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The Library => Haley Center Basement => Topic started by: Townhallsavoy on January 09, 2015, 12:34:06 PM
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I need to save a little more money each month, and I'd like to start with food.
Any tips on saving money at the grocery while still being somewhat healthy?
We're averaging $175/week at the grocery with a monthly $250 trip to Costco. Factor in going out to eat once a week, and we're well over $1000 a month in grocery bills. Then there's diapers, toiletries, and other necessities that pop up all the time.
I'd like to get this down to $750. Hopefully even lower. I'm not sure Costco is saving me that much money. I know when I go there, I buy a few things that are crazy cheap (2.99/lb chicken breasts, $25 spiral ham, $1.99/lb turkey breast) but I always grab a $15 block of Manchego or some $12 bottle of wine, which I think ends up ruining the savings I got from the meat.
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Buy generic and invest the difference in term insurance.
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I think you could save some money if you quit eating....
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I think you could save some money if you quit eating....
There is that.
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I need to save a little more money each month, and I'd like to start with food.
Any tips on saving money at the grocery while still being somewhat healthy?
We're averaging $175/week at the grocery with a monthly $250 trip to Costco. Factor in going out to eat once a week, and we're well over $1000 a month in grocery bills. Then there's diapers, toiletries, and other necessities that pop up all the time.
I'd like to get this down to $750. Hopefully even lower. I'm not sure Costco is saving me that much money. I know when I go there, I buy a few things that are crazy cheap (2.99/lb chicken breasts, $25 spiral ham, $1.99/lb turkey breast) but I always grab a $15 block of Manchego or some $12 bottle of wine, which I think ends up ruining the savings I got from the meat.
Not sure if you have Aldi where you are at but their stuff is a hell of a lot cheaper....course you have to bring your own bags to put your groceries in.
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I think you could save some money if you quit eating....
Like...thats not possible bro...
(http://images.tvrage.com/screencaps/14/2746/19200.jpg)
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I am terrible myself when I make a trip to Sam's Club alone. Hey, peanut butter, two big ass jars for $10! What a deal! Now, let me get this block of cheese for $15. Hey, there's an industrial sized box of chicken patties. $25, but it will last me until I'm 83!
The wife is not necessarily an "extreme" couponer, but she does use them a good bit. I am amazed sometimes when I go with her to Publix to see the subtotal before and after she gets her 20# binder of coupons out. Honestly, between the BOGO offers and additional coupons she gets from the Sunday paper and the little insert papers they send during the week, they almost pay us to take some of their crap.
***edit: Also, what the truck bed shitter said.
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I am terrible myself when I make a trip to Sam's Club alone. Hey, peanut butter, two big ass jars for $10! What a deal! Now, let me get this block of cheese for $15. Hey, there's an industrial sized box of chicken patties. $25, but it will last me until I'm 83!
The wife is not necessarily an "extreme" couponer, but she does use them a good bit. I am amazed sometimes when I go with her to Publix to see the subtotal before and after she gets her 20# binder of coupons out. Honestly, between the BOGO offers and additional coupons she gets from the Sunday paper and the little insert papers they send during the week, they almost pay us to take some of their crap.
***edit: Also, what the truck bed shitter said.
I'd say having the binder full in store qualifies as extreme. Prayers sent to you.
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After I had my first kid with the woman to which I'm currently married, we made it a point to budgeting better. I found that one of the best savers I found re: food was to totally stop going out to eat. Sometimes, it wasn't possible but for the most part, we did it for a long while.
Fell off that wagon but she still uses the coupons. Prob spends 10 bucks in gas to save a quarter a pound on organic chicken beaks now. I don't know. I'm so rich now that we can go to KFC on a weekly basis and I rarely even miss the money, so it's kind of hard for me to relate to regular wage earners.
But food is right up there with the health ins, and that's a damn big line item on the WT corp budget.
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Not sure if you have Aldi where you are at but their stuff is a hell of a lot cheaper....course you have to bring your own bags to put your groceries in.
We had them in B'ham. Not sure if there's any near Auburn. That's a good idea though.
I was saving money shopping at Mi Pueblo in Pelham, but the Mexican market here is really small. I plan on checking out the fisheries for shrimp and catfish and the meat market here, but the hours are really erratic. You almost need an informant to know when to go there and find them actually open.
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Not sure if you have Aldi where you are at but their stuff is a hell of a lot cheaper....course you have to bring your own bags to put your groceries in.
Was going to mention this.
