On top of the good topics and content, I love that most of your videos don't have background music. It's so much easier to process/listen/follow/absorb.
That was a terrific comment. I totally agree. And I hadn’t noticed it was free of background noise. That being said it would explain why this is my favourite place to check 1st thing when I get on RUclips. And it’s the one I get the most out of. Plus I just love Dawn and Tom, they are such a fun couple, very real. Thumbs up :)
Heres my tip for aldi...I keep a quarter under my floor mat of my car for the cart. LOL because I usually do not carry change, I found I never had a quarter. Once I take the cart back and get the quarter, it goes right back under my floor mat. Silly but it works.
Mary Crouch - that's called a SYSTEM THAT WORKS! I often try to grab a lone cart in the store to "earn" a quarter for returning it...😏.... but I have been reforming...
You are a voice of reason in a world of mom madness. I have been so lost in the meal planning world...overwhelmed and discouraged. I feel like a failure. It always falls apart no matter how sincerely i try because i dont think that way. Honestly they are all just too much. Its stressful and I just can't. I am a busy, preggo mom of young kids...i just can't do it. You have given me hope. Im in tears. Thank you.
You are amazing! My sister is also hard on herself. When she talks down to herself, I respond with..."Don't talk to my sister that way!" If you would not put up with someone talking to your sister that way, (imaginary or not)) talk back to your self!
@@whatabouttrish I love that! It's so true though. We wouldn't think of saying the things to others that we say to ourselves!! And all in the name of "motivation". Lol
Honey, at your stage of life. Spaghetti on monday, tacos on tuesday, meatloaf on wednesday, etc - just go autopilot. it is how your grandmother did it. Ask her. everything as simple as possible. and throw stuff out and minimalize EVERYTHING.
Love your approach in these videos. You are a really busy mom and you realize that using the most economical approaches are not necessarily the best they add so much to your workload that you don’t use them. And I really appreciate the fact that you don’t push your ideas at others - you continuously say “if it works for you, great, keep on doing it. But it doesn’t work best for me.” Did I mention that I REALLY enjoy your videos and your approach???!!!
It is so encouraging to hear you talk about the things that you tried in the past that didn't work or that failed. I always feel like I SHOULD be doing things a certain way (couponing, daily meal plan, freezer meals, etc), but the truth is, I am not organized enough and it just causes me more stress and makes me feel like a failure. Watching your videos is making me feel like I can be a good mom and wife and homemaker, and I've made more progress in my home management in the last few days than in the last 7 years. Thank you! Keep up the good work!
Such a refreshing realization! I used to beat myself up for failing at meal planning or not stocking my pantry, etc. but watching this I realized it’s not my season, not my strength. I need to use what works for me not everyone else! Thank you!
I agree with you on almost every single point. I also can't manage apps or coupons. I have a new rule that I cannot shop until it is NECESSARY. I have to eat the kitchen out before shopping. In the past I have purchased way too much food and a lot of it went to waste. I now keep powdered milk in the cabinet to cover when I run out of milk, so I can wait until I am out of more foods. I think for me the most important thing is to not overbuy.
YES ! Can totally relate to box store fatigue. Aldi's or 6AM at WalMart only! Have never regretted my Saturday or Sunday 6AM ( at the latest) weekly trip ( I work full time ) to Walmart. The stockers are finishing up, the shelves are full but the store is pretty much shopper free. The reduced meat and bread isn't picked over, but the bset thing is walking out of there DONE as the world start to come alive.
You would think that after years of watching these household organization videos on youtube you cannot come with anything I didn´t heard of or didn´t try but you can always surprise with a different approach or offer a different point of view. Your tips are really practical and I will try them. Thank you! Keep up good work!
That’s exactly how I felt! “Oh, another video on meal planning. ho-hum” Then, “what?! Dawn is a Genius!” 😂 huge fan!!!! Another thing that is helping me is a produce subscription box. This comes every week two days before I go grocery shopping, so I plan my meals around the veggies we get. But having a personalized ready-made list is so great I feel like why didn’t I think of that?! Hahaha
Amen Janka! I have tried and tried to implement what works for other people but I always get overwhelmed and never stick with them because although a good idea they aren't what works for me. I love the no-nonsense, practical tips Dawn gives and how she drills into your brain "do what works for you". That has been a sun-sized light bulb turning on for me and I really feel like her simplified methods will really work for me as I tweak them to our family.
Oh my...the story about the strawberries is also MY story! So many times I’ve tried to “save” certain foods for...for what?! Only to see it going bad in a few days. Talk about Mom-guilt! 😭 And YES-I don’t assign a day to dinners, either. Most plans do! I might just be contrary, but each day, I just felt...bleh. I don’t want tacos tonight. I want burgers. Once I stopped assigning meals to days, that went away. 🤷🏻♀️ Thanks for all these tips. I’m old enough to remember that this is how we *used to* plan meals, before electronics and the feeling of excess entered our society. It’s so refreshing and liberating to realize we don’t have to *make* things so complicated! 😊
Each year I begin a new Menu Planning notebook where I write everything down that I plan on making for the week. I love being able to look back when I get into a slump with cooking and get new/old ideas.
I am totally on your page with Aldi and coupons. We buy simple foods, a lot of fresh foods. Coupons are mostly junk food. I know someone who calls herself the coupon queen and she has a huge pantry full of junk foods. She told me once she had 24 bottles of salad dressing. I have oil and vinegar and use them for other things too.
Oh my goodness, 24 bottles of dressing, that sounds so overwhelming!!! We've transitioned into MUCH MORE fresh foods now, too, and it wasn't even hard once I got my kitchen under control :) seriously, 24 bottles, that still blows my mind! ;)
poodlegirl55 that is hilarious 😆 I know one or two people like that too!!!! Nothing like oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt n pepper, ur favorite herb 🌿 , a splash of orange juice and you’ll have everyone asking for ur salad dressing recipe....I even used it as a marinate!!!!!
Sounds good. I like olive oil, garlic, honey, dry mustard (gives it a kick), cranberry or raspberry vinegar (white vinegar poured over the fruit and let it steep for a week in the fridge)
So true the coupons are mostly for crap food that wouldn't be the first choice for your family anyway! I do use savingstar no clipping and you eventually work up to earning 20 bucks back! Love that app!
You are such an inspiration in a world that keeps shouting "more is more!" at me. I now have given myself grace regarding our own busy season. We are a family dealing with ADHD and Autism, and I never seem to find advice that can help us, but your attitude to life really resonates with me. I have wanted to simplify our meals for a long time, but just couldn't seem to get started. Today is the day! Thank you so much x
emma foster I’m also a mom dealing with autism and sensory related issues and I’ve been struggling to have an organized meal plan system. Groceries for us is a little big challenging due to the selection of “ organic food, gluten free , probiotics and dealing with peaky eater kids . After watching this video I believe that I have become an extremely minimalist mom. Blessings
Thank you! I have ME/CFS and I struggle to focus on meal planning. I’ve tried various systems to make it easier but I just get overwhelmed. This makes so much sense! My husband doesn’t like the same meals every week but it occurred to me as I was adding my go to meals to your format that I can actually do the same category of meal the same day each week so I don’t have to think about it but a different variation eg. Pasta dish but rotate 3/4 types, a curry (I have 3 quite different recipes I’m comfortable with), a stir-fry etc... Thank you so much for sharing, it’s really helped.
I am thrilled to find you here on RUclips! I am old enough to be your mom, and I don't have the organized gene in my DNA! I love your approach! The lost items in the freezer is a problem for me. My husband has brought a huge chest freezer from his parents' house and I am trying to figure out how to organize it. Your dry erase board is the answer, God bless you!!!! I am recommending your videos to my daughter as well. Thank you!!!!
