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Thursday, October 28, 2010

ikea deal - eat your discount

Next week from the 1st November to the 7th November 2010 Ikea is having a deal that what ever dollar amount you eat in their cafeteria, you get to spend for free in the store. Check their website for more details but its afun way to have meal out with friends and family and then you go shopping. We did it last year and got some fun things. My mate shouted her family because they had plans to buy a bookcase they wanted. I think its one docket though so buy your meal in one hit. A tip dont eat too late and leave yourself with no time to shop. Be prepared for lots of people. Another tip get your family discount card and hot drinks including hot chocolate are free for up to 6 people. My kids love it.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Aldi yoghurt part 2

So here's some feedback. My neighbour who also makes EasiYo tried the Aldi Yoghurt Sachet in her EasiYo maker and it turned out beautifully. She gave me a taste of the ALDI Greek Yoghurt she made and it was thick and creamy. I asked if she knew if it was going to be a product they sell all the time. She said it looks more like its just in the special section and probably wont be permanent. So we are both gonna stock up on packets that's if I get to it in time amongst my packing. Oh and the ALDI sachet makes up one litre of yoghurt just like EasiYo. Its a Brookdale product and apparently comes from New Zealand as does EasiYo. NZ have always been good for dairy products.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

ALDI yoghurt maker to rival EasiYo

Hiya Readers, for those following my yoghurt posts... we just seen in the ALDI catalogue that they have a cheaper yoghurt maker with cheaper yoghurt sachets. Here's the thing, I haven't had a chance to go and buy some to road test them. But I wonder if I can use those sachets in my EasiYo maker. Also at the surface they seem cheaper but there will be 4 things I will be looking out for:
  1. How much a sachet makes ie 1 Litre of yoghurt?
  2. Do I like the taste?
  3. How does it compare nutritionally? sugars, fats and salts?
  4. Is this a product line they will keep permanently (you don't want a yoghurt maker and discontinued sachets).
see below links:
Yoghurt Maker Starter Kit

ALDI yoghurt mix sachets 140g - 185g for $2.49 each, flavours available are Greek, Lite Natural, Strawberry and Vanilla.

I'm keen to see the results and if anyone beats me to the post let me know because I am concentrating on moving house.

Monday, September 20, 2010

AWESOME - National Rental Affordability Scheme for low to middle income earners.

This is a great opportunity for low to middle income families to get brand new rental properties for about 20% under the market rent. Check it out. This is an Australian national scheme but the link I have posted below is for the QLD market and all my brissy mates who want better rent opportunities. I can answer lots of questions.

NRAS Scheme QLD and INFO on NRAS

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

EasiYo - From scratch or not from scratch that is the question?

The other day I dropped by my Mum's house (as I often do) and she started to give me a few taste tests of the things she had recently cooked most of which from scratch. My mum is a fabulous and talented lady and has a knack for cooking things from scratch. What I like most about this is that most times she can provide a cheaper alternative foods with no yucky preservatives, additives and colourings found in store bought foods.

I am not a Master Chef in fact I am a Minor Cook. So I am kinda a in the middle of the road food preparer. One thing I am loving right now is making Easi Yo Yoghurt its from a packet but i believe it works out cheaper and healthier than store bought yoghurts. It's also a very good food storage item to have because it doesn't require a culture starter to make. Here's the low down:
  • You buy the yoghurt maker kit from a supermarket in the dessert section.
  • You also buy your yoghurt packs in the same section.
  • Price comparisons - DONT BUY FROM IGA they are the most expensive.
  • Coles and Woolies are comparative so I usually stock up on a couple when they are on special.
  • Woolies has Greek Easi Yo on special for $2.99 this week and it is beautiful.
  • Big W sell the packets too, I think at the cheapest price, especially if you like to use Natural yoghurt. I think you get a pack of three for about $7 dollars something (will check out).
  • Each pack makes a litre container the same as your standard Yoplait size yoghurt.
  • There are great HEALTH benefits because they are post set etc. Google for more info.
  • Standard everyday woolies prices are about $2.90 for Natural; $3.60-$3.90 for flavoured yoghurts.
  • They do taste a little tarter then the Yoplait etc. But our children still eat it like mad.
  • Of course there's no fruit in the packets so we add our own when we want.
  • It takes about 8 hours to make one packet but you can safely leave it for 24 hours I believe to cook. Then allow for chill time.
  • You only add water to the sachet and sugar if you want to sweeten the plain flavours.
  • You only need boiling water to pour into the cooking thermos.
  • It is not an electric based yoghurt maker.
Hopefully I've answered all possible questions. If not ask away.

Incidentally Mum made home-made soft cheese from sour milk. The result was about 250 grams of cheese from 2 litres of milk. She promptly said that she can now understand why cheese is so expensive when you look at the costs and efforts involved. We shared a laugh as she agreed to continue to buy cheese rather than make cheese from scratch.

Monday, August 23, 2010

CHEAP TEXT BOOKS - The Book Depository

Thanks to Kaili who mentioned on Facebook about the Book Depository company in UK. They have excellent prices on all kinds of books.

Incidentally my husband the University student came home one day and told me about this same book company. He found a few of his text books considerably cheaper than his on campus book store. Funny guy when he was in the Uni book store comparing prices, upon seeing that the Uni store was more expensive he said out loud rather loudly for all to hear 'I can't believe how expensive these books are!'

For example he saved $40 on a text book with The Book Depository, even with his discount as a member of the co-op at uni.

