Argh! I am the biggest culprit of this one. I'm terrible with remembering my shopping bags. Those darn calico bags torture me. Gone are the days of simply heading to the shops on a whim. No. Now I need to make sure I've got my bags... and make sure I've got enough of them because heaven forbid I'm short!
Our bag collection seemed to grow out of control when I was pregnant. I blame it on my baby brain, but I can also be incredibly lazy when it comes to sticking to a routine.
So now... whenever I bring the shopping in, take it out of the bags and pack it away, I collect up all the bags and put them back in the boot of my car. That way, I don't have to spend 99c a throw when I show up to the counter bag-less. And, I can still partake in spontaneous shopping trips that don't involve the inevitable sigh when I realise I have to buy more bags or pay 10c for a dingy plastic one which 'no, you can't use again'.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
As if we needed more reasons to save a buck!
Just ONE MORE REASON (as if we needed more) for families to band together to help other families save money.
Child care fees are on the up and up.
The families of more than 500,000 children in long-daycare centres could face fee increases of up to $120 a week under federal government changes, starting from next month.
Slap!
The reforms are aimed at improving early childhood education but may actually make it unaffordable for thousands of those families.
Long-daycare centres - the largest provider of preschool services in NSW - are expected to increase fees by up to $24 a day to meet requirements under the government's National Quality Framework.
To read the rest of this article... visit: http://bit.ly/9Mrn6B
What are your thoughts about this proposed change? Will your family feel the pinch even more with up to $24 a day extra coming out of your already tight family budget? And what about parents looking to return to the workforce. Part-time work seems hardly worth it when the cost of child care is so high.
I'd value your thoughts on this issue.
Child care fees are on the up and up.
The families of more than 500,000 children in long-daycare centres could face fee increases of up to $120 a week under federal government changes, starting from next month.
Slap!
The reforms are aimed at improving early childhood education but may actually make it unaffordable for thousands of those families.
Long-daycare centres - the largest provider of preschool services in NSW - are expected to increase fees by up to $24 a day to meet requirements under the government's National Quality Framework.
To read the rest of this article... visit: http://bit.ly/9Mrn6B
What are your thoughts about this proposed change? Will your family feel the pinch even more with up to $24 a day extra coming out of your already tight family budget? And what about parents looking to return to the workforce. Part-time work seems hardly worth it when the cost of child care is so high.
I'd value your thoughts on this issue.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Eat Out In - It's like eating out... in!
I love helping a new business, especially when it's one that has been started by a friend but is also such a good idea!!
Eat Out In is a brand new dining experience currently operating in the Adelaide Hills suburbs of Aldgate, Stirling, Bridgewater and Crafers.
A new concept producing fresh housemade pasta, breads, mains and desserts daily and delivering them hot to your door.
Why should you compromise taste, freshness and quality by ordering the regular take out. Eat Out In is a whole new at home dining experience and the tastes will knock your socks off.
Visit the Eat Out In website: http://www.eatoutin.com.au/ to download their Winter Menu and find something to wrap your lips around.
Bargain Mums will receive a free dessert, bread or kids meal when they mention Bargain Mums.
To order call 8367 9967.
Eat Out In is a brand new dining experience currently operating in the Adelaide Hills suburbs of Aldgate, Stirling, Bridgewater and Crafers.A new concept producing fresh housemade pasta, breads, mains and desserts daily and delivering them hot to your door.
Why should you compromise taste, freshness and quality by ordering the regular take out. Eat Out In is a whole new at home dining experience and the tastes will knock your socks off.
Visit the Eat Out In website: http://www.eatoutin.com.au/ to download their Winter Menu and find something to wrap your lips around.
Bargain Mums will receive a free dessert, bread or kids meal when they mention Bargain Mums.
To order call 8367 9967.
Thanks Amanda...
A big thanks to Amanda Blair who had me on her show Tuesday afternoon to talk about Bargain Mums! What an amazing response we've had to the website and the feedback continues to be sensational.
