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Nifty Thrifty:  2011 and Thriftyness  |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Daizy
True Blue Farmgirl
992 Posts
Daizy
Talladega
Alabama
USA
992 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 1:53:12 PM
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Hay Ya'll
Is the Amazon grocery purchases all the organic goods? I looked a long time ago and only saw vitamins and organic vegetable? I like organic but they are expensive and I don't do vitamins since I found out whats in them and that they don't get into your system and end up in the sewer treatment plants. Just asking?
Love and Prayers
Sister 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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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 6:08:44 PM
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Daizy - Amazon has all kinds of groceries - not all are organic. You have to keep checking because they have some fantastic deals. A couple weeks ago, they had organic canned pumpkin for $1/can. That's cheaper than non-organic at Aldi's. Just do a search for whatever you need or want and it will give you all the options. However, make sure you qualify for free shipping - usually over $25 - it wouldn't be a good deal otherwise.
Joanna - it sure is nice to have it delivered to your door, isn't it? Life is good.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 6:15:32 PM
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Almost forgot - has anyone tried Paperback Swap (http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php)? I haven't tried it yet - but a couple people I know say its great. You list books you want to trade - you have to pay postage, which usually isn't too bad because its media rate - then you can pick whatever books you want. I think you have to start with 10 books that you're willing to trade. It seems like an inexpensive way to get some great reading material for the cost of postage - usually less than $2. A good deal if you're an avid reader. I like to use the library - but sometimes I can't always finish a book in 2 weeks.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 05:18:41 AM
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Great tip, I will need to check them out!
For Amazon.com, You need to keep checking to see what they have to offer. It changes daily. . so keep going back and looking. I went back on to show a friend, ended up purchasing our cereal and my shortening all with free shipping. . the money I am saving has made it all worth the few minutes to look! They sell all the brand names, organics and off brands too. I could not be happier and love the fact they deliver right to my house. . . 
Someone asked how much of a price difference is it. . well here are a couple of examples: Purchased my coffee in a large canister (22.6 oz)
it cost $6.56 each. . . saved $2.39 on each one plus the gas and time to go get it! Here's another one: Corn 29 oz can, $1.42 each that is a savings of $3.58 per can!!! So it is worth checking it out.
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" |
Edited by - JojoNH on Feb 04 2011 10:05:38 AM |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 09:41:16 AM
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I got a great deal on spelt and oat flour. Also, some organic canned goods - all free shipping. Also, I signed up for paperbackswap.com - its very easy and I already ordered some books. Looks like a winner.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 11:17:44 AM
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Here's a link for a pattern to make CLOTH napkins (and a tea cozy!) :)
http://www.quiltmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/q88-teatime.pdf
Try to find where local amish/mennonite shop in your area.
They run bulk food stores, butcher shops (all organic) and farm stands.
We shop there FIRST, saves me TONS of money, and I hardly have to go to stores anymore!
They have specials on large amounts, I get cheddar cheese blocks for $1.99/ lb.
50# flour is around $20, and the same in sugar is around $30.
The amish butcher shop down the road has the freshest, cheapest, best meat around.
Just ask at your local amish bulk food store...they'll know!
*My SECOND grocery stop is dollar stores, for things like rice, snacks, spag. sauce, etc.
*THIRD is a regular or discount grocery store, for the 3 or 4 things left I my list I couldn't
get at the other two places.
Here are some of my tips...
*I use a warming trivet with tealights instead of a crock pot to keep
dishes warm. Cheap heat! You can use ones from party stores or catering supply.
*I cook on the woodstove - with a porcelain cast-iron pot I got on clearance at Aldi's!
*Make bread in the bread machine, got it at a church thrift store for $3!
*Shop online only in the "clearance" sections, and buy shoes/clothing off-season
there. Search the store name and "coupon code" or "free shipping" on google, find a code and enter
it at checkout...I don't buy unless it's discounted A LOT or has free shipping!
(Amazon is GREAT for free shipping! I add a book or two if needed to get to the $25 total.)
*Buy seeds on eBay, they are the cheapest for combined shipping and have organic seeds too!