THS, how big is your yard if you have one? If you have any space at all plant a 16x16 garden. Ours is no bigger than that. Last year we did one row of okra, one row of tomatoes/assorted peppers, one row of squash/zucchini and two rows of green beans. By mid August we were begging the neighbors to come pick the garden b/c we had enough canned and put in the freezer. Still eating on it and will be until somewhere around May.
If you can't do that, check around the area. Sometimes people will let you buy directly from their gardens before they take their stuff to the farmers market and mark up the price. The farmer markets around here are also cheaper than the grocery stores.
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Was going to mention this.
THS, how big is your yard if you have one? If you have any space at all plant a 16x16 garden. Ours is no bigger than that. Last year we did one row of okra, one row of tomatoes/assorted peppers, one row of squash/zucchini and two rows of green beans. By mid August we were begging the neighbors to come pick the garden b/c we had enough canned and put in the freezer. Still eating on it and will be until somewhere around May.
If you can't do that, check around the area. Sometimes people will let you buy directly from their gardens before they take their stuff to the farmers market and mark up the price. The farmer markets around here are also cheaper than the grocery stores.
It's funny you bring that up. I've been wanting to plant a garden soon. I have a huge backyard, but I also have about a dozen trees, some gigantic, that block the sun. I may have a spot though that would work near the side of the house. I'll watch it when we get another sunny day.
When do you start planting for the spring and summer seasons?
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It's funny you bring that up. I've been wanting to plant a garden soon. I have a huge backyard, but I also have about a dozen trees, some gigantic, that block the sun. I may have a spot though that would work near the side of the house. I'll watch it when we get another sunny day.
When do you start planting for the spring and summer seasons?
We wait until the first or second week of April. I would like to the last week of March, but I always worry about that last freeze of the year killing everything I have planted.
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We wait until the first or second week of April. I would like to the last week of March, but I always worry about that last freeze of the year killing everything I have planted.
This. We been doing ok with this, this last year. We have 4 egg layers too we bought during the summer.
Aldi is a good idea. Been in there a couple of times, well, the wife has anyway. Like Buzz, I do better off letting the wife go for groceries. She doesn't really do the coupon thing but she is pretty good about saving a buck. Publix and Win-Dixie we tend to stay away from because their sales are a joke and their prices are on the high side for a large purchase. We typically hit up Wal-Mart for all the non-perishables and Piggly Wiggly for the meats, produce, etc.
Another thing that we try to do is plan out several days to a week of meals. That doesn't always work but this way you go in with a list and a plan. This helps keep you from the extra bullshit ending up in the buggy and gets you in and out much quicker. Every store is setup in a way to distract you. Hell going through Winn Dixie is like a damn maze. They do this shit on purpose.
One last thing, go in with cash money. Its a little harder to let that green out of your hand than it is to swipe a card.
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The Purina Diet A friend of mine has a huge Labrador Retriever. It eats a lot, and we went to the store to buy a large bag of dog food. We were in line to check out and a woman behind him asked if he had a dog.
The "what a moron!" look on my buddy's face was priceless, and I knew what it meant: he was going to toy with her. He told her that no, he was starting The Purina Diet again although he probably shouldn't -- he said he had ended up in the hospital last time, but that he'd lost 50 pounds before he awakened in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of his orifices and IVs in both arms. He told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. He said that the food is nutritionally complete so he was going to try it again.
I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with his story, particularly a big tall guy who was behind the woman.
Horrified, she asked why he ended up in the hospital -- had the Purina made him sick? He told her no; he'd been sitting in the middle of the street licking his balls and a car hit him.
The woman turned fire-engine red, and I helped the tall guy up off the floor.
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:rimshot: Thanks, I'll be here all week
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Follow up based on what dj said. On average, Publix is higher than most. But...if you hit their BOGO deals with coupons, you can stock up big time on the non-perishable stuff normally. That's why I suggested the storage bin/shelf. We have two huge cabinets in teh garage full of paper goods, drinks, body wash, razors, etc. Then, do your weekly perishable shopping at Aldi or even Wally World, because their prices are that much better.
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I can go into Pube Licks for a pack of Juicy Fruit and come out of there $150.00 later. But God I love that place. There's just so much good stuff that wants to jump in my buggy.
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Follow up number deux.
Also, if you still get Christmas presents from family (especially the in-laws), instead of getting those nice black socks or that multi-colored tie every year, ask for restaurant gift cards. At least you can save some grocery money in January and possibly February to get the year started right.
