What to do With a Pound of Ground Meat (Minced)

 There are so many things that a person can do with a pound of ground beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken......  whatever kind of ground meat you have.  I know other places refer to ground beef as minced, that is why the reference is above.

There really is no limit to what you can make.

Many of us are living alone or just have 2 people at home now - and perhaps can get by with using just a half pound of meat in a recipe.  People actually eat a lot of meat and it isn't necessary to have so much.  Meat should be an ingredient in a recipe or a side like anything else.   Meat prices are going up, so we all need to learn to eat less and stretch it a little further.

Let's get started!

Chili or soups of all kinds (my favorite is hamburger/veggie soup)

Taco, burritos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, tostadas, nachos ......

Lasagna

Stuffed shells

Sloppy Joes

Goulash

Hamburger gravy over toast or biscuits

Burgers of all sizes - from sliders to 1/4 pounders!  Burgers can be made hundreds of ways

Patty melts

Shepherds pie

Meatballs of all types

Pot pies

Porcupines

Porcupines

1 lb. ground beef

1 can tomato soup

1 C uncooked instant rice

1/4 C minced onion

Garlic powder

Salt

1 tsp. prepared mustard

Make meat balls with meat, 1/4 can of soup, rice, onion and seasoning.  Brown until golden.  Pour remainder of the soup over meatballs with the mustard added in.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender.  THESE ARE SO GOOD

The above recipe is the simple version - you can add about anything you want and jazz it all up!

Stroganoff

Baked spaghetti - baked Ziti

Casseroles of any kind

Hamburger hash

Philly beef and cheese - add onion and peppers with Italian seasoning

Meatloaf - meat loaf in muffin tins - meatloaf burgers

Stuffed peppers, squash or eggplant

Pizza

Poor man Swiss steak

Stuffed cabbage

Calzones

Turn ground pork, turkey, chicken, etc. into sausage - add your own spices and seasonings

 

               Tostadas - bean and a little taco meat added - topped with veggies and cheese

                                          Salsa topped burger and veggies - YUMMO

There is just no end to what you can make.  Ground meat is so versatile.  Use a lot or a little.  I have gone to packaging up meat in 1/2 lb. packages now.  I can always use more than one pack if I need to. 

Think about precooking your ground meat to use in recipes.  That way you can pull out a pack and add to any recipe and be done in a jiffy.

Pre-form burger patties before freezing.  Place a piece of parchment or wax paper in between burgers to make them easy to take apart (if only needing one or two).

If freezing raw meat - place your measured amount in bags and mash it flat.  It makes it easy to stack in the freezer and it will thaw in no time.

You can get beef from very lean to fatty.  There are usually blends from 70/30 - 90/10.  I like to get 80/20 or 85/15 if I can.  I WANT some fat in mine!!!  Fat gives flavor!!!!!  I also like the consistency better.  Very lean is just too steak like for me - it always seems to be a heavier density.

It is all a personal preference.

Right now - ground beef is about the cheapest meat that can be purchased in MY area.  It is usually much cheaper than pork, turkey or chicken.  I am STILL paying 1.99/lb. - 2.29/lb. for my ground beef (on sale).  I get a bunch anytime it is on sale.  I am well supplied with MANY packages in the freezer.  I keep it on hand all the time - it is my most used meat.

Now you can purchase ground sirloin or angus and it will all cost a lot more!!  That is a sure thing!  I like just plain old ground beef - love the flavor and consistency.

Just remember - you can use ground meat in just about ANY recipe.  Experiment a little - and use less.  No need for a huge amount of meat - use as a normal ingredient.

Hope this gives you a few ideas.  I know there are a lot of things not mentioned.

You have any special ideas?  Please share!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 7/4

 Good morning all!  Happy Independence Day to all the American readers.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

We had some hot and humid days this past week.  It did finally cool a bit to the point of being able to open windows!!!!  That has been wonderful.  Heat is back on for a while again this coming week.  I know some of you have horribly hot days - I am so sorry.  I hope you are able to find some ways to stay cool.

Last night was pretty darn noisy around here.  I shouldn't complain because it was MUCH better than the past several years.  I am sure it will be noisy again tonight.  I am truly not a fan of fireworks.  They scare so many people and animals.

This past week was kind of quiet!

