Some really good hacks. I had blood drawn yesterday about 7 miles from home and drove right past a Krogers on my way back. Normally, I’d think that since I had driven all that way anyway, I should pop in and buy a few groceries. I have plenty of food in the house and didn’t need a thing, so I saved both money and time by driving by.
I always batch errands, one of which is usually getting the specials at whatever grocery store I'm passing by but like you, not today as we didn't need anything. I took the opportunity to run a few other errands, got 100% real 87 octane gasoline at the only station that has it in the area and since we were in the vicinity visited with my parents and brought a few cards with us to drop off and save the postage.
As a librarian for 30 years, I say thank you for the shout out. So many have no idea all that is available from home and a constant rotation of live entertainment, crafts, classes, tax preparation, baby yoga, book clubs, Mah Jongg. English for beginners, cooking class. Well not right now because of the need for safety and health. But we will be back and ready for business one day soon!
Great tips! For the cutting board I learned while working at a Chick-fil-a to lay a wet washcloth under it and that keeps it in place. It works great. :)
My favorite thing to do when my home starts looking blah to me, is shop my home for décor. I think its fun to find new uses for items that are being used in other places to refresh a new area. Love you food re-works, Emmy!!
Oh yes, I reuse paper towels that were just used to dry and cut up an apple, etc. And even though I would be hard pressed to get my husband or young adult son to use a fabric napkin, I personally use one. I figure that saves 10-15 napkins a week. :) My married daughter and I are enjoying inspiring each other to use up items in our pantries and freezers this month. I was happy to use about 8 cans to make a big pot of soup one night, a muffin mix, eggs, and some leftover frozen cooked sausage to make breakfast for dinner another night, and tonight we used a frozen cheese pizza and added some leftover frozen cooked sausage and some frozen salami from Christmas Eve on it. My guys loved it! It's FUN to be frugal!
I saved all of our "used" paper towel, shove them in an empty Nestle Quick drink mix container. Then when I have a greasy frying pan I use them to wipe and clean as much grease as I can. Afterwards I place in an old produce plastic bag I've saved. This saves my kitchen sink eventually clogging from all that grease.
Great ideas! Haven't been to the grocery store for a true shopping trip since the end of December.🙂 Picked up some eggs and fresh veggies, but have been living out of our freezer and pantry all month. It's a very satisfying feeling, and I love being able to just stay cozy at home when the snow hits! Blessings to you and yours, from PA! ❄️❄️❄️
You remember my tumbleware, used for Giveaway food, freezing, storage and lunches. Also reuse napkins and papertowels to wipe up spills while I cook. Also reuse paperplates if they are not dirty. Will try some of those other hacks as well.
I watched one of your older videos last night that I had not watched before. You took leftovers and created a meal with rice, cheese sauce leftover chicken and you served it with salad. I made the same thing with leftovers as well and added some steamed broccoli instead of salad. This is a real winner, thank you
I use glass jars in the fridge for odds of vegetables, cut up the last of vegetables - they stay fresh for 1 week and it's so easy to make food when the veggies are precut, instead of reaching for a processed snack grab some carrots and celery jars and snack on some premixed cream cheese and chives or garlic cream cheese, look great on the table as well. I also keep a precut onion in a jar - no smells and super easy to use x
I baked bread this morning and the recipe said to cover the dough with a dry cloth and cover with plastic wrap, I had a bubble wrap sleeve that I had kept from a purchase and slid the bowl in. When the dough rose and I transferred into the baking pan to rise again I did it again. Completely clean and reusable for my next bread.
My mailman does the rubberband thing too, lol! I started saving them and using them to wrap open bags ie: snacks, etc., and now I will be using them on my hangers as well, thank you! 😊
Emmy, I like the rubber band trick. I never thought of it. I put my wrapping paper in an old trash basket set sideways on the closet shelf. The garment bag is a great idea though. I use peanut butter jars as shades for the light fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom. I also use them to keep brushes and combs in place in the bathroom. If I had a food sealer I would use the packaging suggestion. You guys are just great!
Wow the wrapping paper hack! So many people go get expensive container and have to find a place to shove it under a bed or in a closet- but most people always have a garment bag that comes with luggage or cheap ones they’ve gotten for free over the years and they go unused! and hanging is so much better!
Before throwing out old rubber gloves, I cut the upper part a little smaller then cutting board, it keeps it from sliding around. Wash dry and reuse next time can also use to open jars.
Loved the video and the garment bag for wrapping supplies, genius. Also the lazy Susan idea. We do use paper plates occasionally and we have been known to reuse those, such as for a sandwich, just wipe off the crumbs etc. My no spend is going great. I have made a different meal every night from the pantry/freezer. I'm really enjoying being creative in the kitchen and also being frugal. Lots of soups and crock pot meals, which is always great in the winter. I have not gone shopping at all and have avoided the Dollar stores. We did have a fail this evening and my husband spent $6.42 for 2 McDonald's burgers after my grandson's basketball game. We are really saving money by avoiding any shopping.
Newspapers are great to reuse, when one buys a roast or a whole chicken, preferably on sale or reduced, keep it in original packaging it came in from the grocery store for example bottom foam container and plastic wrap, then wrap the item in 3 layers of newspaper, tape and put the date on it, toss in the freezer and it prevents freezer burn up to a year. How do I know this my dad told me about this and he is a farmers son. My grandparents did this as well.