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Follow up based on what dj said. On average, Publix is higher than most. But...if you hit their BOGO deals with coupons, you can stock up big time on the non-perishable stuff normally. That's why I suggested the storage bin/shelf. We have two huge cabinets in teh garage full of paper goods, drinks, body wash, razors, etc. Then, do your weekly perishable shopping at Aldi or even Wally World, because their prices are that much better.
Since, we live in close proximity, I must ask. Have you tried the Fresh Market place in Trussville? I haven't but am curious.
The loading up on those non-perishables is a good idea THS especially when the sales are on.
I can go into Pube Licks for a pack of Juicy Fruit and come out of there $150.00 later. But God I love that place. There's just so much good stuff that wants to jump in my buggy.
Publix does have some goodies. My kids are always fascinated with the live lobsters. Publix I think has the best fresh fish but again, they are proud of it.
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Since, we live in close proximity, I must ask. Have you tried the Fresh Market place in Trussville? I haven't but am curious.
The loading up on those non-perishables is a good idea THS especially when the sales are on.
Publix does have some goodies. My kids are always fascinated with the live lobsters. Publix I think has the best fresh fish but again, they are proud of it.
Fresh Markets are the bomb. Love those. Don't have one in Dothan but I've been to the one Monkeytown a bunch. Doubt you save anything there. A lot of specialty items. Usually have a huge selection of the hops and barley beverages.
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Since, we live in close proximity, I must ask. Have you tried the Fresh Market place in Trussville? I haven't but am curious.
Nope. We talked about checking it out sometime though.
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join a farm co-op...it should save you a few pennies + many of these dudes are organic or all natural. buy a 1/4 steer and a pig too. make your own hams and bacon. but if you eat a lot of bacon this will not last you long.
start hunting. deer, turkey and duck. perhaps a goose.
our company has a employee garden which helps too especially for winter squash and pumpkin.
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Fresh Markets are the bomb. Love those. Don't have one in Dothan but I've been to the one Monkeytown a bunch. Doubt you save anything there. A lot of specialty items. Usually have a huge selection of the hops and barley beverages.
Sounds like a splurge store then especially if you want to get your drink on.
Nope. We talked about checking it out sometime though.
May have to over the weekend just to see.
I thought of two other money saving ideas. One don't take your kids with you and two, don't go on an empty stomach. I have done both. It usually doesn't turn out good for savings.
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join a farm co-op...it should save you a few pennies + many of these dudes are organic or all natural. buy a 1/4 steer and a pig too. make your own hams and bacon. but if you eat a lot of bacon this will not last you long.
start hunting. deer, turkey and duck. perhaps a goose.
our company has a employee garden which helps too especially for winter squash and pumpkin.
I hear the pot growing out your way does pretty good too.
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Nope. We talked about checking it out sometime though.
Definitely worth a visit. I've been in two and both had big meat and seafood deli sections. I wouldn't look to save $$$ there but it'd be a great place for a change of pace and finding some things you won't normally find in regular grocery stores.
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Oh...and pot. Fresh Markets don't have pot.
Unless the bag boy is selling it out of his Volkswagon in the parking lot.
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It's funny you bring that up. I've been wanting to plant a garden soon. I have a huge backyard, but I also have about a dozen trees, some gigantic, that block the sun. I may have a spot though that would work near the side of the house. I'll watch it when we get another sunny day.
When do you start planting for the spring and summer seasons?
I have always felt around the 2nd week of April was a good time because that is about the time when you realize that your government has been fucking you and you are gonna need to save some money.
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join a farm co-op...it should save you a few pennies + many of these dudes are organic or all natural. buy a 1/4 steer and a pig too. make your own hams and bacon. but if you eat a lot of bacon this will not last you long.
start hunting. deer, turkey and duck. perhaps a goose.
our company has a employee garden which helps too especially for winter squash and pumpkin.
I've wanted to get into hunting, but it's really expensive to get started. I'd need a gun, hunting gear, license, deep freezer, ammunition, and whatever else is needed.
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Definitely worth a visit. I've been in two and both had big meat and seafood deli sections. I wouldn't look to save $$$ there but it'd be a great place for a change of pace and finding some things you won't normally find in regular grocery stores.
You like the big meat, don't you?
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I've wanted to get into hunting, but it's really expensive to get started. I'd need a gun, hunting gear, license, deep freezer, ammunition, and whatever else is needed.
