tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post3398064913238766803..comments2024-03-28T19:35:24.365-07:00Comments on Rural Revolution: Shopping, ugPatrice Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012022335047974670noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-86009614218138582162023-01-21T00:40:46.823-08:002023-01-21T00:40:46.823-08:00Last year I got about 1600 eggs from 10 hens. Som...Last year I got about 1600 eggs from 10 hens. Some were first season and others were second. I go through a 50 lb. sack of non-GMO layer pellets every 2 weeks, plus they're in tractors so they have access to grass, etc. during the growing season. My current cost for the feed is $17.72 including tax. So that works out to $3.46 per dozen for the feed cost. The two tractors, built at different times, cost about $450 in materials... if they depreciate to zero over 5 years, that would add another $0.67 to each dozen (it'd be a couple of sets of birds over that time, so there'd be additional costs there, but chicks are still relatively inexpensive and I have roosters and an incubator).<br /><br />But as others have said, I have a more reliable supply eggs: less this time of year but I set aside some in the fall for the low-production times.<br />North GA Home and Gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02028496923110998780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-86868811171283441702023-01-20T21:20:45.309-08:002023-01-20T21:20:45.309-08:00Not Wal-Mart, HEB and that was the in store price....Not Wal-Mart, HEB and that was the in store price. Crazy, I know!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-72287148128032866672023-01-20T06:14:32.113-08:002023-01-20T06:14:32.113-08:00I’ve thirty hens in my flock. They produce suffici...I’ve thirty hens in my flock. They produce sufficiently to pay for the feed since we are good neighbors that sell our excess.<br /><br />We’re currently charging $3 dozen and selling what we don’t consume.<br /><br />Building communities one egg at a time Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-21442780261007436192023-01-19T14:41:05.066-08:002023-01-19T14:41:05.066-08:00I'm surprised that no one has mentioned pasta ...I'm surprised that no one has mentioned pasta . We live in rural SE Arizona and none of the 5 markets within 10 miles have any pasta . DeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-85908580073175286552023-01-19T10:33:01.112-08:002023-01-19T10:33:01.112-08:00You're shopping Walmart. I recently checked on...You're shopping Walmart. I recently checked online for the price of a 5 dozen box of eggs at Walmart and online it said $30. I got to the store and it was $19.52.<br />They are paying those people that walk around shopping for you a small fortune per hour plus benefits, plus they're making plenty on the process.<br />Do your own shopping.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-64358504927588471752023-01-19T10:27:39.773-08:002023-01-19T10:27:39.773-08:00Snacking, aka, refrigerator grazing, can sabotage ...Snacking, aka, refrigerator grazing, can sabotage any budget. Plan snacks, not just meals. And find a way to incorporate them into your overall nutrition plan for your family. Don't make other snacking easily available. <br />Something else that can sabotage the budget is everybody's other half. Spouses who shop together are more accountable to the process and each other.<br />Family meetings. The whole family needs to get involved in the planning and budgeting process and the why's and how's.<br />I was listening to a program about an Indian tribe once, and at tribal meetings, children also had a voice. Sometimes it's the voice of a child who helps guide the way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-8160137002163873712023-01-19T04:54:06.206-08:002023-01-19T04:54:06.206-08:00We are spoiled. So spoiled. We have turned over so...We are spoiled. So spoiled. We have turned over so much of our lives to corporations most of our society has gotten completely out of touch with taking care of their own needs. And China is supplying us. <br />China is not our friend. They poisoned our pet food a while back, and we should have wised up back then. I think people here are trying to change, but we as individuals have to produce as much as we can for ourselves.<br />A lot of the otc meds we take mess up our livers. And much is from China<br /><br />The aisles of the grocery stores have medicinal teas. They aren't antibiotic, but ginger tea does quell nausea and vomiting. The apple cinnamon tea has chamomile and puts me to sleep pdq<br />And there are more that help respiratory, and so on and so forth. I have teas stocked for ailments. There's also plenty of aspirin on the shelves. That's all we ever used to have. And thanks to heart patients, there are plenty of 81 mg aspirin tabs, and coated to protect your tummy<br /> Check with your doctor, but those might work for a child.<br />Back to the producing part. People used to have herb gardens not just for food but for their medicine.