I love how I'm seeing so many of our people making smart decisions and living within their means and being healthy and productive. What a time to be alive!
Eating healthy is the cheapest. It's all lies when they say eating healthy is expensive just so they can get you to keep eating their meat and other unhealthy foods. Only expensive if you get all organic
Your level of self control is amazing. You inspired me to set a strict budget of $75/week for our family of 7. It has been an adjustment but definitely worth it.
Taronda Wills what are your meals. Hey i buy a banquet sausage pack and heat a few sec in microwave and cut it up fine in little pieces and put cooked diced potatoes in a casserole dish top with onion the sausage eggs and cheese and bake it 45 min on 350. It feeds armies
Hahahahaha I love how when you're grocery shopping you talk about the food like you're in a clothing store admiring outfits! HA! I love you! You are totally into your food. Love your personality and attitude. You're very inspiring. :-)
I never thought about it like that but you are right now that I think how my favorite style bloggers talk about clothes. It will be the same t-shirt and jeans in every photo but they’ll be like oh but the quality and cut of this is so good. I want this top but it not really what I’m looking for lol. 😂😂😂😂🤣😂 Thank you for pointing this out!
Looking at your empty fridge gave me anxiety. But that teaches me something about my feelings about food since it's actually a good thing (preventing food waste). Glad you're feeling better. I hate to see you walk out without getting things you're hungry for (especially after being ill), but inspired by your dedication to eat healthy + within your means. Thanks for sharing. It's wonderful that you love greens! Some of us have to sort of force ourselves to eat healthy foods...
Me too. I'm kind of into emergency preparedness so I'd love to see her have a little box in the closet with a few shelf stable items she could eat in case of some type of emergency.
It worries me, also, that she has no supplies aside just in case. I keep a rotating supply of soups, tuna, canned fruits and veggies, and beans and basically have a full pantry of dry and canned goods should I not be able to get fresh for whatever reason.
It's amazing how creative you become when you have a limited budget for food. I think I'm an expert when it comes to one pan meals, such as stir Frys and one pot recipes. Ground turkey, brown rice, frozen mixed veggies and chopped onion with soy sauce, garlic power, a little crushed red pepper,and black pepper makes a meal for a couple of days. I thank my God and dig in. It's good eating!
This is very useful. You are helping me with how to shop differently. Thanks for taking us along the journey with you. Im going to Whole Foods and get alot of these items.
I would eat that spinach in one salad. I don't know how ya do it! I spend about $50 a week. But after watching this vid and seeing your empty pantry and fridge, I have realized that I buy a lot of unnecessary food. I could probably live off of what's in my pantry, fridge, and freezer for about a month - no exaggeration! I'm going to be way more mindful about how I shop after this vid!
Gaylin Fitz this is the biggest challenge. It really makes you get creative. Some nights dinner might be whatever you have in your fridge/cabinets..rice & beans and maybe some veggies towards the end of the week/month. Realizing that not every dinner or lunch has to be extravagant is an adjustment but it is worth it!
Girl if I was there I’d buy you a pepper! lol I’m a bad influence I was like buy the peppers you deserve it. I really respect your sticking with the list.
Thank you for this. My monthly food budget is 30$ (legally blind, you dont get much from ssi if your on your own) and i was getting so tired of toast and ramen. Your empty fridge looks like mine 99% of the time. You are awesome!
PuppyPaws there are ways you maybe able to change it. I know a legally blind eBay seller that makes great money. When there is a will, there is a way. I’m sending you prayers.
Extra-Corny Cornbread Muffins Servings: Ingredients Nonstick vegetable oil spray 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1¼ cups cornmeal ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar 2½ tsp. baking powder ¾ tsp. baking soda 2¼ tsp. kosher salt 1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 cobs), divided 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk ¾ cup sour cream ⅔ cup milk ½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, cooled Flaky sea salt Steps Preheat oven to 400°. Generously coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 1½ cups corn. Lightly whisk eggs and egg yolk in a medium bowl, then whisk in sour cream, milk, and butter. Create a well in the center of dry ingredients. Pour egg mixture into well and stir with a wooden spoon until batter is just combined. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Top with remaining ½ cup corn, then sprinkle with sea salt. Bake muffins, rotating pan halfway through, until tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and eat while warm or let cool completely.
I seriously love watching these videos! It seems like no one in my social circle lives frugally, so it’s really helpful watching these and knowing I’m not alone in my financial goals.
Love your hair cut! Suits you so so well. And it is great to see a woman, especially if I may a black woman, just at ease with her hair and no coloring, flattening, curling, or false hair. You look very well and dymanic! Great job!
Grocery hauls are my fav! 🙌 that top is gorge on you, miss. 😘 Also, in regards to your dairy comment: how long without dairy did you notice your skin improve? Your skin is FLAWLESS! 😍
Your videos are inspiring. My pantry is stuffed to the gills with non-perishables but I am working on a system of keeping it organized and consuming it in a timely manner while still maintaining my food security blanket. My fridge is a disaster and a disgrace but I see now how I can work on that! I hope you will be feeling much better soon. You are such a lovely person to share all this with us!