There are a lot of processors in your area that also sell deer and pork meat especially in the Eufaula/Abbeville/Dothan area.
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There are a lot of processors in your area that also sell deer and pork meat especially in the Eufaula/Abbeville/Dothan area.
He ain't from around here.
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I've wanted to get into hunting, but it's really expensive to get started. I'd need a gun, hunting gear, license, deep freezer, ammunition, and whatever else is needed.
Not really. Just survival skills. I make my own bow and arrows but I mostly hunt deer with a buck knife. It's not easy, mind you. Belly crawling through swamps and thickets, shirtless and in a loincloth but it keeps it real.
You may also want to make a slingshot and go to a public park. You can pick off a plethora of squirrels and pigeons pretty easy while the old ladies and kids are feeding them. I also like to wait until they congregate all together and jump out of the bushes with a cast net and get a bunch of them at once.
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He ain't from around here.
He could go to Lake Eufaula and do some gator hunting on the dl just as long he doesn't carry his dog, unless of course THS doesn't like his dog.
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I've wanted to get into hunting, but it's really expensive to get started. I'd need a gun, hunting gear, license, deep freezer, ammunition, and whatever else is needed.
Common misconception.
Alls you really need is an old beater with no headlights or tags, some rope, a big knife and access to somebody else's freezer. Wait until midnight, then cruise the country roads, waiting for a big trophy to come running across the road. Bam. Dinner for a month.
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Dude, Townhall, you live in Auburn now right?
Go to the vet school. They sell meat for dirt cheap, due to their reseach/programs for the vet students and what not. Towards the end of my tenure at Auburn they sold their items almost free. We would occasionally eat like kings.
http://www.auburnvillager.com/news/article_7b18cb01-b800-5132-af39-553db1a4b637.html (http://www.auburnvillager.com/news/article_7b18cb01-b800-5132-af39-553db1a4b637.html)
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/facilities/meats/MeatLabHome.php (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/facilities/meats/MeatLabHome.php)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ag.auburn.edu%2Fansc%2Ffacilities%2Fmeats%2Fdocuments%2FPricingforRetail.pdf&ei=QlqwVP2cJMylgwSn8IKQDw&usg=AFQjCNFzA9xaAznQG3uJ1MJTO0IEWVGhrA&sig2=95SNOinTCjj94R55nBbIJg&bvm=bv.83339334,d.eXY&cad=rja (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ag.auburn.edu%2Fansc%2Ffacilities%2Fmeats%2Fdocuments%2FPricingforRetail.pdf&ei=QlqwVP2cJMylgwSn8IKQDw&usg=AFQjCNFzA9xaAznQG3uJ1MJTO0IEWVGhrA&sig2=95SNOinTCjj94R55nBbIJg&bvm=bv.83339334,d.eXY&cad=rja)
You are welcome.
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http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunny-Meadow-Extra-Large-Grade-A-Eggs-18-count/22115890 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunny-Meadow-Extra-Large-Grade-A-Eggs-18-count/22115890)
The Auburn Meat Lab has 30 Eggs for $3.76.
Wal-Mart has 18 Eggs for $3.18.
http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10253922&whse=BD_823&topnav=national&cat=98673&hierPath=96673 (http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10253922&whse=BD_823&topnav=national&cat=98673&hierPath=96673)*96696*96701*98673*&lang=en-US
Auburn Meat Lab, $3.89 per pound = $9.72 for a 10 pack.
Math.
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Stupid suggestion. But.
If you find the right kind of places? It's cheaper to eat out every night than buy damn groceries.
Milk, bread, sandwich meat, chips. Everything else comes from a restaurant.
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Stupid suggestion. But.
If you find the right kind of places? It's cheaper to eat out every night than buy damn groceries.
Milk, bread, sandwich meat, chips. Everything else comes from a restaurant.
Oh agreed. Especially in Auburn as a student. I could eat three meals a day every day for less than $10 easily if I used the coupons and specials and free food events that are offered. But it's that ole health thing in my 30-year-old old man body that I have to consider as well. Plus the wife and kid. I'm sure they want to eat something other than a soybean-beef patty on plain white bread with a bag of Lays.
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Dude, Townhall, you live in Auburn now right?
