ChickenLady's Farm

Feeding Munchkins

2010-01-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

"If you find any baby deals let me know." At first I thought this is best way to save money, make everyone in your family where baby clothes and feed them only baby food. I'm sure my 16 year old would love this. No really, but I did find this great one to share. When my boys' were little I too made baby food, but not this good. This is almost "gormet" baby food.

Check the link below and check out the guest post at Couponing To Disney. Suzie from Kiddo Savings shows and I do mean shows (love photos) us how to make our own baby food.

http://www.couponingtodisney.com/index.php/2010/01/25/guest-post-how-to-save-money-by-making-your-own-baby-food/

This also has me thinking on how I can use this idea for my own uses. Gravies and puddings are the first that come to mind. I'll be trying them out very soon.

Have a cold and snowy Tuesday!

Danielle

Free Meals

2009-10-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

At our house I've been trying to save as much as possible. I have had some success and I know my weaknesses. Eating out! Why is this a weekness? I just don't want to cook sometimes and other times it's not cooking it's the cleaning up. But it costs way too much to feed us and we just can't do that anymore. So that being said, I have been trying to find free or close to that here in the Greenwood area.

Check out these link for details:

Steak 'n Shake

Smokey Bones

Max & Erma's

McDonald's-Trafalgar: during the month of October Happy Meals are $1.00 each tuesday.

So we are now trying (key word trying) to plan eating out on days that they have these specials going on. Let me know if anyone else has found any others in our area.

Danielle

Finding Money

2009-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that I have figured out a few ways to save money. I would love to share them with my friends. Now remember this is only what works for me but hopefully these ideas might inspire you to try them.

Sign up for mailing lists. I know this requires work. But believe me spend some time and get online to your favorite stores. Sign up to get on their email lists. But remember if you don't want to get these emails mixed up with your personal ones get a new email account.
Cut out those coupons. I know this requires even more work. It works. I have been using them for months now and I have saved tons of money.

This is how I started and it has brought me great coupons and free items. For example I just received a book of coupons from Kroger. In this book I have a coupon for free grape tomatoes.

So get started and good luck!

Danielle

Day 1

2009-10-01T03:33:00.000-07:00

I did it! I can't believe I actually did it! I'm so proud of my self. I did the workout DVD "30 Day Shred".

A few years ago I started to gain weight and it was completely out the blue. I was convinced I had some medical issue. I went to the doctor and had tests run. I was referred to another doctor who did even more tests. They agreed on a diagnosis...I was getting old. OLD...how can that be I was only 34 years old. I know darn well that these doctor's had to be really old then, if they had enough nerve to call me OLD! OLD!

So I've been told I need to "jump-start my metabolism". What in the world is that? I had visions of hooking jumper cables to my body and getting that metabolism going. Boy, was I wrong. EXERCISE! I hate to exercise! The last time I tried to exercise I got "tennis elbow". Now do you see why I think exercise is hazardous to your health. It gave me a disease.

Before I started the weight gain I weighed 125 lbs. When I was finally diagnosed with "being Old" I weighed in at 170 lbs. But today that will change! I did one day of jump-starting my metabolism and I feel great. You have got to be kidding me. I couldn't even put earrings in after drying my hair. Advil here I come. I'm hoping tomorrow to be able to get out of bed without help. And then Day 2 of Operation Jump-Start.

Danielle

Tender Moments

2009-08-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

The joys of being a mother. Dad and son in front of the bathroom mirror. Dad teaching oldest son how to shave. These are the days when your heart just melts at over hearing the conversation. (sigh) I had to resist getting the camera out and documenting this right of passage to manhood.

Then as I sat there and reflected on how big my 15 year old really was. He's not only physically getting bigger, but also emotionally. It seems like he'll be going to college way too soon and I'm just not ready for that.

Just as I was having my moment it was cut short. My honor student comes out of the bathroom with a kleenex attached to his face. He has just shaved his unibrow and has cut his nose. He didn't realize he wasn't supposed to shave it.

I guess he still does need his mom after all.

Danielle

Today's the Day

2009-08-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

I keep saying I'm going to start working out again. I had every intention of getting up this morning and starting the WII Fit again. And then I over slept and just felt like blah! So I talked to a friend who has gotten me inspired to get moving again. I don't know what she was thinking. I certainly don't know why I was listening to her. She had tried to use her DVD on Monday and it wouldn't work. They have had previous problems with their DVD player so she thought well, I'll do something else and try another day. Boy was she wrong it still didn't work today. So she tried a couple different DVD's and they worked. Ha! This is a sign from God! He does not want you to subject your body to this type of torture.

