OILY RAG
INDEX

Living the real simple life (ABC Nightline)

A New Zealander and his family live on a fifth of an acre section in the Los Angeles community of Pasadena. To view the video click here >>> 

The great NZ FLOUR Survey

2 minute survey - Oily Raggers tend to bake a fair bit, so we thought we would ask the oily rag community where to buy the best value flour. One reason for asking is that some have told us buying big bags is more expensive, not less, so we want to figure out why, but we would also like to know the cheapest place to buy flour.

To take part in our 2 minute survey please click here >>>

Results so far: 
Cheapest $1.04 per kg, 2.5kg Champion plain flour from Pak N Save. 
Most expensive: $3.20 per kg, 100g unbranded from a bulk bin outlet. 

Click for details >>>

READER COMMENTS: "Thank you  so much for a wonderful book. I hope my son and daughter get as much reward (financial and contentment - knowing that they have done it / made it themselves) from the book as we have. We are about to embark on the next adventure of our life - buying a little bit of land so we will soon be the family on the front of your book - free range chooks included! Can't wait to extend our veggie garden and plant fruit trees and save even more whilst having fun! Thank you - Tina"  "Your book is fantastic and now has a permanent place on the coffee table, where we can brush up on ORT's (Oily Rag Tips) whilst chilling on the sofa. Our enthusiasm for keeping our money in our pockets has been ignited and we look forward to many happy hours of ORA's (Oily Rag Adventures). Many thanks." - Sarah

Click here >>> to add the website of your local local farmers market to the list. 

Chris Fortune has advised there is a complete and up to date listing of the 50 farmers markets that operate weekly around NZ on www.farmersmarkets.org.nz (click on "Farmer Markets Locations/Times" under their header).

Tony from Blenheim says, "Generally you will pay more for produce at these markets. I think much of it is also sold to the supermarkets at lower margins, i.e. the grower makes more profit at the market. I think the only value of these markets is for entertainment purposes!" 

Chris Fortune from Blenheim (and Chairman of Farmers' Markets NZ Inc.) responds to Tony; "I feel really sorry for people like Tony from Marlborough as they have a very limited perception of reality and prefer to sit on their bums and winge about everything. Perhaps Tony would like to give me a ring (021 935995) and I would be happy to show him around the Marlborough Farmers market and give him some help on how to save money when shopping at the farmers markets - well done to the Oily Rag team for putting across some very good information."

What do you think? Send in your comment >>> To read our newsletter on this topic click Farmer markets >>>

Rosana from Opotiki writes, “The great oily rag ideas have really inspired my lifestyle. From Townie to Coastie, now 51 years old it’s time to get back to nature. We do a swap – hen eggs for duck eggs or a cake or a batch of fried bread for some cows full-cream milk. But the best part is making new friends. I am hoping to revive a small orchard and grow all my veges this summer.”

Halve children's toys, and store in the ceiling for six months... then swap them over. - Betty, Masterton.

I have a use for the small extra pieces of Marley guttering. I buy 2 stop ends for the piece and glue into place and this makes a great feeding trough for my chooks. - B.H., Pakaraka

I save on water,  washing powder, drying time and storage space by drying my body after a shower on a hand towel size towel.  You can easiely buy cheap terry towel tea towels for this purpose.  Eliminates all those heavy towels to dry in the winter. - Grandma Bea.

Seven of my friends and I have given up smoking by reading this book:  Allen Carr's Easyway To Stop Smoking.  It worked for all of us, cost a lot less than patch's or lozenges and we have all been free for over a year.  Some brought the book ($20 approx online) others borrowed it from the library. We have all saved $000's. - Carolyn, Otorohanga.

Clean windows with scrunched up newspaper and vinegar. Wipe off with a dry cloth. Works every time! - D., Culverden.

Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to a bit of shampoo in the palm of your hand at bath time and wash hair as normal and rinse out.  Repeat 2-3 times weekly, & comb hair with a nit comb to remove dead lice.  Watch it doesn't get into the eyes as it can sting, and smells quite strongly. - Mum of Two, Auckland

When my hubby & I were on a tight budget, we came up with the idea that we would not  spend over $29 without receiving the other person's approval first.  We usually gave permission when asked by the other, but it gave us time to think if we really needed the item before getting it.....a sanity check.  We saved a lot of money in this way. -L. Dustin, Oamaru.

A cheap "glasshouse". I made mine by purchasing clear plastic shower curtains (Kmart seems the cheapest and Bunnings the more expensive) and attaching them to the inside of my balcony with curtain hooks. Apart from the easterly breeze which blows them around, have managed to keep my plants warm and sprouting nicely. - Trixie, Christchurch.

Making a seed propagator is quite easy, any container with drainage. Just sow seeds, water and bend some wire in a hoop, then cover with gladwrap. This should act like a mini glasshouse. - Trixie, Christchurch.

