Seems like a free version of Gumtree or the online equivalent of kerbside hard rubbish. It’s up to you whether you feel comfortable picking stuff up or having stuff picked up, but it might save some money on acquiring or getting rid of it.

Food Australia melbaboutown • 3d ago • 88%

Greek Chicken Gyros recipe

www.recipetineats.com

This looks nice and simple for warmer months. Minimal cooking that can be done in a pan or maybe a small bbq outside. I don’t think chicken thighs are quite as cheap as they were but some prices aren’t bad. Try the bulk packs on special or at Aldi

freesewing.org

You wouldn’t download a Blåhaj…

I won’t link as it would be a very specific and incomplete list but check out what your local library offers.

The waiting list may be very long but it says here that there is usually no cost in a public hospital as it’s covered by Medicare. If you had been wanting it but money was the barrier.

This program launched 6 months ago but better late than never. There is apparently a questionnaire and the items are mailed to you so it’s not anonymous, but the source (Family Planning) seems legit. I don’t have to tell you what the impact of unplanned pregnancy is on your career/finances or even just short term medical bills and time off work. Grab em if they’re free, and also hand them out to your mates. For people over 30 and/or not in NSW the local family planning centres are likely to have these free as well.

ausmemes melbaboutown • 5d ago • 100%

Stubby holder for Zooper Dooper

Why is the image not showing? Here you go 

Aussie Enviro melbaboutown • 5d ago • 100%

Wildlife water in light of avian flu

The weather is warming up and it’s good to put out water. Especially now I’ve got magpies here. However I stopped doing it because of potential disease transmission with avian flu. (Especially owning a vulnerable elderly cat - who is kept indoors but could get sick if I tracked something in.) I’m physically disabled so would have trouble cleaning and disinfecting the water containers daily. What’s everyone else’s plan for managing this?

It isn’t easy for me to get to a tool library so I don’t use one, and I understand any hygiene concerns about shared toys (especially now). But if you need something you’re not likely to use regularly or your kids like variety these are a cost effective option. Some tool libraries have a low annual membership fee and some have criteria (such as being over 18 and signing a safety waiver). I’m not sure what a toy library involves.

I should’ve posted this later in the month but won’t remember. Here is the image as it’s not wanting to show up 

Personal care products have gone up a lot and Cetaphil (multipurpose cleanser and makeup remover) has now been reformulated in a way that’s irritating to a lot of people, so here you go. While it’s often considered as a moisturiser sorbolene was created as a gentle soap free cleanser and can remove makeup because of the oil in it - like dissolves like. I have even used it in the past to remove eye makeup. **Disclaimer:** Despite being gentle and unscented some people (unfortunately including me) can still be sensitive to sorbolene and find it causes stinging and redness. I have no idea whether this is due to the glycerin, the fact that it contains a small amount of detergent, or something else. ie. a damaged skin barrier, a reaction to a preservative, or just some kind of allergy. You might want to do a patch test first (which is a good idea for any new product) and be aware it wasn’t originally made to be left on your skin. However if your skin doesn’t have these sensitivities? It’s a great multipurpose product that removes makeup, can be used as a gentle cleanser or baby wash, and may be used as a basic face/body lotion *if it does not cause you issues to do so*. Try a small $2-3 bottle. If it works for you, spending $8 for a 1L multipurpose bottle may help you save heaps on all the specialised products.

I knew about sunscreen losing its effectiveness after expiration, but that apparently goes the same for toothpaste and mouthwash. It isn’t really a ‘best before’ situation for these things as much as a use by date. It can still be used after expiry. ie. toothpaste will still be a mild abrasive cleaner and mouthwash may remain antiseptic. However the fluoride will no longer be effective or protect against cavities. (And the sunscreen will let you burn.) Anyway. I just had the thought that as belts tighten there might be more people resorting to bulk buying or other cost effective measures, and wanted to share for others that didn’t yet know. Generally toothpaste is good for two years from the manufacture date so buy accordingly. Or if an older tube is given to you by a friend, food pantry or shelter you might want to throw it away and buy a fresh one.

www.forbes.com

I wasn’t a member but if you were make sure your passwords are unique

www.computerbank.org.au

These are refurbished computers that may be bought by people who are eligible. Just to let you know though that they are not running Windows, they are all on Linux.

I don’t remember if I’ve shared this before but I was reminded by seeing that Clip Studio Paint can work on Linux via Wine. (Though apparently there can be difficulties and CSP can be expensive to buy outright or involve a subscription?) If you happen to have an iPhone (even secondhand and as old as iPhone 13… which is still pretty new tbh…) you can buy Procreate Pocket for a one off of $9.99 to draw on your phone with your finger or whatever cheap stylus. Procreate for iPad is $19.99. For Android there are [free or cheap options](https://www.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/162ukev/best_drawing_app_for_android_if_possible_free/) (Reddit link). [Ibis Paint seems to be a popular option](https://www.reddit.com/r/DigitalPainting/comments/1cmmtep/android_painting_app_best_for_finger_on_phone/#) (Reddit link) for Android phone (free with in app purchases) but isn’t the only one. Apologies that I can’t find a neat list of free Android apps that are specifically for phone - even with Boolean search the search engines seem to have enshittified and I am tired. Ps. Some might say that having an iPhone or iPad isn’t frugal. However it might have been a gift, bought before hard times came, secondhand, a work phone, part of a family plan, a loaner, a donation from a domestic violence service, or simply bought for the functionality to do everything without buying a separate computer. Let’s not fuss about it. I think we can all work to get the most out of what we have regardless of what it is.

Have you found a good bargain lately, made a repair, or figured out something that works for you? This is also for any topic requests, suggestions, or tips that might not require their own thread.

Gardening Australia melbaboutown • 3w ago • 100%

Reminder that soil testing via VegeSafe/GardenSafe is free

This service is free via the EPA - apply through GardenSafe in Victoria and VegeSafe for the rest of Australia). The only cost is postage. You may choose to donate but it’s not compulsory.

Gardening Australia melbaboutown • 3w ago • 100%

Monthly Gardening Discussion Thread - October

It’s October and the maggies are singing. As the weather warms up what do you have planned for your landscape, pots, patch, window box - or even the lone houseplant/cactus in your apartment?

Title. I’m still trying to get mine to work but in theory owning one of these will allow you to use a computer without a cd drive to play or rip cds, play dvds, and burn backup cds of your music. Obviously it’s better to have a computer with a cd drive but this creates options if you don’t. Pairs nicely with secondhand cds and dvds from the op shop. Look for these usb drives on eBay and at Officeworks.