<br />Also, we need to use wisdom in the things we do. Popping ibuprofen every day for aches and pains will hurt your liver too. What are you doing that causes pain? Are you drinking enough fluids? Dehydration is the main culprit of arthritis and muscular pain. Not just all the tiny little injuries from working dehydrated, but our muscles produce waste when they work, and if it isn't flushed out it will cause muscular and joint pain. Check your body mechanics and modify them. We have to get off pills as much as possible and the mindset of using them all the time.<br /><br />We all need to have a homestead mindset even if living in an apartment.<br />There are beautiful balcony gardens all over you tube using empty plastic jugs in a multitude of creative ways. There is also a multitude of good looking hydroponic systems you can keep inside around the house if they're in your budget. If not, back to you tube for cheap diy hydroponics.<br />Buy in bulk and stay out of stores as much as possible. That eliminates impulse purchases. It also will free up some time and save some gas and all those savings can be spent on your "homestead". Be helpful and friendly to your neighbors and build your community. We are all in this together.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-70717404522451759082023-01-19T00:26:13.916-08:002023-01-19T00:26:13.916-08:00also check out "Living on a Dime" websit...also check out "Living on a Dime" website; they have a huge amount of frugal tips and recipes (for free), along with their "dining on a dime dime" cookbooks (e-book or hardback) available, excellent resource, all of their resources have helped me immensely caryl abernathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13497519370140353932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-12515723087306936302023-01-18T12:38:27.189-08:002023-01-18T12:38:27.189-08:00I'm on the other side of the country, catty-co...I'm on the other side of the country, catty-corner from you, and we're experiencing the same thing. Pet food especially, has skyrocketed. For the past 4 weeks the walmart shelves have been bare of most pet foods. Ditto for the cheap brand TP, flour, and saltines. I'm so thankful for our garden, goats, and chickens. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-31498108380922990682023-01-18T07:53:52.008-08:002023-01-18T07:53:52.008-08:00Northern KY here. Prices are on the rise & hav...Northern KY here. Prices are on the rise & have been since 2020. For the most part, the shelves are at least 3/4 full depending on where one shops. Various produce can be so-so quality sometimes. Shortages of store brand, powdered coffee creamer & saltines have perplexed me though. And has anyone else noticed a difference in quality and/or taste of items bought for years? Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I think things don’t taste as good now. (I’m thinking specifically of a jarred spaghetti sauce I buy for when I need quick & convenient.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-28461954221958138232023-01-18T05:32:27.717-08:002023-01-18T05:32:27.717-08:00Consider a portable bidet (Bio Bidet). Investment ...Consider a portable bidet (Bio Bidet). Investment cost is high but need for paper is nil and it is so much more comfortable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-9739659297237517012023-01-18T03:40:44.604-08:002023-01-18T03:40:44.604-08:00Thank you!!Thank you!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-60747124461605841832023-01-18T02:44:27.805-08:002023-01-18T02:44:27.805-08:00When I was a child many many moons ago, I don'...When I was a child many many moons ago, I don't remember anyone feeding dogs dog food Dogs got scraps. The basis of their food was cornbread, and if you think about it, it contained milk and eggs and oil. We always ate peas too, one of our primary garden veggies.<br />Now I know that commercials have us thinking they need a grain free diet and there are always pictures of wolves to help guilt us into that.<br />Well, have you ever seen a stand of corn torn up by coyotes? It's a game changer. And the paw prints everywhere say exactly who-dunnit!<br />I don't often give my dog cornbread, but when I do he acts like it's the best treat possible! My cats also beg for corn, but that I don't give them much. I wouldn't give a cat cornbread.<br />I have had many cats that lived long lives and invariably died from kidney disease. I spent a fortune on kidney disease food, until an old vet told me to stop. He told me cats need wet food and any wet cat food would do. Part of why they get kidney disease is from all the dry convenience foods we feed them. So I switched the current kitties at the time off the stuff that cost 5 times more than friskies canned. Those two cats actually got healthier and ate better on their own while I saved the bucks. One was 21 and the other 22 when they died.