Girl! I’m not one to comment, but I just came across your channel and I’m so grateful for it and your journey already, as it is already motivating me to stay strong and make my budget work! Currently marathoning through your videos lol. Please keep it up! So so so much goodness in here, God bless you!!
Thanks Stacey for the great skin tip about substituting coconut soup base for half and half! I am excited to try this one :D Hello gorgeous skin!!! I also love that you walked to the stores! It's exercise, environmentally friendly, and totally free! You go girl :D
I’m not a huge kale person but seeing you eat that salad is making me want some kale stat!! haha 😂 way to stretch that dollar! That produce looked so fresh and delicious let us know if that stores’ produce hits the mark or not :)
Hey Stacey, I love love your videos. Noticing you eyeing off all the fresh produce. What is your situation regarding growing your own leafy greens etc like spinach, herbs etc. Certainly a way to save some money and get extra fresh veges.
Chris Mapstone you can regrow celery and romaine lettuce from the butt ends put ends in an inch of water for about a week (change watrr daily) they will begin to grow out the top then transfer to a pail or tray of soil in a window sill
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way you shop and budget!!!! I have really been working on myself to do the same. Keep doing what you do sister. You are helping and inspiring so many of us. God bless you.
Hi! I’m a new subscriber. Haven’t even seen this whole video yet but you are so inspiring! I’m trying so hard to save money and I have zero debt. Your self control is incredible. I aspire to live like you.
I've been binging your videos, and I've gotten so many helpful tips from you. Thanks for sharing your journey to debt freedom Also, you have some major restraint, because when I saw that pepper, I would've had to have it, I love colorful foods!😊 🕊💜💡
I have a restricted grocery budget for no reason other than budgeting = good financial management. Since I have been budgeting groceries, I LOVE grocery shopping so much more and I get SO excited by beautiful produce - just like you. I appreciate the food so much.
Your discipline and self control are amazing. It's fun to watch you knowing you have a goal and you're planning and sacrificing to reach it. Best of luck❤
Youre so strong and determined! Whole foods makes you wanna die sometimes because their food looks so good but you know its too expensive and you can feed yourself on cheaper. Its so hard for me not to splurge though, you do such a great job for your goal and its awesome
You inspire me and put me to shame. I’m having trouble sticking to a $50 a week budget. But with working three jobs, I’m doing too much convenience items. I’m also becoming angry at what I’m missing out on. 😖 Gotta do better.
You are a delight to watch and to listen to. I am definitely s new follower. Your honesty, your comittment, and attention to your detailed ‘plan’ has me wanting to Share your RUclips channel with my community. This video was ‘great’!!! Thank you.
I truly admire your self discipline and your no nonsense approach to everything you do. I want to share my " Rule of Thumb" when grocery shopping. NEVER EVER go grocery shopping on an empty stomach or even the least bit hungry. Lol. Sticking to my list is soooo difficult if i go shopping hungry lol. Oh btw, the kale was beautiful. I buy it for my birds but i am limited on how much leafy greens i can eat. Im on coumadin( blood thinner) and vitamin K is bad if on blood thinner. You did great on your shopping trip. You should write a book, title " Living Frugal" Thank u for sharing and being such a positive influence on others. ❤️
I’m so happy I found your vlogs! I’ve been living off of a $25/week food budget for 2 ppl for the past several months bcz I’ve HAD to but I’ve actually learned that I don’t have to spend as much on food like I thought. I was spending upwards of $600 per month on food. Thanks for the inspiring vids!
sorry you were sick, hope your feeling better, good shopping skills, corn chowder, pea soup, make several meals with them to use up your frozen stuff,hope you have a great weekend and stay well my friend
You make me want to eat beans and greens, but I can't digest them as I lost my colon to cancer. I love how disciplined you are- I would have bought that red/yellow pepper lol.
I recommend taking baby steps. My food budget is very conservative but it's pack with my favorite foods and foods that make me feel like a superhero. So I recommend starting by figuring out what foods your body loves, adding them to your grocery haul, and reducing foods that are not good for your body. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
You are so inspiring. I have been trying to figure out how to survive on around the similar amount of money, and have encouraged me so much to further budget my money. I think God has bought me to your channel for a reason. 🙏🏾💜
Everything changes when you budget. 1. you'll be able to truly tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. 2. you will be able to finally see how much more money you need to earn to live the life you need, then want, and finally, live the life you dream.
I'm so glad that I came across your channel. I think you look super healthy, fit and young even though only 50$ a month is spent and a lot of the meals are what I would normally eat as well. I always like to eat oats, and beans and rice with vegetables.
I love how much you appreciate great produce even when you're on a budget! I was watching your video with my boyfriend and he said you should try having a small indoor garden if possible!
Hi Stacey, i love your channel! I have a question. Do you shop at Aldi, to help stretch your budget? Its inexpensive and they've come a long way with organic and fresh produce and food items.
