JB from Whangarei has written in response to last week’s column about shopping smarter. “There are many different market places now other than shops and online. Think food cooperatives, farmers market and many innovative local food initiatives. Look up the nearest Transition Town or Localising Food Project to support local growers and cut out the […]
Sokretes from Mount Maunganui would like some suggestions for cleaning oil stains from concrete.
Rachel writes in reply to our column about a spend-nothing year. “I was interested because I have Done the same thing. I had run up a credit Card unwisely. I saw an ad on TV saying If I transferred my balances to their bank they would give me 0% interest for a year. So I […]
Annette from Takanini in Auckland has this tip. “Buy a few cheap solar garden lights. Charge every day, by leaving in the sun, and at night, use inside the home. To avoid switching on electric lights at night, put one in the passage, another in the toilet or bathroom and one in the kitchen. When […]
Mary has a suggestion for mixing pavlova ingredients, which are 4 egg whites, 1 cup castor (fine) sugar, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, and 1 tablespoon cornflour. Mary says, “an easy way to mix the pav is put the egg whites and caster sugar in the mixer and beat continuously for ten minutes […]
M B from Gisborne writes, “Re-use zip lock bags by washing in hot soapy water and drying, either in dish rack or pegged up on a hanger”.
MD from Auckland writes, “Cook a large piece of meat then portion and put in snap locks and freeze. Always keep a list of what you have in the freezer and meal plan around what you have”.
Ann from Wellington asks, “Does anyone have a list/know of rubbish dump shops in the north island excluding Wellington? We are going on holiday and it’s fun to stop, check them out and find cheap activities/books for the kids.”
Defn financial success: “Affording 3ply toilet paper, instead of 2ply.” – anonymous
C. E .P. from Hamilton, but previously Christchurch, has some advice about preparing for an emergency. “When stocking your emergency food supplies, where possible, include the types of foods the household would normally eat. Obviously any food is better than no food, but there is little point in just stocking up on tinned sardines and […]