The great family road trip
If you're planning a family road trip these school holidays plan ahead and pack drinks and snacks. Stop at roadside rest areas rather than crowded roadhouses and enjoy a thermos of tea or coffee, some cold drinks and a sandwich or piece of cake in peace and quiet. The kids can have a run around and use up some energy and everyone will get back into the car refreshed and ready for the next leg of the journey. Your pocket will also benefit, packing your food and drinks will save you a fortune.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Tip of the Day 20 December 2009
A Garden on Wheels
Instead of a hanging basket why not try an old wheelbarrow for planting vegies? I have strawberries in mine. It is up off the ground so slaters can't get to it, you can put it under a basket to catch any water from them, you don't have to bend to far to pick them. Mine is in the front garden in between my roses and other plants. Put a couple of holes in the bottom, fill it with good soil or potting mix and away you go.
Contributed by Kerry, Mandurah
Instead of a hanging basket why not try an old wheelbarrow for planting vegies? I have strawberries in mine. It is up off the ground so slaters can't get to it, you can put it under a basket to catch any water from them, you don't have to bend to far to pick them. Mine is in the front garden in between my roses and other plants. Put a couple of holes in the bottom, fill it with good soil or potting mix and away you go.
Contributed by Kerry, Mandurah
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Tip of the Day 19 December 2009
Create a calming bath
There are any number of bath solutions you can buy that claim to be soothing and calming to children (and adults) and of course they are quite pricey. You can easily create a bath solution that really works yourself, for just a few cents per bath. To calm a toddler (or an adult!) buy (from the chemist) Epsom salts. Use the recommended amount in a warm bath. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil (from chemists or health food shops) and let baby enjoy his bath. It is so calming, great for a before bed bath for a fractious toddler or a grown up with a headache or upset mood. Enjoy and relax!
There are any number of bath solutions you can buy that claim to be soothing and calming to children (and adults) and of course they are quite pricey. You can easily create a bath solution that really works yourself, for just a few cents per bath. To calm a toddler (or an adult!) buy (from the chemist) Epsom salts. Use the recommended amount in a warm bath. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil (from chemists or health food shops) and let baby enjoy his bath. It is so calming, great for a before bed bath for a fractious toddler or a grown up with a headache or upset mood. Enjoy and relax!
Friday, 18 December 2009
Tip of the Day 18 December 2009
Lettuce Storage
Save washing time and have fresh lettuce on hand ready for immediate use.
Rather than storing your lettuce whole, consider washing, cutting it and storing it in a salad spinner. This way it is ready for immediate use and you are more inclined to use it when needing a quick snack. Washing once rather than each time you need lettuce will save you time. Encourage the whole family to grab a salad snack and have a tasty dressing handy.
Save washing time and have fresh lettuce on hand ready for immediate use.
Rather than storing your lettuce whole, consider washing, cutting it and storing it in a salad spinner. This way it is ready for immediate use and you are more inclined to use it when needing a quick snack. Washing once rather than each time you need lettuce will save you time. Encourage the whole family to grab a salad snack and have a tasty dressing handy.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Tip of the Day 17 December 2009
Light Bulb Moment Saves Money on Christmas Lights
Approximate $ Savings: $100-150
Instead of buying replacement globes for the fairy lights for the Christmas tree (at any where from $2 - $3 a packet for about 5 light globes) I just buy another box of lights for $12 and that gives me 200 - 250 bulbs that I know will fit. I have been doing this for the last 3 years and am still going on that same box and I have lots of fairy lights. Also if you have wiring problems with a set in use just transfer the bulbs to the replacement set and problem solved.
Contributed by Vickii, Waterford
Approximate $ Savings: $100-150
Instead of buying replacement globes for the fairy lights for the Christmas tree (at any where from $2 - $3 a packet for about 5 light globes) I just buy another box of lights for $12 and that gives me 200 - 250 bulbs that I know will fit. I have been doing this for the last 3 years and am still going on that same box and I have lots of fairy lights. Also if you have wiring problems with a set in use just transfer the bulbs to the replacement set and problem solved.