• Watered with rain barrel water when needed.  We did get rain again for a couple days - so things have stayed watered.  Barrels are full again. (Haven't used the hose to water yet this year!)
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry again
• Cut basil to dry
• Mowed and trimmed really well (on a cooler day)
• Trimmed the flower covered front walk again!!!  My those flowers go crazy
• Trimmed the bushes out back
• AC off Friday and Saturday both day and evening.  Windows open and house aired!
• Made up a gallon of OJ
• Eating at home and using what I have on hand
• No shopping
• Just doing all the basics

Meals this past week:

Burritos topped with salad

Loaded burgers

Leftover rice mixture fried with eggs added (kind of like quiche) & zucchini strips

Beef and cheese nachos

Rueben

Baked potato and salad

Mac n cheese w/sausage added and salad

How was your week?  Anything new or exciting happening?  Any deals?

My garden is growing like a weed!!  I have some zucchini that will be ready this week and maybe a couple peppers.  Tiny cucumbers and tomatoes hanging out there.  I am ready for some home grown produce!!!!

I look forward to hearing from everyone!  I hope you all have a fantastic and safe and healthy week.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 119:105

Make it - A Few Ideas

 Good morning.  As promised - today I will give a few easy recipes for odds and ends that we spend a lot of money on that can be made so cheaply at home.  Hope it gives you some ideas and helps save a bit.

ENJOY

EASY TACO SEASONING

2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp, onion powder

3/4 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. salt

dash of cayenne

INSTANT ONION SOUP MIX

3/4 C dry minced onion

4 tsp. onion powder

1/3 C beef flavored bouillon

1/4 tsp. crushed celery seed

14 tsp. sugar

Mix together and store in airtight container.  2 Tablespoons equal one packet of store bought onion soup mix

HOMEMADE GATORADE

1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid (any flavor)

1/2 C sugar or sweetener

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix and chill.  You can sub lemon or lime juice as well.

 

                          You can make your own zero Gatorade - using sweetener.  

HOMEMADE HERSHEY CHOCOLATE SYRUP

1 C cocoa powder

2 C sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C water

1Tsp. vanilla

Combine cocoa and sugar and blend well.  Add water and salt and mix well.  Heat over medium heat, bringing it to a boil.  Remove from heat once it boils.  When cool - stir in vanilla.  Refrigerate.

                                    Make your own and stay out of the coffee shop!!!

HOMEMADE OXICLEAN

1/2 C peroxide

1/2 C baking soda

1 C hot water

Can use to spot clean or add to regular wash as well.

HOMEMADE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1 C powdered milk

1/3 C water

2/3 C sugar

3 Tbsp. soft butter

Pulse all in a blender until sugar is dissolved.  

Never run out again!!!!!!

OUT OF SOMETHING - SUB

• Sour cream - Mix 1 C plain yogurt with 3 Tbsp. of melted butter
• Cream cheese - 1 c cottage cheese with 1/4 C butter.  Blend until smooth.  Ready to spread!
• Catsup - 1 C tomato sauce, 1/4 C brown sugar, 2 Tbsp.  cider vinegar
• Nuts in baking - substitute granola or rolled oats
• Catsup in meatloaf - use spaghetti or pizza sauce
• Honey - use equal measures of sugar and water mixed together
• Low on eggs for baking - sub 3 tsp. cooking oil for 1 egg

POWDERED LAUNDRY SOAP

1 C grated Fels Naptha - can use Ivory

1/2 C washing soda

1/2 C Borax

Mix and keep in closed container.  Use 1 Tbsp. per load (2 Tbsp. if heavily soiled)

FRENCH DRESSING

2/3 C catsup

1/4 C oil

1/4 C vinegar

1/2  tsp. salt

1 tsp. wet mustard

1 tsp. onion powder

Mix and refrigerate.  

CREAM OF - SOUP

2 C dry milk

2 1/2 C flour

1/4 C chicken bouillon

2 Tbsp. dried onion

1/2 tsp, thyme (optional)

1 tsp. basil (optional)

Mix together and keep in airtight container.  Similar to cream of chicken.

For casserole consistency - 1/2 C - 1 1/4 C cups of water to 1/2 C mix

For soup - double the water

Equivalent to 10 cans of soup!!!!!!!!!

There you be!  Just a few ideas - some edible and some not.

Hope this may save you some money or maybe just make a product that you know the ingredients of!  So many chemicals in things today - it is just nice to know what we eat.