I have a meal suggestion that will help you use up some of what you have: black bean chili. Chop up some onion, celery and carrots saute with garlic. Add a 99 cent 1 oz cellophane bag of dried ground chile powder, I suggest Chile California or Guajillo if you like mild heat. Add a dash of your liquid smoke and some cumin. Then a can of organic petite diced tomatoes (cheaper than fresh at Walmart). Add your black beans and chopped greens, then simmer. Stir in a handful of the frozen corn. Serve with a scoop of that brown rice, made with your veggie stock and a handful of peas. It makes enough to eat several meals. Super nutritious!
Girl your skin is glowing! And thank you for making me more aware of healthy and cheap eating :). When you mentioned the celery tip, another tip came to mind were someone cut of all the stalks and kept the lower bit, planted it and grew a new celery! You can also do this with lettuce and other veggies. My mom does it all the time. Give it a try/Google it. Soil is not expensive so this might be a good cheap way to grow some of you veggies (takes some time though).
Go Stacey, stunning and STRONG! I save some money by buying a lot of my produce, spices, and grains at Asian/Indian markets! If that's not something you already do it might be fun to visit (and compare prices to see if this tip actually works where you're located!) sometime :D
Hi! Really happy about finding your channel. As a single lady on my own journey, i have a tip to share. Your fridge was very empty and running so i wanted to suggest keeping other items like emergency water in it to keep it full...even when the food runs low. This will save $ on energy usage and keep the fridge from running so much. Wishing you blessings and success!
I am new to your Chanel I love when you make these on a budget videos I am trying to organize my finances were I can spend less and not go over board thanks for that video
You have taught me so much with my grocery shopping. I shop for "just in case" and wind up not eating it at said time frame. I am going to switch to some of your ways. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, you've really got me re-evaluating my life. I love your discipline. I believe I can do this also. Really changing my mind set. Thank you so much. I just subscribed to your channel.
That salad looks so good. I can relate to what you are doing . I am working on getting out of debt too and my fridge most of the time looks like yours. I also eat oatmeal regularly.
I stumbled upon your channel while watching other budget grocery videos and I have to say I love your videos, you are such a ray of sunshine and I love it!!!
You are truly an inspiration!...I always pay my bills and work to pay off any debts, but I will honesty say if I ever got to 100-200k of debt I would file bankruptcy because those debts have been sold to corporations a 100 times over before I would get even close to paying all of that off. Wealthy people aren’t wealthy because the actually PAY off their enormous debts....TRUST
I am in awe. I would starve to death on your plan. I spend easily $500-$700 a month on food for ONE person (me). However, I buy nearly all organic and about 90-95% fresh local seasonal produce. Although a Vegan for many years, most beans do not appeal to me and I never eat oats and I eat rice maybe once a month if at all. Potatoes, uh, not my favorite food either. I recently paid off my only debt a $2,000 Target Card and $4,000 remaining on my car note. Getting the pink slip to my car a month later was lovely. I admit though, I did not have to do too much magic to pay it off. I earn upwards of $149,000 annually, yet I have still learned a LOT from you and I continue to. I think you inspired me to just go ahead and pay off my car. I also made a $10,000 emergency fund, which at age 60, I have NEVER had. One more disclaimer, I put nearly half my salary into my retirement savings every month. For those of YOU who are young, start budgeting now for retirement even if you work for yourself. I live beloe my means so that I ideally do not have to eat dog food as I age and stop working someday! Thank you!
Can I ask what do you make for your meals? You are so very fortunate to have a high paying job. I am in my 60's also, retired but with a very modest retirement income.
Dianne roy My meals vary depending on mostly what is in season. Right now, it is summer and a LOT of fruit is in season so I may have lots of watermelon for dinner. I make various salads for meals with stuff like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, sometimes lettuce, celery, etc. I often do not eat breakfast, but because I get up a 3 am, I am often ready for lunch by 10:30 am. As for as job goes, I never consider myself fortunate. Instead, I have worked hard, sacrificed social/play time, etc. I earned three college degrees over the age of 42, including a master's degree and then a law degree at age 52, which, of course, helps my earning power. All along the way, we have choices and one decision impacts the other. Thanks for asking.
DearMe1981 You must always have hope for yourself because if you do not, no one else will. I was the oldest student in my law school class, but it never phased me. Had I gone to grad school or law school one day sooner, I would not have been ready. At 60, I am STILL not where I want to be so try not to think like that. LOL. However, this is the fuel that wakes me up each morning because I have a privilege again to keep striving. Most people think it is the world or our enemies that oppresses us when in fact our greatest oppressor is our very own mind. Try not be so hard on yourself and for goodness sake try not to base your progress on a number (your age!) However, deep down, you KNOW whether you are doing enough towards your goals or whether you are letting others and situations distract you. I worked full time through all three degrees and that was tough because as we age, we often have LESS energy, but determination is a magic pill!