Contributed by Vickii, Waterford
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Last Minute Gift Ideas
I’ve never been one to leave my Christmas shopping to the last minute, I like to be able to take my time searching for the perfect gift for everyone, even if it does take me the whole year. But statistics show that for all the talking about starting early, most of us don't. We wait until the very last minute and then hit the shops in a frantic rush.
So, if you are one of the many who wait until the very last minute to hit the shopping centres, you’re probably headed for some aggravation and disappointment and possibly some big bills in January (OK, it's almost a surety that there will be some big bills in January).
Use some of my tips for last-minute Christmas shopping and it will be much more pleasurable, possibly a lot cheaper and the recipients of your gifts will probably pretty happy too.
Gift cards. It seems like such a small present, but it is quite a popular gift. Do you know how many people pack the stores the day after Christmas just to return gifted items? A gift card avoids all of that. Have the kids put together some festive wrapping or decorate and envelope for a personal touch.
Charitable gifts. These gifts put others first and help great causes at the same time. Perfect for the person who ALREADY has everything, you can make a donation to various international charities (wildlife foundations, disaster relief, medical missions, peace keeping efforts and more) in the name of your gift recipient. They will receive a letter thanking them for their donation.
www.tear.org.au
www.worldvision.com.au
www.oxfam.org
Food gifts. Before toys and technology, people gave what they had and that was usually some sort of food item. Sweet breads in decorative loaf pans, cakes, biscuits and cupcakes still make great gifts for teachers, grandparents, neighbours and friends. Give the delectable offerings time to cool sufficiently before wrapping them. If you're stuck for ideas, make up "Cake in a Cup" packages using the Cheapskates Club How To..... sheet. They are really cute, very affordable and take only a few minutes to put together.
Memberships/Subscriptions. Has one of the people on your list been meaning to join a gym? You can gift them a membership for Christmas. When money gets tight, memberships and subscriptions are usually the first to go. Renew a subscription to their favourite magazine or a service like the RACV (or the equivalent for their state).
Gift baskets. Most shops have them on display at Christmas time. You can buy one that is already made if you see one that fits your recipient’s tastes and your budget. For teachers and co-workers, baskets with mugs and coffee or hot chocolate are a safe bet. Or better yet, create your own with a basket and small items that reflect the recipient. Movie tickets and popcorn, pancake mix and a bottle of homemade pancake syrup, a washing powder tin and the ingredients to make their own washing powder (and of course the Cheapskates Club tip sheet with instructions), there are any number of fantastic gift basket ideas that are quick, easy and frugal.
Overall…have fun. Dress your presents up, make your own gift cards and tie them up with a bow or raffia or even strips of wool plaited into lengths. The personal touch will always go a long way.
So, if you are one of the many who wait until the very last minute to hit the shopping centres, you’re probably headed for some aggravation and disappointment and possibly some big bills in January (OK, it's almost a surety that there will be some big bills in January).
Use some of my tips for last-minute Christmas shopping and it will be much more pleasurable, possibly a lot cheaper and the recipients of your gifts will probably pretty happy too.
Gift cards. It seems like such a small present, but it is quite a popular gift. Do you know how many people pack the stores the day after Christmas just to return gifted items? A gift card avoids all of that. Have the kids put together some festive wrapping or decorate and envelope for a personal touch.
Charitable gifts. These gifts put others first and help great causes at the same time. Perfect for the person who ALREADY has everything, you can make a donation to various international charities (wildlife foundations, disaster relief, medical missions, peace keeping efforts and more) in the name of your gift recipient. They will receive a letter thanking them for their donation.
www.tear.org.au
www.worldvision.com.au
www.oxfam.org
Food gifts. Before toys and technology, people gave what they had and that was usually some sort of food item. Sweet breads in decorative loaf pans, cakes, biscuits and cupcakes still make great gifts for teachers, grandparents, neighbours and friends. Give the delectable offerings time to cool sufficiently before wrapping them. If you're stuck for ideas, make up "Cake in a Cup" packages using the Cheapskates Club How To..... sheet. They are really cute, very affordable and take only a few minutes to put together.
