake in a moderate oven for 30 - 40 minutes. Serve with a side salad. Makes 6 good sized slices!
Contributed by Belinda Walker
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.
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