*Start seeds in plastic organizer trays, like from the dollar stores, just line the sides with
newspaper, the water drains out the mesh sides. Transplant seedlings into the garden! Old yogurt containers
for squash & cukes!
I'll post more when I think of them...love all the tips...THANK YOU!
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - momdrinkstea on Feb 04 2011 11:19:31 AM |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 03:56:06 AM
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Great tips!! Wish we had an Amish community where I live I would be purchasing from them for sure!
Okay, Tip of the Day:
Have some fun and surprise a neighbor! Take some of those plastic containers we are trying to get rid of along with a couple packets of seeds, some potting soil, wrap it all up in a basket that needs a new home and enclose a handwritten note, "Something to remind you Spring is just around the corner!" They will love it, so will you!
Oh, be sure you wear your apron when you deliver your surprise!!
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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bbteacher
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Bonnie
BALTIMORE
Maryland
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 10:45:05 AM
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Noticed from several past posts, (page 11/12), that several gals mentioned putting vinegars and vanilla(s) in pretty bottles to give as gifts. I did this for Christmas gifts this past year. I got this recipe from the Everyday Grain-free Gourmet by Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass (purchased used on Amazon).
Pure Vanilla extract
Supplies: 12 vanilla beans-great place to order (I really did my research to find the best, most, and lowest price!) I order from OliveNation LLC. The web address is www.JRMushroomsandSpecialties.com-amazon. I got 1/2lb.-approx 54 beans; the best to use is premium Bourbon-Madagascar vanilla beans. With shipping and handling-cost was $22 dollars and change. Now if you've every tried to just buy vanilla beans in the store, you can buy 2 - 4 from $6-10.00 alone!
The other supply you will need is 750mL of vodka (3cups). I buy the cheapest brand; somewhere between $5 -$10 dollars.
1. Carefully slice the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose all the tiny seeds.
2. Drop the (12) sliced vanilla beans into the bottle of vodka, making sure that the vodka covers the full height of the beans.
3. Give the bottle a good shake and store in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
4. If you think of it, give the bottle a shake a couple times a week to evenly distribute the seeds and enhance the flavor.
5. After 2 months, pour about 1 cup (250mL) of the vanilla extract into another container (you can find sooooo many great containers at yard sales, thrift stores, or if you use flavored oils or syrup, clean and reuse these bottles/containers) and set it aside for regular baking use. Meanwhile, top off the big bottle with more vodka, add 3 more benas, and store for another couple of months. Don't forget to slice these new beans, to release the flavor. This step of pouring off and topping up can be repeated again and again, as long as you add more beans and let the mixture sit for the required amount of time.
Ladies, this vanilla extract is so much better than the stuff you find in the stores. It also makes baked goods taste better too! Stands to reason, better ingredients, better end-product.
Cheers,
Bonnie |
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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 |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 1:50:49 PM
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Bonnie - thanks for the vanilla extract recipe. I didn't know how to do it either, but it sounds great.
Joanna - my neighbor would love a seed starter kid - another great idea. We just got the last of our seeds today. We ordered some stuff from Seeds of Change and there S&H was outrageous! I don't think we'll order from them again. We like to start our onions from seeds and they had a larger variety to choose from - but it was way out of line for how much it actually cost to mail them to us.
Speaking of S&H costs - Vitacost has free shipping for orders over $49.00 through the month of February. I've used them before and their normal shipping cost is $4.99 (I think) - but free is even better!
Thanks again everyone for so many great ideas!
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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meggy2
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
barb
Flemington
Missouri
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 8:58:47 PM
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| Bonnie:I too love the vanilla bean recipe. THank you soo much. I make handy hot pockets for my dh to take to work. Fry bacon or sausage, hash browns and eggs. Roll out canned biscuits, put a spooonful of mixture in each biscuit, add a spoon of shredded cheese and fold into a "pocket" bake at 400 for 10 mins and he won't be tempted to stop by mcDonalds on his way to work. Keep 'em coming, ladies, so many ideas and so much time and money saved with this thread. THanks to all |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 12:24:12 PM
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Barb - those breakfast hot pockets sound wonderful. Great idea. That would even be good for a brunch. Love it - I'm definitely going to try this.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 2:39:27 PM
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I make the hot pockets too, and sometimes with pie crust!