I really am so lucky to be part of something that is helping families in SA save money.
There is so much more I want to do to help, so stay tuned.
I really am so lucky to be part of something that is helping families in SA save money.
There is so much more I want to do to help, so stay tuned.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tip #4 - Start a mini food co-op and buy in bulk
With a little careful organisation and some forward planning, starting a mini food co-op with your friends and family could save you loads!!
What is a food co-op?
It's a great way to cut your costs! By buying produce in bulk – both fresh food and dry goods – and splitting it up, you can save a lot of the money and effort that otherwise goes into the weekly shop.
Who can be in my co-op?
The closer together the members live, the easier it is to organise and divide so if you're friends with your neighbours or you have family and friends that live near by, start there!
How does a co-op work?
You will need to assign somebody to keep the accounts and manage the orders. Needless to say, this person must be diligent, committed and patient. Draw up a roster for buying, sorting and delivering. For example, in a group of two-dozen members, two people could do the shop from the market and another two could sort and distribute. Depending on the structure, this means each member may only be rostered on once a month or even less. As with any group, it's crucial that all the work does not fall to only a few people.
Where can I shop to save money for the co-op?
There are several places you can start when looking to buy bulk and at wholesale prices and I've listed a few of these below:
South Australia
Adelaide Produce Market - http://www.adelaidemarkets.com.au/
The Adelaide Central Market - http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Rite Price Grocery Warehouse - http://www.ritepricegroceries.com.au
Salty's Fish Market - 52-58 London Rd, Mile End South
Campbell's Cash and Carry - https://www.campbells.com.au/
Hills Market Kitchen - http://www.southaustralia.com/9007828.aspx
Barossa Farmers Market - http://www.barossafarmersmarket.com/
Willunga Farmers Market - http://www.willungafarmersmarket.com/
Limestone Coast Farmers Market - http://www.southaustralia.com/9005864.aspx
Riverland Farmers Market - http://www.riverlandfarmersmarket.org.au/
Organic & Sustainable Market - http://www.organicsustainablemarket.com.au/
If you're looking for markets interstate, simply Google; Farmer Market, Groceries Clearance, Groceries Wholesale, Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale, Markets
You are bound to find what you're looking for!!
Do I have to start my own co-op?
Contact your local Council and query with them whether there is already a co-op operating in your area that you can join, otherwise check the following links to see what you can find:
Thoughtful Foods - http://thoughtfulfoods.org.au/links
Friends of the Earth - http://www.foe.org.au/campaigns/sustainable-food/links/food-co-ops-in-australia/
SA Community - http://sacommunity.org/thesaurus/13673-Food_Cooperatives
If you can't find one that fits with you, then start your own! Remember, to start out small and aim to get bigger as time goes on. For tips on how to run a larger scale co-op visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2092459_start-food-coop.html
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has their own co-op or is part of a co-op.
What is a food co-op?
It's a great way to cut your costs! By buying produce in bulk – both fresh food and dry goods – and splitting it up, you can save a lot of the money and effort that otherwise goes into the weekly shop.
Who can be in my co-op?
The closer together the members live, the easier it is to organise and divide so if you're friends with your neighbours or you have family and friends that live near by, start there!
How does a co-op work?
You will need to assign somebody to keep the accounts and manage the orders. Needless to say, this person must be diligent, committed and patient. Draw up a roster for buying, sorting and delivering. For example, in a group of two-dozen members, two people could do the shop from the market and another two could sort and distribute. Depending on the structure, this means each member may only be rostered on once a month or even less. As with any group, it's crucial that all the work does not fall to only a few people.
Where can I shop to save money for the co-op?
