Life

It's Christmas and that's a time for oily rag households to breakout the home brew and celebrate their frugality with low cost feasts

It's not often I venture into the dangerous arena of firearms ownership and use, because invariably when I do someone who has little or no understanding of guns decides I am fair game and promptly puts me - and all those like me - in their sights.

We are deeply into December and you can either fight the masses and grump about the traffic, expense and hassle associated with Christmas or thaw your hearts a bit and embrace some of the fun and joy!

The new breath alcohol limits are in force and already publicans are noticing a drop in sales, as punters are uncertain about how many drinks they are allowed and still be able to safely and legally drive.

Two of New Zealand's best loved cooks had an amazing time in India recently and recorded their journey in Hot Pink Spice Saga: An Indian Culinary Travelogue with Recipes. It's a great read.

Our editor's opinion

The mail bags are full again and the frugal community has some suggestions to last week's questions.

The Hawke's Bay on a good day is a superb piece of the country, and when we got there some lovely weather had arrived to show just how good the region could look.

I wish you a Merry Christmas - but that's a tough ask for some people.

How many 'single purpose' items do you have in your home?