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Nifty Thrifty:  2011 and Thriftyness  |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 19 2011 : 11:34:34 AM
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 Wow, some more great ideas!! To answer Barb, depending on how many chickens your getting, you can always order chicks online. They ship through the mail, in special containers, they arrive just as they are turning 3 days old and are ready for a drink of water and their first taste of food!  I ordered my new chicks, they arrive mid-May for me. . . to cold for them to ship prior to that.
As far as the cosmetic need for the metal that shows, how about doing some long raised beds? It would hide what needs to be hidden and also give you a great garden spot!
I love the idea for reusing your feed sacks. Ours are paper, so they are used for trash, since the will compost later in a landfill. Wish we had some feed sacks that were burlap, could really make use of those!
Keep the ideas coming!!! I am truly inspired to continue being thrifty and being a good steward to our mother earth.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2011 : 12:46:06 PM
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| Joanna, I have a few burlap feedsacks and some that have been cut up if you'd like. I picked them up a couple of years ago at an antique store and have never done anything with them (had great intentions tho). They're yours if you want. Just send me an e-mail with addy and I'll get them off to you. |
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Daizy
True Blue Farmgirl
992 Posts
Daizy
Talladega
Alabama
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2011 : 3:29:46 PM
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Hay Ya'll I bumped up Plastic Feed Bag Ideas from a while back since ya'll seem interested. Love All, Daizy
PHR Farmgirl #1093
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron?? |
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earthmamaT
True Blue Farmgirl
96 Posts
Tammy
portola
California
96 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2011 : 12:32:22 PM
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WOW! What great ideas...Due to a super busy schedule I have not been on the forum for a couple of weeks and I am missing out on tips
Here is tip from me ~ I buy my spices in bulk from San Fransico Herb Company. I can get a pound of spices for around $5.00! That is less than some of the little jars cost. Even with shipping charges I save tons of money!
Tammy ~
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Gandhi |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 9:34:51 PM
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Bought 6 of my favorite BBQ sauce, "Cattleman's", with some more goodies on amazon.com, LOVE the free shipping! Thanks for the tip!
STARTING SEEDS here, I buy 4 packs of plastic organizer TRAYS (with slatted or mesh sides, helps with drainage) for $1 at the dollar store, and line them with paper towels (can use newspaper or coffee filters too), then fill them with soil and set them on a big lipped serving tray for drainage. The trays can be washed out and reused after the seedlings are transplanted. I cut up white plastic lids for markers for each tray (whipped topping & yogurt lids), and write on them with a Sharpie. You can also cut toilet paper tubes in half, and use them like peat pots, fill them with soil and line 'em up on a tray. Just plant the whole thing into your garden. These are great for large individual seeds like squash, sunflowers, peas, etc. Old newspapers work well as mulch between planted rows in your garden!
I use the plastic woven FEED SACKS for mulch, too - just cut them into circles to top off planted pots of flowers & veggies, cut an "X" in the middle for the plant.
HAPPY SPRING GARDENING!
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - momdrinkstea on Feb 24 2011 9:37:15 PM |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 12:38:12 PM
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Seems like there are more great ideas to put to use!! 
Glad to see everyone is busy saving money too! I have to admit, there is a great feeling of satisfaction that comes with full food cabinets and money left over in your wallet!
Time of the Tip of the Day:
March is almost here. . . I can hear it coming!! So, in an effort to be as thrifty as possible, I decided to save each gallon milk container to re-purpose . . . for two reasons no less! One, to keep one more plastic jug out of a land fill for as long as possible and two, to grow a mini herb garden in it to put out for sale once the weather warms and folks start getting their summer places ready.
Figured to do them with themes, a salad mix, a spicy mix, a scented mix and a floral mix. Each one would serve two purposes for the person purchasing it, Great to look at and also eat!
I also remember another farmgirl on the forum here mentioning about all the baling twine that is left after using the hay. So that gave me the idea to make the herb gardens into hanging gardens. Whether it is a simple slip knot to hold each container at a certain level or get creative and do a macrame hanger, it will work wonderfully and keep a few more things out of the landfill too. 