Never run out - you can make your own!!!!~!~!~!~!~!

Make it - Don't Buy it!!!!

 There are so many things that we people buy at the store (I have been guilty) that can simply be made at home and for much less money.  When we make things at home - we not only save some money, but we know exactly what is in our food!!!!  That is huge.  No fillers, no chemicals, no ingredients you CAN'T pronounce!!!!!

People love the convenience and the stores take advantage of it.  They charge you a small fortune for basic and simple eating.  Take a few minutes and do your preparations and you too can have tasty and healthier foods at home.  I bet in most cases, we all have the ingredients on hand - we just don't want to spend the extra time!

A FEW IDEAS

• French fries - so easy.  Just peel (or not) and cut clean potatoes.  Season and go!  Can fry, bake or air fry - super easy and super tasty.
• Chicken nuggets - easy-peasy.  Cut you chicken into bite size pieces or even strips, coat with egg or buttermilk - coat with your favorite coating (flour, bread crumbs, cornmeal, etc.).  Fry, bake or air fry.   YUM
• Brown sugar - plain old sugar with molasses added.  Light to dark - depends on amount of molasses.
• Seasoning mixes - you can make just about any flavor combination that you can think off.  You can add salt or go salt free
• Shredded cheese - oh my goodness, DO IT yourself!!!!  When you buy already shredded cheese you are also consuming wood pulp and goodness knows what else - to prevent clumping.  Shred it as you need it

• Croutons - is simply dry and seasoned bread.  Use older bread (day old) and make up a bunch if you eat salads regularly.  Cut or tear bread - drizzle with a bit of oil or butter - add your seasoning and dry.  Can oven dry or dry in the microwave.  You can air dry easily if you didn't use oil.
• Drinks - tea and lemonade - super easy and tasty to make at home.  Of course there is water too - add a slice of lemon or a squirt of lemon juice to jazz it up for a fresh taste
• Lunches - whether eating at home or taking it to work.  Think about leftovers - use them.  Make simple items that are filling and easy.  Think about roll-ups - you can put absolutely anything in them and have a meal.  Soups or casseroles.  Sandwiches - there is no limit to having an inexpensive lunch

• Tartar sauce - super easy.  Mayo, relish and maybe a bit of lemon juice and horseradish (if you choose).  Make it as you need it.
• Hummus - super easy.  Chickpeas, a dab of oil  and flavorings of your choice.  Healthy and tasty - no need to keep dip on hand all the time.  Open a can of chickpeas and GO!
• Fancy coffees - stay out of the shops!!!!!!!  Make your own.  You may need to experiment a little - but it is so easy to make your own.  Saves a small fortune!!!!!!  Those fancy coffees are expensive.  There are recipes all over the internet for making your own

                                  You could make this chocolate or whatever flavor you want!

• Sweets and snacks - so easy and so much variety.  Make cookies, muffins, pies or cakes.  You can make super easy homemade ice cream or freezes.  Smoothies, homemade chips - fry, oven or air fry.  Have fresh fruit or fresh veggies with some hummus!  Popsicles (made with Kool-Aid or fruit juice).  Yogurt or frozen yogurt.  Pizza bites.  Dip, cheeseballs, spreads.  Ice cream sandwiches - use cookies and ice cream - so much variety!  Use your imagination.  SAVE $$$$
• Breakfast foods - make batches of pancakes or waffles and freeze.  Can heat in the toaster or microwave.  Breakfast burritos - add whatever you want.  Wrap and freeze.  Breakfast biscuits or bagels.  Add egg, sausage, ham, bacon, cheese or whatever you want.  These are easy to grab, heat and go!!!!!  So tasty, inexpensive and tastes much better than fast food.

                                LOVE this idea - bacon and pancakes all in one!  Grab and go.

We can save so much money by just doing things at home.  Stop going out to eat and going out for snacks.  Make your own.  You will be amazed at how much better homemade tastes than store bought.  

THURSDAY I will list a few quick and easy recipes for those "make it instead of buy it" ideas.  Mixes, soups and drinks, misc.

                      *******************  NOTICE TO ALL:********************

On a different note - here is a heads up.  Blogger and Google  are changing things up again.  UGH!  We all know I hate change.  I will show you  the notice I got.  For those of you who get EMAIL notices of the blog - not sure - but those may stop for a bit.  My notice (when expanded) says I may not have to do anything - but who knows!!!!  If you stop getting notices for a bit - please remember I post EVERY Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - so check another way!!!!  I literally haven't figured out how to fix this - their directions are as clear as mud!  