There are several places you can start when looking to buy bulk and at wholesale prices and I've listed a few of these below:
South Australia
Adelaide Produce Market - http://www.adelaidemarkets.com.au/
The Adelaide Central Market - http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Rite Price Grocery Warehouse - http://www.ritepricegroceries.com.au
Salty's Fish Market - 52-58 London Rd, Mile End South
Campbell's Cash and Carry - https://www.campbells.com.au/
Hills Market Kitchen - http://www.southaustralia.com/9007828.aspx
Barossa Farmers Market - http://www.barossafarmersmarket.com/
Willunga Farmers Market - http://www.willungafarmersmarket.com/
Limestone Coast Farmers Market - http://www.southaustralia.com/9005864.aspx
Riverland Farmers Market - http://www.riverlandfarmersmarket.org.au/
Organic & Sustainable Market - http://www.organicsustainablemarket.com.au/
If you're looking for markets interstate, simply Google; Farmer Market, Groceries Clearance, Groceries Wholesale, Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale, Markets
You are bound to find what you're looking for!!
Do I have to start my own co-op?
Contact your local Council and query with them whether there is already a co-op operating in your area that you can join, otherwise check the following links to see what you can find:
Thoughtful Foods - http://thoughtfulfoods.org.au/links
Friends of the Earth - http://www.foe.org.au/campaigns/sustainable-food/links/food-co-ops-in-australia/
SA Community - http://sacommunity.org/thesaurus/13673-Food_Cooperatives
If you can't find one that fits with you, then start your own! Remember, to start out small and aim to get bigger as time goes on. For tips on how to run a larger scale co-op visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2092459_start-food-coop.html
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has their own co-op or is part of a co-op.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tip #3 - Shopping Lists
Ahh... the humble shopping list! Did you know, according to a US Study conducted in 2008, shoppers who headed into their weekly shopping expeditilon with a shopping list were 78% less likely to purchase spontaneously! Yes, that's right! You're less likely to buy those products you really don't need if you stick to a shopping list.
After every shop, I start a new shopping list and keep it in the kitchen near the fridge. Whenever we run out of something, I jot it down on the list. By the next shop, the list is pretty full but before I head out I'll do one final scan through the house checking toilet paper supplies, nappies, wet ones, shampoos and conditioners, shavers... everything! I'll add items that need refilling and choof off to the shops.
It's true, sometimes I'll see something on the shelves that I have forgotten to add to the list - but I quickly try to revert back to the list.
It's a simple thing (and one you'll all probably say, DURGH too) but when you put an item in your trolley - cross it off the list. That way, if you get through the shop and have missed an item because it's not on special or there are none left on the shelves, you know what you need to source elsewhere.
Something exciting!
We'll be launching a shopping list function on the Bargain Mums website shortly... which will allow you to add items you find on special to a shopping list you can print directly from the site. Too easy!!
After every shop, I start a new shopping list and keep it in the kitchen near the fridge. Whenever we run out of something, I jot it down on the list. By the next shop, the list is pretty full but before I head out I'll do one final scan through the house checking toilet paper supplies, nappies, wet ones, shampoos and conditioners, shavers... everything! I'll add items that need refilling and choof off to the shops.
It's true, sometimes I'll see something on the shelves that I have forgotten to add to the list - but I quickly try to revert back to the list.
It's a simple thing (and one you'll all probably say, DURGH too) but when you put an item in your trolley - cross it off the list. That way, if you get through the shop and have missed an item because it's not on special or there are none left on the shelves, you know what you need to source elsewhere.
Something exciting!
We'll be launching a shopping list function on the Bargain Mums website shortly... which will allow you to add items you find on special to a shopping list you can print directly from the site. Too easy!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
5AA and Amanda Blair
Just got word from 5AA Producer that Amanda Blair will be interviewing me about Bargain Mums on Tuesday 15 June! Even a station in Hobart have caught onto the story and want to do an interview next week. Aye aye aye... talk about being the face of Bargain Mums. Totally unexpected and nerve-racking.
Anyone have any tips for radio?
Anyone have any tips for radio?
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