Raw LawGirl I put myself through college, came from a bad high school in a poor area and made it through to a well paying job in a large firm. I supported myself financially, working while studying- lots of sacrifice, long nights, hard work and tears- this is on top of having diagnosed anxiety and OCD. I still consider myself fortunate to have a good job. Hard work and good fortune aren’t mutually exclusive. I am fortunate to have a brain that was well inclined to my study- some people don’t have that/don’t have the mental ability to go through uni even if they worked hard. I was fortunate to have the emotional support I did from my sister. I was fortunate that I was able to get a job offered to me straight out of uni and that my current bosses acknowledge my strengths and abilities and allowed me to progress in my role. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging ones fortune in life, even if you also worked really damn hard.
Omg that salad looks delicious. Try adding some strawberries, avocado, and sprinkle some basil in it. That’s my all time favorite. When I splurge I add walnuts and blueberries
That feeling when you haven't had any raw green foods and then you get that first salad... pure bliss! I try to eat a salad made from organic spinach or organic greens mix each day. I admit that there are days when I think that I don't want to look at another salad again, but when I am done with it, I always feel good.
I just discovered your channel today, and I’m loving it!!! 😻 I’m fresh out of college, and turns out I really hate the job that my degree is specifically for 😅 I’m in the process of trying to get a retail job and figuring out how I’ll pay my student loan with a lower-paying job, so I’ll definitely be following you along in your journey!
Just found your channel and subscribed, because I’m a broke college student and your hauls are super realistic 🤓when I have frozen veggies left I cook some rice put the veggies and the rice in a pan and then I also put some peanut butter in 😊
Super inspirational vid! Reminds me of college, when I was a frugal black-girl vegan at the University of Chicago (before the Whole Foods)! With lifestyle creep I almost forgot it was possible to live off $50/month food budget, but seeing you do it makes me realize how well I was eating then! All those greens and beans! Did you end up going back to Hyde Park Produce? I used to get most of my produce there.
I love how I'm seeing so many of our people making smart decisions and living within their means and being healthy and productive. What a time to be alive!
Yes! Absolutely!
Yes, I love this. I will try to do the same.
👍🏿
What I really like about these type of videos is that it goes to show that you can eat healthily on limited funds.
Eating healthy is the cheapest. It's all lies when they say eating healthy is expensive just so they can get you to keep eating their meat and other unhealthy foods. Only expensive if you get all organic
Your level of self control is amazing. You inspired me to set a strict budget of $75/week for our family of 7. It has been an adjustment but definitely worth it.
Taronda Wills what are your meals. Hey i buy a banquet sausage pack and heat a few sec in microwave and cut it up fine in little pieces and put cooked diced potatoes in a casserole dish top with onion the sausage eggs and cheese and bake it 45 min on 350. It feeds armies
Yes pls share some meal ideas!
Yes! I’m ashamed of how much I waste- I need to tackle that!!
Taronda Wills WOW😨😨 I admire you
self control? she has no other option.
Hahahahaha I love how when you're grocery shopping you talk about the food like you're in a clothing store admiring outfits! HA! I love you! You are totally into your food. Love your personality and attitude. You're very inspiring. :-)
I never thought about it like that but you are right now that I think how my favorite style bloggers talk about clothes. It will be the same t-shirt and jeans in every photo but they’ll be like oh but the quality and cut of this is so good. I want this top but it not really what I’m looking for lol. 😂😂😂😂🤣😂 Thank you for pointing this out!
Looking at your empty fridge gave me anxiety. But that teaches me something about my feelings about food since it's actually a good thing (preventing food waste). Glad you're feeling better. I hate to see you walk out without getting things you're hungry for (especially after being ill), but inspired by your dedication to eat healthy + within your means. Thanks for sharing. It's wonderful that you love greens! Some of us have to sort of force ourselves to eat healthy foods...
Me too. I'm kind of into emergency preparedness so I'd love to see her have a little box in the closet with a few shelf stable items she could eat in case of some type of emergency.
I’m right there with you! I grew up in a household that was food insecure, so now that I can afford it I keep a full pantry.
I'm food insecure because my parents would police my food intake improperly to try and get me to lose weight
Chloe Adrienne de los Santos same
It worries me, also, that she has no supplies aside just in case. I keep a rotating supply of soups, tuna, canned fruits and veggies, and beans and basically have a full pantry of dry and canned goods should I not be able to get fresh for whatever reason.
You have the BEST attitude! May the Lord bless you!
You could totally make fried rice with the corn and peas! Just add some diced carrot and maybe some onion and you would be good to go.
1594lex yes! and she could add her black beans and some salsa for like a "mexican fried rice"
hey_ jeeta yes, especially if she gets canned or fresh tomatoes/tomato paste. It's very budget friendly and really amps up flavor in anything.
recipe please and thank you
It's amazing how creative you become when you have a limited budget for food. I think I'm an expert when it comes to one pan meals, such as stir Frys and one pot recipes. Ground turkey, brown rice, frozen mixed veggies and chopped onion with soy sauce, garlic power, a little crushed red pepper,and black pepper makes a meal for a couple of days. I thank my God and dig in. It's good eating!
Who else here wishes they craved kale?
