Bathroom Demolition, cont...

The demolition continues but there have been a number of 'challenges' over the last couple of weeks. The builder was meant to be on site at the beginning of this month but he's currently on the sick list after suffering an injury while on the job before mine. Hope you get better soon, Joe!

Loki - making sure everything is to standard.

Then, the lights started flickering... and dance parties aren't really my thing... So, the house is currently being rewired!

No need to mention the lack of any discernable budget for a major electrical job.

The interesting upside from the experience (which isn't over yet) is gaining an understanding of the impact of electric light on the way we live our lives. There are so many evening activities that are nearly impossible (or at best you do a lousy job) when you do them by candle light - washing dishes for instance! Even knitting can be a challenge if you can't see what you're doing.

Kitchen Frugalista - Baking Powder

If you’re serious about eating well and saving money then making it yourself is the only way to go. The added benefit is that you can also avoid a lot of unnecessary ‘ingredients’ in the process. A perfect example of this is baking powder.

When you’re baking from scratch you have the option of using either self-raising flour or plain flour plus a raising agent such as baking powder.

Generally, I just buy plain flour. It saves confusion and means I don’t have to label the flour jar. I used to buy the commercially prepared baking powder but now I make my own.

The recipe is simple:

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar

1 teaspoon Rice Flour

I usually make up enough for a small jar so I use larger measures but the same ratios.

¼ cup Baking Soda

½ cup Cream of Tartar

¼ cup of rice flour

Push the mixture through a sieve to ensure there are no lumps and that the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Transfer to an air-tight container or jar.

Cheap and easy!