In the supermarket, park your trolley (which has a  basket in it to protect the squashy goods and take up room!!!) at the end of the aisle & walk down the aisle choosing what you need then return to trolley. What you can't carry, you either can't have or you will have to go back for if REALLY needed. -Lorraine, Te Awamutu

I love going through the deals.  Have already started Xmas shopping with good discounts. www.LoveOneDaySales.co.nz - Alice, Christchurch.

To make very cheap stock for soup and other dishes, keep a 3-4 litre tub in the freezer to which you progressively add onion, garlic, carrot and celery trimmings and peelings as you make them. Don't add too much of the brown outer skin of onions as it is bitter, go for the ends and inner skins. Spring onion trimmings and leek trimmings also work. Also add chicken bones, whether raw or cooked. When the tub is full, add the contents of the tub and 2 teaspoons salt, 10 peppercorns, 4-6 bay leaves a big handful of parsley, and lots of water, into a big pot. Simmer it for 4 hours. Allow to cool, lift out most of the solid stuff with tongs, and sieve the liquid. Taste for salt and add a little more if needed. You can do the same with other meat bones, e.g. beef and lamb and venison. You can mix all red meat bones together but don't mix red meat and chicken. - Y.W., Christchurch.

I am 60 and my red hair is loosing its colour with some grey coming through.  I buy cheap Henna powder at the Trade Aid shop and make a paste with a heaped table spoon. I wash my hair normally and use the paste as a conditioner. I leave it in for a few minutes and rinse out. My red hair restored! Looks natural, and is good for the hair and the environment. A NZ$6 bag lasts a whole year. I usually do this after a hair cut so every 6 weeks. There is also black Henna for those with a different colour at some Chinese markets. - Alice, Christchurch.

Jaime Oliver uses an old biscuit tin with a chicken wire mesh to raise the meat up from the sawdust. Just place the whole thing over a gas burner or meths in a small tin. - Kurt, Auckland.

Yumiko writes, "I run a totally free Classifieds website for NZ families which I thought I would share http://www.kidsgear.co.nz . Thanks." 

We have recently lined the existing curtains in our house with new woollen blankets from the army surplus shop. The blankets are folded double and stitched together making an open ended bag which is then attached to the curtain at the top so that the completed article consists of three layers, being the original curtain and two thicknesses of woollen blanket. This has increased the average temperature in the house appreciably by reducing the heat loss through the glass. We believe this to be far more cost effective than double glazing. Our only heating is wood fires. We got enough blankets to do the whole of a three bedroom house plus a sleep-out for $500 from the retail store of kiwidisposals.co.nz in Christchurch. Their range of stock varies but it's always worth a look. I believe they also have a store in Auckland. - K.W., Romahapa.

If you buy larger amounts of meat and then break these down into smaller packs ready for freezing, don't throw out the wrap that it came in. It can be used to wrap one of the smaller packs that you have created - no need for an extra piece of glad-wrap for that pack as it all ready came in it. - Diane, Papakura

I use my toilet cleaner to refill the Toilet Duck rather than spending a fortune on refills. - Chooki, Wanganui.  

Magda has a question, "Our two cats are on a special diet, they eat expensive dry biscuits (Hills prescribed C/D feline) supplied with fish or meat like hearts etc. I've been trying to order this food online as a family member in Europe does (which is much cheaper), but haven't been able to find it in NZ. Could you help me with my quest - or any other tips for cheaper cat meals?" If you can help Magda please click here >>> 

George has asked about smoking fish. "What type of fish smoker is best and what's the best way to prepare the fish?" If you can help George please click here >>>

Martin Buchanan from Taupo replies: "Buy the cheapest available Smoker (usually the Warehouse) and place upon the BBQ instead of one of the grills. Using the lowest heat setting (as well as turning down the gas bottle valve) and manaka sawdust (cutting your own creates heat) makes delicious smoked fish (Taupo trout of course), sausages, chicken, beef, veg, anything in about half to .75 hour."

Kurt says,  "Jaime Oliver uses an old biscuit tin with a chicken wire mesh to raise the meat up from the sawdust. Just place the whole thing over a gas burner or meths in a small tin." 

DM from Christchurch asks: "How do I get the smell of cat urine out of a fabric covered lounge suite?". Please send your tips to EM by clicking here >>>

Chooki1from Wanganui replies: "Try sponging with baking soda and water until just damp. Sprinkle baking soda onto this dampened patch, wait until it is dry, then vacuum off. Repeat if there is still an odour there. When dry, spray lightly with white vinegar (acts as a deterrent). Good luck! If kitty continues to use that spot, try feeding him/her there - they don't like to eat where they wee or wee where they eat."

A great way to get fresh healthy meat is to go rabbit shooting, many farmers are more than happy to allow you to shoot on there property if you ask. Rabbit meat is very healthy with little or no fat, with the added bonus of knowing where your meats from and knowing its fresh. - Chris L., Napier.