Good morning. I like that lazy Susan idea. I did better this week No spending except for food. I'm going to try to continue in February. I am saving jugs for sowing seeds and I do try to be a recycler. Thank you for the great video.
Thanks for the tips! Loved them. Instead of buying chip clips at Walmart ect. I have gotten the spring type clothes pins at the dollar store and use them. Even chip clips at the dollar store you only get a few for a dollar so the clothes pins go much further- Have a great week
I love your videos! I found you a couple of weeks ago and have been binge watching! I am also retired but I'm in debt and trying to cut back wherever I can. You are such an inspiration. I live in Dingmans Ferry, PA, I don't think you live too far from me - your sunrises look familiar LOL. So glad to have found you
Hi Emmy & Paul! That baby girl, Dixie, sure does love her mommy! 🙂 So sweet! Loved your frugal tips, especially the garment bag hack! 😘 I'll be in touch soon. Love you folks! 👍~ Chris n Pups
Hi Emmy, I'm watching some of your older videos. (I recently found your channel). One thing we do to save some money and conserve electricity is We have 2 tvs and computer plugged into power strips when not in use we shut the power strips off. I got kind of lax in doing this, this fall. In December I was more faithful in making sure it was done. Dec. bill was $5 less then Novembers.
I agree with you about trying to repurpose items rather than throwing them away. Old plastic containers are nice to sort small items in the pantry and keep them corralled. I did your trick to refill the Bath and Body Works foaming hand soap and I don't think my husband had any idea! I also reuse a gently used paper towel and wipe down the floor or counter and get one more use. Thanks again for all the great tips!
Lots of super good ideas! Thank you! It's actually fun to think of creative ways to fill a need, you've inspired me to take a look around my house. My grandma had a place in her kitchen where she saved rubber bands, pieces of string, foil that had been used to cover something but was clean enough to wipe off and reuse, washed butter and sour cream containers, etc. Those things seem out of place in today's world, but I wish we could bring that mindset back because it would really help all of us to stop being so wasteful.
Made this recepie yesterday and we loved it! Apricots chicken:1c French dressing,1c apricots preserves,1 pk onion soup mix Chopped dry apricots handful Mix, pour over 9x13 pan of chicken [skinless thighs, breast, or tenders] bake 350 till done.
I have become my grandmother who used to have a drawer full of bread bags and other food bags that she had kept and washed for other uses. I started feeling bad about throwing out freezer bags after using them to store something like extra canned pumpkin so I started washing them and reusing them. I have a collection of extra bread bags that I use to line a coffee can to collect used coffee grounds so that they aren't loose in my garbage can and get all over the floor when the cats knock the can over. I used to always think my grandmother was a bit over the top, and now I'm racking my brain trying to remember other hacks she did to save money and get more use out of stuff. Totally changed my thinking and way of doing things, and frankly, I'm wishing I had always done these things. So much waste could have been avoided.
I put a damp washcloth flat under the cutting board when I'm cutting - no rubber bands to work around and it works pretty well. I love the lazy Susan idea!
You can wet a piece of paper towel, fold and put under cutting board. Use paper towel for clean up or dry and reuse. I use a piece of gripping shelf liner under my cutting boards.
I especially love the Food Saver and garment bag ideas. I had a big miss yesterday. I ordered a prescription refill for pain medication and got hit with my annual drug plan deductible in one fell swoop. My 30 day supply was $507.86! I called the drug plan administrator and confirmed it was correct. Yikes but I'm needed it so I can't call it an unnecessary purchase. I just grocery shopped past week so I have more than enough food to last me another two weeks. I did need dog food so I ordered that but otherwise I should be good until my next disability check comes. I know I am not the only person who has an annual deductible for medical and drug insurance, so just a reminder to everyone as they get ready for their first prescription refill or doctor's appointment of the new year!
Yes, Rosemary so true! That is a definite necessary expense though!! All medical is!! Also, Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything.
I don't know who has the great eye for the beautiful nature video openings but, you make me jealous for that type of view closer to me and my camera. Great Work!!
I use a clothespin to keep my slinky blouses in place. I never seem to have rubber bands. I always put a dish towel under my cutting board so it won't move. My no spend is still going strong. Our Dollar Tree is still a dollar. Thanks for these wonderful tips. I love them!
Thank you for the great tips Emmy! So in January I must admit I don't do a low/no spend but use as my organizing/planning/budgeting month for going forward in 2022, Although I do no/low spend for a couple months down the line. You guys sound like you are doing awesome for January ! A frugal recipe I make that my mom always made for us is to slice thin a potatoe and an onion and saute them together in about a couple tablespoons of oil and then add a little water and cover to finish steaming. Salt/ pepper/herbs to taste of course, It is delicious and very inexpensive. We love it for breakfast with eggs. I am using less meat in my recipes and can make 3 - 4 dishes with one pound of hamburger stretching with add in such as onions, celery, beans etc. for chili, spaghetti, etc. I also save a little meat (tblspoon) and put in little container in freezer every time i cook - then - after a while I have enough to make quesadillas or tacos, etc for another night!! Well those are a couple of my frugal tips...thank you for your lovely videos. You have a sweet family...:)
Another video with great tips. 17 no spend days. Going to try to keep it going for February. I grocery shopped today. That should carry us over till next Friday. Some things will last a bit longer. I only have $60 left to do a small top up shop till the end of the month.