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 1:59:05 PM
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Hi All - I've been busy - too busy for much computer time (other than work)- and kind of grumpy too - but its so nice to see this continues (along with so many other MJF chatroom threads). More great ideas. Still struggling with why my grocery bill is so high. Good grief - there's just too of us! Its getting better and I have been busy (which translates to quick foods - which translates to more $$$ - not eating out, just quick meals at home) - but its frustrating. However, I think I mentioned earlier that I ordered some vitamins and herbal supplements from Vitacost (vitacost.com). I really saved a lot of money - their prices are amazing and for Feb, no shipping charges - and no tax. They seem to have most brand names I like - and the expiration dates are comparable to what's in the stores (that was one of my original concerns - what if they're almost out of date - no worries there). Its a great deal. Also, normally their shipping costs are very low. Keep the ideas coming. Still loving it!
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2899 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2899 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 3:43:15 PM
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LOVE Vitacost. I get so much from them & regardless of weight, only $4.99 shipping!!
I get gallons of Dr Bronners, huge containers of organic coconut oil, Braggs Aminos & Apple Cider Vinegar etc etc.. It comes in 2 days & only $4.99 to ship
You can't beat that with a stick!
Esp when you live inthe boonies & gas is $3.40 a gallon.. HISS |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 4:00:06 PM
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Lisa - I never thought about coconut oil, vinegar, etc. Duh! I just get my supplements and never looked much farther. Thanks for the info. Between Vitacost and Amazon - I'm driving a lot less too. Oh happy day.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 07:48:21 AM
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I never thought of using Amazon and since I have read about using it for shopping I did some research and I have been saving so much money I just can not believe how easy it is! I do not even have to use fuel money because I make a list of everything I need, go on Amazon, find the deals and try to order at least 25 at a time so my shipping is free! I do not even have to get the kids ready and packed up in the truck! Love it!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 4:38:49 PM
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Sharon - did you try the free month? I looked today when I ordered some stuff but hesitated. I always hesitate when you have to stop it or they'll put it on your credit card. It sounds like a good deal, but I'm still hesitant.
Marsha - is this the first time you've used the "prime" on Amazon? I guess I have the same hesitation with that. I get busy and forget, then I'm getting stuff I forgot I ordered... I'm sure if you're more organized it would be great - but I know how forgetful I can be...
My next farmgirl meeting is next week and I think I'll ask if anyone wants to split some cases or mult-packs of stuff on Amazon. I don't mind buying in bulk for non-perishables but some stuff can be challenging to use up before the expiration date. I was pleased with the price for shampoo, toilet paper, organic canned green beans, Bob's Red Mill spelt flour, etc. Love it. And Vitacost.com extended the no shipping through March - for orders $49 and over.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 4:51:16 PM
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Hey Lorraine,
I signed up today. I am usually hesitant about stuff like that too. My husband is interested in the instant streaming of movies (we have Netflix but thought if this works, we would save money - we pay about $15.00 a month). I had tried the Prime membership a couple of years ago and it was great! I just marked on the calender a few days before the expiration of the trial and cancelled it.(I wasn't charged at all) We are looking into actually paying that per year if the movie thing works out for my husband.(and the shipping thing for me :))
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
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2quilter
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Patricia
Greenwood
IN
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2011 : 7:27:20 PM
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Has anyone had any experience with 'salvage' canned goods? Good? Bad? thoughts? What I'm talking about is canned goods that have gone out of date by say like a month or so. Any words of wisdom out there?
When life hands you scraps, make quilts! |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2011 : 7:44:16 PM
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Yep, I grew up on salvage canned goods. The rule of the house was: If you opened it and it didn't have a label, you still had to eat it! LOL We sure ate some strange things in our house. The only exception to the rule was pet food. We could pass on that. Dogs ate good that night. Anyway, check the top of the can for "bulging" first, (don't open the can if the top is bulging out because it means that it's bad) if no bulging, then open it and smell or take a tiny taste. If there are no problems, I would eat it. Except spinach surprise for breakfast is just not right!