I personally will listen to His warnings and will NOT be working out any time soon. If I remember correctly the last time I tried this working out stuff I ended up with tennis elbow. I think exercise is a trick of the devil's.

Now back to reality...I guess I can try again tomorrow. But if the WII doesn't work I'm taking it as a sign.

Danielle

No more cheap TP!

2009-08-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows the whole story about the economy so I'm not even going to touch that one. I have become coupon crazy at least that's what Kid #2 calls it. For the past 6 months I have created my own little system for using coupons. The rule is if it's not on sale or I don't have a coupon I don't buy it. So far it's working very well. I have gone from $600.00 month in groceries to around $425.00. My goal is to get it down to $400.00.

If you are wondering no I usually do NOT buy generics. But that has not stopped me from trying cheaper brands of certain items. My first experiment was toilet paper, I had a coupon and it was on sale. Double the fun, I say! HogFarmer is finicky about his toilet paper (TP). Who could blame him he said they used "sand paper" when he was in Iraq. So of course he was the first to complain, as always. But one by one each Kid started in too. For it to be a true experiment they were not told of the change in TP. I thought it wasn't bad but not great either, until I got sick. This episode has totally changed my mind, due to the fact I was thinking about using kleenex, tissues, whatever you want to call them instead of TP. So sorry cheaper brands of TP, we're going back to Charmin!

Danielle

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2009-07-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sure your waiting on the edge of seat to see what all happened down at the fair. It was magnificant! If you call days of rain, kids pushing buttons (that would be my buttons), pigs not cooperating, etc. lots of fun then that's what it was. It rained so much one day that I wore my mud boots for 13 hours. Yes, 13 hours of rain. I thought we were going to have to get the row boats out to go to the bathroom.

Kid #3 and several other kids were trying to keep the water out of the tent. HogFarmer proceeded to stop the 4 or 5 kids with very large scoop shovels from "bailing out" the tent and it's contents. Here is the conversation that led to the best laugh at fair:

"Mom, a guy's bringing us some mulch" said Kid #3.
"Sure just try to stay out of the rain." (Yeah right)

A few minutes later Kid #3 comes running in and tells one of his friends, "our load of mulch is here"!

Friend answers, "Don't do anything till I get there."

After being requested to inspect their progress, Kid #3 let's out a huge sigh. "Mom, it sure is hard work to save fair!"

I'm suprised he didn't look in the paper the next day to see if the headline read: Local Youth Save Fairgrounds.

I wish it was just that easy to save the world! Don't you? Makes you think if we think like them were might learn something.

Danielle

More from my mind

2009-07-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

I've noticed the big thing with blogs is "Wordless Wednesdays". What the (insert word)? The whole purpose of a blog is to tell people about things. If it's wordless why bother? I certainly could not survive one of those let alone every week. So don't expect any of those here.

I feel better after that rant. Sometimes you just have to let it out, hence the craziness of "Wordless Wednesdays".

It's been awhile since my latest up date on Mr. Garden. There are reasons behind this, I havn't done anything to it. Oops! But I have an excuse, we have been working with the pigs for the Fair. And yesterday was just another day down on the farm. HogFarmer was at work and Kid #1 was mowing, not sure where Kid #3 was and Kid #2 was working on his flower project. I look up and see a pig run out the barn do a 180 and go back in. It took me a second to realize what in the world was going on. He has escaped and me being the adult in charge (no laughing) I must fix it. Kid#2 and I go running to the barn and get Poppy into the pasture for the time being. I look into the pen to see how he got out and I see 2 pigs. Houston we have a problem! We have 6 pigs. Where in the world are the other ones? One day, the stupid pigs couldn't wait one more day and they would be at the Fair.

After playing detective and carpenter the the piggly wigglies were back in the pen with the pen fixed. What a day? And the fun has just begun! I think it will be easier to list today's upcoming activities:

Load up big truck with half the house and barn.
Take it to Fair and set it up in the small cubicle like space.
Set up the pens for the piggly wigglies.
Disagree with HogFarmer on several things. This happens quite a bit.
Get 6 pigs out of their home, thru the barn and into the trailer. Did I mention that they do not like to go up or down anything? See the trouble coming.
Get them out of the trailer and put them in two pens.

And that is just today. But picture if you will leaving home with your family of 6 who have all lived in the same room. Then go to a strange place with 100's of other piggly wigglies and put you in 2 rooms. Then every person in the county comes and watches you and you must take a shower every day to look good. Don't forget the haircut and did I mention all of the people staring at you!

Well, I must go argue I mean discuss things with hogFarmer and get ready to head to the Fair.