Stopped using all paper (except TP😜) almost 3 years ago. Tonight, I used up 2 things out if my refrigerator to make supper and imagined how proud you would be. Love your videos.
Loved the hangar with rubber band and spinning spice rack hacks. Am going to use the spice rack idea for our meds. That way I can see what I have & avoid unnecessary buys. We use empty coffee can containers to water our started tomato plants. Just cut out the bottom & pop them over the plant & fill to appropriate level. It gives them a slow deep soak. See you Tuesday.
I have been sewing fleece hats for charity and flood victims. People donated the fleece. So, I have uses a lot of thread. I save the empty spools, tape one end of yarn to the spool, and wind my left over yarn in a nice ball.
I think this is one of my favorite videos so far!!! I recently found your channel and have learned soooooo much from you guys. Practical, easy, frugal and FUN! I love listening to your accents...I'm originally from NJ now in Arizona, and you two sound like home to me. Thankful for you and may God bless you extra special today! 💖🥰
I recycled lots of 2020 Christmas cards by cutting them up and re gluing onto card blanks I had in my craft supplies. I wasn’t able to go shopping for some as I’d had knee surgery - so it was a fun thing to do. I made lots of greetings cards for the year too and was happy to put them into my card box ready to send to people this year. Must have saved me well over 30£ using up what I had ! Loving your work Emmy and Paul as always xx
I went Christmas clearance shopping and they charged me full price for most of my things I didn't notice until I got home. I emailed the company complained and asked them to make it right with me through the mail because I didn't want to waste the gas to drive the hour back to the store. They had me email them a copy of my receipt and then they sent me a gift card in the mail for the difference. I will save the gift card and use it next year on Christmas clearance
Those were all amazing tips. This may be one of my fav videos you've made so far! I didnt even think of using my Prime mailers for resealing in my food saver! Genuis!!
I love the idea of magazines in boots. I use pool noodles. I thought your were going to say to put a few loops of yarn or string around the shoulders of a coat hanger. I learned that from an aunt, who was a daughter of the great depression. I use my garment carrier to store things. I use an old tall plastic trash container (never) used for trash, to put gift wrap in. Ribbons go in a plastic grocery store bag that sits on top of the wrapping paper. Then I take an old plastic bag from the dry cleaners (back when things needed to be dry cleaned) and put it over the top of all the wraps. Already had the plastic tall tub, already had the plastic bags. I re-use packages. Don't have a sealer, so I do use packing tape. I've used the library for tons of things...free. Love to you two, plus Dixie Belle! ❤
Love your channel & appreciate your tips! I bought from Thriftbooks for about $6 (includes shipping) one of The General Foods Kitchen Cookbooks you talked about on one of your shows. Love it! Try the Breakfast Muffin recipe on page 380! I did the spiced apple version but substituted 1 cup of the white flour for whole wheat, butter instead of shortening, and used1% milk. So good!! And only uses 3 T sugar besides what you sprinkle on top. I also reduced salt to 1 t. Again, thanks for all your tips!!
Great video as always. I’ve been watching for some time now but the spice rack is new to me. I love this idea and will see if I have similar items in my home to make this spice rack. Thanks!!
I put a wet dish cloth under my cutting board to keep the board from sliding. We use cloth napkins, wash and hang to dry. I hang most of my laundry to dry.
Easy and satisfying soup from Ramen noodles. Set aside the spice packet for another use. Boil the noodles while microwaving a steamer package of mixed vegetables. Add a can of white chicken breast (canned in water and delicious). Season with a little salt and black pepper. My husband adds Frank’s hot sauce. Pretty in the bowl with all those veggies. Delish!!
Hi Ammy and Paul,and Dixie Bell too,intro was super relaxing to eyes.Yeah all the tips were great.I use cloth pegs to control dropping of my slippery garments,I put all my wet,spinner out clothes on hangers and hang them in our bedroom during the night as we keep heater to keep the room warm,so that does dries up all the clothes and keeps us hydrated too.Great idea of using door shoe caddy as organisers,I use them regularly even at home,like socks, jewellery,safety pins,my hair drier,you name it.I m also doing no buy January,but I must admit that we had an emergency takeaway,but not very expensive.I always look for new recipes to utilise my ingredients,that I have,so instead of asking for a recipe with its name,I put ingredients in RUclips and ask for a new recipe using them.We keep our wrapping papers under the bed mattress,so it remains straight,plus doesnot take-up space in the closet,so space conserving too.Keep yourselves warm,keep the spirits up,you as it is always seem very chirpy,lots of love from India.By the way it is raining here,so we too are holedup inside
We use cloth rags, cloth napkins, and dish towels. I have one roll of paper towels in the house cut in 1/2. One for upstairs and one for downstairs that we only use for cleaning chicken and really big messes.
Hi guys! I am a early retirement letter carrier. Lots of customers over the years have asked me for spare rubber bands on my route. Now I know why! Lol. Sometimes if I would find myself in the middle of an icy patch while delivering the mail, I’d toss some down on top of the ice. It would give me some grip to walk safely to firm ground. I’d retreive them the next day and reuse them! Sometimes they’d be in short supply at work so we were always encouraged to save and reuse. Glad to not have to be working in these frigid temps. Bitter here in Pittsburgh as well. Take care. ❄️😊
I keep the vegetable and fruits package containers from grocery. Clean and repurpose them as organizers in the fridge, smaller ones are good for drawers. I keep cleaner paper towels n tissues and use them to pick up hairs on hard surface floors.
