Just curious who else is living super frugal

[LindaB220]

I'm a single mom of 6 kids with 2 still at home. I started thinking about going debt free a few years ago and began praying for it and reading all I can about how to manage that. Mainly, I just wanted it in the front if my mind at all times. It worked because now I'm very focused on it. I stepped out if my career 4 years ago to care for my dad after a stroke 24/7. He worked hard for his farm and was miserable in a nursing home. Bringing him home was great for him. The house he was building my himself is right next to mine in the country. He passed away a year ago at home. I am in the process of settling my dad's estate. He left me the house he was building next door and 65 acres surrounding both our houses. So....hard decision but I decided to sell 25 acres to my brother and keep 40 around the 2 houses so I can pay off my high mortgage loan. In the last year since losing dad I've learned to build things for my small farm and learned to fix things myself in my 2 houses. I rent one to my daughter which helps only a little because she lives with a very low rent payment. Dad always talked if having chickens and a pig or cow out here. I started with chickens this year (29 dual purpose, 4 boilers, and 4 runner ducks) I had to learn quick because my son brought them home one day as chicks (long story) all survived and enjoy a large coop and huge run (dad already had a chicken house so I built the run based on what I learned on this site) The eggs have been coming in. The boilers were an experiment that turned out OK. I just got 20 more and am building a big area to raise chicks in garage and out if my house! My cars were paid off over a year ago and I'll be debt free except for my student loans in a couple months I hope. I use the local pantries for food and donate back to them. I grocery shop once a month but can only buy a little meat and some milk/butter. I hope to find work soon.... If I can just stop loving my farm so much! I'm not sure how I've survived with no job and no state aid but I have. I keep learning and it's just a goal of mine. 4 years ago I was working as a counselor, making good money, and living in big debt. Now I think I'm a small time farmer who is trying to learn to garden, raise animals, and manage a small crop. I've talked to many, shared ideas, and exchanges (help with plumbing for help with painting, etc). My son in law hunts down and sells scrap metal and if he wasn't an idiot that would probably help him. People give away or throw away furniture all the time. I get it and give to others in need or spruce up and keep. My house and dads is completely furnished on free furniture! You would never know it. (except for my bed). The best I have done so far is staying focused, talking to everyone I can, reading up on it, utilizing my own gifts (I had none so had to learn to get those too lol) and just keep trying things. Always give back and help others along the way. There are more people out there than I realized wanting to get back to basics.... They will trade their skills with you.

Melinda, what an inspiring story. Just keep on keeping on. You're on the right track. It will be tough but living with all that debt was tough too. JM Hatchery has white muscovy duck that gets to 12# in 12 wks. Less greasy and fat. That is what I'm thinking of because it has a taste of veal rather than chicken. Who can afford beef?

 

[Melinda66]

  Melinda, what an inspiring story.   Just keep on keeping on.  You're on the right track.  It will be tough but living with all that debt was tough too. JM Hatchery has white muscovy duck that gets to 12# in 12 wks.  Less greasy and fat.  That is what I'm thinking of because it has a taste of veal rather than chicken.  Who can afford beef?  

JM Hatchery huh? I will certainly look into that! Thank you.

 

[erinszoo]

Ugh, does anyone else struggle with maintaining frugality when they are exhausted and pressed for time? I have two freezers and a large pantry full of food, chickens in the yard laying eggs, goats giving us milk for cheese, a large garden and fruit trees ... but inevitably when we are running short of time or we are really tired like we have been the past two weeks, we go buy something else to make for supper.

We know it's ridiculous to do, but we don't know how to prepare for those days like that that sometimes run into one another for a week or more.

Any hints would be appreciated.

 

[perchie.girl]

Ugh, does anyone else struggle with maintaining frugality when they are exhausted and pressed for time? I have two freezers and a large pantry full of food, chickens in the yard laying eggs, goats giving us milk for cheese, a large garden and fruit trees ... but inevitably when we are running short of time or we are really tired like we have been the past two weeks, we go buy something else to make for supper.

We know it's ridiculous to do, but we don't know how to prepare for those days like that that sometimes run into one another for a week or more.

Any hints would be appreciated.

Try making one pot meals ready to go and in the freezer....

If you can do Crock pot ahead of time....

I have also been known to save back something from take out.... Like the fried rice.... Throw it in the freezer.... Now you have a base for something quick.... Helps me because I cant cook rice to save my life....

So next time you have time to actually cook.... Cook too much... Pop the extra in the freezer. Then when you resurrect it Make a quick salad or slice tomatoes to go with... I love sliced tomatoes with a little mayo.... or even a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper....