I am the same as you, I don’t want to have the added stress of coupons, apps or storing. Keep it simple and now with your idea of the grocery list that just needs highlighted I should be good to go with staying on track with meals. Your method is the only one I have ever heard that resonates with me! 🌹Nikki
Thank you Dawn!! Several family members are couponers and multi store-app'ers!!!! My sanity just cannot handle all the sale stuff and bulk items!!! Especially when I have trouble meal planning as it is! Thank you, thank you for verbalizing this for me!! I needed to hear it! I could never figure out why my pantry, cabinets, fridge, and freezer were so full but we never had time or interest to eat at home!! It was too time consuming!!! You are a life saver and a blessing! I am on my journey to simplify.. and I found your channel just in time..to give me the direction I needed!!!! I listen and re-listen to shows as I need inspiration and a friend to talk me through the process!! Thank you!!! God Bless!!!
I just love all your videos! Seriously! You’re approach to minimalism is refreshing and your optimism and energy give me encouragement that I can do this too! I’ve already implemented your laundry system ( with a few tweaks) and it has reduced my stress-level immensely! Thank you and don’t stop sharing!!
I really resonate with this. I don't drive and so I just go where is easiest and work it around my work tota as I practically pass a supermarket on my way home. I have never done the coupon thing. It never sparked joy in me. I've some work to do on meal planning and am feeling inspired. Thank you 😊
I just started watching you videos. I love how you offer suggestions and explain what works for you. I have followed others that become so arrogant and have the attitude that their way is the only way and videos actually make me feel bad. Your videos are uplifting and inspiring.
I just discovered your channel. You really nailed it. I have learned over many years that I am the only one that feels like I have to be really creative with all these new recipes. I have a list of basic meals we like to eat. Keep it simple! I live your ideas. I also decided after many years of cutting coupons that it just wasn’t worth it. When you cook from scratch, there are very few things that have coupons. When I finally remembered to use the coupon it was of be for 4 items or expired. I decided it was worth the stress for maybe $1.00 off. I’m going to use your form. Thank you!
This is awesome!!! I need this!!! I've been thinking and working on simplifying meal planning because it can take me hours. I've gone down rabbit holes of new recipes and 20 cookbooks and not even decided on a single meal for the week and I just can't do that anymore with 3 kids. But I hadn't figured out a simple system. This is exactly what I need. I'm just like you: if it isn't easy, I won't do it... Or won't finish it, anyway. I love how you said this is a "busy season". It took me forever to realize that how I do things today doesn't have to be how I do them forever. I just need something that works for now. And my husband definitely needs that leftovers/"use up" board!!! He might actually take and eat a lunch at work! I totally get your coupon stance. Me too, sista. A month ago after switching stores, I decided to try their store app and coupons. Ugh. I spent over an hour scrolling the list of coupons, and another 20 minutes at the store trying to figure out if the cereal box I wanted, qualified. I just don't care about coupons anymore. Most times I try, it's just not worth it. I've also noticed how slowly I go through things... And how fast expirations come up. I live in "prepper country" and Everyone is buying year supplies of everything... But so much of it goes stale in 3 months, 6 months, etc. I swear no one even looks at dates before eating them. I don't mind eating food a little past their date, but why always plan to eat them so old? It makes no sense. The grocery stores are in walking distance. PS if you haven't done one already, I'd like to see a whole house tour including garage and shed. I have a small house that I think is similar to yours, but I have trouble spots I can't figure out... Tools, camping gear, lifejackets, snow suits, sewing supplies, half-finished house projects, and we each have our own desktop computer but no real office space. Actually, the whole house is full of half-finished projects. No garage, minimal storage, and tiny or absent closets. What are your trouble spots?
Thanks fo bringing me back to my roots! As a young mom I had a similar system but have allowed things to get complicated over the years! Time for a refresh of my kitchen, meal planning and shopping! The fun part of refreshing food with older kids is that now they can be involved and help choose the meals and take a bigger role in preparations. I think it will be a good learning experience for everyone!
I found you 6 months ago and am “catching up” on your videos from the beginning. You are the reason I no longer have a huge stockpile of “ just case” food. When I emptied my parent’s house after mom’s death I threw out thousands of dollars of expired food stocked up. I was getting as bad so because of you I shopped from my stored food till I used it all up and save hundreds a month now. Now my food inventory all fits in the kitchen cabinets and my stress level has dropped.
Thank you so much for allowing everyone to do what works for them. I am new and have heard you say that in all your videos. I feel a hug every time I hear it. Moms need the support and thank you for giving that you and your cheat sheets.
I LOVE your meal planning and inventory method! I am currently overwhelmed by a bursting freezer and overflowing pantry. Additionally, my spending on consumables is out of control. You have inspired me to take an inventory, use what we have, and SIMPLIFY. Thank you so much for all the great tips and tools!
This video really hits home. My husband loves to shop and will go to the grocery or 4 of them several times a week! When mice invaded the garage it was a disaster! The garage was our pantry, and we have shelves that are 8 feet long and he made new ones that were a foot deep. The old ones were book depth, so less got lost. When we started cleaning off the shelves, we had to throw out so much it was ridiculous. And before you think that we have a large family, we have the 2 of us in our household. I feel totally overwhelmed by all the inventory... Thank you for these ideas!!
I love your ideas. Will make my life so much easier. I have stopped stocking up and it's truly so much easier to know what I have on hand and we don't waste as much food. I take left over strawberries that are going to go bad and I make a quick strawberry sauce. We use that sauce for pan- cakes and ice cream topping. I love your videos! Keep 'em coming!!!
I have tried this for three weeks and I love it! I just redid our sheet to take out more meals! We have to temporarily go dairy free and we we're sticking to some basic meals and ignoring the rest so we simplified it even more! Thank you so much! No stifling creativity since I can write anything in and I make it up so it's all me!
Thank god I found your channel!! So practical and easy!! I am a new stay at home momma and I’m cooking breakfast lunch and dinner for us three and it’s been so hard budgeting and meal planning and I just feel like a failed mom sometimes. I really appreciate your time making these videos because you have helped me by showing that there is other ways of meal planning!! Thank you from a new subscriber!!!
Thank you for making videos that are informative and practical. I’m a mom of 5 kids ages 2-10, and life is crazy. All of your videos so far have been helpful. Thank you for helping large families realize that there is a different way to live.
Girl, yas. Love your system. So nice to see a minimalist meal plan. Makes all the difference. Also! ALDI does have an app! I look at what’s on sale before I go to pick which meals I’m going to make. Or not- if the sales don’t affect things in my rotation.
I agree, as the seasons of your life change, different systems work better then others. Be ready and willing to change if it’s not working and do something else.
Yes yes yes! Simple =sanity for me. I’ve gotten so many good ideas from you and darciisabella’s channel. We don’t have an Aldi so we use Costco, but I 100% agree that do what works for you to feed your family healthy, affordable food!
I'm rural so I use the walmart shipping, bonus it's free and because I live in a lower taxing area I save 5-10 dollars just in taxes. Plus with not traveling into town and muling around the store I never buy extra. For my household I do have a sam's membership and average over fifty dollars saved a year after the membership is paid on bulk items. It's a slightly smaller town so not too crowded. We don't have an aldi and most of the time our dollar store isn't worth shopping at we eat fresh foods. I'm trying the zero food waste way and incorporating in your lists to help. I form meals around veg and meat we have left from the previous week then add couple meals in. It's really helping
Thank you SO much for talking about realistic expectations we should set for ourselves when it comes to meal planning. I feel like everything you've said hit home for me. As a working mom of two little toddlers, I've been overwhelmed by trying to meal plan. I'm about to use your sheet, and I can already think of some meals I know my kids love to put on there.
I love your videos! I get so overwhelmed trying to simplify. A lot of other organization videos are a little too complicated for me, and like you mentioned, if it's not simple enough, I won't follow through with it. All of your ideas are flexible so we can take a category, and pick and choose what will work for our family. After other failed attempts, I actually came up with a similar meal plan idea before I found your videos, but now I have more tips that can help streamline things. Thank you very much!
All of this is so true! I think people really stock up on canned foods too, but only keeping canned items that you need makes it so much easier to sort through the pantry. Thanks for the great videos!!!
Thank you for all of your insight. I’m a teacher and have three kids and stress myself about coupons and apps and stocking up. You helped me to take a breath and keep it simple which is so much more my style. You are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to mKe these videos..
totally agree about the aldi vs costco...I love the simplicity of aldi...quick and cost effective and NOT crowded!! I am working with your sheets! I love this system! I have tried almost everything to get myself organized with menu planning...this is going to be perfect!!! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good! We just recently adopted something similar, less waste, more planning, just buying what we need. I keep my list in a bullet journal with the whole month so if I think of a meal I can just add it to a week. That way I am not having to do it all at once. I like your system also.
Thank you so much for your meal planning tips. You have changed my outlook on the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking, which I’m not a fan of either of them. I am actually looking forward to meal planning this week.
We shop mostly at Trader Joe's, some at Aldi, and some at Costco. I have a similar setup for meal planning. I created a menu for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for an entire week. I usually keep everything but sinners the same, rearranging those based on our schedule. This way I make a few tweaks to the menu, print it out, then do my list. As for a list, putting it in the order of how you shop is the way to go! Learned this from a wise oolder woman a few years ago. So what I did was create a master.grocery list of pretty much everything we get and then when I make my list I mark which ones we need and cross off what we don't. 🙌
I completely agree with you about using coupons and apps. Those just add a lot more time. Using coupons never have worked for me. 99% of the coupons don't even apply to what I buy and like. I don't want to buy what the coupons tell me to. I want to buy what I want to buy. Every grocery store has great deals every week. If I go shopping for food that I have already planned and see a great deal on blueberries or bacon, I'll pick those up if I plan on using them within the next week or 2. But even with the sales, I still go there with a plan on what I want. Less stress and I save money also.
I shop at Aldi then fill in with Walmart also. I pick my meals by what we already have. Plus I will buy big 5lb packs of chicken and hamburger and separate it into 1lb freezer bag portions and then I base meals for 2 weeks around them filling in fish, pork chops or no meat meals for the other 4 days left over. I use recipes and like ingredients so I can save money. I do right out my grocery list and meal plan every week in my planner. I save so much money now
"I find coupons and apps stressful"--so, right. I totally feel what you are saying about keeping it simple:D to eliminate waste and save money in the end...now to implement this always:D
I shop at Aldi and Walmart also. I make my list in the Walmart app so that I can compare prices at Aldi. It is really frustrating the I can't find Aldi prices online before I shop. Things like eggs and milk vary in price quite a bit from week to week (some times cheaper at Walmart and sometimes Aldi). I do a Walmart pick up for anything that I can't get at Aldi or is cheaper at Walmart. With a family of 8 the $30 minimum order is never a problem. I did the math and I save about $20 a week by shoping at Aldi and then filling in at Walmart vs getting everything at Walmart. I would expect a smaller family would see a huge difference if they shopped exclusively at Walmart for convenience. I just don't recommend going in the store because I always leave with items that weren't on my list when shopping at Walmart :)
Tabitha, here is my Aldi price list: www.simplegrocerydeals.com/aldi-price-list/. I know prices vary per region but hopefully the prices aren't so widely different that your price comparisons are off. Our local Walmart doesn't have a large selection of food so I spend most of my budget at Aldi and ShopRite (East Coast). Once a month I go to Trader Joes' for frozen fruit, saving around $5.00. Also, I go to Whole Foods Market for a few things, often using my Ibotta rewards. All the stores are centrally located so there is no added expense of gas to consider. Hope this helps.
🤯 I think I love you! This is exactly what I’ve been trying to work through in my head and I never have enough time to actually think it. What a time and stress saver!!!!
Love both the meal planning vids! We have the same meals weekly (hubby is a picky eater), and that works for us. Also makes shopping easy. I cant wait for your next helpful strategy!
I absolutely loved your honest, simplified ideas in this video. I’ve felt guilty about not doing freezer meals or cutting coupons so what you said in this video really resonated with the way we’ve been managing our household. I’m a new subscriber, thanks for your tips!
Love this system! Hubby and I already do some (or aim to) of the things but this just takes it to another level. Glad I am not the only one who thinks that quick meals at home are better than fast food. I really hate grocery shopping too and so this may help me get through it faster. Tfs!!
Just now finding your videos and I am very glad. I happen to live in the Southeastern US so certain things don't exist here - like Aldi, sad to say. My options are different, but I do know what I can expect at, say, the local Winn Dixie, which is the store closest to our house. I am willing to give this a try for sure. I have a family of six, none of whom are kids, but I also have to plan food for two diabetics, four people with blood pressure issues, and a "starving" college age boy! It's been a nightmare. My husband is now recovering from open heart surgery so his diet just got a whole lot more restricted. I am fortunate in that the entire family is willing to adjust their own diets to be more in line with his! The idea of a two week rotation of meals is I think the most appealing thing so far. I have been flipping my lid trying to think up more recipes or easier recipes, that don't require a ton of salt or don't involve pasta and so forth. Half as many recipes means half as much work, right there! And since I also have to plan my cooking and shopping around my own issues (back problems make it hard to stand up for a long time) half as many recipes means shorter shopping trips too. Such a relief...!
I absolutely LOVE this! Both the paper organizer and the limited inventory/meal choices - I’m going to set this up for our house today! You are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much! ❤️
This makes so much sense. I've never seriously tried menu planning b/c every system just seemed like too much and I knew I wouldn't keep it up. But I used your template to make a plan (w/ some tweaks for my lifestyle) and I think I may actually be able to make this work.
there are so many good ideas to incorporate. In my season of life I am sooooooo bored with cooking that the 'new' recipes....try one per wee.....has saved me! your minimalism over other parts of life make for great fun videos and many ideas on the way to clutter/waste freedon! thanks!
I love your videos. You give your opion and tips in such a flexible way . . . . no stress. I am with you about having to manage so much. We buy too much groceries and spend way too much for 2 of us. I need to make it less weekly. Thanks for sharing. Love you channel!
When we lived in Scotland, we would order online and choose when the groceries would be delivered. Without a car, it was fantastic. That was way before it became popular in the USA. I only shopped at Costco ONCE! What a madhouse! And parking was far far away! I left with over a hundred dollars in groceries and I only wanted a few minor ingredients. 😉 Keep up the good work. I love your simplicity in a world that's gone mad. 😉
This is perfect because I am finding I need things simple and minimal and agree the less my brain needs to think the better. I also shop at Aldi and Walmart so this is meant for me! Cannot wait to try this method as I can tell this will really work for me!! By the way, I did take the before and after pics of my kitchen after that challenge on your kitchen video to send, and never did have time to send, but that has made it so much better to just go in there and cook with all the blank space!!! Love your ideas and looking forward to the paper video because the struggle is real there too!! Thanks so much for these very helpful videos!!
I love all your videos!! I’m simplifying my kitchen this weekend. I made a 2 week very simple meal plan and I’m excited to get started! The only thing is it’s my, my partner and daughter. There is no way we can eat at home every meal for $300 but like you said I’m starting at $150 per week and not worrying about it too much
I'm so excited and will be doing this. I have had a list of easy meals that I've been meal planning around but I tend to over complicated meal planning because I'm in the minority of liking to cook and plan. Yet, I'm not very realistic about it. I had a great system down of every week checking what I had, what's on sale and then meal planning, but I started seeing how I was writing the same things to buy every week and how my husband and I love certain meals so much we don't mind repeating. Yet I was spending so long meal planning around sales or random ingredients in our kitchen. Thank you for introducing a system that my heart's been moving to but my mind wasn't thinking about. I may at some point want to have a spot for creativity. We'll see haha
@@TheMinimalMom yeah I'm going to try it and later I might type in a new meal in the longer category to have that window for creativity but to remind me that a new recipe always takes more effort/time as well as to question if it stacks up against our other great yet simple.meals
Yes I feel the same! I absolutely love meal planning and making my grocery list. Planning and cooking are so relaxing for me, and I love trying new recipes. However, I have 4 kids ages 2 to 8, so I'm finding it more and more stressful! We are always running out of things, yet my pantry is full of foods my kids won't eat. I love your practical approach. Thanks for the motivation!
Yes, on the meal planning and shopping small stores. The Jewel by my house used to be a manageable size and I could get in and out in 20 minutes or so. Then they expanded. Then they expanded AGAIN. I know now if I go there even for a few things, it will cost me an hour. Instead I go to a small store four blocks from the Jewel, be in and out in under 30 minutes, and have the groceries unpacked and put away in less than the hour the Jewel would have taken me. And I'm supporting a small local business with nice staff. I feel the same way about Costco and Sam's Club - too long a walk from the car, too overwhelming, so much time wasted walking from one end of the store to the other, and where to put all that stuff once I get it home?? Reducing inventory and trusting in God's provision for our lives is a big takeaway from your channel - thank you!
Thanks Dawn. I have SO. MUCH. FOOD STORAGE. I am like your mom! I am going to whittle it down and do your system! I am eating from my pantry and freezer for the next couple of months! Thanks as always for the inspiration!
I shop Aldi as well. Limited choices & quality at an affordable price are worth the 15 min drive. I coupon for personal care items, laundry products, paper goods & use those savings for fresher better food choices. An app can help u save on bulk meat when it's on sale. I purchased a Costco membership for huge savings on new mattresses & furniture & enjoy the samplings & 'window shopping'! I only use it for gas discounts now. If I keep saving $15/Mo on gas, the $60 year price is worth it. Love this video! Made me shop my pantry for meals for next month
Yes, I think the limited selection at Aldi is probably what I like best about it...the prices help, too! I have a costco membership but hardly use it, I didn't think about using it for gas, that's a great idea!!!
Just discovered you, made another comment on another vid. I guess it's a good thing, but I'm not learning a whole lot because I already do most of what you do! Course I'm 55 and just learned/incorporated these things in the last few years! Wish I'd done these years ago. Re freezing meats.. I was in the hospital unexpectedly a while back and loved that I had a meatloaf frozen, and a beef roast. Really helped until I felt like getting out again. Also, I too don't plan a certain meal for a certain day, but I do make the meals with the most perishable ingredients first. We eat berries before bananas or oranges that last longer, I make any meals with fresh spinach or lettuce before one that uses canned goods, things like that.
I think your approach is neat! Our family just made a huge move and it feels like we're starting over on so many aspects of our lives. And I feel like menu planning/grocery shopping is one that needs a frest start also. I love doing the online grocery pickup bc I don't do the impulse buys. (I waste so miuch money that way!!) I just need to be better at the menu planning so I know everything I need to order! It's just so overwhelming sometimes bc I fall into the trap of needing to find the next best recipe on pinterest to wow people with. But I really like your approach to simplifying meal planning!
I really, really like your approach! I do things quite similar to you honestly, but I feel like yours is more fine tuned. But I am so happy I finally found someone who thinks like I do!
Since the smart phone was invented I use it to snap s pic of inside my fridge and pantry before walking out the door to the store Incase I forgot to write on the list. It’s saved me a few times 👍🏻😊 I just delete the photos and start fresh the next week
I'm a fairly new subscriber and just wanted to tell you that you do an awesome job with your videos! They are inspiring and encouraging and so helpful! I recently watched one with you and your sister in which you share about your faith in our Creator. I think Jesus is working through you to help out so many of us that are struggling with feeling overwhelmed by all of our responsibilities as wives and mothers and just day to day life in this hectic world. I look forward to eventually checking out all of your videos. :)
yea! you sound just like me "Don't eat all the strawberries...I just bought those!" LOL!! I really like the meal plan idea. I also stay home and have 4 young kids. We waste alot of food and go over budget so I really need to get something easy like this in place. Thank you!
Thank you for giving permission to make meal planning simple! Phone apps and coupons stress me too. I thought I was just odd and overwhelmed. Lol I love all your videos! Thank you so much for your advice!
I had the same issues with Costco. It just took so much time: 40 minutes roundtrip just to get there, and then a minimum hour in the store just because it was so big. Instacart helped us start using our membership more often, and it helps eliminate expensive impulse buys.
I just love love love(!!!) your ideas and way of thinking! I have found a mentor in you!!! Thank you! Ps- i hate Costco and stores like that because their size and the size of their products STRESS me out!!! I m glad i m not alone!!!! 🥰
This is great! I have actually already been doing most of this, but I’ve been keeping it all in my head or jotting it on a random scrap of paper. So the PDF is just what I needed! Thanks for going to the work and sharing the sheet with us!
We spend $700 a month on groceries and we thought that was ridiculous! It's mostly organic from Aldi. There's 7 of us so to hear that it's $100 per person was a relief. That's $700 including all dish items, laundry, bathroom and bags. So thanks for mentioning that! That gives me relief. I only shop Aldi, Big Lots, and our local woods and rivers 😆. Since the virus has started, I hadn't been to Walmart since March. 2 weeks ago we went with my husband and was so overwhelmed! 😦
Keep it simple is what counts and knowing yourself is SO important. Many people love ALDI but the one near me is awful. I save so much $ by doing pickup at Walmart BUT since this whole Covid started many things in my food plan can be unavailable,so I just need to be flexible.
While looking for ideas about clutter and finding your video, well, I haven't taken the time to do it because I want to watch your videos!! You touch on every subject that there is and You, young lady, are A W E S O M E!!! How long have you been doing these videos and do you collaborate with Diana and Tom (who is super fun, too!)? Wow. I am just aww struck! LOVE YOU!! and THANK YOU!!!
I really appreciate this video. Mindset shift is what I needed. Also, your system seems actually doable for me. I've wanted to meal plan, and it never seemed to work in the past. Hopefully this will change things.
If your in Canada, I like the PC optimum the points offered are usually based on what you buy. It's very helpful saving up my points during the year and then using them right after Christmas.
On top of the good topics and content, I love that most of your videos don't have background music. It's so much easier to process/listen/follow/absorb.
That was a terrific comment. I totally agree. And I hadn’t noticed it was free of background noise. That being said it would explain why this is my favourite place to check 1st thing when I get on RUclips. And it’s the one I get the most out of. Plus I just love Dawn and Tom, they are such a fun couple, very real. Thumbs up :)
Heres my tip for aldi...I keep a quarter under my floor mat of my car for the cart. LOL because I usually do not carry change, I found I never had a quarter.
Once I take the cart back and get the quarter, it goes right back under my floor mat. Silly but it works.
e crouch..... I just saw at Aldi’s they now have a little thing for your key chain that has a quarter holder.
I keep a quarter in my cup holder for the same reason.
I used to keep a quarter in my car, but my husband always steals my change out of my car lol I will have to do this!
I keep a quarter in my car and in my purse. Lol
Mary Crouch - that's called a SYSTEM THAT WORKS! I often try to grab a lone cart in the store to "earn" a quarter for returning it...😏.... but I have been reforming...
You are a voice of reason in a world of mom madness. I have been so lost in the meal planning world...overwhelmed and discouraged. I feel like a failure. It always falls apart no matter how sincerely i try because i dont think that way. Honestly they are all just too much. Its stressful and I just can't. I am a busy, preggo mom of young kids...i just can't do it. You have given me hope. Im in tears. Thank you.
Wow, I'm SO glad to hear this!!!! 💕
A Miller omg girl I feel you on a whole other level!! I’m right there with you gf!!
You are amazing! My sister is also hard on herself. When she talks down to herself, I respond with..."Don't talk to my sister that way!" If you would not put up with someone talking to your sister that way, (imaginary or not)) talk back to your self!
@@whatabouttrish I love that! It's so true though. We wouldn't think of saying the things to others that we say to ourselves!! And all in the name of "motivation". Lol
Honey, at your stage of life. Spaghetti on monday, tacos on tuesday, meatloaf on wednesday, etc - just go autopilot. it is how your grandmother did it. Ask her. everything as simple as possible. and throw stuff out and minimalize EVERYTHING.
OMG this meal plan method has revolutionized my grocery shopping. I only had to buy six items at the store to do an entire week of meals. Thank you !
THAT. IS. AWESOME!!!! Great work & thank YOU!! 💕
Love your approach in these videos. You are a really busy mom and you realize that using the most economical approaches are not necessarily the best they add so much to your workload that you don’t use them. And I really appreciate the fact that you don’t push your ideas at others - you continuously say “if it works for you, great, keep on doing it. But it doesn’t work best for me.” Did I mention that I REALLY enjoy your videos and your approach???!!!
Haha, thank YOU Anna! I greatly appreciate this!! :)
I LOVE the fact that you're more flexible with your organization, and do NOT take it to extreme levels;)!
It is so encouraging to hear you talk about the things that you tried in the past that didn't work or that failed. I always feel like I SHOULD be doing things a certain way (couponing, daily meal plan, freezer meals, etc), but the truth is, I am not organized enough and it just causes me more stress and makes me feel like a failure. Watching your videos is making me feel like I can be a good mom and wife and homemaker, and I've made more progress in my home management in the last few days than in the last 7 years. Thank you! Keep up the good work!
Such a refreshing realization! I used to beat myself up for failing at meal planning or not stocking my pantry, etc. but watching this I realized it’s not my season, not my strength. I need to use what works for me not everyone else! Thank you!
I agree with you on almost every single point. I also can't manage apps or coupons. I have a new rule that I cannot shop until it is NECESSARY. I have to eat the kitchen out before shopping. In the past I have purchased way too much food and a lot of it went to waste. I now keep powdered milk in the cabinet to cover when I run out of milk, so I can wait until I am out of more foods. I think for me the most important thing is to not overbuy.
YES ! Can totally relate to box store fatigue. Aldi's or 6AM at WalMart only!
Have never regretted my Saturday or Sunday 6AM ( at the latest) weekly trip ( I work full time ) to Walmart. The stockers are finishing up, the shelves are full but the store is pretty much shopper free. The reduced meat and bread isn't picked over, but the bset thing is walking out of there DONE as the world start to come alive.
You would think that after years of watching these household organization videos on youtube you cannot come with anything I didn´t heard of or didn´t try but you can always surprise with a different approach or offer a different point of view. Your tips are really practical and I will try them. Thank you! Keep up good work!
Thank YOU! I'm SO glad to hear this!!! :)
Yes! I love your new approaches too!
Thank YOU!!!! :)
That’s exactly how I felt! “Oh, another video on meal planning. ho-hum” Then, “what?! Dawn is a Genius!” 😂 huge fan!!!! Another thing that is helping me is a produce subscription box. This comes every week two days before I go grocery shopping, so I plan my meals around the veggies we get. But having a personalized ready-made list is so great I feel like why didn’t I think of that?! Hahaha
Amen Janka! I have tried and tried to implement what works for other people but I always get overwhelmed and never stick with them because although a good idea they aren't what works for me. I love the no-nonsense, practical tips Dawn gives and how she drills into your brain "do what works for you". That has been a sun-sized light bulb turning on for me and I really feel like her simplified methods will really work for me as I tweak them to our family.
Oh my...the story about the strawberries is also MY story! So many times I’ve tried to “save” certain foods for...for what?! Only to see it going bad in a few days. Talk about Mom-guilt! 😭
And YES-I don’t assign a day to dinners, either. Most plans do! I might just be contrary, but each day, I just felt...bleh. I don’t want tacos tonight. I want burgers. Once I stopped assigning meals to days, that went away. 🤷🏻♀️
Thanks for all these tips. I’m old enough to remember that this is how we *used to* plan meals, before electronics and the feeling of excess entered our society. It’s so refreshing and liberating to realize we don’t have to *make* things so complicated! 😊
Each year I begin a new Menu Planning notebook where I write everything down that I plan on making for the week. I love being able to look back when I get into a slump with cooking and get new/old ideas.
YES, this is a great idea!!!
I am totally on your page with Aldi and coupons. We buy simple foods, a lot of fresh foods. Coupons are mostly junk food. I know someone who calls herself the coupon queen and she has a huge pantry full of junk foods. She told me once she had 24 bottles of salad dressing. I have oil and vinegar and use them for other things too.
Oh my goodness, 24 bottles of dressing, that sounds so overwhelming!!! We've transitioned into MUCH MORE fresh foods now, too, and it wasn't even hard once I got my kitchen under control :) seriously, 24 bottles, that still blows my mind! ;)
poodlegirl55 that is hilarious 😆 I know one or two people like that too!!!! Nothing like oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt n pepper, ur favorite herb 🌿 , a splash of orange juice and you’ll have everyone asking for ur salad dressing recipe....I even used it as a marinate!!!!!
Going to try this right now ;)
Sounds good. I like olive oil, garlic, honey, dry mustard (gives it a kick), cranberry or raspberry vinegar (white vinegar poured over the fruit and let it steep for a week in the fridge)
So true the coupons are mostly for crap food that wouldn't be the first choice for your family anyway! I do use savingstar no clipping and you eventually work up to earning 20 bucks back! Love that app!
for emergency food, I think it's better to store foods that you use regularly and simply rotate through it first in first out.
Gotta love Aldi. I can get in and out with a weeks worth of groceries in 15 minutes. Can't beat that!
I feel like I found someone I can relate to. Grocery shopping used to be and sometimes still is over whelming for me. But I'm getting better at it.
I'm so glad to hear this, thank YOU!!
You are such an inspiration in a world that keeps shouting "more is more!" at me. I now have given myself grace regarding our own busy season. We are a family dealing with ADHD and Autism, and I never seem to find advice that can help us, but your attitude to life really resonates with me. I have wanted to simplify our meals for a long time, but just couldn't seem to get started. Today is the day! Thank you so much x
Yay! You can do it!!!! :)
emma foster I’m also a mom dealing with autism and sensory related issues and I’ve been struggling to have an organized meal plan system. Groceries for us is a little big challenging due to the selection of “ organic food, gluten free , probiotics and dealing with peaky eater kids . After watching this video I believe that I have become an extremely minimalist mom. Blessings
This is truly genius. It's so simple but I never would have thought of it. I HATE meal planning and making grocery lists. Thank you!!
Thank you! I have ME/CFS and I struggle to focus on meal planning. I’ve tried various systems to make it easier but I just get overwhelmed. This makes so much sense! My husband doesn’t like the same meals every week but it occurred to me as I was adding my go to meals to your format that I can actually do the same category of meal the same day each week so I don’t have to think about it but a different variation eg. Pasta dish but rotate 3/4 types, a curry (I have 3 quite different recipes I’m comfortable with), a stir-fry etc... Thank you so much for sharing, it’s really helped.
I can soooo relate to simple meal planning. Anything to eliminate stress and anxiety ❤️👍
I am thrilled to find you here on RUclips! I am old enough to be your mom, and I don't have the organized gene in my DNA! I love your approach! The lost items in the freezer is a problem for me. My husband has brought a huge chest freezer from his parents' house and I am trying to figure out how to organize it. Your dry erase board is the answer, God bless you!!!! I am recommending your videos to my daughter as well. Thank you!!!!
That's awesome Linda, thank YOU!!!! :)
I am the same as you, I don’t want to have the added stress of coupons, apps or storing. Keep it simple and now with your idea of the grocery list that just needs highlighted I should be good to go with staying on track with meals. Your method is the only one I have ever heard that resonates with me! 🌹Nikki
Wow, thank you Nikki! I was checking out your channel as well, it looks awesome! Excited to follow along!!!
Thank you Dawn!! Several family members are couponers and multi store-app'ers!!!! My sanity just cannot handle all the sale stuff and bulk items!!! Especially when I have trouble meal planning as it is! Thank you, thank you for verbalizing this for me!! I needed to hear it! I could never figure out why my pantry, cabinets, fridge, and freezer were so full but we never had time or interest to eat at home!! It was too time consuming!!! You are a life saver and a blessing! I am on my journey to simplify.. and I found your channel just in time..to give me the direction I needed!!!! I listen and re-listen to shows as I need inspiration and a friend to talk me through the process!! Thank you!!! God Bless!!!
I just love all your videos! Seriously! You’re approach to minimalism is refreshing and your optimism and energy give me encouragement that I can do this too! I’ve already implemented your laundry system ( with a few tweaks) and it has reduced my stress-level immensely! Thank you and don’t stop sharing!!
Wow Jessica, this is SO awesome to hear!!! Thank YOU!!!! :)
I love the simplicity of your methods. Work smarter not harder is what comes to mind.
Thank YOU!!! :)
I really resonate with this. I don't drive and so I just go where is easiest and work it around my work tota as I practically pass a supermarket on my way home. I have never done the coupon thing. It never sparked joy in me. I've some work to do on meal planning and am feeling inspired. Thank you 😊
I just started watching you videos. I love how you offer suggestions and explain what works for you. I have followed others that become so arrogant and have the attitude that their way is the only way and videos actually make me feel bad. Your videos are uplifting and inspiring.
Thank you, I greatly appreciate that!!
I do not see the links for the form or other videos?
I have to comment again because I've watched hundreds of "systems" but your videos are different. So easy, simple and stress free!
I just discovered your channel. You really nailed it. I have learned over many years that I am the only one that feels like I have to be really creative with all these new recipes. I have a list of basic meals we like to eat. Keep it simple! I live your ideas. I also decided after many years of cutting coupons that it just wasn’t worth it. When you cook from scratch, there are very few things that have coupons. When I finally remembered to use the coupon it was of be for 4 items or expired. I decided it was worth the stress for maybe $1.00 off. I’m going to use your form. Thank you!
This is awesome!!! I need this!!! I've been thinking and working on simplifying meal planning because it can take me hours. I've gone down rabbit holes of new recipes and 20 cookbooks and not even decided on a single meal for the week and I just can't do that anymore with 3 kids. But I hadn't figured out a simple system. This is exactly what I need. I'm just like you: if it isn't easy, I won't do it... Or won't finish it, anyway. I love how you said this is a "busy season". It took me forever to realize that how I do things today doesn't have to be how I do them forever. I just need something that works for now. And my husband definitely needs that leftovers/"use up" board!!! He might actually take and eat a lunch at work!
I totally get your coupon stance. Me too, sista. A month ago after switching stores, I decided to try their store app and coupons. Ugh. I spent over an hour scrolling the list of coupons, and another 20 minutes at the store trying to figure out if the cereal box I wanted, qualified. I just don't care about coupons anymore. Most times I try, it's just not worth it.
I've also noticed how slowly I go through things... And how fast expirations come up. I live in "prepper country" and Everyone is buying year supplies of everything... But so much of it goes stale in 3 months, 6 months, etc. I swear no one even looks at dates before eating them. I don't mind eating food a little past their date, but why always plan to eat them so old? It makes no sense. The grocery stores are in walking distance.
PS if you haven't done one already, I'd like to see a whole house tour including garage and shed. I have a small house that I think is similar to yours, but I have trouble spots I can't figure out... Tools, camping gear, lifejackets, snow suits, sewing supplies, half-finished house projects, and we each have our own desktop computer but no real office space. Actually, the whole house is full of half-finished projects. No garage, minimal storage, and tiny or absent closets. What are your trouble spots?
Thanks fo bringing me back to my roots! As a young mom I had a similar system but have allowed things to get complicated over the years! Time for a refresh of my kitchen, meal planning and shopping! The fun part of refreshing food with older kids is that now they can be involved and help choose the meals and take a bigger role in preparations. I think it will be a good learning experience for everyone!
I found you 6 months ago and am “catching up” on your videos from the beginning. You are the reason I no longer have a huge stockpile of “ just case” food. When I emptied my parent’s house after mom’s death I threw out thousands of dollars of expired food stocked up. I was getting as bad so because of you I shopped from my stored food till I used it all up and save hundreds a month now. Now my food inventory all fits in the kitchen cabinets and my stress level has dropped.
Thank you so much for allowing everyone to do what works for them. I am new and have heard you say that in all your videos. I feel a hug every time I hear it. Moms need the support and thank you for giving that you and your cheat sheets.
I LOVE your meal planning and inventory method! I am currently overwhelmed by a bursting freezer and overflowing pantry. Additionally, my spending on consumables is out of control. You have inspired me to take an inventory, use what we have, and SIMPLIFY. Thank you so much for all the great tips and tools!
YAY! I'm so glad to hear this!!!
This video really hits home. My husband loves to shop and will go to the grocery or 4 of them several times a week! When mice invaded the garage it was a disaster! The garage was our pantry, and we have shelves that are 8 feet long and he made new ones that were a foot deep. The old ones were book depth, so less got lost. When we started cleaning off the shelves, we had to throw out so much it was ridiculous. And before you think that we have a large family, we have the 2 of us in our household. I feel totally overwhelmed by all the inventory...
Thank you for these ideas!!
I love your ideas. Will make my life so much easier. I have stopped stocking up and it's truly so much easier to know what I have on hand and we
don't waste as much food. I take left over strawberries that are going to go bad and I make a quick strawberry sauce. We use that sauce for pan-
cakes and ice cream topping. I love your videos! Keep 'em coming!!!
I have tried this for three weeks and I love it! I just redid our sheet to take out more meals! We have to temporarily go dairy free and we we're sticking to some basic meals and ignoring the rest so we simplified it even more! Thank you so much! No stifling creativity since I can write anything in and I make it up so it's all me!
YAY!!! I am SO glad to hear this!!!!! :)
Thank god I found your channel!! So practical and easy!! I am a new stay at home momma and I’m cooking breakfast lunch and dinner for us three and it’s been so hard budgeting and meal planning and I just feel like a failed mom sometimes. I really appreciate your time making these videos because you have helped me by showing that there is other ways of meal planning!! Thank you from a new subscriber!!!
SO glad to hear this!!! Thank you!
Thank you for making videos that are informative and practical. I’m a mom of 5 kids ages 2-10, and life is crazy. All of your videos so far have been helpful. Thank you for helping large families realize that there is a different way to live.
Girl, yas. Love your system. So nice to see a minimalist meal plan. Makes all the difference. Also! ALDI does have an app! I look at what’s on sale before I go to pick which meals I’m going to make. Or not- if the sales don’t affect things in my rotation.
What! Will dedinielty have to check that out!!!
I agree, as the seasons of your life change, different systems work better then others. Be ready and willing to change if it’s not working and do something else.
Yes yes yes! Simple =sanity for me. I’ve gotten so many good ideas from you and darciisabella’s channel. We don’t have an Aldi so we use Costco, but I 100% agree that do what works for you to feed your family healthy, affordable food!
I'm rural so I use the walmart shipping, bonus it's free and because I live in a lower taxing area I save 5-10 dollars just in taxes. Plus with not traveling into town and muling around the store I never buy extra. For my household I do have a sam's membership and average over fifty dollars saved a year after the membership is paid on bulk items. It's a slightly smaller town so not too crowded. We don't have an aldi and most of the time our dollar store isn't worth shopping at we eat fresh foods. I'm trying the zero food waste way and incorporating in your lists to help. I form meals around veg and meat we have left from the previous week then add couple meals in. It's really helping
Thank you SO much for talking about realistic expectations we should set for ourselves when it comes to meal planning. I feel like everything you've said hit home for me. As a working mom of two little toddlers, I've been overwhelmed by trying to meal plan. I'm about to use your sheet, and I can already think of some meals I know my kids love to put on there.
I love your videos! I get so overwhelmed trying to simplify. A lot of other organization videos are a little too complicated for me, and like you mentioned, if it's not simple enough, I won't follow through with it. All of your ideas are flexible so we can take a category, and pick and choose what will work for our family. After other failed attempts, I actually came up with a similar meal plan idea before I found your videos, but now I have more tips that can help streamline things. Thank you very much!
All of this is so true! I think people really stock up on canned foods too, but only keeping canned items that you need makes it so much easier to sort through the pantry. Thanks for the great videos!!!
Thank you for all of your insight. I’m a teacher and have three kids and stress myself about coupons and apps and stocking up. You helped me to take a breath and keep it simple which is so much more my style. You are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to mKe these videos..
wow this is amazing. i am so happy to find someone else who finds all these things stressful! life changing. thanks so much :)
totally agree about the aldi vs costco...I love the simplicity of aldi...quick and cost effective and NOT crowded!!
I am working with your sheets! I love this system! I have tried almost everything to get myself organized with menu planning...this is going to be perfect!!! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good! We just recently adopted something similar, less waste, more planning, just buying what we need. I keep my list in a bullet journal with the whole month so if I think of a meal I can just add it to a week. That way I am not having to do it all at once. I like your system also.
Thank you so much for your meal planning tips. You have changed my outlook on the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking, which I’m not a fan of either of them. I am actually looking forward to meal planning this week.
We shop mostly at Trader Joe's, some at Aldi, and some at Costco. I have a similar setup for meal planning. I created a menu for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for an entire week. I usually keep everything but sinners the same, rearranging those based on our schedule. This way I make a few tweaks to the menu, print it out, then do my list.
As for a list, putting it in the order of how you shop is the way to go! Learned this from a wise oolder woman a few years ago. So what I did was create a master.grocery list of pretty much everything we get and then when I make my list I mark which ones we need and cross off what we don't. 🙌
I completely agree with you about using coupons and apps. Those just add a lot more time. Using coupons never have worked for me. 99% of the coupons don't even apply to what I buy and like. I don't want to buy what the coupons tell me to. I want to buy what I want to buy. Every grocery store has great deals every week. If I go shopping for food that I have already planned and see a great deal on blueberries or bacon, I'll pick those up if I plan on using them within the next week or 2. But even with the sales, I still go there with a plan on what I want. Less stress and I save money also.
I shop at Aldi then fill in with Walmart also. I pick my meals by what we already have. Plus I will buy big 5lb packs of chicken and hamburger and separate it into 1lb freezer bag portions and then I base meals for 2 weeks around them filling in fish, pork chops or no meat meals for the other 4 days left over. I use recipes and like ingredients so I can save money. I do right out my grocery list and meal plan every week in my planner. I save so much money now
This is awesome to hear!!! :)
I have literally searched minimalist grocery shopping so many times and you are what I've been looking for I can't thank you enough. Subscribing
"I find coupons and apps stressful"--so, right. I totally feel what you are saying about keeping it simple:D to eliminate waste and save money in the end...now to implement this always:D
My grocery stores never allow more than a certain number of coupons and I can not get apps to work for me.
this is the ONE sensible channel on RUclips. Thank you for sharing wisdom! ❤
Thank YOU! That means more to me than you know!!! :)
I shop at Aldi and Walmart also. I make my list in the Walmart app so that I can compare prices at Aldi. It is really frustrating the I can't find Aldi prices online before I shop. Things like eggs and milk vary in price quite a bit from week to week (some times cheaper at Walmart and sometimes Aldi). I do a Walmart pick up for anything that I can't get at Aldi or is cheaper at Walmart. With a family of 8 the $30 minimum order is never a problem. I did the math and I save about $20 a week by shoping at Aldi and then filling in at Walmart vs getting everything at Walmart. I would expect a smaller family would see a huge difference if they shopped exclusively at Walmart for convenience. I just don't recommend going in the store because I always leave with items that weren't on my list when shopping at Walmart :)
LOVE this approach, and yes, guilty of getting extra things at Walmart!
Tabitha, here is my Aldi price list: www.simplegrocerydeals.com/aldi-price-list/. I know prices vary per region but hopefully the prices aren't so widely different that your price comparisons are off. Our local Walmart doesn't have a large selection of food so I spend most of my budget at Aldi and ShopRite (East Coast). Once a month I go to Trader Joes' for frozen fruit, saving around $5.00. Also, I go to Whole Foods Market for a few things, often using my Ibotta rewards. All the stores are centrally located so there is no added expense of gas to consider. Hope this helps.
I think this is one of the best shopping approaches I've ever heard... making a list in the Wal-Mart app then doing any comparison shopping! Love it!
Just a note someone wrote below groceryads.com has aldi prices might want to check it out.
@@tjbenedetti9314 thanks, they just opened once a few miles away. The Walmart is only about 1 mile away so I'm lucky
🤯 I think I love you! This is exactly what I’ve been trying to work through in my head and I never have enough time to actually think it. What a time and stress saver!!!!
I have been using this system on excel for years, but... I never thought of putting the meals at the bottom of the page! Great tip!
Thank you!!!
Love both the meal planning vids! We have the same meals weekly (hubby is a picky eater), and that works for us. Also makes shopping easy. I cant wait for your next helpful strategy!
I absolutely loved your honest, simplified ideas in this video. I’ve felt guilty about not doing freezer meals or cutting coupons so what you said in this video really resonated with the way we’ve been managing our household. I’m a new subscriber, thanks for your tips!
Love this system! Hubby and I already do some (or aim to) of the things but this just takes it to another level. Glad I am not the only one who thinks that quick meals at home are better than fast food. I really hate grocery shopping too and so this may help me get through it faster. Tfs!!
So glad to hear! Thank YOU!!! 💕
Just now finding your videos and I am very glad. I happen to live in the Southeastern US so certain things don't exist here - like Aldi, sad to say. My options are different, but I do know what I can expect at, say, the local Winn Dixie, which is the store closest to our house.
I am willing to give this a try for sure.
I have a family of six, none of whom are kids, but I also have to plan food for two diabetics, four people with blood pressure issues, and a "starving" college age boy! It's been a nightmare. My husband is now recovering from open heart surgery so his diet just got a whole lot more restricted. I am fortunate in that the entire family is willing to adjust their own diets to be more in line with his!
The idea of a two week rotation of meals is I think the most appealing thing so far. I have been flipping my lid trying to think up more recipes or easier recipes, that don't require a ton of salt or don't involve pasta and so forth. Half as many recipes means half as much work, right there! And since I also have to plan my cooking and shopping around my own issues (back problems make it hard to stand up for a long time) half as many recipes means shorter shopping trips too. Such a relief...!
I enjoy the wegman's app because of the shopping list part. I can add to my list whenever & wherever.
I absolutely LOVE this! Both the paper organizer and the limited inventory/meal choices - I’m going to set this up for our house today! You are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much! ❤️
This makes so much sense. I've never seriously tried menu planning b/c every system just seemed like too much and I knew I wouldn't keep it up. But I used your template to make a plan (w/ some tweaks for my lifestyle) and I think I may actually be able to make this work.
there are so many good ideas to incorporate. In my season of life I am sooooooo bored with cooking that the 'new' recipes....try one per wee.....has saved me! your minimalism over other parts of life make for great fun videos and many ideas on the way to clutter/waste freedon! thanks!
I love your videos. You give your opion and tips in such a flexible way . . . . no stress. I am with you about having to manage so much. We buy too much groceries and spend way too much for 2 of us. I need to make it less weekly. Thanks for sharing. Love you channel!
Thank YOU!!! 💕
Perfect! You are so concise. Love it.
When we lived in Scotland, we would order online and choose when the groceries would be delivered. Without a car, it was fantastic. That was way before it became popular in the USA. I only shopped at Costco ONCE! What a madhouse! And parking was far far away! I left with over a hundred dollars in groceries and I only wanted a few minor ingredients. 😉 Keep up the good work. I love your simplicity in a world that's gone mad. 😉
This is perfect because I am finding I need things simple and minimal and agree the less my brain needs to think the better. I also shop at Aldi and Walmart so this is meant for me! Cannot wait to try this method as I can tell this will really work for me!! By the way, I did take the before and after pics of my kitchen after that challenge on your kitchen video to send, and never did have time to send, but that has made it so much better to just go in there and cook with all the blank space!!! Love your ideas and looking forward to the paper video because the struggle is real there too!! Thanks so much for these very helpful videos!!
YAY!!! I'm SO glad to hear ALL of this!!! Great work!!!! And thank YOU!! :)
I love all your videos!! I’m simplifying my kitchen this weekend. I made a 2 week very simple meal plan and I’m excited to get started! The only thing is it’s my, my partner and daughter. There is no way we can eat at home every meal for $300 but like you said I’m starting at $150 per week and not worrying about it too much
I think that sounds like a great place to start!!! Best wishes on your kitchen and new meal plan, that's exciting!!!