Eztliz me🙋🏾♀️....and I actually do😂 a little salt, some black pepper, and olive oil. Steam it for a few mins🤤 and I could eat that everyday.
Baby kale is easier for me to chew
Me and hubby on on step 2, have paid $36,000 in a year and a half. Thank you for sharing your tricks. Side note: You are so beautiful.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I'm so happy for you and your husband!!!
I agree! You’ve not only inspiring and gorgeous! I sure wish I could pull off that hair!
This is very useful. You are helping me with how to shop differently. Thanks for taking us along the journey with you. Im going to Whole Foods and get alot of these items.
I would eat that spinach in one salad. I don't know how ya do it! I spend about $50 a week. But after watching this vid and seeing your empty pantry and fridge, I have realized that I buy a lot of unnecessary food. I could probably live off of what's in my pantry, fridge, and freezer for about a month - no exaggeration!
I'm going to be way more mindful about how I shop after this vid!
celifacejones i think thats everyone
Challenge yourself to use up what you have!
Gaylin Fitz this is the biggest challenge. It really makes you get creative. Some nights dinner might be whatever you have in your fridge/cabinets..rice & beans and maybe some veggies towards the end of the week/month. Realizing that not every dinner or lunch has to be extravagant is an adjustment but it is worth it!
You can live off your fridge and and pantry once a year... like before or after holidays and you save to go somewhere...
Shop your pantry first
You take so much joy in something I find an annoyance. Time to change that mindset. For me, that is.
I love how empty your fridge is! Goals for sure ✔ I waste much more than I would like in the kitchen.
Girl if I was there I’d buy you a pepper! lol I’m a bad influence I was like buy the peppers you deserve it. I really respect your sticking with the list.
I was thinking the same thing...that pretty striped pepper she wanted...
I was thinking the same thing...that pretty striped pepper she wanted...
Thank you for this. My monthly food budget is 30$ (legally blind, you dont get much from ssi if your on your own) and i was getting so tired of toast and ramen. Your empty fridge looks like mine 99% of the time. You are awesome!
PuppyPaws this makes me incredibly sad. I’m so sorry.
@@MetroStationluver18 thank you. I just try to get by one day at a time.
I’m sorry your budget is so tight.
@@Ramblingeesha same lol. But it is what it is, i cant change it.
PuppyPaws there are ways you maybe able to change it. I know a legally blind eBay seller that makes great money. When there is a will, there is a way. I’m sending you prayers.
you're teaching me things my mom never taught me XD
Extra-Corny Cornbread Muffins
Servings:
Ingredients
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ cups cornmeal
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
2½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. baking soda
2¼ tsp. kosher salt
1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 cobs), divided
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
¾ cup sour cream
⅔ cup milk
½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, cooled
Flaky sea salt
Steps
Preheat oven to 400°. Generously coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.
Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 1½ cups corn.
Lightly whisk eggs and egg yolk in a medium bowl, then whisk in sour cream, milk, and butter.
Create a well in the center of dry ingredients. Pour egg mixture into well and stir with a wooden spoon until batter is just combined.
Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Top with remaining ½ cup corn, then sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake muffins, rotating pan halfway through, until tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and eat while warm or let cool completely.
she doesn't want dairy :c
Oh, this looks so good. It's been a while since I made some corn muffins
I seriously love watching these videos! It seems like no one in my social circle lives frugally, so it’s really helpful watching these and knowing I’m not alone in my financial goals.
Gurl that baby blue jumper is popping on you! Now i want one.
LOL! I love it! I live in this jumper! LOL
I’m binge watching your videos...I’m touched, moved and inspired by your diligence and focus
Love your hair cut! Suits you so so well. And it is great to see a woman, especially if I may a black woman, just at ease with her hair and no coloring, flattening, curling, or false hair. You look very well and dymanic! Great job!
Grocery hauls are my fav! 🙌 that top is gorge on you, miss. 😘 Also, in regards to your dairy comment: how long without dairy did you notice your skin improve? Your skin is FLAWLESS! 😍
You are so right, i've noticed a change too
This video made me so excited to move back. I loved the Hyde Park market....I walked there every Sunday 😁
Your videos are inspiring. My pantry is stuffed to the gills with non-perishables but I am working on a system of keeping it organized and consuming it in a timely manner while still maintaining my food security blanket. My fridge is a disaster and a disgrace but I see now how I can work on that! I hope you will be feeling much better soon. You are such a lovely person to share all this with us!
Girl! I’m not one to comment, but I just came across your channel and I’m so grateful for it and your journey already, as it is already motivating me to stay strong and make my budget work! Currently marathoning through your videos lol. Please keep it up! So so so much goodness in here, God bless you!!
Thanks Stacey for the great skin tip about substituting coconut soup base for half and half! I am excited to try this one :D Hello gorgeous skin!!! I also love that you walked to the stores! It's exercise, environmentally friendly, and totally free! You go girl :D
I’m not a huge kale person but seeing you eat that salad is making me want some kale stat!! haha 😂 way to stretch that dollar! That produce looked so fresh and delicious let us know if that stores’ produce hits the mark or not :)
Thank you for starting this channel. It's so refreshing to see a black Chicagoan on a budget plan. Keep the videos coming. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Will do! Thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoy my content!!
Hey Stacey, I love love your videos. Noticing you eyeing off all the fresh produce. What is your situation regarding growing your own leafy greens etc like spinach, herbs etc. Certainly a way to save some money and get extra fresh veges.
Chris Mapstone you can regrow celery and romaine lettuce from the butt ends put ends in an inch of water for about a week (change watrr daily) they will begin to grow out the top then transfer to a pail or tray of soil in a window sill
@hey_jeeta : Good to know!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way you shop and budget!!!! I have really been working on myself to do the same. Keep doing what you do sister. You are helping and inspiring so many of us. God bless you.
Over a 100k in debt, 2k a month in income and part time business ? Girl, God brought me here! I'm subbing!
Hi! I’m a new subscriber. Haven’t even seen this whole video yet but you are so inspiring! I’m trying so hard to save money and I have zero debt. Your self control is incredible. I aspire to live like you.
I’m so glad your channel came on my time line. I’m in the process of getting debt free as well.
Your self control is admirable young lady!
I've been binging your videos, and I've gotten so many helpful tips from you. Thanks for sharing your journey to debt freedom Also, you have some major restraint, because when I saw that pepper, I would've had to have it, I love colorful foods!😊 🕊💜💡
Phoenix Rainwalker Omg! I wanted that pepper too! I bet it'd be gorgeous in one of her salads😀
Thank you for being so honest!! I do the same thing and walk around looking at things i cant afford
You are so very welcome! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I found one of your videos and have been obsessed with your content 💕💕💕💕 thank you for being so open with us
I have a restricted grocery budget for no reason other than budgeting = good financial management. Since I have been budgeting groceries, I LOVE grocery shopping so much more and I get SO excited by beautiful produce - just like you. I appreciate the food so much.
Same. There's something addicting about having a goal and proving to yourself that you can stick to it.
Your discipline and self control are amazing. It's fun to watch you knowing you have a goal and you're planning and sacrificing to reach it. Best of luck❤
Thank you so much!
Hey! You're really amazing and I'm in love with your face and your vibe and your spirit
Youre so strong and determined! Whole foods makes you wanna die sometimes because their food looks so good but you know its too expensive and you can feed yourself on cheaper. Its so hard for me not to splurge though, you do such a great job for your goal and its awesome
That shade of blue makes your skin look stunning
You have inspired me and I have also subscribed. I can't wait to get started on becoming debt free and living a more simple life.
So honored to inspire you! Thank you so much for watching!
Have you thought about going to Aldi for there organic section?
Ecola Jackson-Knox aldi has the best fruits and vegetables in my area!
Your so pretty! And smart, I’m really looking into becoming debt free right now, this is my season, thank you so much for all your knowledge!
I love that you walked around Whole Foods thinking about future purchases :) I do that at art stores.
You inspire me and put me to shame. I’m having trouble sticking to a $50 a week budget. But with working three jobs, I’m doing too much convenience items. I’m also becoming angry at what I’m missing out on. 😖 Gotta do better.
Thank you for sharing your journey. You are beautiful and you've inspired me to be more mindful on my own journey!
Your an inspiration and fun to watch. You have great discipline and a great plan!! You can do this!!
You are such an inspiration ❤️ A lot of the items in your cabinets and drawers can be kept in the refrigerator and last longer.
You are a delight to watch and to listen to. I am definitely s new follower. Your honesty, your comittment, and attention to your detailed ‘plan’ has me wanting to Share your RUclips channel with my community.
This video was ‘great’!!! Thank you.
You are so strong and disciplined 🙏🏾.
Thank you so much!
Could you please say what is your reason for buying beans from wholefoods specifically?
I truly admire your self discipline and your no nonsense approach to everything you do. I want to share my " Rule of Thumb" when grocery shopping. NEVER EVER go grocery shopping on an empty stomach or even the least bit hungry. Lol. Sticking to my list is soooo difficult if i go shopping hungry lol. Oh btw, the kale was beautiful. I buy it for my birds but i am limited on how much leafy greens i can eat. Im on coumadin( blood thinner) and vitamin K is bad if on blood thinner. You did great on your shopping trip. You should write a book, title " Living Frugal" Thank u for sharing and being such a positive influence on others. ❤️
I’m so happy I found your vlogs! I’ve been living off of a $25/week food budget for 2 ppl for the past several months bcz I’ve HAD to but I’ve actually learned that I don’t have to spend as much on food like I thought. I was spending upwards of $600 per month on food. Thanks for the inspiring vids!
I love your energy! It’s so contagious!!
Thank you so much!
sorry you were sick, hope your feeling better, good shopping skills, corn chowder, pea soup, make several meals with them to use up your frozen stuff,hope you have a great weekend and stay well my friend
Thank you so much! I'm feeling much better!
You will be missed
You make me want to eat beans and greens, but I can't digest them as I lost my colon to cancer. I love how disciplined you are- I would have bought that red/yellow pepper lol.
You have such a sweet and genuine spirit! I’m going to try and give this budget a try!!
I recommend taking baby steps. My food budget is very conservative but it's pack with my favorite foods and foods that make me feel like a superhero. So I recommend starting by figuring out what foods your body loves, adding them to your grocery haul, and reducing foods that are not good for your body. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I love how strict you are on your budget. I always end up buying items I don't need and sometimes things go to waste.
You got me checking pantry to for time going grocery shopping you helped me a lot and for me not over buying what we don't need and could go to waste
I have saved a lot of money by buying bulk items. I also store veggies in jars also. Thanks for the tips.
i love a good kale salad. i usually toss mine with a homemade dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper. delish!
You are so inspiring. I have been trying to figure out how to survive on around the similar amount of money, and have encouraged me so much to further budget my money. I think God has bought me to your channel for a reason. 🙏🏾💜
Everything changes when you budget. 1. you'll be able to truly tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. 2. you will be able to finally see how much more money you need to earn to live the life you need, then want, and finally, live the life you dream.
I'm so glad that I came across your channel. I think you look super healthy, fit and young even though only 50$ a month is spent and a lot of the meals are what I would normally eat as well. I always like to eat oats, and beans and rice with vegetables.
I love how much you appreciate great produce even when you're on a budget! I was watching your video with my boyfriend and he said you should try having a small indoor garden if possible!
Hi Stacey, i love your channel! I have a question. Do you shop at Aldi, to help stretch your budget? Its inexpensive and they've come a long way with organic and fresh produce and food items.
I have a meal suggestion that will help you use up some of what you have: black bean chili. Chop up some onion, celery and carrots saute with garlic. Add a 99 cent 1 oz cellophane bag of dried ground chile powder, I suggest Chile California or Guajillo if you like mild heat. Add a dash of your liquid smoke and some cumin. Then a can of organic petite diced tomatoes (cheaper than fresh at Walmart). Add your black beans and chopped greens, then simmer. Stir in a handful of the frozen corn. Serve with a scoop of that brown rice, made with your veggie stock and a handful of peas. It makes enough to eat several meals. Super nutritious!
Girl your skin is glowing! And thank you for making me more aware of healthy and cheap eating :). When you mentioned the celery tip, another tip came to mind were someone cut of all the stalks and kept the lower bit, planted it and grew a new celery! You can also do this with lettuce and other veggies. My mom does it all the time. Give it a try/Google it. Soil is not expensive so this might be a good cheap way to grow some of you veggies (takes some time though).
I-LOVE-YOU. i am subscribed, and so glad to have found u, thanks for being so much like who i am striving to be! im inspired
Go Stacey, stunning and STRONG! I save some money by buying a lot of my produce, spices, and grains at Asian/Indian markets! If that's not something you already do it might be fun to visit (and compare prices to see if this tip actually works where you're located!) sometime :D
Thanks so much for the suggestion.
OR African/Mexican markets also...
Thanks for being an inspiration! I'm currently at uni and I'm trying to minimize my loan/debt as much as I possibly can.
I like how you make this feel like a reachable lifestyle. Thank you for your insight.
Hi! Really happy about finding your channel. As a single lady on my own journey, i have a tip to share. Your fridge was very empty and running so i wanted to suggest keeping other items like emergency water in it to keep it full...even when the food runs low. This will save $ on energy usage and keep the fridge from running so much. Wishing you blessings
and success!
I am new to your Chanel I love when you make these on a budget videos I am trying to organize my finances were I can spend less and not go over board thanks for that video
Great haul Stacey! I use Pintrest as well . Helps me have a variety of choices in my meals. Love that apron!
Love your excitement for the spinach and kale. I have to work on my discipline #inspired
You have taught me so much with my grocery shopping. I shop for "just in case" and wind up not eating it at said time frame. I am going to switch to some of your ways. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, you've really got me re-evaluating my life. I love your discipline. I believe I can do this also. Really changing my mind set. Thank you so much. I just subscribed to your channel.
That salad looks so good. I can relate to what you are doing . I am working on getting out of debt too and my fridge most of the time looks like yours. I also eat oatmeal regularly.
You are one in a million! Keep it on. Thanks from France
I stumbled upon your channel while watching other budget grocery videos and I have to say I love your videos, you are such a ray of sunshine and I love it!!!
You are truly an inspiration!...I always pay my bills and work to pay off any debts, but I will honesty say if I ever got to 100-200k of debt I would file bankruptcy because those debts have been sold to corporations a 100 times over before I would get even close to paying all of that off. Wealthy people aren’t wealthy because the actually PAY off their enormous debts....TRUST
I am in awe. I would starve to death on your plan. I spend easily $500-$700 a month on food for ONE person (me). However, I buy nearly all organic and about 90-95% fresh local seasonal produce. Although a Vegan for many years, most beans do not appeal to me and I never eat oats and I eat rice maybe once a month if at all. Potatoes, uh, not my favorite food either. I recently paid off my only debt a $2,000 Target Card and $4,000 remaining on my car note. Getting the pink slip to my car a month later was lovely. I admit though, I did not have to do too much magic to pay it off. I earn upwards of $149,000 annually, yet I have still learned a LOT from you and I continue to. I think you inspired me to just go ahead and pay off my car. I also made a $10,000 emergency fund, which at age 60, I have NEVER had. One more disclaimer, I put nearly half my salary into my retirement savings every month. For those of YOU who are young, start budgeting now for retirement even if you work for yourself. I live beloe my means so that I ideally do not have to eat dog food as I age and stop working someday! Thank you!