Memberships/Subscriptions. Has one of the people on your list been meaning to join a gym? You can gift them a membership for Christmas. When money gets tight, memberships and subscriptions are usually the first to go. Renew a subscription to their favourite magazine or a service like the RACV (or the equivalent for their state).
Gift baskets. Most shops have them on display at Christmas time. You can buy one that is already made if you see one that fits your recipient’s tastes and your budget. For teachers and co-workers, baskets with mugs and coffee or hot chocolate are a safe bet. Or better yet, create your own with a basket and small items that reflect the recipient. Movie tickets and popcorn, pancake mix and a bottle of homemade pancake syrup, a washing powder tin and the ingredients to make their own washing powder (and of course the Cheapskates Club tip sheet with instructions), there are any number of fantastic gift basket ideas that are quick, easy and frugal.
Overall…have fun. Dress your presents up, make your own gift cards and tie them up with a bow or raffia or even strips of wool plaited into lengths. The personal touch will always go a long way.
Tip of the Day 16 December 2009
Santa Gives Vouchers to Save the Budget During the Holidays
I buy entertainment vouchers for the kids during the year e.g. movie vouchers, Hard Rock ice cream, McDonalds etc and Santa gives them in their Christmas stockings. Then during the school holidays paid entertainment is already there waiting to use and it doesn't strain the budget.
Contributed by Liz, Gladstone
I buy entertainment vouchers for the kids during the year e.g. movie vouchers, Hard Rock ice cream, McDonalds etc and Santa gives them in their Christmas stockings. Then during the school holidays paid entertainment is already there waiting to use and it doesn't strain the budget.
Contributed by Liz, Gladstone
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Christmas Truffles
Ingredients:
1 heaped dessertspoon cocoa
180g copha, melted
1 egg, beaten
250g pure icing sugar
½ cup coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 tablespoons rum essence
2 pkts chocolate slivers
Method:
Mix together dry ingredients. Melt copha, add vanilla essence. Add to dry ingredients and mix. Add beaten egg and mix well. Roll teaspoonfuls into balls and roll in chocolate slivers. Set in fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Monday, 14 December 2009
Tip of the Day 14 December 2009
Permanent Patterns
I do a lot of sewing and make a lot of crafts and as a result I have a lot of money sitting in patterns. As I tend to choose a basic pattern and adapt it to suit whatever I'm making, I like to trace my patterns onto cardboard (if it's a craft pattern) or lightweight interfacing (for dressmaking) for longevity. As most of my craft patterns are for small items empty cereal boxes do the job perfectly. Just slit the sides and open them out flat then draw the pattern onto the inside. Cut them out, label the pieces and they are easy to work with and long lasting. For dressmaking patterns, tracing off the tissue paper pattern onto interfacing keeps the original intact for future use. This is particularly useful for the multi-size patterns. The interfacing makes cutting the pattern off the fabric a breeze as it stays put when it's laid out, helping with cutting accuracy.
I do a lot of sewing and make a lot of crafts and as a result I have a lot of money sitting in patterns. As I tend to choose a basic pattern and adapt it to suit whatever I'm making, I like to trace my patterns onto cardboard (if it's a craft pattern) or lightweight interfacing (for dressmaking) for longevity. As most of my craft patterns are for small items empty cereal boxes do the job perfectly. Just slit the sides and open them out flat then draw the pattern onto the inside. Cut them out, label the pieces and they are easy to work with and long lasting. For dressmaking patterns, tracing off the tissue paper pattern onto interfacing keeps the original intact for future use. This is particularly useful for the multi-size patterns. The interfacing makes cutting the pattern off the fabric a breeze as it stays put when it's laid out, helping with cutting accuracy.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Tip of the Day 13 December 2009
The Beauty of Cleopatra
History tells us that Cleopatra bathed in milk and was the most beautiful woman of her time. You can use milk for your skin too, and it's much easier and cheaper than bathing in it. Keep a small supply of powdered milk in a jar in the bathroom to use as a facial cleanser at night. Just put a small amount in the palm of your hand, add enough water to get the consistency you want, and wash. You won't believe how soft your face feels afterwards.