I'm so excited and will be doing this. I have had a list of easy meals that I've been meal planning around but I tend to over complicated meal planning because I'm in the minority of liking to cook and plan. Yet, I'm not very realistic about it. I had a great system down of every week checking what I had, what's on sale and then meal planning, but I started seeing how I was writing the same things to buy every week and how my husband and I love certain meals so much we don't mind repeating. Yet I was spending so long meal planning around sales or random ingredients in our kitchen. Thank you for introducing a system that my heart's been moving to but my mind wasn't thinking about. I may at some point want to have a spot for creativity. We'll see haha
This is really interesting to hear from the perspective of someone who enjoys cooking :)
@@TheMinimalMom yeah I'm going to try it and later I might type in a new meal in the longer category to have that window for creativity but to remind me that a new recipe always takes more effort/time as well as to question if it stacks up against our other great yet simple.meals
Yes I feel the same! I absolutely love meal planning and making my grocery list. Planning and cooking are so relaxing for me, and I love trying new recipes. However, I have 4 kids ages 2 to 8, so I'm finding it more and more stressful! We are always running out of things, yet my pantry is full of foods my kids won't eat. I love your practical approach. Thanks for the motivation!
Yes, on the meal planning and shopping small stores. The Jewel by my house used to be a manageable size and I could get in and out in 20 minutes or so. Then they expanded. Then they expanded AGAIN. I know now if I go there even for a few things, it will cost me an hour. Instead I go to a small store four blocks from the Jewel, be in and out in under 30 minutes, and have the groceries unpacked and put away in less than the hour the Jewel would have taken me. And I'm supporting a small local business with nice staff. I feel the same way about Costco and Sam's Club - too long a walk from the car, too overwhelming, so much time wasted walking from one end of the store to the other, and where to put all that stuff once I get it home?? Reducing inventory and trusting in God's provision for our lives is a big takeaway from your channel - thank you!
Just discovered your channel and love it! Love the flexibility of your meal planning system ... it’s exactly what I’ve been working towards.
Thanks Dawn. I have SO. MUCH. FOOD STORAGE. I am like your mom! I am going to whittle it down and do your system! I am eating from my pantry and freezer for the next couple of months! Thanks as always for the inspiration!
I shop Aldi as well. Limited choices & quality at an affordable price are worth the 15 min drive. I coupon for personal care items, laundry products, paper goods & use those savings for fresher better food choices. An app can help u save on bulk meat when it's on sale. I purchased a Costco membership for huge savings on new mattresses & furniture & enjoy the samplings & 'window shopping'! I only use it for gas discounts now. If I keep saving $15/Mo on gas, the $60 year price is worth it. Love this video! Made me shop my pantry for meals for next month
Yes, I think the limited selection at Aldi is probably what I like best about it...the prices help, too! I have a costco membership but hardly use it, I didn't think about using it for gas, that's a great idea!!!
Thank you for sharing all your wisdom! You have so many creative ideas I've never heard before!
Thank you, I appreciate that!! :)
Just discovered you, made another comment on another vid. I guess it's a good thing, but I'm not learning a whole lot because I already do most of what you do! Course I'm 55 and just learned/incorporated these things in the last few years! Wish I'd done these years ago. Re freezing meats.. I was in the hospital unexpectedly a while back and loved that I had a meatloaf frozen, and a beef roast. Really helped until I felt like getting out again. Also, I too don't plan a certain meal for a certain day, but I do make the meals with the most perishable ingredients first. We eat berries before bananas or oranges that last longer, I make any meals with fresh spinach or lettuce before one that uses canned goods, things like that.
I think your approach is neat!
Our family just made a huge move and it feels like we're starting over on so many aspects of our lives. And I feel like menu planning/grocery shopping is one that needs a frest start also. I love doing the online grocery pickup bc I don't do the impulse buys. (I waste so miuch money that way!!)
I just need to be better at the menu planning so I know everything I need to order! It's just so overwhelming sometimes bc I fall into the trap of needing to find the next best recipe on pinterest to wow people with. But I really like your approach to simplifying meal planning!
Moving is ALOT of work, but I did always appreciate how it caused a "re-set"...hope this works well for you!!!!
I really, really like your approach! I do things quite similar to you honestly, but I feel like yours is more fine tuned. But I am so happy I finally found someone who thinks like I do!
That's awesome! Thank YOU!! 💕
I’m getting rid of a lot of stuff and simplifying! I already feel so much better. And happier! It’s amazing!
YAY! So glad to hear this!!
Since the smart phone was invented I use it to snap s pic of inside my fridge and pantry before walking out the door to the store Incase I forgot to write on the list. It’s saved me a few times 👍🏻😊 I just delete the photos and start fresh the next week
Oh that's a great idea!!!
This is a great idea i might have to try this
Great idea!!!!
I love that idea!
great idea, thank you!
I'm a fairly new subscriber and just wanted to tell you that you do an awesome job with your videos! They are inspiring and encouraging and so helpful! I recently watched one with you and your sister in which you share about your faith in our Creator. I think Jesus is working through you to help out so many of us that are struggling with feeling overwhelmed by all of our responsibilities as wives and mothers and just day to day life in this hectic world. I look forward to eventually checking out all of your videos. :)
Yes! I feel the same way about coupons. Waste of time unless it is something you buy every week
yea! you sound just like me "Don't eat all the strawberries...I just bought those!" LOL!! I really like the meal plan idea. I also stay home and have 4 young kids. We waste alot of food and go over budget so I really need to get something easy like this in place. Thank you!
Thank you for giving permission to make meal planning simple! Phone apps and coupons stress me too. I thought I was just odd and overwhelmed. Lol I love all your videos! Thank you so much for your advice!
I had the same issues with Costco. It just took so much time: 40 minutes roundtrip just to get there, and then a minimum hour in the store just because it was so big. Instacart helped us start using our membership more often, and it helps eliminate expensive impulse buys.
I would buy $100 worth of groceries and said I have nothing for dinner! This is so helpful!
Made a google doc version of your list. I can’t wait to use it!! Working to pair down my pantry and cabinets and I’m so excited.
Yay! That's awesome, good work!!
Would you mind sharing it?
I just love love love(!!!) your ideas and way of thinking! I have found a mentor in you!!! Thank you!
Ps- i hate Costco and stores like that because their size and the size of their products STRESS me out!!! I m glad i m not alone!!!! 🥰
This is great! I have actually already been doing most of this, but I’ve been keeping it all in my head or jotting it on a random scrap of paper. So the PDF is just what I needed! Thanks for going to the work and sharing the sheet with us!
Very helpful suggestions ❗ I'm truly going to implement these ideas to help lessen the stress concerning mealtime. Thank you 😊😊
We spend $700 a month on groceries and we thought that was ridiculous! It's mostly organic from Aldi. There's 7 of us so to hear that it's $100 per person was a relief. That's $700 including all dish items, laundry, bathroom and bags. So thanks for mentioning that! That gives me relief. I only shop Aldi, Big Lots, and our local woods and rivers 😆. Since the virus has started, I hadn't been to Walmart since March. 2 weeks ago we went with my husband and was so overwhelmed! 😦
Keep it simple is what counts and knowing yourself is SO important. Many people love ALDI but the one near me is awful. I save so much $ by doing pickup at Walmart BUT since this whole Covid started many things in my food plan can be unavailable,so I just need to be flexible.
While looking for ideas about clutter and finding your video, well, I haven't taken the time to do it because I want to watch your videos!! You touch on every subject that there is and You, young lady, are A W E S O M E!!! How long have you been doing these videos and do you collaborate with Diana and Tom (who is super fun, too!)? Wow. I am just aww struck! LOVE YOU!! and THANK YOU!!!
I really appreciate this video. Mindset shift is what I needed. Also, your system seems actually doable for me. I've wanted to meal plan, and it never seemed to work in the past. Hopefully this will change things.
If your in Canada, I like the PC optimum the points offered are usually based on what you buy. It's very helpful saving up my points during the year and then using them right after Christmas.