PLEASE let me know if email notices STOP as of July - so I can try to figure this out.  Hopefully all just goes on as normal!!!!!!!

Click on picture to enlarge for better reading.  If you have done this - let me know how you did it!!!!!

Hopefully all just keeps going like it is. Fingers crossed!!!!

Have a great day - see you tomorrow.  Stay cool and safe my friends!!!!

Dehydrating - Making Powders

Dehydrating - it really is easy!!!  Most people think about herbs and things like onion - but you can dehydrate about anything.  There are many types of dehydrators out there - from non-expensive models to super expensive.  You can also use your oven (lowest temp), air,  or sun.  Many, many ways to do it.  I have a very inexpensive dehydrator I got  a few years ago and it works fine.  No timer (except me checking!).  It does what I need it to do.  I have also used the air method (hanging herbs) and the oven.

 I love making powders of all sorts.  They are fantastic for seasoning and flavoring things.  I have done a lot of items that people just don't think about.  It really is fun to experiment.

TIP - if things dry small and fall through racks - think about using parchment cut to size of your racks.  I do this for many, many things.  Center is open - but racks are covered!!!

• You can dehydrate frozen veggies and fruit you buy.  It is shelf stable and frees up space in the freezer (could powder - but just mentioning you can dehydrate these)
• I dehydrate mushrooms when I find a super deal.  They are great in any dish or I can re-hydrate in no time and just sautee'  I do powder some of them as well - to add to homemade cream of mushroom soup jar recipes
• You might want to 'measure' as you dehydrate - as things drastically shrink!!!!!!  I place a slice zucchini per rack and then when done - I bag ONE zucchini.  A whole stalk of celery measures out to about 1/2 of a half pint when dry!!!!  Know your measures, so you don't add too much to a recipe.  *** Just basic dehydrating fact you should remember!
• My first powder I ever made was tomato powder from scraps and skins of tomatoes that I was canning - thus using everything.  It adds great flavor and color to soups and other dishes.  

Dehydrated items should be jarred or vacuum sealed to keep moisture out. You can also (should) add absorbers of some sort.  Desiccant packs, silica packs, dry grains of rice or arrowroot powder (about a teaspoon to a pint jar - mixed in).  I keep the little desiccant packs that come in vitamins and re-use them. SO far so good.  Above is a pint jar with pouring spout.  That is the top of a salt container cut to fit.  RECYCLE!  You can also use old spice jars, and don't forget to save those lids from parmesan cheese jars.  Many lids fit your canning jars - like peanut butter, mayo, etc.  

IDEAS for powders

• Fruit - powders are great to use in smoothies.  Also add for extra flavor to Jello and puddings.  Fruit dip is wonderful - add to sour cream or cream cheese.  Top you yogurt or oatmeal with fruit powder and get extra vitamins
• Home canned pickles that have gone soggy (not crisp).  Pat dry and then dehydrate.  Great for making dips and adding to salads and salad dressings
• If doing garlic or onions - it is advisable to set your dehydrator outside (under cover, so it doesn't get wet).  Those items are very aromatic!!!!!!!!
• Dry herbs, onion, garlic, celery, tomatoes, etc. to make your own seasonings.  I love homemade seasonings.  I make up my own mixes.  Sometimes I add salt - other times not.  There is no right or wrong mix - GET CREATIVE
• Peppers, squash, celery  broccoli leaves and scraps, cabbage leaves, asparagus ends....... can all be dried and powdered.  Add to soups, casseroles or any where you want to secretly add veggies!!!!
• If you grow okra - you know they can get big and woody over night!  Don't throw those out.  Dry and grind and use for a thickening agent in soups and stews!!!  It is natural, has vitamins, doesn't really add any taste and NO it isn't slimy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Dried fruit makes great snack for kids and adults alike.  It lasts and it gives great vitamins.  Many kids like dried fruit over fresh.  You can also dehydrate fruit leathers!!!!!!

Dried tomato skins (these were done in oven on lowest temp).  Cool and grind - I have coffee grinders that get used for this (found them for $1 at yard sales).  Jar up and ready to use!  So much flavor added to things

I love drying tomatoes, peppers, celery, mushrooms and SCRAPS!!!!!  Scraps from ends of broccoli, cabbage, peppers bits, asparagus ends, apple skins, peach skins (after fuzz washed off)........ you name it!

