We went for a drive to get more tools today and pick up the slide that was order yesterday no price so far as this was put on to his account. Also bought the steel for inner steel bars $31.70
I bought some flyscreen mesh to replace the screens in my other doors when I get around to it paying $28.00.

He started welding the security doors today and made the frame up and started putting the in the bars. So I will be able to start painting. While looking at the door he had another look at the security door slide that the locksmith sold us it’s too small for the thickness of the steel, he is using. We will need to return it and buy a more expensive one. This is another task for the morning.

I did go and buy some more food today, as I’m not use to having some for lunch & dinner on daily bases. So I bought chicken slices for our lunches and also bought chocolate blocks on special saving $3.50 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad & Light Cream Cheese on Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Chilli Con Carne with Corn Chips Coffee

My major project door spending to date. $1197.73

Today’s Full price Tally $77.02
Today’s Savings - $ 3.50
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10408.69

The major part of security door was bought & arrived today. These doors are to be made on sight. As they are custom made to my unusual size & design of these doors. Normally he does makes commercial type security doors with hinges. This door is the first one he is making that is sliding. You will never be able to take it down once it has been put up. You will take the brick wall too! This part costs $105.00. We went off to the hardware yet again for some more Dyn-bolts costing $17.50. As he is designing this door as he goes and working out what will work and what won’t work! The price is going up. I have put in cost supplying welding gear into this costing also, as this door is a full welding job. We are asking each other what is the weakest link and then working fixing that part a little more. His first idea on the bottom slide was too weak so extra work was needed there. The top slide has to be closed in and fixed so it can’t be slipped off the bottom slide. So the top slide was order today and bottom slide is in place. I didn’t spend any other money today.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Chicken Salad Fruit Coffee
DINNER Curry Ground Beef & Rice with Sambal

My major project door spending to date. $1166.03

Today’s Full price Tally $122.50
Today’s Savings - $ 0.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10405.19

As soon as the hardware store was open, we were off the buy edging trim and gap foam for the door. So that cementing and finishing off the inside could done. I will not be able to paint this area until he goes as he is keeping his tools and odd & ends around this area at night or when he is finish for the day and it’s never empty.

He put some old brick rabble and the gap foam to finish the trim on the wall were the brick came out of. The plan is to use old recycle off cuts to finish off this area. These do tone with the colour of the brickwork when it will be finish. This is a very slow job if I wasn’t getting a very good discount on his labor this job would never got off the ground.

Today’s cost for materials were $31.45 & $95.77 for parts of security door. This security door is a commercial standard one using much thicker steel than normal.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish bread with ham salad Fruit Coffee
DINNER Fillet Steak, Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

My major project door spending to date. $1042.53
Today’s Full price Tally $127.22
Today’s Savings - $ 0.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10405.19

This morning we put on the door handle & deadlocks. Then drove down to the his storage area to pick up some more tools then off to the locksmith to buy the locks and patio bolts for the security screen doors, we did get trade discount on these. Spending $116.33 but if it’s not right we will return them for a more expensive one.

While we were out, we went to Yatala pie shop yet again. I think this his favorite eatery. Meat Pie & Custard Tart and Coffee and this treat food not everyday. *

BREAKFAST Bacon & Egg Baked Beans Toast Coffee
LUNCH lunch free *
DINNER Scrambled Eggs on toast

My major project door spending to date. $915.31
Today’s Full price Tally $116.33
Today’s Savings - $9.50*
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10405.19

As only the brickwork was removed yesterday and extra bolts bought. Today we worked on removing the old window and the rest of the walls. No one could have broken in last night, as the original wall was still intact. This is one of the big days on this project as the plan was to have the new door lockable tonight. Which I am happy to say it’s the case.

My friend is a master builder, this the first time he has put a door in of this type and did work too!

I did set a bit of problem in making these doors, yes they are two doors but you wouldn’t know it by looking at it from outside. As it’s one standard door and half panel door in French door style, but we have made look like a standard door with a half panel. I did buy extra bolts so that the half door is bolts at all times but when you need to remove furniture you can unbolts this panel door. It even has a mock centre wooden butt screwed and glued to extra half door so that it looks like a half panel.

While this was going on I drove down to shopping centre and paid my bills so that I wouldn’t forget to do so next week, when we will be still working on this project. Saved $30.00 on my power. (senior discount). I bought a few groceries as I am feeding an extra person for next few days.

MMM I will be very lucky to have any no spending days this month, at the rate I’m going now!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad & light Cream Cheese on Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Poached Fish with Salad Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $238.10
Today’s Savings - $ 30.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10395.69

We went for a drive to buy deadlocks & patio bolts for my wooden doors, I will buy the ones for security doors later when we start on that door. As I’m taking Amy Dacyczyn Strategy on this project and buying the best that I can afford. I am working with brass fittings for this door. Spending today $143.98 so far.

As we start this project this morning and had to hire a diamond cutter machine to cutting the brick wall where this door is going. Costing $146.00 but saving a full day work on this project. It’s was returned within 2 hours.


On return we went on a pick up run for other jobs that my handyman friend is doing.

We went to the Yatala Pie Shop for an early lunch and then on the local supermarket to buy a few things before returning home.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out free
DINNER Fillet Steak, Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

My major project door spending to date. $798.98
Today’s Full price Tally $303.23
Today’s Savings - $2.37
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10365.69

If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you would been aware that I have order a water tank and it was to come this week, well it’s not they rang up to say that their molding factory had a miss firing and no tanks will be delivered this month. So I may have my water tank after Easter.

I went shopping for grocery today, sent $11.85 saving $3.20. Bought the balance gourmet travel books that one of thrift shop had, spending $4.00. Bought a Tupperware Store & Keep large one at thrift shop for $3.00 saving around $20.00 new.

BREAKFAST 2 Boiled Eggs Toast & Jam
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Pasta with Pasta Sauce & Tuna

Today’s Full price Tally $42.05
Today’s Savings - $ 23.20
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10363.32

I did the last coat of varnishing for now. Before I went off to the city to visit the Chiro this morning, it one day earlier than I normally go as I phone up yesterday morning to change the appointment. As I worked out that I may have a busy day to-morrow if all goes to plan. Walk up to my hearing aid centre to have my hearing aid checked. This service is part of the fee I paid when I bought it. So no cost here.

I had coffee & raisin toast at one of the eatery, special deal as the coffee is normally more than what I paid for both. Separate it’s toast $1.80 and coffee about $2.95 in price. Deal was $2.50 for both saving $2.25. I bought Jersey Caramel for 99c for my sweet tooth. Some groceries at the dollar store was a good buy, as I have to take into a count bus fares when buy some of this stuff, it a good strategy to buy when I am in the city and not make special trips to buy when I have run out. Saving around $4.00 here.

I had lunch when I came home.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Hummus Lettuce Tuna Marinated Feta with Marinated Peppers
DINNER Chilli Con Carne with Corn Chips Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $14.24
Today’s Savings - $6.25
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10340.12

I was at it again today putting another coat of varnish on the door surrounds, which I will do another coat then finish off when it’s all up. Tones do match so I did picked the right colour.

After I finished I when up the street for a walk and bought some crackers that were on special this week. Saving $3.00 on these.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Mixed Salad & Hummus on Crackers Fruit Coffee
DINNER Thai Satay Chicken with Steamed Rice & Green Tea

Today’s Full price Tally $7.50
Today’s Savings - $ 3.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10333.87

I found this recipe on old can of fruit a few years ago.
After a very hot day here of 38C, I think just reading this recipe cools me down a bit.
I would have made it today but I don't have any yogurt or sour cream.

Peach Freeze
Makes 6 serves.

1x 825g can sliced Peaches, in Lite Juice, drained (190kj per 100g)
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/4 cups sour cream (300g)
1/4 tsp. vanilla essence
1/8 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. lemon juice
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Place in a large bowl and mix until smooth.
Pour into a mould or individual serving dishes.
Freeze until set.

Note: This may work with Natural Lite Yoghurt instead of sour cream.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad & Light Cream Cheese on Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Chilli Con Carne with Corn Chips Coffee

Buying wood strain for my major project, a few other odd bits too! On the Turps alone I bought a 4 litres bottle for $7.85 instead of 1L bottle for $3.50, saving $6.10. As the recycle timber that we bought last week is different wood tones and different woods grains. I needed to find a light wood strain to blend in with them all also the doors so opted for a teak. I plan to use full strength on the light coloured wood and 60: 40 ratio on rest of the wood as these have red tone in them. I think some could be a cedar and some are Australian hard woods. I plan to wash down the wood tonight after my handyman friend has dressed the wood so that I can paint it. Painting and vanishing is my part of this project. I do fine very relaxing pastime and a great challenge that I can do something as good or better than some other folk.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Hummus Lettuce Tuna Marinated Feta with Marinated Peppers
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers

Today’s Full price Tally $36.04
Today’s Savings - $6.10
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10330.87

I went for a walk today up the chemist for my medicine saving $20.00 with Senior Health Card. Drop into Hungry Jack and had a free coffee & cone saving $2.45 here.
After I came home and did my ironing for the week, as I will be painting this weekend.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Marinated Feta Cheese with Marinated Peppers Fruit Coffee
DINNER Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Garlic Focaccia Bread Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $27.75
Today’s Savings - $22.45
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10324.77

It’s that time of the month again lunch with my ex-work friends, there eight of us today. we went to Sizzlers again, I had the manager special as it was still on seafood for $3.95 plus salad bar & drinks*. Costing $15.10 saving $3.85 (senior card).

I paid my Household Insurance today, $658.50 and yet again paid my credit card off. I do have a debit bill on this card so need keep on top of it at all times.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out *
DINNER Curry Ground Beef & Rice with Sambal

Today’s Full price Tally $717.45
Today’s Savings - $ 3.85
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,302.32

Well I mowed my lawn today to cut down on my weed flowers. Saving $35.00 on DIY.
After towards I had to have a good rest as it was very hot mowing here temp in the 30C.
My power & phone bill arrived today will need to pay them next pay. So I didn’t get much done today after all!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $35.00
Today’s Savings - $ 35.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,298.47

My handyman friend drove me down the coast to a place to buy some recycle timber for my door, he had go down that way today. It’s was across the border, he has been working in that area for awhile now. We got five nice pieces of timber with a few nail holes in them but I can live with that. I am not doing any jobs around my house so it can be good for the next person that buy this house but just repairing and doing it up for me to live in. I have one of the few houses in my area that can be pulled down to use the land to rebuild here in this area. I live in Heritage area zone my house was build after the cut off date. I don’t wish to overvalue my house as it’s at the bottom end of the market as it is, I plan to be here along while yet and I don’t have the money to do it up for resale. So it will only ever be sold as a fixer upper.

We had a great day and we went visit a lady that his next client to fix up her kitchen next week. After on the way back we drove up to a local land mark here the Yatala Pie Shop for lunch. Meat pie, custard tart and soft drink as it was hot. Then we went on to pick up some supplies that he had to get in that area when on to do some business elsewhere. We got back to my place around 3pm, I tell driving doe’s make you tried. My recycle timber cost $90.00 saving around $144 off buy new, along with a free lunch. Value $9.50*

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out*
DINNER Bean Patties with Salad Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $243.50
Today’s Savings - $ 153.50
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,264.47

Today I decided to go the art gallery for a look at the latest collection. While I was there, run into an old friend that I meet a few months ago. She had been away overseas late last year. This was the first time that I had seen her since then, so went to the coffee shop and had a chat on what we both have been doing since we last saw each other. While she was away her son download a virus on to they computer so that is why I hadn’t heard from her, and her had to buy a new one too! I just bought a coffee today $2.80 and the cost on my bus fare was all expenses that I had today saving $2.00 (senior discount) on fares, as I had taken my lunch to eat.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Hummus Lettuce Ham Marinated Feta with Marinated Peppers
DINNER Pasta with Pasta Sauce & Tuna

Today’s Full price Tally $ 6.80
Today’s Savings - $ 2.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,020.97

As I had 3lbs ground beef so that was around 6lbs of mixed beef & TVP as I use 50: 50 here, and 1lb 11oz diced beef thawing overnight. I needed to cook them this morning, as I am an early riser, it was a 4 am start.

With the ground beef I made up some Curry Beef, Spaghetti Sauce, Savoury Beef & Chilli Con Carne and the diced beef, I made Beef Bourguignon as I had 2 packet sauces that needs to be used soon! All that will need to add to this dish is 2 onion, 300g of sliced mushrooms and tomato paste. As I live alone I have put it all in single servings and I got 30 single meals out the cooking today. All meals are now in the freezer.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Hummus Lettuce Ham, Tomato with Marinated Peppers Coffee
DINNER Devilled Sausages with Garlic Focaccia Bread Coffee

I will need to review my menus for the coming Autumn/Fall & Winter, so I went back to look at a post I made on here.