For the first time I only ordered a small amount of food we needed. We are eating out of freezer and pantry for the next two weeks. Love yall Emmy and Paul!! Hugs from Texas
Dixie Belle sure loves her mom. Red skies usually mean weather change. Went to my daughters house and was there a week and not once did I see the sun. Back home in Colorado it was 63 and sunny. Day after I got home cloudy, snow and cold. I did the garment bag . But my garment bag didn’t hold up. I use both bags and wrapping. Shelf liner cut to fit under the cutting board. Our postman doesn’t use rubber bands. So many great tips. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for sharing your wonderful tips with us. Every one of us, whether struggling or enjoying relative financial comfort, can do with all the frugal hacks we can get.
love the rubberband tip! I often clothespin the top shoulders to the hanger, but it almost always leaves a "pinch" mark. Love the wrapping paper tip too! I need a garment bag, but use is so rarely that I haven't purchased one. Now I will likely buy one because it can serve an additional use.
Love these ideas! My daughter uses a shoe holder in the bathroom for scrunchies, lotion, makeup, etc. And I have a friend that uses one on the pantry door to hold seasoning packets and other small things that might get lost on the shelf.
Some really good hacks. I had blood drawn yesterday about 7 miles from home and drove right past a Krogers on my way back. Normally, I’d think that since I had driven all that way anyway, I should pop in and buy a few groceries. I have plenty of food in the house and didn’t need a thing, so I saved both money and time by driving by.
YAY!!! WIN! Great job Jeanne!
I always batch errands, one of which is usually getting the specials at whatever grocery store I'm passing by but like you, not today as we didn't need anything. I took the opportunity to run a few other errands, got 100% real 87 octane gasoline at the only station that has it in the area and since we were in the vicinity visited with my parents and brought a few cards with us to drop off and save the postage.
As a librarian for 30 years, I say thank you for the shout out. So many have no idea all that is available from home and a constant rotation of live entertainment, crafts, classes, tax preparation, baby yoga, book clubs, Mah Jongg. English for beginners, cooking class. Well not right now because of the need for safety and health. But we will be back and ready for business one day soon!
Yes, I am a big advocate for the public library system!!
Great tips!
For the cutting board I learned while working at a Chick-fil-a to lay a wet washcloth under it and that keeps it in place. It works great. :)
Thanks so much!
I do the same thing and it works GREAT
My favorite thing to do when my home starts looking blah to me, is shop my home for décor. I think its fun to find new uses for items that are being used in other places to refresh a new area. Love you food re-works, Emmy!!
Oh that is fun Susan!!
The napkin/paper towels reuse idea is great. I’ve done it for years and save money. Lay it on the counter to dry and it’s ready to go again!
Absolutely Jill!
Oh yes, I reuse paper towels that were just used to dry and cut up an apple, etc. And even though I would be hard pressed to get my husband or young adult son to use a fabric napkin, I personally use one. I figure that saves 10-15 napkins a week. :) My married daughter and I are enjoying inspiring each other to use up items in our pantries and freezers this month. I was happy to use about 8 cans to make a big pot of soup one night, a muffin mix, eggs, and some leftover frozen cooked sausage to make breakfast for dinner another night, and tonight we used a frozen cheese pizza and added some leftover frozen cooked sausage and some frozen salami from Christmas Eve on it. My guys loved it! It's FUN to be frugal!
You are doing so well!! Thanks so much for sharing Donna! Thank you!
You can use clothes pins to hang clothes on hangers.
I saved all of our "used" paper towel, shove them in an empty Nestle Quick drink mix container. Then when I have a greasy frying pan I use them to wipe and clean as much grease as I can. Afterwards I place in an old produce plastic bag I've saved. This saves my kitchen sink eventually clogging from all that grease.
GREAT idea Susan! Thanks so much!
I do the same. I use less detergent this way too.
Frugality is creativity
It sure is!
Great ideas! Haven't been to the grocery store for a true shopping trip since the end of December.🙂 Picked up some eggs and fresh veggies, but have been living out of our freezer and pantry all month. It's a very satisfying feeling, and I love being able to just stay cozy at home when the snow hits! Blessings to you and yours, from PA! ❄️❄️❄️
Thanks so much Pam!
I found butter for $0.99! I bought enough for the year!
WOW!! That's amazing!!
Awesome!
Thanks Emmy. I like the frugal lazy Susan idea. I use a folded damp tea towel under cutting boards to keep them from moving.
Thanks so much!
You remember my tumbleware, used for Giveaway food, freezing, storage and lunches. Also reuse napkins and papertowels to wipe up spills while I cook. Also reuse paperplates if they are not dirty. Will try some of those other hacks as well.
Thanks so much Lori!
Thanks for featuring your adorable dog!
Yes, our DixieBelle is in almost every one of our videos...usually at the end!
You can also put a rubber shelf liner under the cutting board to prevent from moving. This will help you from cutting the rubber bands.