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
Edited by - doglady on Mar 01 2011 7:46:43 PM |
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2quilter
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Patricia
Greenwood
IN
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2011 : 8:06:58 PM
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That makes perfect sense! I was at the flea market the other day and found some 'salvage' stuff like canned soup for lunch(a month out of date), dried black eyed peas (also a month out of date) and some mustard--same thing. In another booth we found some 'salvage' named brand deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste...nothing wrong with packaging, and we checked closely to make sure everything was "new", with no damage, it had been marked down from Kroger (still had the marked down sticker on the back)...anyway, we lucked out and got some really good bargins on good, named brand products.
When life hands you scraps, make quilts! |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2011 : 07:53:11 AM
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We do Netflix instead of cable and we get the free local channels for weather and news. We also are getting Magic Jack for our "land line" and quit cell phones. I do want to get a tracfone or net10 phone just for emergency use only. I already have a net10 phone from a few years ago so I only have to buy a card to get that activated. I didn't know you could get movies from Amazon, I Will have to check that out!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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annielaurel
True Blue Farmgirl
912 Posts
nancy
fernandina beach
florida
USA
912 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 05:32:19 AM
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I am so glad to have the Vitacost tip. I have been spending too much on my supplements and vitamins. With the gas prices and the store prices it is good to know I can use the computer and get them at a better price with low cost shipping. There are just two of us eating so we eat at home most all of the time and our cooking is better anyway. At least we know what kinds of things are going into our food. We can use healthy and fresh oils and veggies. We haven't tried Amazon but will look into that. Sounds really good. Right now we have Netflex.
Nancy
Farmgirl#2301
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meggy2
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
barb
Flemington
Missouri
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2011 : 06:17:07 AM
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| Salvage goods are great, but Tina, PLEASE don't take a tiny taste if you believe something is wrong. It only takes one botulism spore to enter your body to grow and stop muscle movement and eventually breathing. Definately not worth that 88 cent can of corn. |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2011 : 11:45:14 AM
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Hi Everyone,
Well we are Buried in snow!! The first time this year we were snowed in until the plow truck arrived!! Here are a couple of pictures for you to see:
This is what we saw as we opened the kitchen door. . the mark in the snow is from our kitty, he did not appreciate how deep it is ( 14" at the time)
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WAHOOOO!!! The Plow Truck Made it!!!!!
So the Tip of the day is:
" Hug and Feed your Plow Driver!!"
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://www.Eastwooddesigns.com "For all your Promotional Needs"
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2011 : 4:11:01 PM
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Wow! That's a lot of snow! You better give your snow plow driver a couple hugs and kisses. :o) Hang in there - spring will be here soon!
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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Oggie
True Blue Farmgirl
526 Posts
Ginny
Machias
Maine
USA
526 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2011 : 6:23:14 PM
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I'm so glad you got that snow and not us Jojo! On the coast of Maine we just got rain, lots of it. The bright side is I can now see my mail box, deck, walkway to the chicken coop, and the pick up that was buried all winter!
My Dad is on a salt free diet so Mom gave me four cases of chicken broth, beef broth, and canned veggies that she had. It is all one year old but so far, we haven't had any trouble with it.
We have a "store" in town that is the joke of town. They have food, clothes, cleaning stuff, you name it, it's in there, that is probably 10+ years old. When the kids come back home to visit & bring friends they bring them there just to see how strange it is. I haven't heard if anyone has gotten sick from anything in there yet but I sure do wonder why the State hasn't shut it down!
Ginny
Farmgirl #2343
www.thedewhopinn.com
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it." Both by Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) in the Movie Harvey
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Nifty Thrifty: 2011 and Thriftyness |
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2011 and Thriftyness
NO, DON'T EVER TASTE SOMETHING YOUR CONCERNED OVER!!!!