I buy bulk onions when cheap and chop and freeze, saves time and money and wastage from onions sitting in the cupboard, also slice up mushrooms and freeze in a plastic bag, great for a quick spag' bowl meal. - D.N.,Tauranga.

KW from Auckland has a favourite potato recipe to share with others. You need 6 large potato, 1 pkt cream of chicken soup mix, 250 gr sour cream, 1/2 cup grated cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup chopped spring onions, and Salt and Pepper to taste. Partly cook then grate potatoes.  combine butter, soup, milk , sour cream, onions and grated cheese.  Combine with seasonings and potatoes Pile into lightly greased pie dish, top with a thin layer of breadcrumbs and a little more grated cheese and bake for about 45 mins. at 180 degs.

Here's a fantastic recipe that my mum used to make. It's cheap, quick and delicious and is now a family favourite in my home. This recipe also freezes really well, so you can make it in advance or freeze the leftovers. Ingredients:

• Chicken legs and/or thighs

• Large tin of tomato soup

• Large carrot, sliced

• 10 mushrooms, chopped in chunks

• Large brown onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs.

Method: All you have to do is place the ingredients in a casserole dish, mix, and then place the lid on the dish. Cook in a moderate oven for approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour. I usually stir it after 30 minutes to mix it all through. Serve with rice and beans or peas. Mum used to coat the chicken pieces in flour and brown them before placing in the casserole dish. However, as a busy mum myself, I skip this step and it turns out just fine. It is such a hearty meal, you will all love it! - Rebecca F, Brooklyn.

Learn to make a basic scone mix. Scones are so versatile you can add in whatever you like. Dried fruits, nuts, spices, onion, pineapple, bacon bits. Use your imagination. 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 tablespoons margarine or butter. If using dried fruit I find covering with water and soaking the fruit in a 500ml container gives sufficient moisture to make the scones. Mix well by hand or use a mixer. The dough should become "plasticy" pliable and dry to the touch. Bake 12 min at 220°C Savoury or plain mixes can be dropped into stews to make dumplings. All scones mixes can be frozen. Gives a wide variety made simply and inexpensively. - Tex, Christchurch.

How fuel efficient is your car? Click here >>>

Calculate the energy cost of your household appliances. See Energywise >>> 

A reader has asked about loo paper... specifically if we use the "flat roll approach" mentioned on page 107 of Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Here is my reply: "Nowadays visitors are subject to a quota per visit system. Each visitor is provided with a toilet roll as they are greeted at the door and the number of squares on that roll inventoried. They are given a usage quota of 1/2 a square per hour of their stay (or part thereof). On their departure a stock take is done of the remaining squares on that visitors roll. Visitors can elect to become part of an emissions trading system (ETS) modelled on the internationally recognised  carbon trading approach, whereby a group of visitors (typically a family but not necessarily so) may trade their allocated quota. This we believe is a fair system as it accommodates individuality and diet. Those visitors who exceed their tissue allocation are required to provide suitable compensation in cash or bartered goods (at a rate determined by market pricing), while those under quota are provided a return invitation." Just kidding. Oily Rag Ed.

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Frank & Muriel Newman on Breakfast TV 
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The Oily Rag Club

Join the hundreds (thousands!) of people who are already members of the Oily Rag Club. It's fun, it costs nothing, and we will email you when a real pearler of a tip is sent to us. Be part of the oily rag community! Click >>> for more.

Number of members: 2213
(as at ) - and growing by the day!

The price of milk

Oily Rag News Headlines

Adrian pays between $30 & $60 a month for power

Frugality finds a home in the US...

Wedding cost take the cake (NZ Herald)...

 Tightening budgets and soaring meat prices are fuelling a revival in the cheaper, old-fashioned cuts that granny used to cook.

Don't know how to boil and egg? You are not alone.

Heat pumps blamed for power bill rise (NZH) ...

 See stories click >>>

Oily Rag Club Newsletters

Oily Rag Questions

Do you have any oily rag questions you would like to ask the Oily Rag Research Department? They have their clip-boards in hand, pencils at the ready... to ask a question click here >>>

Oh boy...what have I done now?
When we first wrote How to Live off the Smell of an Oily Rag in 1991, we didn't realise what we were getting ourselves into! Since then the Oily Rag tips have been published as a syndicated column in 30 or so community newspapers in New Zealand and as far afield as Norfolk Island. We have received thousands of letters from those eager to share their favourite penny pinching tips. It would be a shame not to share these gems and what better way to do so than through the web. So here goes...   

The oily Rag 
Stampede 

New Zealander's are joining the oily rag movement in their droves! Lots of kiwi's are becoming disenchanted with the rat race. Millions of New Zealanders (OK, that may be an exaggeration!) are realising they don't have to sell their soul for the sake of a few extra dollars when they can save heaps around the home and have a better quality of life by living off the smell of an oily rag. 

Why live off the smell of an oily rag?

There are lots of very good reasons why so many people are living off the smell of an oily rag. To view or add your own reasons click >>>