For 2 years now, I have had a very noisy garden tap, no matter what was done with it. It still had the problem. So today we worked on it and put new screws into the wall that was holding on the tap. You guess it that was the problem the screws were to small and pulling out of the brickwork all the time. Longer screws and the problem are now solved. Over 30 man-hours to find out this and the water meter reading problem is still to be solved as this tap upset the water meter also!

He bought some new fluo light tubes for me costing $7.00.

I went up to get the handbag for DF-M and bought a novel and another cookbook for a set of cookbook that I am making up. They are 20 in this set so far I have been able to buy 2nd hand eleven of them. I do carry a list of the one’s I have got in my wallet. Saving $5.00 here.
$$$ Another Strategy.

Today’s Full price Tally $13.50
Today’s Savings - $ 5.00
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $ 10,018.97
$$$ Another Strategy

I was the driver today for my friend DF-M grocery shopping expedition of 4 hours. On these grocery shopping expedition I do try not to buy too much. As I can’t match her shopping habits or her way of spending. I don’t try too!

First stop, the Italian deli specialty store you name it, I think she bought it. But as she is going to the country to-morrow for a week, I don’t know how much is for the families up there. I bought Cheese and a spice here costing around $7.78. No saving here.

Next stop, the supermarket where she bought her monthly groceries, I bought few groceries cat litter and meat here saving $5.12 here by making wise choices in want I bought.

As I deli ham for my lunches, they small packets for 50g each that you can out when you need to use. I can buy these in 100g (2x50g) for $2.79 per pack or like today I bought 300g (4x75g) for $5.45 @ unit price for 100g = $1.81 saving $2.92 over the other option. I do know that if I bought in the deli section it may have been cheaper but I would have had to make to many trip to the supermarket and use gas just to by that one item with to much room for impulse buying. But I am on maximizing my no spending days challenge $$$ Another Strategy.

Last stop was the butcher’s and the boot repairer shop so they could fix a handbag for her DD. This I will need to pick up on to-morrow. I was given some rib fillet steak (4 serving worth) in return for my trouble. Value $15.00

Today’s Full price Tally $52.12
Today’s Savings - $ 20.12
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $10,013.97

Today I filled my gas tank, as the price was right for a change and I had a voucher for 6c off a litre also. Saving $1.73 but last Sunday’s price was $1.10L but today I got it for around 93.9L. not bad.

While I was out I took myself off to Hungry Jack’s and had a chicken baguette and ice cream cone along with 2 free cappuccino @$2.90 each (senior discount). Saving $5.80*

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out*
DINNER Omelette and Mild Chilli Salsa Apple Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $29.53
Today’s Savings - $ 7.53
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9993.67

I order some online cookbooks a week ago and they arrived today. As I don’t like using credit card online at all. I was bitten once. I only deal with a company that I can post a cheque/check too! I may pay a little more but my money is safe and I have peace of mind. The books that I bought were More with Less Cookbook by Doris Longacre & Frozen Assets Cookbook by Debi Taylor- Hough and they are very interesting to read. The money I spent was my birthday gift for my last birthday. I entered these in This "Mirror Image Challenge and balancing my budget" Post.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Cream Cheese Coffee
DINNER Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Garlic Focaccia Bread

I did go shopping today to buy some olive oil for DF-M family in the country. 4x 4L cans of olive oil which was the cheapest that brand it has been for a while & I did get them some staff discount off it also, $116.00 worth of oil in fact. I bought only some groceries, game steak to try and very tender too! Cream Cheese spread 2x $2.49 –5% off = $4.73, saving $1.79 here & generic brand ice cream & some 2nd hand books $3.50 saving $12.00 on them. I did pretty well for shopping someone else in not getting to tempted to shop. 2 of the 3 items were on my list.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Marinated Feta Cheese with Marinated Peppers Fruit Coffee
DINNER Savoury Mince on Toast. Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $28.75
Today’s Savings - $13.79
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9986.14

I make a special blend of Muesli, which I found on a list of ingredient on packet a few years ago now! I only use a half a cup at a time. I did say that I would post recipe here.

