With spring in the air it’s a good time to start seedlings for the garden. A reader has this suggestion for re-using egg cartons. “Fill with top soil and use to propagate seedlings. When the seedlings are ready to plant, cut the carton into portions. The cardboard will disintegrate and the plant will not suffer […]
PHS from Fielding has this suggestion to remove permanent marker from whiteboards. “To get vivid permanent marker off surfaces, use Lynx deodorant spray.” We are pleased to say it works and smells good too! Perhaps others can see if it works for all deodorant brands.
Here are some tips for renters: • Ask your landlord to reduce the weekly rent in return for work around the home. In one case the tenant (who happened to be a painter) had the rent reduced for redecorating the unit. It worked well for everyone – the landlord had his unit upgraded on what […]
A reader has written in with a lot to say about gym memberships. Over the years readers have sent in many tips to keep fit without having to go to a gym: • Walk or bike everywhere! It keeps you fit and saves on the expense of using the car. There are lots of good […]
Frugal Kiwi from Whakatane has asked for suggestions for finger food. Angela from Whanganui responded with these suggestions, “When I have a big crowd to feed I make burritos. A bit of mince can go a long way if you pad it out with beans and canned tomatoes. I make tortillas myself (they are ridiculously […]
Frugal Kiwi from Whakatane has asked for suggestions for finger food. Angela from Whanganui responded with these suggestions, “When I have a big crowd to feed I make burritos. A bit of mince can go a long way if you pad it out with beans and canned tomatoes. I make tortillas myself (they are ridiculously […]
Thanks to the readers who responded to the Housing goes up in smoke column. Many expressed the view that cutting down on things like alcohol and cigarettes should be the very first thing to do when money is tight. We agree – it’s the responsible thing for parents to do if the family is struggling […]
We recently came across a chest full of well-used board games. We had a great time with the grandkids playing Battleship and other classics. Many of the great board games can be found in garage sales at really good prices. Games can be both educational and entertaining, and encourage participation and active communication (like shouting!). […]
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 […]