Is It Cost Effective to Keep Chickens?

We have been wanting to explore keeping chickens (click here for an interview with the chicken lady) for a while. It is a project that would be educational, and provide us with some fresh eggs. Our environment is perfect for it. We live on two semi-rural acres and would have plenty of space for a coop. Many of our friends already have chickens. It has been a trend in this area for a number of years. They are happy to answer all of questions about raising chickens, what works or doesn’t work, how to keep the foxes out of the … Continue reading

Interview with the Chicken Lady 3

Are you ready to raise your own chickens and enjoy delicious home grown eggs? This is the last blog post in our series that asks an expert chicken lady about all there is to know. If you missed the earlier two posts, I strongly suggest that you go back and catch up. Just click on the links: Interview with the chicken Lady and Interview with the Chicken Lady 2. What supplies do you need to raise chickens? How do you house them? Instead of having a traditional coop or chicken house, I decided to make a more portable structure for … Continue reading

Raising Chickens: Interview with the Chicken Lady 2

If you have ever wondered what it might be like to raise your own chickens, then you definitely want to keep reading this series. We have a genuine Families.com member who is willing to share all of the ins and outs of raising chickens for eggs and more. If you missed the first blog post in this series, please click on the following link to catch up–Interview with the Chicken Lady. Otherwise, let’s continue on with our interview and learn how someone can get started with raising chickens. What does someone need to do to get started raising chickens? I … Continue reading

Raising Chickens: Interview with the Chicken Lady

Have you ever considered raising chickens? Not only can this be a fun past time, but it can also be very frugal. Imagine, you can have free, organic (if you wish) eggs for free whenever you want them. Chickens can also control bugs and weeds on your property. And, from what I recently learned, raising chickens isn’t as hard as I thought. They also don’t cost very much to raise. I have a special treat for you today. One of our very talented Families.com members has been raising chickens and is very knowledgeable about the subject. She is going to … Continue reading

I’ve Become the Crazy Dog Lady

It occurred to me this evening — as I was dicing chicken and string beans for the dogs’ supper — that I’ve become the Crazy Dog Lady. I really think I crossed the line when I started making my own dog food. There was all the time spent figuring out my recipe. There was all the prep work and planning — bake the chicken, chop the veggies, cook the rice. Now I’m performing mental math, wondering how long each batch of meat, rice, and vegetables will last, and how many meals the dogs will get. Is this cost effective? Am … Continue reading

The Need for Protein (Part II)

Protein is essential for the proper development of a baby in utero. After all, proteins are the building blocks for all of us. It’s no surprise that expectant mothers need to increase their protein intake to ensure their babies have what they need to grow. As essential as protein is, the way many proteins are produced may call into question its nutritional value. Who wants a side of synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals with their rump roast? The problem is that many of us don’t realize that our major sources of protein have undergone a huge and unfortunate transformation. Just … Continue reading

Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

We happened to miss the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Philadelphia, the second oldest St. Pat’s parade in the country (New York’s parade has the title of oldest). Viewing parades are a great way to get some free entertainment, connect with your community and celebrate a holiday. I also have some other ideas about how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. You can have a fun time with your family and friends when you try out one of these inexpensive ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to celebrate at home with a St. Patrick’s Day party, you can … Continue reading

Marriage and Money: Resenting Your Spouse

This morning, I was busy monitoring an overly full stock pot that represents at least another two family meals that will will get out of a chicken that we bought on sale. I was boiling the picked clean bones to make some chicken stock that will then be turned into chicken noodle soup. The soup, along with a small salad and some bread will make a very frugal meal for us. As I was doing this, my eldest son came in to tell me exactly how much the father of one of his school mates makes each week. Knowing the … Continue reading

The 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my frugal love gave to me… A washed out Ziploc bag-gie * On the second day of Christmas my frugal love gave to me… Two darned socks and a washed out Ziploc bag-gie * On the third day of Christmas my frugal love gave to me… Three Sawdust toilets Two darned socks and a washed out Ziploc bag-gie * On the fourth day of Christmas my frugal love gave to me… Four thrift store bargains Three Sawdust toilets Two darned socks and a washed out Ziploc bag-gie * On the fifth day of Christmas … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading