High praise, indeed! Thanks so much for saying that… it’s definitely my goal to offer new tips, but as I’m not a mind reader I can’t know for sure what’s new for most people! Feedback definitely helps!
OH here's a tip: buy garlic in bulk. Crush it with a garlic press. Freeze it. It doesn't freeze solid, so you can just separate out what you need. You barely get your hands dirty, you preserve it all, it's already prepped for each meal, costs far less. There's no downside.
Fresh garlic is best, since I got a garlic press it's been life changing. I agree about beverages, even if they are just $1 each (energy drinks), it racks up.
I'm very lucky to have a Costco very close to my home and it has a gas station too! I'm single but still find value in shopping there for some things. I only have to buy toilet paper a couple of times a year and try to take advantage of when it goes on sale. I get a flier once a month that let's me know what's going to be on sale. I buy good quality butter from grass fed cows when it goes on sale, canned tomatoes, Raos tomato sauce on sale. Watch for unadvertised specials in the meat department. I can stretch their $5 rotisserie chicken into multiple meals. Last week I used the breasts for chicken fried rice. I'm a sniper when I shop and just get what I need and get out. It's the impulse purchases that make people spend too much there.
Agreed, all the paper products I need are cheapest at Costco. Also, their laundry detergent, baby wipes, eggs, deli meat, bag of mini apples with the Disney theme, potstickers, and cheese, too. Their gas is the best!! I haven't used all of them personally, but they have an optometrist, mechanic, and floral (got my wedding flowers from them) departments as well. They are also a wonderfully affordable place to eat lunch. 🥰
Hey Hillary, just coming over from Money Mom. Dawn has always been so supportive to us so we always check out anyone she recommends. Great list. I’m with you on most of it. Of course, everyone decides what they feel is important to them. We buy sodas in bulk, but we love our fresh garlic and are willing to mince it ourselves. It’s all about balance. 😅
I'm so excited for the new Costco to open in Scarborough!! I'm so glad I found your channel! It's wonderful to find someone who lives in my state and isn't posting a lot of content that isn't relevant for me ( i.e the deals they found at Kroger or Aldi's). I follow a few other channels that are here in Maine and like them all very much, but I have to say that you are the most fun to watch!😊
Well thank you! That’s so kind! Though we don’t have an Aldi here in Maine (yet?) I know people who will drive to the Dover, NH Aldi from as far away as Westbrook for a monthly haul. The savings really can be worth it, depending on what you buy or if you can lump the trip in with another reason to be in southern NH.
I occasionally use fresh garlic for some dishes, but I otherwise agree about the jars of minced! So easy, no mess, not very expensive, especially if it helps me keep cooking at home. I've been using the jars for years. My best deal on them was when a local store carried some with labels in Spanish and they didn't sell...for some reason? I got the last few large jars on clearance for about $3!
@homegrownhillary Re: Garlic. Buy a bag of pre-peeled garlic at Costco. Come home and run it through your food processor until it is minced. I would do a couple of batches so that you have better consistency. If you have a small ice cream scoop with a release use that or a spoon works just fine. Put tablespoon size portions on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan and freeze. Then put the “garlic pucks” in a gallon freezer bag and return to the freezer. When you need minced garlic you have it waiting in the freezer.
You can get pre-peeled garlic at traditional grocery stores, too. It’s just cheaper for me at Costco. I don’t know if they still do it, but they used to give one-day memberships to people so that could try it before you buy it.
@@Homegrown_Hillary So glad this will work for you. As you know, freezing it will keep it from going rancid. I use a lot of garlic, and I really don’t like peeling and mincing - even with a really good peeler and garlic press. It’s so messy and labor intensive. I wish I could take credit for this brilliance, but I learned it on….wait for it…RUclips!
....yes but.......That garlic in the jar.....That won't keep the vampires away. I wouldn't be too quick to get rid of that white softball just yet. (not to mention the song is " ...a spoon full of sugar..." Mary Poppins signing about garlic in a jar......naaa)
🤣🤣🤣 Ahahaha guess I'll have to keep my wooden stakes and holy water around since I'm fresh out of fresh garlic. Can't have those vampires getting the babies! :P
I hear you on garlic.. I stopped cutting it awhile ago.. what I do is chop up a few heads and then freeze them in my small ice cube tray probably like a teaspoon or so and pop it into the freezer… game changer and I don’t have to chop garlic again!!!
Oh wow! How’s the taste compare with frozen garlic? One teaspoon portions is definitely the way to go though, since most recipes call for increments of 1tsp.
On the rare occasions when I buy deli meat at the counter, I say how much I want, like three dollars Boarshead ham…l usually buy it from Stop and Shop because I’ve found that some of the smaller supermarkets actually tell you how much you have to buy in order to sell the deli meat to me; ah, no, I don’t think so!
I buy heads of garlic because FL is too hot to grow it and fresh garlic has to rest 10mins to release the allicin (sp?) properties. Garlic tinctures are my goto FAVORITE antibiotic. So much healthier and more potent than prescription antibiotics. Saves a TON on antibiotics for us and the livestock. (Also a natural dewormer for animals) but has to be fresh. I used minced garlic for cooking. Another tip I learned years ago is to go buy a spice rack. Look at the box. Many offer free refills for 5yrs- just pay shipping. You can order as many as you want and the free refills come in little foil/mylar pouches that last forever. You can still make your own spice mixes. It has saved me hundreds on spices over the years.
Garlic - try confit or freezing chopped garlic. Processed is never better than straight up DIY. What's in the garlic to preserve it? I'm betting it's nothing your Grandma cooked with! That is more cinnamon than I use in a year! How do you use so much? I know it's good for you. I buy spices from Indian grocery store - fresh due to the fast turnover and way cheaper than regular grocery stores.
Cinnamon is our go-to spice! Oatmeal, most baked goods, many vegetables, "spicy" hot cocoa or mocha, etc etc. Great idea with the Indian grocery store! I bet they have killer deals on spices.
Funny story. So my beloved husband considers himself to be a bit of a coffee snob, and coffee making to be an enjoyable hobby more than anything. He likes experimenting with flavors and brewing methods and such. So we do buy whole beans of coffee, but we don’t lump it in with our food budget 😂 And more often than not, we don’t buy coffee beans at the grocery store, either!
@@Homegrown_Hillary that’s funny. We are basic Folgers drinkers here. I don’t like fancy flavors and only use half and half and a small amount of sugar in mine.
@@Homegrown_Hillary I have teen daughters that love hot tea and we’ve got a lot of different varieties. More than we need, but I found most of them on clearance.
Thank you! Yes, I know, it's my great weakness! Unfortunately, the fast talking has been a life-long struggle of mine. In the mean time, you can always go to "Settings," "Playback speed" and choose .75 or .5 to hear any video slowed down! :)
Money Mom sent me ..... Yes your a funny girl to watch if I could understand more of what your saying.. Sorry but this ole man can't keep up with how fast your talking here... I'll just stay with money mom.. I'm sure your saying important information but if I could just keep up with your vocabulary. 😊
No offense taken! I know my yammering is my greatest weakness :P Pro-tip though, if you're ever curious for my videos or any other: you can slow down the speed on a video by hitting the gear/settings button and changing "playback speed," if you didn't know!
I love that you have NEW tips and information we haven’t heard before!
High praise, indeed! Thanks so much for saying that… it’s definitely my goal to offer new tips, but as I’m not a mind reader I can’t know for sure what’s new for most people! Feedback definitely helps!
A third category: Those who live frugally by habit and want to learn new things.
That’s why I am here to lol
Money mom sent me. She is right, you are funny. You have a fun personality and I enjoyed your video.
Thank you so much!
She does have that charm. You get that feeling that lunch over there is going to not only be fun but taste great too!
You are so smart when it comes to the drinks.
It helps that the water tastes pretty good where I live!
You are so fun! I'm so glad I found your channel. 😊
Yay! Thank you!
OH here's a tip: buy garlic in bulk. Crush it with a garlic press. Freeze it. It doesn't freeze solid, so you can just separate out what you need. You barely get your hands dirty, you preserve it all, it's already prepped for each meal, costs far less. There's no downside.
Costco has great prices on some things, but not paper products. And don't forget you have to pay for membership.
You are such a sweet person. The Lord bless you and yours.
I’ve recently found your channel and I’ve binge watched pretty much all of your videos. They’re excellent!
Ahhhh thank you so much!
Fresh garlic is best, since I got a garlic press it's been life changing. I agree about beverages, even if they are just $1 each (energy drinks), it racks up.
My salad bar is $14/lb now 🥲
I use garlic powder.
Good call!
I totally agree about the minced garlic. Some people think it is terrible. But I use it in almost every dinner. Lol
I'm very lucky to have a Costco very close to my home and it has a gas station too! I'm single but still find value in shopping there for some things. I only have to buy toilet paper a couple of times a year and try to take advantage of when it goes on sale. I get a flier once a month that let's me know what's going to be on sale. I buy good quality butter from grass fed cows when it goes on sale, canned tomatoes, Raos tomato sauce on sale. Watch for unadvertised specials in the meat department. I can stretch their $5 rotisserie chicken into multiple meals. Last week I used the breasts for chicken fried rice. I'm a sniper when I shop and just get what I need and get out. It's the impulse purchases that make people spend too much there.
Good to know Costco has a flier with some sales! And yes, I've heard about their crazy $5 rotisserie chickens! :D
Agreed, all the paper products I need are cheapest at Costco. Also, their laundry detergent, baby wipes, eggs, deli meat, bag of mini apples with the Disney theme, potstickers, and cheese, too. Their gas is the best!! I haven't used all of them personally, but they have an optometrist, mechanic, and floral (got my wedding flowers from them) departments as well. They are also a wonderfully affordable place to eat lunch. 🥰
Hey Hillary, just coming over from Money Mom. Dawn has always been so supportive to us so we always check out anyone she recommends. Great list. I’m with you on most of it. Of course, everyone decides what they feel is important to them. We buy sodas in bulk, but we love our fresh garlic and are willing to mince it ourselves. It’s all about balance. 😅
100% agree. Balance is the key! (But I’m sure your fresh-chopped garlic tastes better!)
3rd Group: Looking for a lady that thinks frugal and resourceful like myself :D
I'm so excited for the new Costco to open in Scarborough!!
I'm so glad I found your channel! It's wonderful to find someone who lives in my state and isn't posting a lot of content that isn't relevant for me ( i.e the deals they found at Kroger or Aldi's).
I follow a few other channels that are here in Maine and like them all very much, but I have to say that you are the most fun to watch!😊
Well thank you! That’s so kind!
Though we don’t have an Aldi here in Maine (yet?) I know people who will drive to the Dover, NH Aldi from as far away as Westbrook for a monthly haul. The savings really can be worth it, depending on what you buy or if you can lump the trip in with another reason to be in southern NH.
I get cracked up because where we live door dash isn't even an option 😂 that makes me happy lol
third, I just like your videos!
Came over from money mom and couldn't help but laugh. We have the same Kitchenaid (it's the best color!)...same stove...same microwave lol
🤣🤣🤣 That’s hilarious! The kitchenaid was my favorite wedding present. Agreed! The best color!
@@Homegrown_Hillary ahhh! It was a wedding present for us too!
Money Mom sent me! I subscribed. Love ❤️ your personality.
Well thank you! 😊
I cut my celery and carrots and store it in a air tight container filled to the brim with water and found they last me up to 2 months.
Money Mom sent me and I really enjoyed your video. You are a delight.😊
Why thank you! 😊
I occasionally use fresh garlic for some dishes, but I otherwise agree about the jars of minced! So easy, no mess, not very expensive, especially if it helps me keep cooking at home. I've been using the jars for years. My best deal on them was when a local store carried some with labels in Spanish and they didn't sell...for some reason? I got the last few large jars on clearance for about $3!
What a good idea!
@homegrownhillary Re: Garlic. Buy a bag of pre-peeled garlic at Costco. Come home and run it through your food processor until it is minced. I would do a couple of batches so that you have better consistency. If you have a small ice cream scoop with a release use that or a spoon works just fine. Put tablespoon size portions on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan and freeze. Then put the “garlic pucks” in a gallon freezer bag and return to the freezer. When you need minced garlic you have it waiting in the freezer.
I don’t have a Costco membership, but this is actually brilliant.
You can get pre-peeled garlic at traditional grocery stores, too. It’s just cheaper for me at Costco. I don’t know if they still do it, but they used to give one-day memberships to people so that could try it before you buy it.
@@MTeelTeach yes!! I just saw it for the first time in a grocery store near me yesterday. I had no idea that existed. Thank you!
@@Homegrown_Hillary So glad this will work for you. As you know, freezing it will keep it from going rancid. I use a lot of garlic, and I really don’t like peeling and mincing - even with a really good peeler and garlic press. It’s so messy and labor intensive. I wish I could take credit for this brilliance, but I learned it on….wait for it…RUclips!
Wow this is a fun video! Well done!
Why thank you! 😊
Money mom sent me. Loved your video. You are such a delight to watch. Thank you.
Aww, thank you so much!
....yes but.......That garlic in the jar.....That won't keep the vampires away. I wouldn't be too quick to get rid of that white softball just yet.
(not to mention the song is " ...a spoon full of sugar..." Mary Poppins signing about garlic in a jar......naaa)
🤣🤣🤣 Ahahaha guess I'll have to keep my wooden stakes and holy water around since I'm fresh out of fresh garlic. Can't have those vampires getting the babies! :P
@@Homegrown_Hillary well...look at the bright side. Those wooden stakes have been great in the garden this year!
@@Dancing_Alone_wRentals Ha! I literally just pulled all mine out to put in the garden this morning. You’re so right!
Hello Hillary. I found out about your channel through Dawn (money mom). She said you were fun and she was right. Have a wonderful day.
That’s so kind! Thank you so much. You have a great day too. 😊
Money Mom sent me. Love your vids. You are funny and sweet.
Why thank you! Happy to have you along! 😊
I hear you on garlic.. I stopped cutting it awhile ago.. what I do is chop up a few heads and then freeze them in my small ice cube tray probably like a teaspoon or so and pop it into the freezer… game changer and I don’t have to chop garlic again!!!
Oh wow! How’s the taste compare with frozen garlic? One teaspoon portions is definitely the way to go though, since most recipes call for increments of 1tsp.
Guilty of still spending too much on drinks/convenience items..... garlic is one that the fresh does taste better, but the jarred is pretty decent.
Great video came over here from Money mom.😎
Third Category: Always looking for new ways to save money and free entertainment (you) !
On the rare occasions when I buy deli meat at the counter, I say how much I want, like three dollars Boarshead ham…l usually buy it from Stop and Shop because I’ve found that some of the smaller supermarkets actually tell you how much you have to buy in order to sell the deli meat to me; ah, no, I don’t think so!
Don’t fit the categories you mentioned, I just love expanding knowledge.
I buy heads of garlic because FL is too hot to grow it and fresh garlic has to rest 10mins to release the allicin (sp?) properties. Garlic tinctures are my goto FAVORITE antibiotic. So much healthier and more potent than prescription antibiotics. Saves a TON on antibiotics for us and the livestock. (Also a natural dewormer for animals) but has to be fresh. I used minced garlic for cooking. Another tip I learned years ago is to go buy a spice rack. Look at the box. Many offer free refills for 5yrs- just pay shipping. You can order as many as you want and the free refills come in little foil/mylar pouches that last forever. You can still make your own spice mixes. It has saved me hundreds on spices over the years.
That’s so cool! I had no idea there were free refills with some spice racks. Definitely sounds like a smart buy. 👍
Coming over from Money Mom.
Thank you!
Hi! Money Mom sent me! You're so right!
Garlic - try confit or freezing chopped garlic. Processed is never better than straight up DIY. What's in the garlic to preserve it? I'm betting it's nothing your Grandma cooked with! That is more cinnamon than I use in a year! How do you use so much? I know it's good for you. I buy spices from Indian grocery store - fresh due to the fast turnover and way cheaper than regular grocery stores.
Cinnamon is our go-to spice! Oatmeal, most baked goods, many vegetables, "spicy" hot cocoa or mocha, etc etc.
Great idea with the Indian grocery store! I bet they have killer deals on spices.
Cinnamon and vegetables!? That sounds like a video topic let alone all the other uses please! Cheers from Oz!@@Homegrown_Hillary
Money mom sent me. You are fun
Money Mom sent me. Great video!
Thank you so much! 😊
Dawn sent me
Here, because of Moneymom! :)
Beverage question??? Do you buy coffee or tea?
Funny story. So my beloved husband considers himself to be a bit of a coffee snob, and coffee making to be an enjoyable hobby more than anything. He likes experimenting with flavors and brewing methods and such. So we do buy whole beans of coffee, but we don’t lump it in with our food budget 😂 And more often than not, we don’t buy coffee beans at the grocery store, either!
@@Homegrown_Hillary that’s funny. We are basic Folgers drinkers here. I don’t like fancy flavors and only use half and half and a small amount of sugar in mine.
@@Homegrown_Hillary I have teen daughters that love hot tea and we’ve got a lot of different varieties. More than we need, but I found most of them on clearance.
Stopped over from Money Mom. 👍
Thanks for popping in!
Sensible, living with money, mom helped me find you!
Dawn set me
Hi, I love watching your videos but can I recommend that you speak a little slower please? When you get excited you talk very fast. Have a great day 😊
Thank you! Yes, I know, it's my great weakness! Unfortunately, the fast talking has been a life-long struggle of mine. In the mean time, you can always go to "Settings," "Playback speed" and choose .75 or .5 to hear any video slowed down! :)
New sub here. Money Mom sent me
Thanks for stopping by! Dawn is great 😊
I agree. Dawn is a wonderful lady
moneymom sent me 😊
Yay! Glad you popped over to say hi!
Mic up, it would be much easier to hear you.
I’m sorry you had a hard time hearing! I actually have a mic on (the little black dot on my collar).
@@Homegrown_Hillary oh, that's weird, maybe it's on my end, but usually I need to turn my volume down when i listen to videos.
Strange!
Money Mom sent me .....
Yes your a funny girl to watch if I could understand more of what your saying..
Sorry but this ole man can't keep up with how fast your talking here...
I'll just stay with money mom.. I'm sure your saying important information but if I could just keep up with your vocabulary. 😊
No offense taken! I know my yammering is my greatest weakness :P
Pro-tip though, if you're ever curious for my videos or any other: you can slow down the speed on a video by hitting the gear/settings button and changing "playback speed," if you didn't know!