Danielle

My Mind

2009-07-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

I just saw the funniest thing on my way home!!!!!!

Close you eyes (now would be good).

You are stopped at a stop light near you local Target (love).

You look to your left and there is this crazy lady beside you. Yes, beyond help crazy! Obviously (I hope) she was listening to her favorite song and singing (I think that's what you call it). Now as you know I am singing challenged, but this chick was "bouncing". Bouncing! I thought I was going to PMP (pee my pants). I crossed my legs and headed home and here I am still thinking about this "bouncing lady". I didn't have time to see if she had anyone in the back seat, since I was hurrying to the potty. I can just see the faces on her kids.

Lesson for the day: Mom's please remember there really are windows in the van and if they aren't too dirty other people can see in them.

Danielle

What we do for our kids?

2009-07-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Being a mom is one of the worst oops I mean best things to be. This week I have been helping my procrastinating oops again wonderful children finish up their 4H projects. We do this every year and you would think we would know by now. But we haven't quite figured it out yet. Maybe next year. Kid #1 gets his Lego project finished with no problem, except a little "you better get that done now" from me. Kid #3 just needs help with what to do. And Kid #2 can never think of what to do and my ideas are never good enough. Now for you newbies to 4H each project must include a record sheet. I so far have only found one person who actually enjoys doing these. I would rather give birth again than to make them fill out these sheets. Here's an example of a recent discussion.

"Kid #2 you need to start filling out your record sheets."

Kid #2 answers, (in tears) "I hate to fill these out! Why do they hate us so much to make us do this?"

"It's the rules and you cannot turn in your project without it. That means you won't get your money for your project." What I really wanted to say was I know I hate to help you fill them out too. 4H please go electronic!

Needless to say the word money changes his attitude. And yes you get a "premium" when you turn in a completed project. Now we spend years teaching out children that money isn't everything, but here's some money for driving your parent's nuts and see you next year.

We will officially move in Saturday. And I do mean move in. No sleeping except in a lawn chair or on a "show box". But we will be there every day till next Saturday most of the time. Why do you ask? My boys' "show" pigs. In simple terms you practice walking your pigs for months before the fair and attempt to walk them around an arena. Now this sounds simple however you are in the arena with 5-10 other pigs. Sometimes it can be total chaos and other times the kids' are having fun. I will be keeping everyone update on our fair week.

Danielle

Grocery Store-itis

2009-07-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Do you have Grocery Store-itis? I do! This highly medical term is associated with humans who are passionate about visiting grocery stores. I am continually trying to find the best "deal" around, but I do not wish to visit every store available. I focus on three Kroger, Walgreen's, Target and an occasional Meijer trip. There is no cure or treatment for this affliction. And since I suffer from this disease I have decided to share with you some of my tricks.

Trick #1
LIST...Only go when you have a list. Here's what can go wrong without the trusty list. I would do all of my shopping and get home and would always forget things. I won't even mention that I always spent way more than I should have.

Trick #2
COUPONS...Today I went to Kroger and $275.96. Now before you choke on whatever you were drinking (mine is a good ole Coca Cola), this is for 5 people for 2 weeks. Now what I saved was $83.26 in Kroger savings and $45.84 in manufacturer's coupons. That's a total of $129.10.

Trick #3
GO ALONE...When I bring any of my family I tend to try and hurry. Why you may be thinking? The sooner I'm done the sooner the fighting ends. And that's not even bringing the kids just HogFarmer.

Each trip to the store I will continue to share more and more of my tricks.

Danielle

Mr. Garden/Weed Patch

2009-06-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Garden

Mr. Garden how I have neglected you and I really do feel ashamed. I'm trying to find time to do it all. I know I'm not the only one, but the guilt is getting to me. I have found that organizing coupons and searching the web for the best deals is truly time consuming. But Mr. Garden I will get to you very soon. Many blogs can be helpful and some post about every store in the country. As Mr. Garden can tell you I don't have time for that. What I can do is figure out the best deals for my Down on the Farmers.

Today's pick (insert drumroll please) http://www.queenoffree.blogspot.com/ (Applause!)

Her Royal Highness at Queen of Free will always be the top of my list. Why you ask? She inspired me in all of her free ways. Now I too can inspire others. Give me a break, I just hope to be able to help others "figure out" easier ways to every day tasks.

Danielle

The Legend of the ChickenLady

2009-06-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

For the past few years I've had a very, well no paying part-time job. The Director of Vacation Bible School title is only given to those who are crazy enough to do it. All kidding aside, the pay was worth every ounce of work. You see VBS directors are paid in hugs, smiles & giggles. Who could pass up this kind of job?