<br />Animals weren't created to live the life span of humans. Well, after the fall they don't. We are not living in a time many of us can afford to be guilty over not feeding critters better than your children. If you and your children are eating beans and rice, keep some back that is unsalted and unseasoned !】for the dog.<br />And anybody needing pet food, call Chewey. I think part of why it's in scant supply is because they have most of it going through their warehouses to doorsteps of America. Chicken feed too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-64388554660742771592023-01-17T20:36:14.742-08:002023-01-17T20:36:14.742-08:00I have been using cloth wipes for 5 years now and ...I have been using cloth wipes for 5 years now and love it. (only for urine) Saves me money! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-73157230679923002542023-01-17T20:23:07.516-08:002023-01-17T20:23:07.516-08:00Over $10 for 18 ct for eggs here in Northern Calif...Over $10 for 18 ct for eggs here in Northern California Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-86453893898714355002023-01-17T18:39:23.665-08:002023-01-17T18:39:23.665-08:00Used to buy Purina pro plan for $56. Last I saw it...Used to buy Purina pro plan for $56. Last I saw it was $86. Costco eggs were $11.99 for 5 dozen. Now $16.99. Haven't been able to find my Oil of Olay toner for 2 years-ordered from Amazon, tho. Mayo has gone up. Bread is like $5 a nice loaf. We butcher 2 steers tomorrow. Thank goodness as the price of beef has skyrocketed. Used to by chicken leg quarters to can for our dogs at 88 cents/pound. Now $1.48. Will be re-establishing the chickens this spring. Seems like I better order chicks now, layers and meat birds. S.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-86168666177478043462023-01-17T18:19:03.627-08:002023-01-17T18:19:03.627-08:00SE Wisconsin here. Milk has held pretty steady - ...SE Wisconsin here. Milk has held pretty steady - I think it's $3.09 or so for a gallon of whole milk... A couple of years ago, it was $2.65, but about 8 years ago, it was over $4 a gallon for whatever reason. Eggs are crazy. $4.65 at Meijer, $4.99 at Aldi. The only dollar loaves of bread seem to be at Aldi. I've also noticed "sale" prices being the "regular" price from last year. Soda got a ton more expensive - not because of it being tremendously more expensive to make, but Coke & Pepsi decided that if the price of everything else is going up, they were going to stick it to everyone, and apparently, some German stores refused to go along with the price hikes and stopped carrying it. <br /><br />The thing that's bothered me, though, is the shortage of kids' medicines. We're finally getting over some nasty stuff, but it's absolutely insane how empty the shelves are. Kids Tylenol or Advil (or the generics) are rare. I usually have extra on hand, but when I've had three sick at the same time (like a couple weeks ago) those bottles of liquid get drained fast! Katjahttps://breathofhallelujah.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-76303837393002097082023-01-17T17:57:27.609-08:002023-01-17T17:57:27.609-08:00I have 5 children & when they were all home I ...I have 5 children & when they were all home I would make economical meals that stretched. I made some of my own sauces, etc. You can check out budget101 for ideas. Along with searches for frugal recipes. I made up meal plans of what to do with hamburger, chicken, etc. I had summer meal plans & busy night ones. It worked for me. Debbie in MAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-68292641462686938682023-01-17T16:53:19.452-08:002023-01-17T16:53:19.452-08:00It's no longer about cost comparison. It's...It's no longer about cost comparison. It's about getting the eggs at all. What will you pay for an egg? period. Are you prepared for a life without eggs? As it stands now the only sure way to guarantee you'll have eggs is to raise your own hens. To heck with the cost comparisons!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-11884176640870879432023-01-17T15:41:59.177-08:002023-01-17T15:41:59.177-08:00We have a good stock of TP on hand; but yes, we al...We have a good stock of TP on hand; but yes, we also have a reusable variety. Years ago, we purchased a bunch of cheap three-for-a-dollar washcloths from the dollar store. They're ugly and of poor quality, but will do in a pinch for washable toilet paper. They even come in different colors, so each family member can have their own color.<br /><br />I don't know if those cheap washcloths are still available, but it's worth looking into for an emergency option. Let's put it this way: we got close to using them in 2020.<br /><br />- PatricePatrice Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06012022335047974670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-8113236297597328382023-01-17T11:56:18.667-08:002023-01-17T11:56:18.667-08:00I like those jugs with the handles too. A restaura...I like those jugs with the handles too. A restaurant used to save them for me, along with gallon and half gallon glass jugs. Those gallon jugs are $5 apiece with no lids now! The cooks used to ask what I wanted that "junk" for. The plastic jugs I would fill with cat and dog feed out of big bags and it was then easy to use plus safe from pests.