Free delivery worldwide on all books from The Book Depository

Free delivery worldwide on all books from The Book Depository

Sunday, August 8, 2010

For the Seniors - Chronic Disease Management (CDM)

I do not know a great deal about this one but my friend tells me she gets access to a range of bulk-billed health services under the Chronic Disease Management program. From what I understand those eligible persons have access to bulk-billed health services or medicare rebates for these services. For example free dentistry. My friend it is all managed by a GP who gives a referral to these these health providers.

The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) enable GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions, including patients with these conditions who require multidisciplinary, team-based care from a GP and at least two other health or care providers. The items are designed for patients who require a structured approach to their care.

A ‘chronic medical condition’ is one that has been or is likely to be present for at least six months, including but not limited to asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke.

Whether a patient is eligible for CDM services is a clinical judgement for the GP, taking into account the patient’s medical condition and care needs, as well as the general guidance set out in the MBS.

GP Mental Health Treatment Plans apply to patients with mental disorders.

Patients who have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs and are being managed by their GP under a GP Management Plan (item 721) and Team Care Arrangements (item 723) are eligible for Medicare rebates for certain allied health services on referral from their GP.
(Source - /www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare-chronicdiseasemanagement

Feel free to google about it or ask your GP. Here's a website to look at and if you want to ask my friend some more questions let me know.

Friday, July 30, 2010

20% off full priced items storewide at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us

20% off full priced items storewide at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us

Please read the conditions found in fine print before racing off. For example nappies not included.

Must print and show coupon to redeem.

Also remember the saying my mother in law used to say to Hubby when things weren't in their budget - "it may be on sale but its not on sale for us". But this sale may be useful if you've been waiting to buy a certain something but at a reduced price.

Happy Shopping and Felicity this is Australia wide I believe.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Take the tikes to see Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina shows for free

Woodlands Birthday Extravaganza
Where: The District Park (see Map)
Woodlands is near Waterford and Edenslanding in Queensland
Time: 2pm - 6pm

Woodlands is turning 5! Come celebrate with a day packed full of fun and entertainment, including two spectacular live shows from bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina.

There’ll be loads of free fun with a rock climbing wall, mini ferris wheel, jumping castle, face painting, pony rides and tasty food and drinks for sales. We’ll also be launching our newest address, Willow Rise, before the day ends with a blast thanks to a dazzling fireworks show. And don’t forget the birthday cake!


From J - "I went to one of these festivals a couple of years back and really enjoyed it. I have to tell you though that they seem to get busier each year. But these childrens shows are some of my boys favourites. Pity I have a prior engagement."

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Sandy M tells of a recycling website that helps connect people with unwanted but useful items

Hello again J. Just came across this and wondered if you might be interested? It's a recycling web site, at:
www.ozrecycle.com.au
If you click on 'Find by State'and go to Queensland, you can see what is being given away in your area - free if it is picked up. Or give away what you don't need anymore.

Thanks for another great input Sandy!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

A proposed discussion on clothes stain remover.

I have three boys who love to haul dirt (stolen line). So as you can imagine I do need to use stain remover sometimes. I have tried a few different sprays etc but I always seem to go back to SARD WONDER soap. Its actually cheaper than the sprays and goes further, in my own experience. I think a soap bar costs under $3 dollars but will confirm that on my next run to a supermarket. A good tip is to put the cake of soap in an old stocking /pantyhose so it lathers up well.

Does anyone have any better, cheaper or preferred stain removal methods?

Oh yeah and the best bet is to hit a stain immediately where possible. Try and figure out if it needs a hot or cold water wash so it doesn't set. Also avoid leaving things damp in piles or you'll discover impossible to remove mould.

Another tip for children who refuse to wear bibs or outgrown them. Keep handy a couple of really old T-shirts that are about one size up ( need good necklines though) to put over regular clothes at meal times.

I'd love a discussion on this so please leave a comment if you can.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Sandy M says more about cheap movie tickets

Hi J! I just found out that you can get cheap BCC movie tickets, that work at the Hyperdome too, just by going to this site and printing out the coupons!

http://www.clevercoupons.com.au/

(Or you can google 'clever coupons'.)

I hadn't known about it until yesterday, and we've be using $9.50 Diggers cards for ages and thinking they were a good deal! The movie cards from this site are $7.50 at the moment, but are sometimes only $6.50. Each coupon is for 4 tickets, and they take it from you at the ticket office.

Definitely worth a look if you didn't know about this already.

xo

Monday, June 28, 2010

Translink FREE Go Card Giveaway with $10.00 credit

Translink and the QLD government are giving away up to 400,000 Go Cards with $10 travel credit to use on buses, trains and ferries across South East Queensland. Stocks are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.

Note it is for people who don’t already have one…sorry to my hubby and Mum who already who have one.

See the Go Card Giveaway website for online application or attend one of the events.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Speaking of Entertainment - want free dvd rentals?

Why not trial Bigpond Movies' free DVD trial for a month. Its actually quite fun because the DVDs come to you in the post and for once its not bills or junk mail (seeing as barely anyone writes and posts letters anymore). I believe you get a maximum of 10 in a month FREE. I had fun trialling you may too.

See BigPond Movies and click on DVD rentals.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Cheap movie tickets - RACQ Entertainment exclusive entertainment offers

Did you know that if you are RACQ member you can get discounts on places like theme parks, concerts and movie tickets.

For example you can pre-purchase your $10 ($8 child) movie tickets from RACQ stores. This is not always the cheapest movie price especially if you are a concession/student card holder or if you go to the movies on Tuesdays. But it is another option if you are planning a movie trip in advance or for gift ideas.

See RACQ's website.