Everyone has been asking where the name "ChickenLady" came from. One year VBS was a farm theme and I have been known to get a little silly at times. And VBS brings out my extreme silliness. I consulted my favorite catalog, Oriental Trading Company and ordered one chicken hat and the legend was born.

Danielle

Patty Reed Designs FREE Paper Dolls

2009-06-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

With three boys down on the farm, we will not be using these. But I just couldn't help but post this for the rest of you. A great big thank you to Heather at Freebies 4 Mom.

Freebies 4 Mom: Patty Reed Designs FREE Paper Dolls#links

Mr. Garden

2009-06-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

I can't help but marvel at how these bloggers who have photos of their gardens and they are picture perfect. Give me a break people! Let's be realistic. Yes, I have weeds and proud of it. I have never seen a garden without weeds. Do these people go out make the garden look good and then snap the camera? If you don't believe me check it out for yourself. These are staged photos people.

Last night I had every intention of working in Mr. Garden. The key word here is intention. I so wanted Mr. Garden to look like these other bloggers gardens. Instead we, HogFarmer, myself and kids #1, 2 & 3 were chasing pigs for hours. Yes, hours! For those of you who are unfamiliar with showing pigs at the county fair. (That could be a great line in a country song. Could I get royalties if someone uses it?) Each kid takes their pig and walks it around the fenced in arena. The idea is to "show" the judge your pig and hope yours is the favorite. It's not too much different then training a dog. But try training 6 pigs who weigh three times as much as your dog.

Now I know what you're picturing in your head. Five people running around trying to pick up this little piggy whose all greasy just like on TV. This scenario would have been so much better. Imagine if you can five sweaty, stinky and grouchy people chasing pigs that are as tall as my thighs and not doing a very good job at it. At one point Kid #3 who weighs all of 51 1/2 lbs. (he continually reminds me of this very large number) was riding on of these soon to be pork chops. Kid #1 who at 15 years old knows everything about pigs since he went to one workshop over the summer at Purdue, was telling Kid #2 what to do. Kid #2 can roll his eyes with the best of them and he really showed him how to effectively do this by irritating Kid #1. After tears, yelling, running, falling and many bruises later all six pigs were back home and accounted for.

Sorry Mr. Garden I do not mean to neglect you. I intend to play with you tonight. Hopefully!

Danielle

In the Beginning

2009-06-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 So why not start by blogging about the heavens and earth.

Heaven is a place I want to be but not just yet. Today I'm thinking of my dear friend, Warren, who just happens to reside there. One year ago next week he will have been singing in the "Praise Band in the Sky" for one year. He was funny guy! Imagine Mr. Clean only not as buff, add a little Chris Tomlin and you got Warren.

One of my favorite "Warren moments" as we've become accustomed to calling them was the choir. I LOVE to sing! Did I mention I LOVE to sing! I sing all day long, in the car, at home, at work and especially at concerts. But singing is certainly not one of my talents. Every year we have announcements asking anyone interested to join the choir to come to their practice on such and such night. I come to practice sit down and Warren proceeds to order me out the the sanctuary. You see he knew that I make a joyful noise in God's ear, just not anyone else's.

The Earth. What more can you say? It's either your friend or foe and lately it's been my foe. Every year we plant a garden, let it grow, harvest it and enjoy it. I guess I should clarify some things. HogFarmer tills and plants the garden. The boys' and I do the rest. So to be honest sometimes it's way too much work to get to the enjoying part. But every year here I am doing it again.

I by no means am I an expert at gardening, I wouldn't even say I was an amateur, but I try. What that's saying is? If you don't succeed try, try, try, try, try, try again. This will be my 12th try at gardening. I can grow a mean tomato plant. But how difficult is it to buy, plant, watch it. I would probably say it is my specialty. Over the years we have tried to grow: green beans, carrots, watermelon, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, pumpkins, cantaloupe, radishes, cucumbers and peppers. Obviously this is where the earth part comes in. I had no idea the difference in dirt. Excuse me SOIL. I have been corrected by FFA Kid that "dirt is in a bucket and soil is what you plant in". Thank heavens I now know the difference between dirt and soil. I have been wrong for 35 years and no one bothered to tell me. So everyone out there has been given the correct terminology and won't make the same mistake I did. I was under the assumption that you plant it and it grows. The key word here is assumption. Wrong! Certain items grow better in certain soils. Who knew? I will be posting pictures of the garden in the next couple days. And maybe we can figure out together how to make a garden a little easier for you and this city girl at heart to grow.

Danielle