The winter chill is about to arrive which means temperatures will soon be falling and electricity bills, rising. So we thought it worth sharing some tips on ways to keep those power costs to a minimum. There are really only two ways to save money on power – either pay less per unit for use, […]
Last week we wrote about Uber and Airbnb and how these “disruptors” were providing money-saving and money-making opportunities. Fiona from the UK has written to us to say that booking holiday accommodation via Airbnb has certainly saved her money. “Here in Europe Airbnb is definitely cheaper. I have just booked nine nights in a lovely […]
Uber is one of the new breed of companies known as a “disrupter”. These are businesses that are so innovative that they seriously threaten the viability of an established industry. For those that don’t know, Uber is like a taxi service, but it differs from traditional taxi companies in a number of ways. Most significantly, […]
J.S. of Auckland asks, “I remember hearing of an old WW2 recipe to bulk out butter to make it go further. Does anyone have a copy of that recipe to share? It would be very handy as the price of butter is now getting out of hand.” To find the answer we consulted an expert, […]
Thrifty from Christchurch writes, “To get a head start on winter, I started collecting pine cones in December from local parks and public places where there are pine trees. The best time to go collecting is after a Northwester, as hundreds of cones are blown off the trees. I have 12 large sackfuls so far […]
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 […]
Food prices always seem to be rising and questions are being asked as to why this could be so in a food growing country like Aoteaoilyragaroa. Some are pointing the finger at retailers, but we reckon the best way to beat higher prices is to shop smarter and grow your own. Sometimes shopping is dangerous, […]
A reader was bragging to us the other day about how many fish they caught this summer holidays, which got us thinking about the best way to cook different types of fish. Kingfish is often served as steaks, and is best when baked or stewed. It can be caught by line from rocks or a […]
reader wants to share their enthusiasm about a present they received for Christmas. Their family had a make or bake Christmas and they were given a yummy home-made flavoured butter spread. It was simply an equal mix of butter and cold pressed olive oil. The trick was the olive oil was locally grown and had […]
Frugal living does not go on holiday, judging by the number of letters we have received recently. Here’s a sample. M B from Gisborne writes, “Re-use zip lock bags by washing in hot soapy water and drying, either in a dish rack or pegged up on a hanger”. MD from Auckland writes, “Cook a large […]