Go to the vet school. They sell meat for dirt cheap, due to their reseach/programs for the vet students and what not. Towards the end of my tenure at Auburn they sold their items almost free. We would occasionally eat like kings.
http://www.auburnvillager.com/news/article_7b18cb01-b800-5132-af39-553db1a4b637.html (http://www.auburnvillager.com/news/article_7b18cb01-b800-5132-af39-553db1a4b637.html)
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/facilities/meats/MeatLabHome.php (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/facilities/meats/MeatLabHome.php)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ag.auburn.edu%2Fansc%2Ffacilities%2Fmeats%2Fdocuments%2FPricingforRetail.pdf&ei=QlqwVP2cJMylgwSn8IKQDw&usg=AFQjCNFzA9xaAznQG3uJ1MJTO0IEWVGhrA&sig2=95SNOinTCjj94R55nBbIJg&bvm=bv.83339334,d.eXY&cad=rja (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ag.auburn.edu%2Fansc%2Ffacilities%2Fmeats%2Fdocuments%2FPricingforRetail.pdf&ei=QlqwVP2cJMylgwSn8IKQDw&usg=AFQjCNFzA9xaAznQG3uJ1MJTO0IEWVGhrA&sig2=95SNOinTCjj94R55nBbIJg&bvm=bv.83339334,d.eXY&cad=rja)
You are welcome.
Wow. Didn't realize the hours were that consistent. I think when I was an undergrad here, it was more of a "Open whenever they decide to open" kind of thing.
Definitely going there on Monday. Also, the fish market is open tomorrow morning. I'll be going there as well.
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join a farm co-op...
effing hippie
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If you have dogs: My wife just started making home made dog food. She buys day old meat or chicken from the wal-marks. Cooks its and uses filler like rice and vegatables to fill it out. We get about about two weeks worth of dog food for about $8.00. We use the above with dry food and they seem to really like it. The above cost is based on out two "small dogs"
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If you have dogs: My wife just started making home made dog food. She buys day old meat or chicken from the wal-marks. Cooks its and uses filler like rice and vegatables to fill it out. We get about about two weeks worth of dog food for about $8.00. We use the above with dry food and they seem to really like it. The above cost is based on out two "small dogs"
Or eat the dogs.
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If you have dogs: My wife just started making home made dog food. She buys day old meat or chicken from the wal-marks. Cooks its and uses filler like rice and vegatables to fill it out. We get about about two weeks worth of dog food for about $8.00. We use the above with dry food and they seem to really like it. The above cost is based on out two "small dogs"
And you can serve it to your in-laws too?
Another free tip for your dog(s): Jumbo's knuckles (Actually, that's more than just a tip)
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effing hippie
You are just now figuring that out.
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Or eat the dogs.
I find you can go right down to the human society ask which ones are up for the injection and you can usually get them for free. A medium size dog feeds a family of 3 for about a week. Stay away from the mange.
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I find you can go right down to the human society ask which ones are up for the injection and you can usually get them for free. A medium size dog feeds a family of 3 for about a week. Stay away from the mange.
Cheaper than Korean, and tastes about the same!
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I find you can go right down to the human society ask which ones are up for the injection and you can usually get them for free. A medium size dog feeds a family of 3 for about a week. Stay away from the mange.
I have looked far and wide at grocery stores for hot dog buns big enough for wiener dogs and have yet to find them. So, I bought a kit that I can bake my own buns. Often, we go to the bakery and just pick up day old bread and then call around to local pounds and humane society shelters for wiener dogs. Chihuahuas work well too.
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I have looked far and wide at grocery stores for hot dog buns big enough for wiener dogs and have yet to find them. So, I bought a kit that I can bake my own buns. Often, we go to the bakery and just pick up day old bread and then call around to local pounds and humane society shelters for wiener dogs. Chihuahuas work well too.
I find Chihuahua a bit boney.
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I'll just leave this here.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/secrets-for-shopping-at-publix-that-will-change-your-life?utm_term=.jgDMVZlBd#.eg4PL4yWjy (http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/secrets-for-shopping-at-publix-that-will-change-your-life?utm_term=.jgDMVZlBd#.eg4PL4yWjy)
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Cheaper than Korean, and tastes about the same!
Soy sauces fixes everything...
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I'll just leave this here.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/secrets-for-shopping-at-publix-that-will-change-your-life?utm_term=.jgDMVZlBd#.eg4PL4yWjy (http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/secrets-for-shopping-at-publix-that-will-change-your-life?utm_term=.jgDMVZlBd#.eg4PL4yWjy)
Scary part is that I already knew almost all of these. GH may be right.
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Scary part is that I already knew almost all of these. GH may be right.
Of course you did, after all it is your feed, right?