If you can help Cheryl-Anne, Warren or Carolyn, please send your suggestions to oilyrag.co.nz
Marie from Rotorua has this composting tip: "If you are not careful a compost heap can become a great smelly heap of sloshy muck. You are supposed to turn it over, which is hard work, especially for old folks. Here is a tip. Get an old 40-gallon drum. Make a hole in the bottom. Put a piece of scrunched up wire netting over the hole to keep it clear, and perhaps a couple of broken pots. Prop it up on bricks till you can easily slip a bucket in under the hole. Put vege scraps and weeds in the top, put a lid on if you have one, and the moisture that will run out the bottom into the bucket is wonderful liquid manure. This method is especially good for grass clippings which can go really soggy. When worms start appearing in your liquid you will need to pull it over and empty it out. It will be full of lovely compost."
PB from Auckland writes: "When fruit and veges are in season, and therefore cheap, buy extra and freeze. I do this, for instance with brussels sprouts so that I have them for Christmas dinner."
Ramenkia from Papakura has this tofu tip: "Tofu is important protein for vegetarians. It is commonly available in Chinese grocery shops. Tofu is available in single and two-piece packs. If you have a small family, buy the single pack, which costs about $1 a box, instead of the two-piece pack because once opened it will only last for two or three days - if the water is changed every day. You can buy two packets of the single-pack tofu and keep it in the fridge until needed. It can keep for two to three weeks if not opened."
Anonymous from Whangarei has this tip for cleaning rust marks from clothing. "Simply squeeze lemon juice on the stain then liberally coat with plain salt. Then place out in strong sunlight. You might have to repeat the process, but most times once does the trick."
Sue from Christchurch has this suggestion for low-cost Christmas giving. "For the past few years all the adult family members decided to enjoy the food, wine, and company for Christmas. The gift buying is only done for the children and grandchildren. That is what makes it a great day -- watching their faces."
A reader from Whangarei is having a "make it" Christmas. One lucky family of relatives will be receiving a custom-made chicken coop made from left-over building materials. Gaynor from Paraparaumu has various tips to share. "Wrap the tops of old panty-hose around the bristles of a soft broom and use with a little detergent if necessary to clean the car or windows. Hosing down first helps, then dry off with a clean rag. Cut sections off the legs of tights or knee-highs to use over lower trouser legs to stop them being caught in a bike chain. Pieces of old tights make effective cleaning cloths. Old T-shirts and skivvies make good pyjama tops. Get the last out of tubes by cutting them in half."
* Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in New Zealand.