Eggs are another way to do a quick dinner.... Fritatas made with eggs cheeze and bacon.... What ever you have.... its an omelette that is cooked in a fying pan in the oven. Start em on top of the stove to begin the set then finish in the oven.... serve with salad or garlic bread....

Oh and for what its worth.... dinner doesnt have to be fancy just something everyone will eat. Oh and make sure your save ahead meals are dated so they can be cycled in even if you dont have a hectic day.

Also there is nothing wrong with doing take out or delivery occasionally... Gives you a break.

deb

 

[N F C]

JM Hatchery huh? I will certainly look into that! Thank you.

Hi, a lurking BYC member here. Just popping in to say thanks to all for some great tips on living more frugally. Knowing others are in the same boat as us, helps.

Just wanted to toss out another place to find the Muscovy ducks. It's located in OK and here is the link: http://countryhatchery.net/ducks.html

Hope you all have a good day!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Idiots!!! Fillers are just unhealthy garbage. I dont add bread to my meatballs because all that bread is for the birds!!lol

 

[Arielle]

Ugh, does anyone else struggle with maintaining frugality when they are exhausted and pressed for time? I have two freezers and a large pantry full of food, chickens in the yard laying eggs, goats giving us milk for cheese, a large garden and fruit trees ... but inevitably when we are running short of time or we are really tired like we have been the past two weeks, we go buy something else to make for supper.

We know it's ridiculous to do, but we don't know how to prepare for those days like that that sometimes run into one another for a week or more.

Any hints would be appreciated.

You are not alone!! I know a family that hits McD's regularly. I REFUSE to do that. ON TUesdays my kids must eat a snack right after school, pack a snack for after soccer practice and then a snack for after BOy Scouts. THey can still eat when they get home. THey spend a remarkable amount of time eating.

My solution is to make a pot of stew, and portion it into sandwich sized freezer containers. Microwave a short time to pop out of container and into a pyrex casserole dish and finish microwaving. With a variety of stews in the freezer each person can have what they want: chili, duck soup with wild rice, chicken soup. I also canned some soups I made: turkey with beans and brown rice. I also baked up a whole turkey yesterday, and the kids can slice off what they want when they want. Store in frig, then make stew. Bowls of fruit like apples and pears, and oranges when in season. KEep hard cheeses to go with fruit; also peanut butter or almond butter. Vegies in frig like carrot and celery and brocalli. Kids can either nuke the broccalli or eat raw, with or without dressing.

I rarely bake. Breads can be quick if you already have some practice and use free form on a cookie sheet, or if a looser type dough , fill a loaf pan.

Homemade granola is also a boon. Make a big pan and it lasts about a week. Lately we have been making a soft textured granola: oats, ground flax. textured vegetable protein, lots of nuts like walnuts and sunflower seeeds. Use enough egg whites to make wet. Cinnamona and cloves. Dried fruits like cranberreis. We use splenda for sweeteners, can use what you like: white sugar, homey, molasses. Grease a pan like a roasting pan and spread out. Bake about 200 for at least a half hour. This will heat treat the eggs for salmonella. Longer times will dry out the granola so you can pick the texture you like. Cut into squares if soft granola and wrap 2 pcs and put in freezer.

Definitely a challenge. Good eating is our health.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Check out your local library for the cookbook - "Once-a-month Cooking"
I don't really like their recipes so much, just not my taste. BUT - the process that she describes is wonderful and I can adjust it to my recipes. Do I follow her plan completely? NO, but the basic principle is wonderful. It is nice to have pre-prepared meals in the freezer for those busy days or unexpected company.

 

[perchie.girl]

Check out your local library for the cookbook - "Once-a-month Cooking"
I don't really like their recipes so much, just not my taste. BUT - the process that she describes is wonderful and I can adjust it to my recipes. Do I follow her plan completely? NO, but the basic principle is wonderful. It is nice to have pre-prepared meals in the freezer for those busy days or unexpected company.

There is an online version of the Once a month deal.... I have a friend who uses it because she has a MAD CRAZY schedual.... and a family of four to feed.

found it.
http://onceamonthmeals.com/

deb

 

[LindaB220]

Ugh, does anyone else struggle with maintaining frugality when they are exhausted and pressed for time? I have two freezers and a large pantry full of food, chickens in the yard laying eggs, goats giving us milk for cheese, a large garden and fruit trees ... but inevitably when we are running short of time or we are really tired like we have been the past two weeks, we go buy something else to make for supper.

We know it's ridiculous to do, but we don't know how to prepare for those days like that that sometimes run into one another for a week or more.

Any hints would be appreciated.

Make you up a few freezer meals that you can throw in the crock pot in the morning.

Tons out there and easy