Fill 'em up with broccoli & cheese & chicken,
or ham & swiss cheese & chicken (cordon bleu!)
or ham & cheese, or pepperoni
(or mini-meatballs or italian sausage), pizza sauce & mozzerella!
YUM! I'm getting hungry! LOL
Also, how about a reuben one with corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut &
thousand island dressing?
Or turkey & cheese & cranberry chutney?
Time to go make dinner! LOL
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - momdrinkstea on Feb 06 2011 2:41:39 PM |
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Vintage Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Sue
Woodbine
Maryland
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 3:23:18 PM
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Such wonderful ideas, Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing. I just visited your blog and love it. Added myself as a follower (mymotherspearls).
Hugs,
Sue
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" - Katharine Hepburn
www.mymotherspearls.me |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 9:06:35 PM
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Thanks Sue ~ I love followers! :)
Hugs back to ya!
Farmgirls ROCK - just look at our combined wisdom!
I get ideas from you all, kudos and thank you to everyone!
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3857 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3857 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 10:28:09 AM
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This is a really neat thread. Thanks Joanna for starting it. There are so many great ideas on the forum but it's hard to go back and find what you read before.lol
I'm going to do the vanilla extract with organic beans if I can find them at the link given. I buy a gluten free one for $7.00 8 oz. size.
So this will definetly save me money.
Here is my recipe for using vodka for a chemical free air freshner. Have you ever read the side of the label on the commercial ones? I went into an allergic reaction when someone sprayed oust at my Dr.'s office bathroom. Thank goodness she hadn't left yet. I was turning blue. Yikes!
Buy the cheapest bottle of vodka and small spray bottles. Mix 1/2 vodka and 1/2 purified water and a few drops of organic essential oil. Put one in every bathroom and kitchen. Then when you need to freshen the air just a few sprays will do the job.
You can also spray two spritz into the return a/c duct when running, to freshen the whole house before company arrives.
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo
www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 4:11:45 PM
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Forfar birdies were the original hot pockets I think. A Scots receipe using a filled pastry. Since it's only me to cook for I sometimes make baps, another Scots item for bread. Big fat rounds that I can slice into thirds and use for sandwiches. I try to get that done on Sat. They have a nice soft top and work well for just bread.
CMF |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 6:17:09 PM
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I am going to try out the vanilla extract. That would be perfect to put in the torani bottles! I am also going to try the air freshener. I quit using them because of their cost and the chemicals. Nice to know I can make something at home to freshen the air with. Thanks for all the great tips I can hardly keep up! :)
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
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meggy2
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
barb
Flemington
Missouri
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 08:01:16 AM
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| It is -1 here for the high today, which brings to mind another cost saving tip- Leave your cabinet doors open that are on an outside wall and under a sink. When the temp goes below zero, it will help to keep freezing pipes from forming along with a plumbers bill. |
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momdrinkstea
True Blue Farmgirl
180 Posts
Elizabeth
Ozark
AL
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 09:55:32 AM
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Yes, and add a small fan if need be to move the heat around!
We use a big box fan on the table in our woodstove room to blow heat to the rest of the house.
Keeps the thermostat on our oil furnace from kicking on.
We use a brooder bulb in our coops at night to keep the chickens warmer and laying throughout
the winter, you could probably use a bare light bulb (old-fashioned, not the flourescent kind)
under the sink to warm the space too! Just keep it away from touching surfaces.
Stacked Stone Farm
feel free to follow my blog: www.stackedstonefarm.blogspot.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 3:49:33 PM
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Great tips. . . the food sounds yummy too!
Okay, an update on my shopping: Just went to amazon.com to make another purchase, 5 boxes of wheat chex cereal, free shipping came to $2.00 per box! Awesome!! Love saving money
Tip of the Day:
I saw this on tv and thought it would be a great space saver! One of those large shoe racks that go on the back of the door ( metal or plastic style) instead of shoes, slip on a roll of toilet paper! Works great on my closet door, the spare rolls are right where we can easily get to them and it opened up quite a bit of space for storing something else!
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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Nifty Thrifty: 2011 and Thriftyness |
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2011 and Thriftyness