Can I ask what do you make for your meals? You are so very fortunate to have a high paying job. I am in my 60's also, retired but with a very modest retirement income.
Dianne roy My meals vary depending on mostly what is in season. Right now, it is summer and a LOT of fruit is in season so I may have lots of watermelon for dinner. I make various salads for meals with stuff like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, sometimes lettuce, celery, etc. I often do not eat breakfast, but because I get up a 3 am, I am often ready for lunch by 10:30 am. As for as job goes, I never consider myself fortunate. Instead, I have worked hard, sacrificed social/play time, etc. I earned three college degrees over the age of 42, including a master's degree and then a law degree at age 52, which, of course, helps my earning power. All along the way, we have choices and one decision impacts the other. Thanks for asking.
DearMe1981 You must always have hope for yourself because if you do not, no one else will. I was the oldest student in my law school class, but it never phased me. Had I gone to grad school or law school one day sooner, I would not have been ready. At 60, I am STILL not where I want to be so try not to think like that. LOL. However, this is the fuel that wakes me up each morning because I have a privilege again to keep striving. Most people think it is the world or our enemies that oppresses us when in fact our greatest oppressor is our very own mind. Try not be so hard on yourself and for goodness sake try not to base your progress on a number (your age!) However, deep down, you KNOW whether you are doing enough towards your goals or whether you are letting others and situations distract you. I worked full time through all three degrees and that was tough because as we age, we often have LESS energy, but determination is a magic pill!
wow!!!!!! from a fellow lawyer
Raw LawGirl I put myself through college, came from a bad high school in a poor area and made it through to a well paying job in a large firm. I supported myself financially, working while studying- lots of sacrifice, long nights, hard work and tears- this is on top of having diagnosed anxiety and OCD.
I still consider myself fortunate to have a good job. Hard work and good fortune aren’t mutually exclusive. I am fortunate to have a brain that was well inclined to my study- some people don’t have that/don’t have the mental ability to go through uni even if they worked hard. I was fortunate to have the emotional support I did from my sister. I was fortunate that I was able to get a job offered to me straight out of uni and that my current bosses acknowledge my strengths and abilities and allowed me to progress in my role. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging ones fortune in life, even if you also worked really damn hard.
So excited to find you! I think you are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Omg that salad looks delicious. Try adding some strawberries, avocado, and sprinkle some basil in it. That’s my all time favorite. When I splurge I add walnuts and blueberries
Thank you for the recipe tips💜 thank you for watching and commenting
That feeling when you haven't had any raw green foods and then you get that first salad... pure bliss! I try to eat a salad made from organic spinach or organic greens mix each day. I admit that there are days when I think that I don't want to look at another salad again, but when I am done with it, I always feel good.
Love love loveeee watching your videos 💖 especially grocery hauls, you really inspire me to live on less and with less waste
I just discovered your channel today, and I’m loving it!!! 😻 I’m fresh out of college, and turns out I really hate the job that my degree is specifically for 😅 I’m in the process of trying to get a retail job and figuring out how I’ll pay my student loan with a lower-paying job, so I’ll definitely be following you along in your journey!
So happy to have you here. W E L C O M E. 💜
Your reaction when you picked up that bunch of spinach is literally me!!
Just found your channel and subscribed, because I’m a broke college student and your hauls are super realistic 🤓when I have frozen veggies left I cook some rice put the veggies and the rice in a pan and then I also put some peanut butter in 😊
Sounds delicious and so glad you're enjoying my content!
You can also look for food bank near your town some time they give fruit and vegetables
Somehow your video popped up on my timeline. I'm so inspired by your simplistic approach. And you're gorgeous!!! your skin and shaved head!!!
Thank you so much!
thank you for being an inspirational role model
Frozen veggies are not only less money but have more nutrition than the transported, manhandled ones! :)
This video made me smile! I LOVE KALE! I look forward to eating chicly & similarly this fall.
So inspiring. You r definitely helping me. So proud of u!!!
You go girl, do your thing! You're getting in a lot of exercise too walking :) I'm taking notes lol
My first time watching.... Love it and you made that salad look bomb... Making one now! lol
Super inspirational vid! Reminds me of college, when I was a frugal black-girl vegan at the University of Chicago (before the Whole Foods)! With lifestyle creep I almost forgot it was possible to live off $50/month food budget, but seeing you do it makes me realize how well I was eating then! All those greens and beans!
Did you end up going back to Hyde Park Produce? I used to get most of my produce there.