I use in soups and recipes.  I make lots of dips and spreads.  Great to add to cheese balls. So many uses.

Don't waste what can be used in another way!  Groceries are expensive.  Seasonings are expensive.  Vitamins are expensive.  Add you own and make your own from what nature gives us.

Waste NOT and want NOT!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Well, here we are again at the end of another month - we are now half way through this year.   Times sure does fly by quickly.  It will be Christmas before you know it!

My friends from the west coast got to come for one more visit before heading on their journey.  It was so nice.  Bless their hearts, they brought all the goodies to make a spaghetti dinner, green beans, Texas toast and dessert to the house.  I threw together a salad.  We just sat and visited here in the comfort of the house and ate and talked.  They got a "tour" of the yard!  LOL

It sure was nice to have this opportunity to get together again.  I hope it happens again someday!  I miss you guys already!!!!!

We had some nice temperatures for a few days then it decided to get all hot and juicy again!!  My, the air is thick.  We have had rain off and on.  Some northern areas of the state had tornadoes this week.  At least with clouds and windy conditions it has been bearable here.

My plants are really growing.  I have lots of blooms, baby zucchini and cukes and peppers - it is starting!!!!!

                                                      Baby zucchini and lots of buds

                           Looking UP from under the grape arbor.  LOT's of grapes hanging!

My week:

• Mowed and trimmed a little
• Raked leaves 2X - yep - that darned old tulip tree!  At least we had so much wind yesterday that the latest bunch of leaves are all kind of blown together in one spot!!
• Stayed away from the grocery and  all other stores (been home all week)
• Been doing some de-cluttering again.  I have 2 boxes ready to go.  I will continue to work on this for a bigger donation
• Using up all leftovers in new ways (had a lot of spaghetti left - used in 2 meals and froze balance)
• Used rain barrels when I needed to water
• Laundry - used portable dehumidifier water in a load
• Worked on getting the tomatoes contained in cages and tied (they have grown tremendously this week)
• Got to air house for about 3 days - no AC
• Drinking tea, water and fruit flavored Soda Stream water
• Working on rearranging and cleaning the over stock area of pantry.  (I have a lot more canned meat than I thought!)  It is coming along.  More work to do - that whole room needs a make-over!!
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do
• Watched a few You Tube videos this week for diversion!  LOL

Meals this week:

Salsa/cheese goulash

Fried chicken (leftover) and salad

Spaghetti, green beans, toast, salad and dessert (with friends)

Leftover spaghetti (with cheese) and salad and toast

Smoked sausage on hotdog buns and green beans

Chicken/veggie stir fry with spaghetti noodles (kind of like Lo-mein)

Dirty rice with meat and beans added and side of fresh veggies

Finished up watermelon I bought last week - IT WAS GREAT!! (I got lucky)

How was your week?  Any deals or values?  How are those gardens coming along?

Are you managing to stay cool?  Some areas are really getting extreme heat.  I feel so sorry for them.  Keep yourselves hydrated, eat popsicles, frozen grapes, ice chips and cool meals.  

If you are in those extreme heat areas - please take a moment to check on elderly or handicapped neighbors.

I hope you have a safe and healthy week.  Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.  God bless and comfort you.

                                                    God hears you wherever you are!

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Refresher #2 - More Saving on Things we Can

 More ideas on things we can take control of and save a little of our hard to come by funds.  Whether you are employed or retired - you want your money to stretch as far as possible.  There is absolutely no sense in wasting things or money.  We all need to be the best stewards of what we have - and be the best we can be!!!!!