It is quite expensive, as you had to buy it online. 500g of it was about $7.00AU and plus postage. I was given a sample of it. I took one look at the ingredients and went to the supermarket and found the main ingredients available there. I do buy all the stuff in bulk and on special if possible and kept it only for this cereal with NO NIBBLES. Living alone does help. I do pad it out with rolled oats, which the cheapest item. I have included my costing at the time in 2005 but the prices have gone up since then.

'Copycat of A High Protein Muesli'

4 cups (375g) Rolled Oats - generic
2 cups (120g) Vogel's Soy & Linseed Ultra Bran or All Bran (if you can't buy other.)
1 cup (110g) Oat bran - generic or very fine Oat bran from health food bulk store.
1/2 cup each of 70g of Sultanas, 40g of each Chopped Small Dried Apples & Dried Apricots (Best cut with kitchen scissors)1/2 cup (70g) of each Almond, Pepitas (Hulled Green Pumpkin Seeds), & Sunflower Kernels, all grounded if not you digesting nuts & seeds.

Mix well and store in airtight container.
All the above goes into Cereal Container including a 1/2 cup measuring cup.
1 serve = (1/2 Cup) 40-50g serves ~ 2 to 4 tablespoons Muesli with soymilk, almond milk and rice milk or oat milk, skim milk or protein powder.
You may add some chunk of fresh fruit if desired.
You may add one dessertspoon LSA and one teaspoon lecithin if desired.
Serves 18 per batch 900g

900g + @ $5.50 (reg: 500g @$7.25 + postage) this costing was in 2005 prices have gone up since then.

LSA
(Ratio 3:2:1)

2 cups linseeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw almonds

Grind all the above finely in a coffee grinder. Blend together.
Keep in the Freezer the bulk supply, and just keep out in the refrigerator enough for a few days, it's only takes a few minutes to thaw from the freezer as it's doesn't freeze solid.

Sprinkle it on your cereal, yoghurt, in bake goods, fruit salad or top of Hummus on Kavli Crispbread or bread.

Shopping list & Costing
Vogel's Soy & Linseed Ultra Bran 425g = 6 cups = 3 batches -(120g @ $1.14)
750g Rolled Oats Coles = 6- 8 cups (380g) @99c kg = 2 batches -(750g @. 99c)
Oat bran Coles 375g = 3 cups = 3 batches-(110g @ 40c)
Dried apples 200g = 5 batches-.(40g @ 50c)
Dried apricots 200g Coles or bulk Action = 5 batches-.(70g @ 53c)
Sultanas 1000g Farmland = 14 batches - (40g @ 40c)
Nuts and seeds can be bought loose
or in packs with enough for 3 - 6 batches
Pepitas 200g / 500g Mellow Yellow = 2 1/2 / 7 batches-(70g @ $1.15)
*Sunflower Seeds 500g Mellow Yellow = 7 batches-.. (70g @ 45c)
*Almonds 750g bulk = 10 batches- .(70g @ $1.05)
Pricing was done (2nd March 2005) Approx.1000g == Total $6.12

Note: The above list only would work if solely used for the above recipe. Allowing approx.12 - 20 dollars for first shopping stock up, then buying as required. Allowing, that the *extra almonds and sunflower seeds are bought a long with the shopping for the LSA mixture.
*Including the extra batches.
I have used Aldi Muesli at time as extra or filling. Mostly when I needed a little change.

BREAKFAST 2 Boiled Eggs Toast & Jam
LUNCH Turkish Bread with Hummus Lettuce Ham Marinated Feta with Marinated Peppers
DINNER Curry Ground Beef & Rice with Sambal

Today was a no spending day here. I just worked around the house doing different task like putting things away.

Saving money wise. I was putting thing the right place so that when I needed them, I would save both time & money. I may be repeating myself sorry if I do. I have a right place and hold it places in house. When the hold it places becomes full then De-clutter that area. If I no longer need it or it out of date then it’s trashed. If it has a home then it will put there.

