Solving the hard butter problem
I used to keep my butter (in winter) in a container on top of my hot water cylinder, and it was the perfect temperature but we recently changed to gas hot water, so no cylinder now. So I was back to microwaving and crossing fingers it didn't over melt, which is touch and go at best. BUT HOORAY, I bought a butter croc (butterbell) from total food equipment $50, and it's AMAZING. You fill the top with butter, the bottom with water, and it keeps it spreadable. It's not warm water or anything like that, so it's not relying on that, I suppose the water stops it from getting colder (than the water). You change the water once a week. There are three of us, the butter lasts about 3/4 days before we run out. Half a cup I think. Just for toast or sandwiches. I think it's amazing, much better than paying a fortune for semi soft butter or mixing it with oil. Would make a great present for someone. AND just incase we all didn't already know what a rip off "Fishpond" are, they are selling my exact same one for $73!
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Cleaning a heat pump
Hi everyone. Can anyone recommend a reliable and reasonable company to clean our heat pump. We used it on cold for a couple of days and when turning it back to warm it has a smell. We get it serviced yearly but the firm we use is expensive.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.