History tells us that Cleopatra bathed in milk and was the most beautiful woman of her time. You can use milk for your skin too, and it's much easier and cheaper than bathing in it. Keep a small supply of powdered milk in a jar in the bathroom to use as a facial cleanser at night. Just put a small amount in the palm of your hand, add enough water to get the consistency you want, and wash. You won't believe how soft your face feels afterwards.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Tip of the Day 12 December 2009
A Fun Way to Start a Christmas Party
Approximate $ Savings: $20 is a cheap Christmas present
My children taught me this method of making Christmas cheap and fun. Every guest brings a gift worth $20 which is placed under the tree and then they receive a number. When everybody has arrived, draw the numbers out of a hat. The first person chooses a gift from under the tree and has to open it, then the second person drawn can either choose from under the tree or the one gift that has already been opened. If you lose your gift you get to choose either from under the tree or from one of the other opened gifts. We have played this game for a few years and every body seems to enjoy it especially if you are one of the last numbers drawn. It is fun and only $20 per person it is really quite reasonable.
Contributed by Maggie, Holt
Approximate $ Savings: $20 is a cheap Christmas present
My children taught me this method of making Christmas cheap and fun. Every guest brings a gift worth $20 which is placed under the tree and then they receive a number. When everybody has arrived, draw the numbers out of a hat. The first person chooses a gift from under the tree and has to open it, then the second person drawn can either choose from under the tree or the one gift that has already been opened. If you lose your gift you get to choose either from under the tree or from one of the other opened gifts. We have played this game for a few years and every body seems to enjoy it especially if you are one of the last numbers drawn. It is fun and only $20 per person it is really quite reasonable.
Contributed by Maggie, Holt
Friday, 11 December 2009
Tip of the Day 11 December 2009
Nicer Teacher Gifts for Less
I wanted to buy my daughter's childcare teachers something special and individual for Christmas - rather than the boxes of chocolates that usually get eaten too quickly, melt or are given away to someone else. Throughout the year I would check the clearance rack at our local department store, and was able to pick up lovely tops, blouses and candles for between $2-$3. As I had to buy for 9 girls, this saved over a hundred dollars and they were all thrilled with their individual gifts (which I bought over several months, spending just $2 or $3 a month rather than rushing out and having to spend a heap all in one go.
Contributed by Ella, Salamander Bay
I wanted to buy my daughter's childcare teachers something special and individual for Christmas - rather than the boxes of chocolates that usually get eaten too quickly, melt or are given away to someone else. Throughout the year I would check the clearance rack at our local department store, and was able to pick up lovely tops, blouses and candles for between $2-$3. As I had to buy for 9 girls, this saved over a hundred dollars and they were all thrilled with their individual gifts (which I bought over several months, spending just $2 or $3 a month rather than rushing out and having to spend a heap all in one go.
Contributed by Ella, Salamander Bay
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Tip of the Day 10 December 2009
'Merry Christmas' Painted 'Glass' Baubles
These are so easy to make. And they are quick and cheap too. You can buy boxes of twelve baubles in all colours from dollar shops such as GoLo, Reject Shop, The Warehouse, even Spotlight and Lincraft. Depending on the size they range in price from $2 - $6.95 for 12.
To make these decorations you don't need paints - you use stickers and decals! The stickers I used are available in sheets of gold, silver and rainbow colours for $2.95 a sheet. Each sheet makes at least twelve, if not more, ornaments. If you choose a coloured ball, all you need to do is stick on your Merry Christmas decal. If you want to add the year, use glitter glue in a coordinating colour under the 'Merry Christmas'. Instead of $6.95 each, you can make these gorgeous baubles for around 65 cents each!