I use my garment bag as storage for my yarn ,contained, convenient and keeps the moths out
Super smart Kelly!
I watched one of your older videos last night that I had not watched before. You took leftovers and created a meal with rice, cheese sauce leftover chicken and you served it with salad. I made the same thing with leftovers as well and added some steamed broccoli instead of salad.
This is a real winner, thank you
Thank you Ruth! Appreciate that!
I use glass jars in the fridge for odds of vegetables, cut up the last of vegetables - they stay fresh for 1 week and it's so easy to make food when the veggies are precut, instead of reaching for a processed snack grab some carrots and celery jars and snack on some premixed cream cheese and chives or garlic cream cheese, look great on the table as well. I also keep a precut onion in a jar - no smells and super easy to use x
I baked bread this morning and the recipe said to cover the dough with a dry cloth and cover with plastic wrap, I had a bubble wrap sleeve that I had kept from a purchase and slid the bowl in. When the dough rose and I transferred into the baking pan to rise again I did it again. Completely clean and reusable for my next bread.
My mailman does the rubberband thing too, lol! I started saving them and using them to wrap open bags ie: snacks, etc., and now I will be using them on my hangers as well, thank you! 😊
Yes, free rubber bands lol!
Great ideas! You can also cut up a pool noodle from Dollar Tree to put in boots; Works like a charm!
Thanks so much Alisa!
Emmy, I like the rubber band trick. I never thought of it. I put my wrapping paper in an old trash basket set sideways on the closet shelf. The garment bag is a great idea though. I use peanut butter jars as shades for the light fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom. I also use them to keep brushes and combs in place in the bathroom. If I had a food sealer I would use the packaging suggestion. You guys are just great!
Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything. Thank you so much Linda!
Wow the wrapping paper hack! So many people go get expensive container and have to find a place to shove it under a bed or in a closet- but most people always have a garment bag that comes with luggage or cheap ones they’ve gotten for free over the years and they go unused! and hanging is so much better!
So glad you like it! Thanks so much Crystin!
No spend January has been a bust for us! Boiler repair $200, new car battery $170..etc.. Feb we will try again !
Those are necessary expenses though!! They are not frivolous spending items!
Before throwing out old rubber gloves, I cut the upper part a little smaller then cutting board, it keeps it from sliding around. Wash dry and reuse next time can also use to open jars.
Great idea!
I love the rubber band hanger trick! Thank You!
That garment bag for wrapping paper is genius!!!
Thanks so much Barbara!
Loved the video and the garment bag for wrapping supplies, genius. Also the lazy Susan idea. We do use paper plates occasionally and we have been known to reuse those, such as for a sandwich, just wipe off the crumbs etc. My no spend is going great. I have made a different meal every night from the pantry/freezer. I'm really enjoying being creative in the kitchen and also being frugal. Lots of soups and crock pot meals, which is always great in the winter. I have not gone shopping at all and have avoided the Dollar stores. We did have a fail this evening and my husband spent $6.42 for 2 McDonald's burgers after my grandson's basketball game. We are really saving money by avoiding any shopping.
So wonderful! You are doing great Allison!!
Newspapers are great to reuse, when one buys a roast or a whole chicken, preferably on sale or reduced, keep it in original packaging it came in from the grocery store for example bottom foam container and plastic wrap, then wrap the item in 3 layers of newspaper, tape and put the date on it, toss in the freezer and it prevents freezer burn up to a year.
How do I know this my dad told me about this and he is a farmers son. My grandparents did this as well.
Never heard this tip before! Thank so much!
Good morning.
I like that lazy Susan idea.
I did better this week
No spending except for food.
I'm going to try to continue in February.
I am saving jugs for sowing seeds and I do try to be a recycler.
Thank you for the great video.
Sounds great! Thank so much Renee!
We use short tongs with silicone ends to take hot item out of the toaster. Napkin no longer needed. 🥰🥰
Smart!!
Thanks for the tips! Loved them. Instead of buying chip clips at Walmart ect. I have gotten the spring type clothes pins at the dollar store and use them. Even chip clips at the dollar store you only get a few for a dollar so the clothes pins go much further- Have a great week
So very smart Jodi!!!
I love your videos! I found you a couple of weeks ago and have been binge watching! I am also retired but I'm in debt and trying to cut back wherever I can. You are such an inspiration. I live in Dingmans Ferry, PA, I don't think you live too far from me - your sunrises look familiar LOL. So glad to have found you
Welcome Diane! So happy you found us! Yes, we are about 2 hours or so from there!
Hi Emmy & Paul! That baby girl, Dixie, sure does love her mommy! 🙂 So sweet! Loved your frugal tips, especially the garment bag hack! 😘 I'll be in touch soon. Love you folks! 👍~ Chris n Pups
Thanks so much Chris! Yes, please keep in touch...still praying!
Emmy I love the idea of rubber bands on the coat hangers.
So glad you found the video helpful Chris!
Hi Emmy,
I'm watching some of your older videos. (I recently found your channel).
One thing we do to save some money and conserve electricity is
We have 2 tvs and computer plugged into power strips when not in use we shut the power strips off.
I got kind of lax in doing this, this fall. In December I was more faithful in making sure it was done. Dec. bill was $5 less then Novembers.
That's wonderful! Thanks!
