Just curious who else is living super frugal

[perchie.girl]

Hi Deb, We have passed each other on other threads, and I have always felt a kinship with you as a fellow horse lover-- your avatar says it all. GIven your outback consideration, you might look at a livestock guard dog. Many are raised to work on their own in remote areas with out a human--- would actually take some effort on your part to keep the dog socialized with you. But they really do a good job.

Sorry to hear of all your struggles this last year. . . .

Definately on my bucket list.... There is a breeder here that is breeding a guardian cross Short haired for this hot climate... but my property isnt fenced. Just the yard and horse corral. In good conscience I need to have a good portion fenced with field fence. Those dogs can wander quite a bit on their duties. I need to live there as well. My neighbor Tom does well he has a six foot chainlink fence just around his trailer and he has two out door dogs. Just a rottie cross and a skipperky cross. Big lovers but big barkers too. Only if they see something that isnt supposed to be. I really like his Rottie/German shepherd cross. She a bit lighter in the body and a bit taller than a pure Rottie.

Katee can defend herself against dogs. and shes too big for a mountain lion to tackle. I have seen her kick a chunk of plywood out of a round pen wall the diameter of her hoof. about eight inches and heard that chunk of plywood land on the other side of a driveway. Feral dogs are her only enemy up there and she is GOOD with both hinds and Fronts. Funny thing is she doesnt mess with dogs till they mess with her THEN she goes for the kill shot.

Shes got a reach of a good six feet from her fronts and those hooves hit the ground with a giant THUD. Anyone who dont think Drafts can be Quick.... I have seen my girl do a sliding stop and a rollback on the fence then take off with an EEEWWW and a sunfish.

deb

 

[Arielle]

Quote: haa, she is like my mare. NO dog can go into her paddock with out sufferning the consquences-- usually ears pinned and head down, coming in for a bite!! SHe will leave her stall to go to the fenceline when the coyotes howl as if to say : I"m here! You just try for my foal!! Just try! Great mare-- sweet as pie girl. THe chckens didn't get to parttake of her pellets initally but I have noticed she just make faces now at them as they dart in for a bite.

YOur right , probably fencing would be a good idea-- 15 acres is not a big area for dog. THe senerios I have been told are moving herds of sheep in the midwest with only guard dogs to keep them company. A few thousand acres vs 15a.

 

[Arielle]

http://thespicysausage.com/recipes/americanfarmsausage2.htm


FOr those looking for a cheaper homemade version.

Edited to add--

WE just tried this sausage,a nd the kids loved it though said it was a bit bland. Usually they complain the spices are too hot!! lol Which is why I picked a blander recipe. Definitely mild but tasty.

 

[DennisK]

I love my fels naptha soap. I make it liquid, but I'm going to try powdered next time. It takes less space to store. I used to add a couple drops of essential oils as wanted, but not sure how to get it done if I make it dry.
I was told by a person who wanted to make their own soap, but was allergic to everything that she couldn't use the ivory. She tried mine and out was ok for her, so I guess done threat are very sensitive can still use fels naptha.
I need to one up it and find a good recipe for shampoo and dish detergent.

I haven't tried this recipe for dish soap, yet, but it might be worth mentioning.
http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2013/...site&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

 

[PlaidBattleAxe]

http://thespicysausage.com/recipes/americanfarmsausage2.htm


FOr those looking for a cheaper homemade version.

Edited to add--

WE just tried this sausage,a nd the kids loved it though said it was a bit bland. Usually they complain the spices are too hot!! lol Which is why I picked a blander recipe. Definitely mild but tasty.

I think I will try this out when we get this year's venison. Venison/pork sausage is soooooooooo good. Always wanted to make it but have never gotten around to it.

I haven't tried this recipe for dish soap, yet, but it might be worth mentioning.
http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2013/...site&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

Good link!

 

[erinszoo]

I love my fels naptha soap. I make it liquid, but I'm going to try powdered next time. It takes less space to store. I used to add a couple drops of essential oils as wanted, but not sure how to get it done if I make it dry.

I was told by a person who wanted to make their own soap, but was allergic to everything that she couldn't use the ivory. She tried mine and out was ok for her, so I guess done threat are very sensitive can still use fels naptha.

I need to one up it and find a good recipe for shampoo and dish detergent.

I haven't tried this recipe for dish soap, yet, but it might be worth mentioning.  
http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2013/...site&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

Since this is a thread about being frugal, I thought id mention that this recipe will cost you more than just buying ready made palmolive or dawn dish soap. I buy dr. Bronners for a shampoo I make and a tiny bottle is very expensive.

 

[DennisK]

Since this is a thread about being frugal, I thought id mention that this recipe will cost you more than just buying ready made palmolive or dawn dish soap. I buy dr. Bronners for a shampoo I make and a tiny bottle is very expensive.

Thanks erinszoo - scratch that idea!

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
To really analyze how inexpensive this is you have to examine the price of the components... then break down the price of the amount that you actually use.

The scent is going to last through many batches the same goes for the other components. You have to calculate the total amount of soap this creates.

deb

 

[Aacre]

To really analyze how inexpensive this is you have to examine the price of the components... then break down the price of the amount that you actually use.

The scent is going to last through many batches the same goes for the other components. You have to calculate the total amount of soap this creates.

deb

X2
I make my own laundry detergent, and while the cost to buy the products is more expensive, it makes a lot. If you break it down, to how much it cost to make that single batch, it's way cheaper.. I love homemade detergents and things like that!

 

[tntchix]

I use what soap is leftover from an inclusion sale of a water softener a few years back.It is concentrated so it lasts forever.

I only use about 2 Tbsp of liquid in the dispenser, fill the fabric softener cup with vinegar, and add a 1/2 cup of baking soda in the tub and my laundry has never been cleaner.

Maybe not exactly frugal as the homemade soaps used to be, but I haven't bought detergent in 3 years and since I use the baking soda and vinegar for all my cleaning anyway, I figure I am saving somehow by not wasting $$$ on those noxious chemicals.