These are so easy to make. And they are quick and cheap too. You can buy boxes of twelve baubles in all colours from dollar shops such as GoLo, Reject Shop, The Warehouse, even Spotlight and Lincraft. Depending on the size they range in price from $2 - $6.95 for 12.
To make these decorations you don't need paints - you use stickers and decals! The stickers I used are available in sheets of gold, silver and rainbow colours for $2.95 a sheet. Each sheet makes at least twelve, if not more, ornaments. If you choose a coloured ball, all you need to do is stick on your Merry Christmas decal. If you want to add the year, use glitter glue in a coordinating colour under the 'Merry Christmas'. Instead of $6.95 each, you can make these gorgeous baubles for around 65 cents each!
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Tip of the Day 9 December 2009
Paying Off the Credit Card
If you can only make the minimum payment on your credit cards then pay it on a weekly basis. For example if the minimum payment for the month is $100, make weekly payments of $25, just double check due dates to make sure you will have paid the minimum required on time. One week you may need to make the payment a day early. You could even set it up to be an automatic payment from your account each week. Then ignore the minimum balance on your next statement and keep on paying the $25 (or whatever amount it was) a week and watch the balance disappear.
If you can only make the minimum payment on your credit cards then pay it on a weekly basis. For example if the minimum payment for the month is $100, make weekly payments of $25, just double check due dates to make sure you will have paid the minimum required on time. One week you may need to make the payment a day early. You could even set it up to be an automatic payment from your account each week. Then ignore the minimum balance on your next statement and keep on paying the $25 (or whatever amount it was) a week and watch the balance disappear.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Tip of the Day 8 December 2009
Nuts’n’Bolts
It's not a a $2 Dinner but it is a $2 gift and it is spectacular. Done up in a jar with a handmade label it looks fantastic. You can make a batch in around five minutes. One batch is enough to fill at least four large coffee jars so it is economical too. Once you start nibbling on nuts'n'bolts you won't be able to stop!
Ingredients:
500g Nutrigrain (generic equivalent works just as well)
375g salted peanuts
375g pretzels (broken into small pieces)
100g pumpkin seeds
1 packet Cream of Chicken soup mix
1 packet French Onion soup mix (generic works just as well)
3 tsp curry powder
Pinch chilli powder
1/2 cup currants (or sultanas)
3/4 cup olive oil, heated
Method:
Combine all ingredients except oil in a large bowl. Mix well to make sure everything is coated with the seasonings. Warm the oil and stir through the dry ingredients, making sure they are all coated completely. Store in a large, air tight bowl. If you are going to jar it up for gifts, wait two days. Stir the mix completely each day then on the third day pour into jars and label. This mix looks great in nut dishes on the Christmas table too.
It's not a a $2 Dinner but it is a $2 gift and it is spectacular. Done up in a jar with a handmade label it looks fantastic. You can make a batch in around five minutes. One batch is enough to fill at least four large coffee jars so it is economical too. Once you start nibbling on nuts'n'bolts you won't be able to stop!
Ingredients:
500g Nutrigrain (generic equivalent works just as well)
375g salted peanuts
375g pretzels (broken into small pieces)
100g pumpkin seeds
1 packet Cream of Chicken soup mix
1 packet French Onion soup mix (generic works just as well)
3 tsp curry powder
Pinch chilli powder
1/2 cup currants (or sultanas)
3/4 cup olive oil, heated
Method:
Combine all ingredients except oil in a large bowl. Mix well to make sure everything is coated with the seasonings. Warm the oil and stir through the dry ingredients, making sure they are all coated completely. Store in a large, air tight bowl. If you are going to jar it up for gifts, wait two days. Stir the mix completely each day then on the third day pour into jars and label. This mix looks great in nut dishes on the Christmas table too.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Tip of the Day 7 December 2009
Christmas Pot-Pourri
This is kind of like cooking but also crafty. Leave bowls of this lovely Australian pot pourri throughout your home and fill it with the scents of Christmas or package it up in cellophane bags or small glass bowls to give to friends and family.