I agree with you about trying to repurpose items rather than throwing them away. Old plastic containers are nice to sort small items in the pantry and keep them corralled. I did your trick to refill the Bath and Body Works foaming hand soap and I don't think my husband had any idea! I also reuse a gently used paper towel and wipe down the floor or counter and get one more use. Thanks again for all the great tips!
Thanks Amy so much for being here!
Lots of super good ideas! Thank you! It's actually fun to think of creative ways to fill a need, you've inspired me to take a look around my house. My grandma had a place in her kitchen where she saved rubber bands, pieces of string, foil that had been used to cover something but was clean enough to wipe off and reuse, washed butter and sour cream containers, etc. Those things seem out of place in today's world, but I wish we could bring that mindset back because it would really help all of us to stop being so wasteful.
You would feel like you were at your Grandmas if you visited...we still do all that LOL!
Made this recepie yesterday and we loved it! Apricots chicken:1c French dressing,1c apricots preserves,1 pk onion soup mix
Chopped dry apricots handful
Mix, pour over 9x13 pan of chicken [skinless thighs, breast, or tenders] bake 350 till done.
Thanks!
I have become my grandmother who used to have a drawer full of bread bags and other food bags that she had kept and washed for other uses. I started feeling bad about throwing out freezer bags after using them to store something like extra canned pumpkin so I started washing them and reusing them. I have a collection of extra bread bags that I use to line a coffee can to collect used coffee grounds so that they aren't loose in my garbage can and get all over the floor when the cats knock the can over. I used to always think my grandmother was a bit over the top, and now I'm racking my brain trying to remember other hacks she did to save money and get more use out of stuff. Totally changed my thinking and way of doing things, and frankly, I'm wishing I had always done these things. So much waste could have been avoided.
The great point is...you are doing it now! So that is wonderful!!
I put a damp washcloth flat under the cutting board when I'm cutting - no rubber bands to work around and it works pretty well. I love the lazy Susan idea!
Great idea!
You can wet a piece of paper towel, fold and put under cutting board. Use paper towel for clean up or dry and reuse. I use a piece of gripping shelf liner under my cutting boards.
Or I just take a dry washcloth and put it between the cutting board & the counter
Great idea!!
I especially love the Food Saver and garment bag ideas. I had a big miss yesterday. I ordered a prescription refill for pain medication and got hit with my annual drug plan deductible in one fell swoop. My 30 day supply was $507.86! I called the drug plan administrator and confirmed it was correct. Yikes but I'm needed it so I can't call it an unnecessary purchase. I just grocery shopped past week so I have more than enough food to last me another two weeks. I did need dog food so I ordered that but otherwise I should be good until my next disability check comes. I know I am not the only person who has an annual deductible for medical and drug insurance, so just a reminder to everyone as they get ready for their first prescription refill or doctor's appointment of the new year!
Yes, Rosemary so true! That is a definite necessary expense though!! All medical is!! Also, Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything.
Wow I can't believe the deductible price
Awful!
Awesome ideas ! Thank you. I especially enjoy all your openings. Such peaceful moments to enjoy after a long day.
Thank you so much Kim!
What a beautiful opening 😊❤️
I don't know who has the great eye for the beautiful nature video openings but, you make me jealous for that type of view closer to me and my camera. Great Work!!
That's me Tim (Emmy.). I do all the outdoor filming! Thanks so much!
I use a clothespin to keep my slinky blouses in place. I never seem to have rubber bands. I always put a dish towel under my cutting board so it won't move. My no spend is still going strong. Our Dollar Tree is still a dollar. Thanks for these wonderful tips. I love them!
Thanks for sharing Cate!!
A cooking journal is a wonderful idea! Thank you Emmy
So welcome Louise!
Thank you for the great tips Emmy! So in January I must admit I don't do a low/no spend but use as my organizing/planning/budgeting month for going forward in 2022, Although I do no/low spend for a couple months down the line. You guys sound like you are doing awesome for January ! A frugal recipe I make that my mom always made for us is to slice thin a potatoe and an onion and saute them together in about a couple tablespoons of oil and then add a little water and cover to finish steaming. Salt/ pepper/herbs to taste of course, It is delicious and very inexpensive. We love it for breakfast with eggs. I am using less meat in my recipes and can make 3 - 4 dishes with one pound of hamburger stretching with add in such as onions, celery, beans etc. for chili, spaghetti, etc. I also save a little meat (tblspoon) and put in little container in freezer every time i cook - then - after a while I have enough to make quesadillas or tacos, etc for another night!! Well those are a couple of my frugal tips...thank you for your lovely videos. You have a sweet family...:)
Excellent money saving tips Sharon! Thank you so much! Love onions and potatoes!
Such a beautiful and serene place where you live! I love it!
Thanks so much!
What a great idea to visit the library home page!!!!
I think so too Tanna!
Try a damp kitchen towel under your cutting board to keep it from moving
Thanks for the tip!
Another video with great tips. 17 no spend days. Going to try to keep it going for February. I grocery shopped today. That should carry us over till next Friday. Some things will last a bit longer. I only have $60 left to do a small top up shop till the end of the month.
You are doing so well Lisa! I told Paul I would like to keep the grocery challenge up through February too!
Thanks Paul and Emmy. Genius, practical, and useful ideas. Just love you guys! ❤
Thanks so much! So kind of you Amy!
