Replace nail biting with horsetail herbal capsules

A tried and true way to prevent nail biting is to take horsetail herb capsules. Nail biters seek silicone and this herb supplies it. I am a naughty nail biter from way back (and still do because I am hopeless at taking pills!). However I swear horsetail capsules work and my nails grow like wildfire whenever I remember to take them!

Cheap phones, games and movies from CeX

If you need to replace a mobile phone, make sure you check out CeX for great deals! They are Sydney based, but you can order online also. My old Samsung phone was dying, so I decided to get a replacement. I ordered a Huawei, and it was locked to Vodafone for just $80. I am using the Telco "Lebara" which is bought by Vodafone. The software is up to date too, better than the old Samsung! So if you know which provider you are connected to, e.g. Telstra, you can order a phone which is "locked" to them. Locked means, you can only use that provider's SIM card, no others. They have a lot of cheap games and movies available too! For more information, visit their website https://au.webuy.com/

Confessions of a shopaholic

Transforming myself from a shopaholic to a smarter consumer has enriched my whole life. Not only am I saving money, my life has become deeper and more meaningful since I decided to live by the following rules:

• Keep away from the shops.
• Buy only what you need.
• Buy second hand if you can.
• Be stylish, not fashionable.
• Don't buy what you can borrow.
• Stop reading glossy magazines that encourage shopping.
• Borrow books and magazines from the library.
• Read about simple living.
• Do it slowly.
• Spend more time with your family and friends.

These rules may sound simple, but they have changed my life. For as long as I can remember, I have loved shopping. I could easily do it all day, every day and never tired of it. I enjoyed the quest to find bargains or something I had 'always' wanted or didn't yet have.

When I felt angry, sad, lonely, fat, old, poor, disappointed, rejected, embarrassed or simply 'not good enough' - I went shopping. It made me feel better.

When I felt happy, confident, rich, delighted, loved, appreciated and 'on top of the world' - I celebrated by going shopping.

Although I work full time, I had never paid off my credit card and financially I was always struggling. Then I heard about climate change and the impact my shopping was making on the environment. That's when I decided I would stop shopping all the time.

At first, this decision left an enormous vaccuum in my life. I used to be very busy - 'Never enough time in the day' was my mantra. Then suddenly I had lots of free time! I didn't have many really close friends, except my mother and sister. We often used to meet for a coffee and a chat while we were out shopping. But with all the free time I now had, I realised I had been too busy to make other meaningful friendships because of my constant shopping.

I don't meet my mum or sister at the shops any more. We now get together in each others' homes and, although I have always enjoyed their company, I rediscovered a deeper connection with them. We talk, laugh and cry for hours and hours. I am learning so much more about them. I have started to deepen the friendships I have with people who were just 'acquaintances' before. Instead of shopping, I invite them over for a cup of tea or lunch or for a walk along the beach. I'm even starting a book club.

Due to the money I was able to save from not shopping so much and because I wanted to entertain more, I rented out my small unit and moved to a lovely old house. However I soon realised I needed more furniture, so I bought it all very cheaply, secondhand from eBay. Everyone who visits my home says how wonderful and stylish it is. I love making cheap, affordable meals for my friends. I had my first party on New Year's Eve and 35 people came, each bringing their own meat, drinks or salads. To any shopaholics out there like me, it IS possible to change - I'm living proof!

Super bake anything mix

Use this one basic mix to make scones, scrolls, pikelets, pancakes and waffles! It will save you heaps of time and heaps more money!

SUPER BAKE-ANYTHING MIX:

In a large Tupperware container, mix:

2 kg packet SR flour

2 tbs + 1 tsp salt

1/3 cup + 1 tbs + 1 tsp sugar.

SCONES:

In bowl, add two cups baking mix. Rub in 2 tbs butter until mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in 3/4 to 1 cup of milk, until moist but not too sticky. Don't overmix. Roll lightly and cut into shapes with biscuit cutter. Place on lightly floured baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden.

SCROLLS:

Complete mixture as for scones. Roll out with rolling pin until 1 cm thick. Spread with softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and a little cinnamon. Roll up tightly from long edge. Cut scrolls into 2 cm slices. Bake on baking tray 10-12 minutes.

Variations: Use your favourite jam or make pizza scrolls using tomato paste, ham & cheese.

PIKELETS/PANCAKES/WAFFLES:

To two cups of mix, add one egg, 1+ cups of milk, 1 tbs oil. Beat together until thick but slightly runny. Makes small pikelets, large pancakes or waffles.