Ingredients:
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup of dried cloves
2 cups gum nuts
1 cup mistletoe leaves
A few drops of your favourite essential oil to sprinkle on gum nuts
Dried petals for colour
Method:
Gently toss all the ingredients together and package.
This is kind of like cooking but also crafty. Leave bowls of this lovely Australian pot pourri throughout your home and fill it with the scents of Christmas or package it up in cellophane bags or small glass bowls to give to friends and family.
Ingredients:
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup of dried cloves
2 cups gum nuts
1 cup mistletoe leaves
A few drops of your favourite essential oil to sprinkle on gum nuts
Dried petals for colour
Method:
Gently toss all the ingredients together and package.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Tip of the Day 6 December 2009
Christmas Gifts for $3.33 each
Yesterday when I received my disability pension I invested $40.00 on seeds, pots, hanging baskets, two bags of potting mix, which I bought from the Reject Shop, potting mix from Safeway (Homebrand). I will plant them now for Christmas. I will have twelve presents for $40.00. I will wrap them in cellophane. For under $3.33 each these will be gifts for mum, family and friends and it will be something they can watch grow and remember me.
Contributed by Cathrene, Melbourne
Yesterday when I received my disability pension I invested $40.00 on seeds, pots, hanging baskets, two bags of potting mix, which I bought from the Reject Shop, potting mix from Safeway (Homebrand). I will plant them now for Christmas. I will have twelve presents for $40.00. I will wrap them in cellophane. For under $3.33 each these will be gifts for mum, family and friends and it will be something they can watch grow and remember me.
Contributed by Cathrene, Melbourne
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Decorating the Christmas tree
Plastic covered paper clips make perfect hangers for your Christmas tree decorations. They are easy to clip onto the tops of the decorations and slip nicely onto the branches. They stay on the branches too, so that little fingers can't accidentally pull precious ornaments off the tree.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Tip of the Day 4 December 2009
Online Shopping Saves Postage
If you have to send birthday or Christmas presents interstate, check out the prices of online shopping sites. 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
6) They usually guarantee delivery before Christmas.
7) They usually have a free newsletter which emails you about their latest specials.
If you have to send birthday or Christmas presents interstate, check out the prices of online shopping sites. 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
6) They usually guarantee delivery before Christmas.
7) They usually have a free newsletter which emails you about their latest specials.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Tip of the Day 3 December 2009
Lolly Topiary Trees
These are sold in Target and the large ones I looked at were $24.95 each.
I bought a terracotta pot for $1. I hunted round the back yard for a strong, rustic looking twig to use as the stem. I stuck the stem in the pot using 15-minute quick set cement, because we had some in the garage. You could use plaster. When it was set and the stem was firm I sprayed the pot and stem gold. Then I stuck a large foam ball ($2.00 from the market) onto the top of the stem. The most expensive part of this decoration was the lollies. I chose to use Columbines because of the pretty colours. The topiaries I saw in target were covered in silver and green wrapped toffees. I just stuck the toffees to the foam fall with a little blob of blu-tack until it was completely covered. It looks like it has blue and purple flowers all over it.
I’m going to sit this on our lamp table and let visitors pull off a toffee to have with their coffee. I can easily replace the missing sweets until Christmas to keep it looking good. I estimate that it will have cost less than $10 by Christmas, even with replacing the lollies.
These are sold in Target and the large ones I looked at were $24.95 each.
I bought a terracotta pot for $1. I hunted round the back yard for a strong, rustic looking twig to use as the stem. I stuck the stem in the pot using 15-minute quick set cement, because we had some in the garage. You could use plaster. When it was set and the stem was firm I sprayed the pot and stem gold. Then I stuck a large foam ball ($2.00 from the market) onto the top of the stem. The most expensive part of this decoration was the lollies. I chose to use Columbines because of the pretty colours. The topiaries I saw in target were covered in silver and green wrapped toffees. I just stuck the toffees to the foam fall with a little blob of blu-tack until it was completely covered. It looks like it has blue and purple flowers all over it.
