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Tips Galore

We thought it was time to dig deep into the oily rag mail bag and share some of the marvellous ideas sent in by oily raggers.

 Read more Oily Rag articles by Frank and Muriel Newman 

We thought it was time to dig deep into the oily rag mail bag and share some of the marvellous ideas sent in by oily raggers. We are pleased to say that with more than 1800 registered members of the oily rag club, it’s a vibrant and growing community within Aoteaoilyragaora!

Pat from Whangaparaoa really knows how to use a credit card. “I use my credit card for absolutely everything and everywhere I can and I always pay the full amount due by direct debit on the due date. I gain points on every dollar spent and have $400 worth (and have had up to $700 worth)! I usually buy Whitcoulls vouchers which also, by using their card, gives me bonus points. I also have more time to pay my bills, and free travel insurance as a benefit of having a Gold card which has saved me more than $2,000.”

We know of lots of oily raggers who are cashing in their reward points for vouchers that will end up in Santa’s gift bag.

Pat also has some tips for eating out. She buys a “plentiful” kiddies meal for only $6, or goes to her favourite Subway outlet which gives a free drink to seniors and orders the sub of the day for $3.90 and a free coffee! For desert Pat pops into McDonalds for a 50c ice-cream and a read of the news paper (probably to read the latest oily rag tips!).

Dorothy from Whangarei tells how to keep the neighbours cat out of your vegetable garden: “Buy a water pistol from a cheap variety store. Much cheaper than chemical repellents and it only takes a couple of squirts to get the message across!”

Sande has an Xmas tip. “Being a bit strapped for cash this Christmas I looked at what my grandchildren like to do when they come to my house. Knowing I had a printer full of ink I decided to print off all different paper dolls and clothes for my 10 year old granddaughter. Weren't they fun when we were children? For my 6 year old granddaughter I printed all sorts of paper boxes, bags, toys, and ideas from www.thetoymaker.com site, and lastly paper airplanes of all designs and folds for my 13 year old grandson. I've put them into bright cheerful clear-view files (99c from Warehouse Stationary). Added to the other small things I'd bought all year. It should keep them entertained for awhile!”

And finally, a couple of great culinary ideas for the holiday season: KW from Auckland has a favourite potato recipe. 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 180oC.

And another family favourite from Rebecca of Wellington: 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 sliced carrot, 10 chopped mushrooms, large sliced onion, 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs. 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!

There we are – more resourceful ideas to help you live off the smell of an oily rag!

Tell us about your best budget tips for Xmas. You can contact us through the oily rag website (www.oilyrag.co.nz) or write to Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag, PO Box 984, Whangarei.

* 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.