melbaboutown

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 (Reddit link).

Ibis Paint seems to be a popular option (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.

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.

I’m not sure if anyone would be interested but Internet Archive is another free resource.

They’ve recently lost a legal battle over copyright infringement resulting in the removal of 500,000 books but there’s still plenty of public domain media left.

Playing *one of the audiobooks works so I assume downloading will too.

Things have been chaotic here.

I recently received an Outlook reminder I’d set… but it came after the applications closed. And I am straining my tired brain to remember if that was the closing date for the previous rebate or if I missed a new one. Or even missed the previous one!

However the reminder itself was very useful.

I’m planning to set another reminder for next year, this time for May or June.

South East Asian food market, zero waste expo, Moon festival, Chinese culture, sea shanties, art exhibitions, running clubs…

If any of these look good and you’re able to participate then go wild.

Ps. For some reason the link preview still says August but the listed events are for September.

Tip - just buy a generic tangle teezer style brush as it works fine, or use something like that you own.

I’m finding for some things (generic oodie) the matting even starts to happen on cold gentle washes if I’m not careful.

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.

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.

With limits on eggs now I thought it might be good to post some substitutes and notes on what has worked vs what was not that great.

For scrambled eggs and quiche I used to use silken tofu. It wasn't that pretty and didn't taste quite the same, but I seasoned it with soy sauce and didn't die. If you're willing to buy a niche product black salt contains sulfur and will give an eggy taste.

Mashed banana and applesauce are often recommended - I forget if I've tried them.

Yogurt was used as a substitute in muffins but I didn't like the result much. It made them a little dense and heavy. Perhaps it was that I used plain Greek yogurt rather than a thinner variety, plus muffins are supposed to be especially light.

Blancmange is egg free, made using cornstarch, and can be eaten instead of custard. (Though blancmange is usually served cold and set like jelly rather than as a hot dish/sauce)

There are egg free cake and biscuit recipes out there too.

Egg replacer powders are a thing but are more for baking rather than egg-based dishes.