I’m going to sit this on our lamp table and let visitors pull off a toffee to have with their coffee. I can easily replace the missing sweets until Christmas to keep it looking good. I estimate that it will have cost less than $10 by Christmas, even with replacing the lollies.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Tip of the Day 2 December 2009
Cath’s Top Tips for a Cash Christmas
1. Make a budget.
2. Start saving now - shop sales and lay-by, time is on your side.
3. Track your Christmas spending, just as you do regular spending. Keep track of how much you spend on presents, decorations, postage, food, clothes, parties etc.
4. Also the track savings i.e if you budget $10 for a gift, and find on sale for $8, that's a $2 saving. Put that money straight into your Emergency Fund.
5. Use cash - make it a priority to use cash for all your Christmas spending. Go to the ATM and make a cash withdrawal, don't use the credit card or eftpos, it's too easy to lose track of what you are spending. Having cash, you see exactly how much you've spent and how much you have left to spend. When it's gone, it's gone.
6. As you collect gifts, wrap and label them immediately. Then make a note on your gift list so you know where you've stashed it and mark it as finished.
1. Make a budget.
2. Start saving now - shop sales and lay-by, time is on your side.
3. Track your Christmas spending, just as you do regular spending. Keep track of how much you spend on presents, decorations, postage, food, clothes, parties etc.
4. Also the track savings i.e if you budget $10 for a gift, and find on sale for $8, that's a $2 saving. Put that money straight into your Emergency Fund.
5. Use cash - make it a priority to use cash for all your Christmas spending. Go to the ATM and make a cash withdrawal, don't use the credit card or eftpos, it's too easy to lose track of what you are spending. Having cash, you see exactly how much you've spent and how much you have left to spend. When it's gone, it's gone.
6. As you collect gifts, wrap and label them immediately. Then make a note on your gift list so you know where you've stashed it and mark it as finished.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Tip of the Day 1 December 2009
Homemade Ferrero Rocher Style Chocolates
Stuck for something for a secret santa? Anything to eat is always a winning gift and this recipe for homemade Ferro Rochers style truffles from Angie of East Ringwood is very easy and they are so good they may not last until it's time to hand the gift over!
You will need:
375 g melting chocolate
1 tbsp copha
1 jar hazelnut spread
Hazelnuts
Crushed nuts
1 cup Rice Bubbles
Mini paper or foil chocolate cups
Method:
Melt chocolate with copha over low heat. Add Rice Bubbles and mix gently. Put a little of the mixture in the bottom of each chocolate cup. Place half a teaspoon of hazelnut spread on top. Drop a whole hazelnut on top of spread. Cover with melted chocolate mixture to top of cup. Sprinkle with crushed nuts before freezing for at least an hour.
Stuck for something for a secret santa? Anything to eat is always a winning gift and this recipe for homemade Ferro Rochers style truffles from Angie of East Ringwood is very easy and they are so good they may not last until it's time to hand the gift over!
You will need:
375 g melting chocolate
1 tbsp copha
1 jar hazelnut spread
Hazelnuts
Crushed nuts
1 cup Rice Bubbles
Mini paper or foil chocolate cups
Method:
Melt chocolate with copha over low heat. Add Rice Bubbles and mix gently. Put a little of the mixture in the bottom of each chocolate cup. Place half a teaspoon of hazelnut spread on top. Drop a whole hazelnut on top of spread. Cover with melted chocolate mixture to top of cup. Sprinkle with crushed nuts before freezing for at least an hour.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Tip of the Day 30 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 half a cup of table salt. The salt 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 half a cup of table salt. The salt 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, 29 November 2009
Tip of the Day 29 November 2009
Plant Splitting
When creating a new garden buy plants that you can split which can save you a lot of money - eg agapanthus, dianellas, and clivias. These varieties will also save you a lot of water and time in the long run.