Some things are for projects that I am working on, and then when that project is finished then all papers is recycled. I just keep the finish project and the files on my computer. Even at my age after sixty years of learning. I still want to learn new things and ask questions. I have done this all my life, as I am self-taught in many things, I just learn what I wish to know and leave other things to if I need know that I will learn it. I start this the day I finished my schooling as I started full time work at 15. I did kept notebooks when working on things I needed to remember if I didn’t use that often. If I ever found a problem and was told the answer, I would put in my notebook for that job. I became very good at minimizing instructions of which buttons to use on these ordering machines. The order sections used (these machines) and were hand held. Using visual ideas to put into a notebook & read in quick reference. Boxed word if it was the keypad and Capitals if it was found on the screen with normal words in the text as instruction. Just enough info to get to where you wanted to go. After a while you just looked at the Boxed words or the Capital words only as I had put them in the right order to work them. A little like a flow chart in early computer planning. When we had to learn to use early computer cash registers I did this often as some things only came up now and then. When I started in retail, all cash registers were manual some you had turn a handle or pull buttons down to the price to ring up too!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Grilled Cheese with Mustard Toasted Slices Fruit Coffee
DINNER Roast Chicken & Steam Vegetables

IGA is one of our independent store chains for Groceries here. When they have some specials on I will make the effort to drive over to buy the specials that are not available that week if I need too! This week no one had dry pet food for sale at the price I wished to pay for it but IGA, as a dollar in my pocket is better than their competitors. Well I think so anyway! So I got 2 bags of more expensive brand Cat Food for they treats. 3 boxes of Friskies Dry Cat Food all @ $2.99 each, saving $3.80 on cat food here. Can fruit was the lowest for a while so I bought 4 cans of can fruit @$1.99 saving $3.28 on them. I had a treat myself of Christmas chocolates for 99c saving $1.76 As I eat sunflower seeds in my cereal I’m able to buy these in bulk at this store and not in packets. So I had a good morning and it’s rained on the way home so I was able to wash my car also with rainwater!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Mixed Salad & Hummus on Crackers Fruit Coffee
DINNER Pasta with Pasta Sauce & Tuna

Today’s Full price Tally $35.19
Today’s Savings - $8.84
2007 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $9972.35

Over the last few weeks I have been trying different, economical basic items in my quest to fine more ideas to use to keep my budget low if I need too! One of them was using Sago or Tapioca. I did find few recipes in old cookbook 'Off the Beaten Track' printed in 1916 and it's one those very early booklets with those WW1 soldier advertisements in it too!

So here a two of the recipes found.

Raisin Sago

2 tbsp. sago
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. raisin
4 tbsp. stale breadcrumbs
1/2 pint (10oz) milk
pinch salt

Wash sago and put to soak in milk for thirty minutes.
Add raisins, sugar, breadcrumbs and salt.
Mix thoroughly, turn into well-buttered mould and steam on hour.
Serve with cream or boiled custard.

Lemon Sago

2 tbsp. sago
2 tbsp. golden syrup
2 tsp. treacle
1 lemon
1 pint (20oz) water.

Wash sago; place in saucepan and pour over scant pint of water.
Cook till clear, remove from fire. (heat)
Add the grated rind and juice of juice of lemon, golden syrup and treacle; when cool, turn into glass dish.
Serve with cream or boiled custard.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad & light Cream Cheese on Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER 2 Egg Cheese Omelette and Pasta Sauce & Grilled Peppers

Found time to try that Simple Green around the house. Cleaning to kitchen benches & bathroom and washing the floors. I got on my hands & knees to clean the bathroom floor and area that my cats eat in. The other areas I just washed as normal. I will do more later in the week.

I finished my ironing today so I am now up to date.

I went to DF-M for lunch because she was having a BBQ, when she cooks meat it always too much for two let alone for one. It was excellent meal and I didn’t need eat very much tonight.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Marinated Fillet Steak, Marinated Peppers, Green Salad - FREE
DINNER Crackers with Hummus Fruit Coffee

My son & his wife arrived home this morning from oversea. They had a good trip and I was sent some very good pictures of they holiday via email as they had access to a computer while they were away.

So much, so that I needed to delete some of the emails, that I was keeping in my inbox folders.

So much for technology I will need to upgrade my computer very soon, as often when I am going on to some web sites now my computer just freeze up. I do think they have upgraded their websites, and that people running the early versions now are have problems. I do know that I can’t run the latest versions of some programs on my computer, as my RAMS are not high enough.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER Chilli Con Carne with Corn Chips Coffee

After reading about this Simple Green all purpose cleaner for so long. I did finally find it at Bunnings Warehouse, our large hardware chain in their cleaning supply aisle it was just by chance as I don’t normal go down that aisle. I did buy some to try also this will make up to 5 gallons. I went on to their