• Keep track of where your funds go.  Pay attention to bills and frivolous spending.  A notebook and pen will work - just keep track for a while and you may be amazed at how much you waste
• Unplug appliances that are not being used.  I never leave small appliances plugged in - I guess that comes from the many stories I have heard over the years of sudden fires.  It may not save a ton of money on electric - but it all adds up.  If it saves you from a fire - well that could be a savings of life!
• Stop using so many paper products.  Use rags for cleaning.  Use cloth napkins instead of paper.  Only use paper plates when having outdoor meals.  Paper costs a lot and then you just throw it away!
• Turn off lights when not using or not in a room.  It all adds up
• DECLUTTER - how does that save?  Well, you can sell your stuff and make extra money.  OR you can donate and get a receipt for taxes.  OR you can give away stuff - just having less clutter makes for a calmer home - this a calmer you!  That can be worth a lot!!!
• Make your own cleaners or use natural products.  I mainly use alcohol, peroxide, vinegar, (not all at once) and baking soda and of course HOT WATER.  Keep it natural.  Soak your citrus peels in vinegar to make a great citrus cleaner.  Not only does it save - it is better for the earth

• Make your own bread crumbs.  Stale bread/crackers/chips - use them all.  You can grind up stuffing type bread and make your own.  I never buy bread crumbs any more.  I use what I have.  Can mix in corn meal or flour as well when breading items
• Line dry laundry when possible.  I know not everyone can hang clothes outdoors (not allowed).  You can hang up in the basement over a tub or on a rack.  Hang in the garage.  IF there is a will there is a way!  Dryers use a lot of energy
• Make extra meals to freeze for another day.  Leftovers? Or just cook ahead.  There will always be a day that you don't feel like cooking - so resist temptation of eating out by having meals frozen ahead.  It can be as simple as soup or casseroles - precooked meat - you name it.
• Contact companies whether you love or hate their products.  You may get free product or coupons if you LOVE something.  You could possibly get a replacement or a refund if you HATE something.  It is worth a try.  Most products have a phone number or email listed on the package
• Keep nice jars (from store bought stuff) to use for dry storage.  Many items last a lot longer is stored in glass - it prevents moisture and buggers!
• Water things down.  Use less.  You can water just about anything down and it will still be effective or taste good.  I always add an extra can of water to frozen OJ.  I water all soap products down - shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, body wash, etc.  No one need all that detergent to clean something.
• Keep up on vehicle maintenance.  A good running vehicle is a cheaper vehicle.  Maintenance is very important.
• Take care of yourself - good HEALTH saves a fortune!!!!!!  Eating right and taking vitamins and herbs is a lot cheaper than tons of doctor visits and hospital stays!!
• Grow and dry your own herbs.  Use them for seasoning or for teas
• Keep old clothes for rags or for remaking into something new.  Remake into a new clothing item, craft items, quilts, etc.  
• Check around on pricing.  Call your utilities like cable and internet or cell phone call your insurance companies to see if you can get a lower rate.  All the can say is no - but they may say YES
• Learn to make your own seasoning mixes - they are so easy to do and no extra chemicals.  You can make to reflect your tastes.
• Take care of your home and do maintenance when necessary.  If you take care of things - hopefully you won't have a major expense down the road.  Maintenance is so important in ALL areas of our lives!!!!!!!!!!!
• Think about alternative places to shop.  There are lots of places that sell groceries now.  Grocery stores, ethnic stores and even home improvement stores!  Yep they literally do sell anything from soup to nuts and bolts!  Goodness, if you have a place like Menard's near you - they often have the greatest deals on grocery items.  They also have good deals on t-shirts, hats, socks, gloves, etc.  great deals on animal/critter feed.  Look at Big Lots/Odd Lots, Ollies, discount groceries, Amish stores, The Christmas Tree Shoppe, Rural King or other farm stores, bulk stores............................many, many choices.
• Have an extended pantry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Seriously, this is probably one of the most important money savers.  Buy cheap, sales, clearance and stock-up.  Buying at a cheaper price now is truly 100% money in the bank!!!!  WHY pay more when you can spend less now and be prepared for anything that comes your way?
• Keep cash on hand at home.  You never know what may happen in this old world - so always be prepared with cash on hand.  At least you are able to maybe make purchases or you can barter or buy second hand.  Keep it - hide it -  and be prepared.

I know most of these things just sound like common sense - but little things DO add up.  Get creative and RETHINK everything.  

There are just so many things we can do to save our dollars.  As prices go up on may things - we need to be more vigil on how we spend.   No one thing will probably save you a fortune - but small changes can end up making us all save more.

I am not trying to say you need to have a huge amount of money in the bank - I mean you do have a life to live.  BUT you need a good emergency fund, you need to be prepared for losses in life that can affect income and you need to save in one area so that maybe you can enjoy a little more in another area.

Live your life and enjoy - just be SMART!  

Be prepared for whatever may come your way.  You never know what can happen in a flash.