<br />The glass jugs?<br />OMG!<br />Eggs alone made those worth keeping! I like to pickle eggs, adding a can of pickles beets. So good on salads.<br />They are good for storing water bath eggs also, though the lime etched the glass, which doesn't bother me because they were free. And when my hens were over producing jugs were nice to either hold some in the fridge or give away.<br />So many more uses too.<br />You may be able to Google plastic jugs or bulk salad dressing and find some, but like everything else there may be sticker shock.<br />Every time I pass the pickle aisle, the jugs those pickles are in would cost almost what the jar of pickles cost. I keep thinking re-canning might be a good idea.<br />I think things are going to get better down the road. Just hang on. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-83939182222267627852023-01-17T11:40:04.316-08:002023-01-17T11:40:04.316-08:00Patrice, I love when you post these "open thr...Patrice, I love when you post these "open thread" kind of questions! There is always such neat ideas that pop up. We don't have nettles in my part of the world, but my garden is full of some kind of weed. Turns out it is Lambs Quarters! Totally edible, like spinach. And I don't need welding gloves to harvest! Keep these ideas coming. <br />MMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-63093420729933664892023-01-17T11:26:40.883-08:002023-01-17T11:26:40.883-08:00We're stationed on a teeny tiny base on the bo...We're stationed on a teeny tiny base on the border of the Netherlands/Germany. The US Commissary in the Netherlands is the closest to us, and super convenient. The next closest US commissary is 2 hours away.<br /><br />What we can get produce-wise there is pathetic, especially in the winter. There are weeks between re-stocks of many regularly used items, though of course, they do their best. A half gallon of 2% milk is around $1.80, eggs are about $2.25/dozen, fresh chicken breast halves are $10.40 per pound, while Tyson chicken breasts ring up at $5.64 for 30 ounces (they come frozen). <br /><br />On the local German economy, things are typically a much better quality across the board, but can be much more expensive. Chicken breasts range between €15-34 per pound, organic whole milk is €1.45 per liter, organic, free range eggs ring in at €3.29 for 10. <br /><br />I always find it interesting to see which countries are affected by shortages at different times. Unfortunately, it can be super challenging to have any kind of preparedness level (at least for us) living overseas. Tiny apartments, small fridges, no real freezers, super high cost of power, different plumbing, etc all contribute to a steep learning curve in preparedness. All that being said, I know that your family uses reusable feminine products. Have you or your family given any thought to reusable, or un-toilet paper? Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07065104303226036543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-35549891634283429792023-01-17T11:11:45.398-08:002023-01-17T11:11:45.398-08:00We're stationed at a teeny-tiny base that bord...We're stationed at a teeny-tiny base that borders the Netherlands/Germany. The commissary on the US base in the Netherlands is super convenient. That being said, the produce options are nothing less than pathetic (especially in winter). If we survived on that produce, we'd be in sorry shape indeed. There are weeks between stock ups in most other things, as well. What we are able to get there is hit or miss throughout the year. Right now, 2% store brand milk is about $1.80 for a half gallon. Chicken breast halves are $10.40 per pound. Eggs are about $2.25/dozen on base. <br /><br />On the local economy, things are better quality, but pretty expensive. Our local German grocery store had chicken breasts between 14-34 euro per kg, which is roughly $8 per pound for the cheap stuff. Eggs are super reasonable, compared to the US from what I hear (free range organic being 3.29 euro for 10). It's been interesting to me to see what the price differences are as different places have shortages at different times. <br /><br />I do have a question for you, though. I've been a long time lurker and have learned so much, including that your family uses reusable feminine products. Given the price increases and supply issues, has your family considered reusable or un-toilet paper? Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07065104303226036543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5526768924178592295.post-71066784485657059452023-01-17T10:58:51.358-08:002023-01-17T10:58:51.358-08:00Cost is variable as you can feed solely on kitchen...Cost is variable as you can feed solely on kitchen and garden scraps or buy feed. For us it’s not the cost of eggs…it’s being able to get them at any price. That’s why we have chickens. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com