Stopped using all paper (except TP😜) almost 3 years ago. Tonight, I used up 2 things out if my refrigerator to make supper and imagined how proud you would be. Love your videos.
YES!! So proud Morrisa!!
Loved all these tips Emmy. And just inspiring overall to think about how I can repurpose things in my home. Thank you !
Thanks so much Gena!
Beautiful vistas…..awe, happy to see Dixie…..great ideas, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much Carolyn!
Loved the hangar with rubber band and spinning spice rack hacks. Am going to use the spice rack idea for our meds. That way I can see what I have & avoid unnecessary buys. We use empty coffee can containers to water our started tomato plants. Just cut out the bottom & pop them over the plant & fill to appropriate level. It gives them a slow deep soak. See you Tuesday.
Sounds great! Thanks so much!
I have been sewing fleece hats for charity and flood victims. People donated the fleece. So, I have uses a lot of thread. I save the empty spools, tape one end of yarn to the spool, and wind my left over yarn in a nice ball.
What a great way to give back Judy! Thank you!
I think this is one of my favorite videos so far!!! I recently found your channel and have learned soooooo much from you guys. Practical, easy, frugal and FUN! I love listening to your accents...I'm originally from NJ now in Arizona, and you two sound like home to me. Thankful for you and may God bless you extra special today! 💖🥰
Thanks so much! May God bless you and yours as well Ann Marie!
This is such great encouragement to think outside the box to save some money! Stay warm!
Thanks so much Sheila!
Thanks Emmy. This again was very usefull. And what a nice intro with these surrounding pictures. Kindly regards from the Netherlands.
Thanks so much Monique!
I recycled lots of 2020 Christmas cards by cutting them up and re gluing onto card blanks I had in my craft supplies. I wasn’t able to go shopping for some as I’d had knee surgery - so it was a fun thing to do. I made lots of greetings cards for the year too and was happy to put them into my card box ready to send to people this year. Must have saved me well over 30£ using up what I had ! Loving your work Emmy and Paul as always xx
Oh Roo Roo I love that! What a lovely and frugal way to bless others with a delightful card!
I like to put a rag, hand towel or flat pot holder under the cutting board
Smart Shauna!
I went Christmas clearance shopping and they charged me full price for most of my things I didn't notice until I got home. I emailed the company complained and asked them to make it right with me through the mail because I didn't want to waste the gas to drive the hour back to the store. They had me email them a copy of my receipt and then they sent me a gift card in the mail for the difference. I will save the gift card and use it next year on Christmas clearance
Perfect!! So happy you caught their mistake!!
These were all absolutely wonderful! Our no spend is doing great! Eating from pantry and freezer 💜
YAY! Doing great!
Wow, what great tips! I kept saying “why didn’t I think of that”. Thanks
LOL! I do that all the time too!
I LOVE the beginning of all of your videos
Thanks so much Rose!
Those were all amazing tips. This may be one of my fav videos you've made so far! I didnt even think of using my Prime mailers for resealing in my food saver! Genuis!!
Thanks so much! Just make sure you clean your food saver well after sealing.
I love the idea of magazines in boots. I use pool noodles.
I thought your were going to say to put a few loops of yarn or string around the shoulders of a coat hanger. I learned that from an aunt, who was a daughter of the great depression.
I use my garment carrier to store things. I use an old tall plastic trash container (never) used for trash, to put gift wrap in. Ribbons go in a plastic grocery store bag that sits on top of the wrapping paper. Then I take an old plastic bag from the dry cleaners (back when things needed to be dry cleaned) and put it over the top of all the wraps. Already had the plastic tall tub, already had the plastic bags.
I re-use packages. Don't have a sealer, so I do use packing tape.
I've used the library for tons of things...free.
Love to you two, plus Dixie Belle! ❤
Jonna so creative...thanks for sharing!! Love right back!
Love your channel & appreciate your tips! I bought from Thriftbooks for about $6 (includes shipping) one of The General Foods Kitchen Cookbooks you talked about on one of your shows. Love it! Try the Breakfast Muffin recipe on page 380! I did the spiced apple version but substituted 1 cup of the white flour for whole wheat, butter instead of shortening, and used1% milk. So good!! And only uses 3 T sugar besides what you sprinkle on top. I also reduced salt to 1 t. Again, thanks for all your tips!!
You are so welcome! Thanks so much!
Great video as always. I’ve been watching for some time now but the spice rack is new to me. I love this idea and will see if I have similar items in my home to make this spice rack. Thanks!!
Awesome! Thank you!
You are so clever! What an excellent idea to use the Food Saver to seal a mailing envelope!
Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything. Thanks so much! 😊
Thank you for the great hack.
Love your ideas and your positive personality!
Thank you so much Donna!!
Great Video!
I never thought or saw the hanger and rubberband tip!!! Implemented it and am stoked with results!
Have a great week!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great ideas for the garment bag!!!!Love you guys💖
Thank you so much Barb!
I put a wet dish cloth under my cutting board to keep the board from sliding. We use cloth napkins, wash and hang to dry. I hang most of my laundry to dry.
That's a great idea!
Easy and satisfying soup from Ramen noodles. Set aside the spice packet for another use. Boil the noodles while microwaving a steamer package of mixed vegetables. Add a can of white chicken breast (canned in water and delicious). Season with a little salt and black pepper. My husband adds Frank’s hot sauce. Pretty in the bowl with all those veggies. Delish!!
