A reader writes, “We wanted to play Happy Families but not having the cards we gathered shoes, divided them up between us, and then had to find the matching one. We hid behind sofas/chairs in four corners of the room with our little collection and peeped out to ask for the missing shoe we were […]
Frugal Kiwi from Whakatane writes, “I love your oily rag newsletter and books! It is such a peace of mind to leave within our means and very empowering to be resourceful and find ways of getting what we want or need without going into debt. I would like to invite your readers to comment on […]
Denise from Auckland explains how she cost down on the cost of meat. “Think differently when it comes to buying meat. When visiting a supermarket don’t look at the price of the item but how much per kg. You can pay $16.00 for sausages and $10.00 a kg for Beef. Buy a piece of meat […]
Karen from Palmerston North has this recipe for a homemade alternative to commercial sugar soap for wall cleaning. You need: 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of laundry detergent (unscented is better), 1/2 cup sugar, and 1.9 litres hot water. Mix ingredients well then apply to walls with a sponge, terry cloth (which is […]
John from Northland writes, “The Lotto prize pool only returns 53c for every $1 spent. Not a great investment!”
John from Northland has a simple low cost and quick stuffed spuds meal. “Scrub potatoes and dry. Bake in a hot oven (220C) for about 45 minutes until the potatoes are soft – or zap them in the microwave. Once the potatoes are cooked, scoop out the flesh and mash up with any cheap filling […]
John has written in with his “recipe” for making a perfect oily rag fire in a freestanding wood burning heater. “It all starts with junk mail. Use the newsprint type as the glossy paper does not burn so well. Next add dead cabbage tree leaves – the one’s that wrap around your mower blades and […]
Don’t throw out the leftover tea. Strain the liquid and add it to fruit drinks for punch, or use it for cleaning paintwork. Tired wooden furniture is improved by washing the wood with the cold tea, then dry and polish in the normal way. Pot-plants are also improved by watering with cold tea.
I have discovered another virtue in having a son-in-law – especially one that is about my size! I now receive an endless supply of pre-loved clothing. My wardrobe is literally bursting with the almost-latest fashion jeans, jackets, and shirts. I am now, very subtly, suggesting what he may like to buy, knowing that it will […]
Those reusable fabric bags from the Warehouse and the like are just the thing for storing potatoes in. They let the air through which helps keep them fresher for longer.You can also fill a bag with a 50-50 mix of compost and peat moss and plant a couple of seed potatoes in them if you […]