Read more Oily Rag articles by Frank and Muriel Newman
While oily raggers may be frugal with their money, there is nothing frugal about their generosity in sharing their money saving-tips with others. We have received so many emails suggestions from readers that we thought we would list some of the most recent.
- Look at local Council venues for the wedding – halls, gardens and council buildings. They are much more reasonably priced than particular wedding venues as they are there for the community to use and some of them are gorgeous. (Ask you local council.) – G.C., Christchurch.
- Having brought up 2 girls mostly on my own… I've had my share of having to pinch pennies… Go to the supermarket first thing in the morning and get some real bargains at the deli section. There are often things, being close to their 'use by date', at less than half the normal price. I often manage to get Champagne ham or other really expensive stuff for a fraction of the normal cost and have a wonderful, luxurious lunch! Same goes for the meat section. – BuzzyBee, Waiheke Island.
- For those with a wood burner or pellet heater: Install a small swivelling fan high up in a corner of the room. It will drive warm air down to where you need it most and, if you like, into adjoining rooms. – Thirties Depression Baby, Auckland.
- What to do with lots of bananas. Process peeled bananas which are not too ripe in the blender with very little soy milk until of ice cream consistency and store in small containers in the freezer. (Being allergic to dairy I have not tried using milk.) My home grown bananas, plentiful this season, are quite sweet, but you can of course add a little jam or fruit jelly or honey. This makes a great dessert, much cheaper and healthier than ice cream. – Thirties Depression Baby, Auckland.
- Fast, cheap, healthy pie. Butter 3 slices of bread, press (butter side down) into shape of pie dish. Fill with any fresh vegetables, spinach, parsley, finely chopped onion or chilli, silver beet chopped. Fill to about an inch above rim of dish as it settles. Make hole in centre and slowly pour in about 3 or 4 beaten eggs with salt & pepper. Close hole and cover top in grated cheese, pop in oven for about half an hour. Vary as much as you like, use up frozen veges, just make sure you keep silver beet leaves to bottom of pie as they can blacken with the heat. Thanks to my friend Brenda for this favourite. – Canny Scot, Christchurch.
- I use sugar soap for cleaning walls, ceilings, floors and to wash the car. It is really good at getting road grime off the car and does not leave waxy marks on the windows… Sugar Soap is not too expensive and is available at supermarkets. – Sue Lunjevich, Kaitaia.
This week we also extend our great NZ milk survey to all New Zealanders. We want to find the least and most expensive 2 litre bottle of milk. How much are you paying for milk? Let us know by taking part in the one-minute survey on www.oilyrag.co.nz. We will be analysing the responses and announcing the results within the next few weeks.
* Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips on-line at www.oilyrag.co.nz . The book is available from bookstores and online at www.oilyrag.co.nz.