Great idea! There would be a ton less of salt too not using the packet and seasoning it yourself! Smart!
Hi Ammy and Paul,and Dixie Bell too,intro was super relaxing to eyes.Yeah all the tips were great.I use cloth pegs to control dropping of my slippery garments,I put all my wet,spinner out clothes on hangers and hang them in our bedroom during the night as we keep heater to keep the room warm,so that does dries up all the clothes and keeps us hydrated too.Great idea of using door shoe caddy as organisers,I use them regularly even at home,like socks, jewellery,safety pins,my hair drier,you name it.I m also doing no buy January,but I must admit that we had an emergency takeaway,but not very expensive.I always look for new recipes to utilise my ingredients,that I have,so instead of asking for a recipe with its name,I put ingredients in RUclips and ask for a new recipe using them.We keep our wrapping papers under the bed mattress,so it remains straight,plus doesnot take-up space in the closet,so space conserving too.Keep yourselves warm,keep the spirits up,you as it is always seem very chirpy,lots of love from India.By the way it is raining here,so we too are holedup inside
Deepa I am so happy to hear from you!! Stay well my friend! Lots of love right back! Thank you!
We use cloth rags, cloth napkins, and dish towels. I have one roll of paper towels in the house cut in 1/2. One for upstairs and one for downstairs that we only use for cleaning chicken and really big messes.
Yes, that's what we do with our napkins too!
Hi guys! I am a early retirement letter carrier. Lots of customers over the years have asked me for spare rubber bands on my route. Now I know why! Lol. Sometimes if I would find myself in the middle of an icy patch while delivering the mail, I’d toss some down on top of the ice. It would give me some grip to walk safely to firm ground. I’d retreive them the next day and reuse them! Sometimes they’d be in short supply at work so we were always encouraged to save and reuse. Glad to not have to be working in these frigid temps. Bitter here in Pittsburgh as well. Take care. ❄️😊
Oh Michele I love when I learn a bit about our viewers! Thanks for your service and for sharing that!
Hi I really like the hanger idea for the blouses
Thanks so much Carmen!
Love the wrapping paper storage. Gonna use that💕
Thanks so much!
Use pants hangers with the clips or with the notches
I keep the vegetable and fruits package containers from grocery. Clean and repurpose them as organizers in the fridge, smaller ones are good for drawers. I keep cleaner paper towels n tissues and use them to pick up hairs on hard surface floors.
So smart and frugal Helen!
For the first time I only ordered a small amount of food we needed. We are eating out of freezer and pantry for the next two weeks. Love yall Emmy and Paul!! Hugs from Texas
That's great! Love right back!
Cutting board =Use a scrap of rubber shelf liner under it.
Really I joyed this video. Thought the rubber band hack was fantastic. Look so forward each week to your videos . Feel like you and Paul are friends .
Thank you! You too Mary!
Love these hacks! The garment bag for wrapping paper is so handy
Thanks so very much Crystal!
To keep a cutting board from sliding around put a damp dishcloth /dish towel under the cutting board
Dixie Belle sure loves her mom. Red skies usually mean weather change. Went to my daughters house and was there a week and not once did I see the sun. Back home in Colorado it was 63 and sunny. Day after I got home cloudy, snow and cold. I did the garment bag . But my garment bag didn’t hold up. I use both bags and wrapping. Shelf liner cut to fit under the cutting board. Our postman doesn’t use rubber bands. So many great tips. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks so much Sheryl! Yes, we haven't seen the sun much here either lately!
Some great ideas that I will try! I did have a chat yesterday with my local library. She sent me a link for Overdrive.
Thank you!! ~ Diane
Great Diane!! Thanks so much for watching!
Awesome ideas.So far we have spent 162.00 out of our 200.00 limit almost made it. Whoop,whoop
OH YEAH!!! Great job!
I love all those tips! Beautiful sun rise! Thanks, guys!
Thanks for watching L M!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful tips with us. Every one of us, whether struggling or enjoying relative financial comfort, can do with all the frugal hacks we can get.
So true Joyce!
Very good ideas, esp. the spice rack. Here in SE WI, our city’s Dollar Tree prices went up to $1.25 this past Monday.
Thank you so much for watching Denise!
You always have such great ideas! I love the Amazon envelope idea. I never thought of using the vacuum sealer. I will be saving all the envelopes now.
And if you don't have one, maybe try a hair straightener..
My son is in the Air Force and is leaving for Germany next month. This will be great idea if I need to send him anything. .
Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything. Don't use the vacuum part just the sealer...
Always remember to clean the FoodSaver after sealing anything. Don't use the vacuum part just the sealer...
love the rubberband tip! I often clothespin the top shoulders to the hanger, but it almost always leaves a "pinch" mark. Love the wrapping paper tip too! I need a garment bag, but use is so rarely that I haven't purchased one. Now I will likely buy one because it can serve an additional use.
Yes, I dislike those little bumps on the shoulder as well LOL!! Thanks for watching Shannon!
Love these ideas! My daughter uses a shoe holder in the bathroom for scrunchies, lotion, makeup, etc. And I have a friend that uses one on the pantry door to hold seasoning packets and other small things that might get lost on the shelf.
Smart!! Thanks so much!