Author Archives: reader

21
Apr

Reader, Whangarei.

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Does anyone have any suggestions for getting permanent markers off a whiteboard? Although I really do like the stick figure drawings that my grand kids did, I would also like to be able to use the whiteboard again!

15
Apr

Ruth, Whangarei.

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I have some of the first sets of ‘Oily Rag’ books you published and my daughter in Tasmainia has my mother’s set since she ‘passed away’ and also gets your news letters. Having grown up in Whangarei in a family with 5 brothers, and a very tight budget, my mother was very frugal, and, looking […]

03
Mar

Junebug, Kapiti.

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I find Pak N Save is really expensive compared to Countdown and New World especially when they have sale items. I have had trouble in the past with their ‘we will match it’ price guarantee so have never bothered trying it again. Should I try again?

05
Feb

Lofty, Kapiti Coast.

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Silver beet leaves are the only part usually consumed, but…if the stalks are cooked separately and thickened with whatever flavour you like,(Cheese, Maggi onion/mushroom etc.) you have another vege for the table. Cook stalks IN MINIMUM Salted water for about 10 mins, and drain some of this water over the leaves in a separate pot […]

05
Feb

L.G, Warkworth.

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Liver Dog biscuits Use a pack of liver, pigs or ox is usually the cheapest, cover with water, bring to the boil and simmer just until firm.pour the liquid into a bowl add 1/2 tsp salt. Chop the meat finely add to the bowl with enough wholemeal flour to make a firm dough. Roll out […]

05
Feb

Peter, Hastings.

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The best way to cook both silver beet and rhubarb is by steaming it. Silver beet can be steamed over any strong flavoured vegetable, carrot for example, without affecting its flavour. The stalks can be cut into 6mm wide, 50mm lengths and sprinkled on the bottom of the steamer to let the steam in easier […]

05
Feb

Lorraine, Hamilton.

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Here is a recipe for cleaning and softening fabric. I use a 2L clean milk bottle to which I add 1L white vinegar and 1L of boiled cold water. Mix together and let stand for a week.   Cindy from Matamata comments:  “The recipe entered by Lorraine of Hamilton to make white vinegar is incorrect […]

05
Feb

Karen, Palmerston North.

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Here’s a tip to freshen up a smelly mattress (it works on carpets also). Mix a few drops of essential oil with one cup baking soda. Sprinkle on mattress and let it sit for 1 hour before vacuuming. Baking soda will absorb any dirt, moisture, odours, while the essential oil will leave things smelling fresh.