When creating a new garden buy plants that you can split which can save you a lot of money - eg agapanthus, dianellas, and clivias. These varieties will also save you a lot of water and time in the long run.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Tip of the Day 28 November 2009
Get that French manicure look free
To clean fingernails and leaves the tips white and shiny, sprinkle a damp nail brush with bicarb soda and scrub your nails. The bicarb lifts stains and leaves the tips of your nails with a natural French manicure look without the hefty price tag.
To clean fingernails and leaves the tips white and shiny, sprinkle a damp nail brush with bicarb soda and scrub your nails. The bicarb lifts stains and leaves the tips of your nails with a natural French manicure look without the hefty price tag.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Tip of the Day 27 November 2009
Colour co-ordinated shopping
Use highlighters for faster shopping. Highlight or mark fruit and vegetables on your shopping list with green, fridge and freezer items with blue and meats with a red marker. Unmarked items are things found "in the aisles" . Use orange to highlight things on your list that are "not at the supermarket" so you don't forget to pick them up while you are on a shopping trip.
Use highlighters for faster shopping. Highlight or mark fruit and vegetables on your shopping list with green, fridge and freezer items with blue and meats with a red marker. Unmarked items are things found "in the aisles" . Use orange to highlight things on your list that are "not at the supermarket" so you don't forget to pick them up while you are on a shopping trip.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Tip of the Day 26 November 2009
Easily pick pet hair from carpet
Keeping carpets free of pet hair is a back breaking and seemingly never ending job. Instead of struggling with the vacuum cleaner, run the brush you use to groom your dog or cat lightly over the carpet. It's like magic - the hair is picked up and trapped, no extra sweat or muscle needed.
Keeping carpets free of pet hair is a back breaking and seemingly never ending job. Instead of struggling with the vacuum cleaner, run the brush you use to groom your dog or cat lightly over the carpet. It's like magic - the hair is picked up and trapped, no extra sweat or muscle needed.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Tip of the Day 25 November 2009
Storing receipts for online payments
Rather than printing a receipt after you've made a payment online, save it to an inexpensive thumb drive. Once you have finished the transaction you are given the option to save a copy of the receipt or print a copy of the receipt. If you can save a copy, save it straight to your thumb drive, with a file name such as the bill and month you are paying i.e. Phone/nov09. If you are only offered the option to print, open a word document. Highlight the receipt information, copy and paste it to the word document and save the word document to the thumb drive. You are saving on printing and paper and you still have an electronic copy of the receipt if you need it. Once you no longer need the receipt you can easily delete it from the thumb drive.
Rather than printing a receipt after you've made a payment online, save it to an inexpensive thumb drive. Once you have finished the transaction you are given the option to save a copy of the receipt or print a copy of the receipt. If you can save a copy, save it straight to your thumb drive, with a file name such as the bill and month you are paying i.e. Phone/nov09. If you are only offered the option to print, open a word document. Highlight the receipt information, copy and paste it to the word document and save the word document to the thumb drive. You are saving on printing and paper and you still have an electronic copy of the receipt if you need it. Once you no longer need the receipt you can easily delete it from the thumb drive.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Tip of the day 23 November 2009
Wrapping paper memories
Don't throw away wrapping paper received with special gifts such as engagement, wedding, new baby and special birthday gifts. Instead use it as a background paper to scrapbook a memory page for the special event. The memories will come flooding back each time you look at the page.
Don't throw away wrapping paper received with special gifts such as engagement, wedding, new baby and special birthday gifts. Instead use it as a background paper to scrapbook a memory page for the special event. The memories will come flooding back each time you look at the page.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Give the compost a boost with a cola
If you are a cola drinker, a great way to boost your compost pile is to pour a bottle of flat Coke (or other cola) over it. This increases the acidity and the sugar feeds the microorganisms, which in turn, increases the organic matter you get out of it. And it's a great way to use up any flat bottles of Coke if you happen to have any.
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