STEP BACK IN TIME & SAVE MONEY! 20 THINGS WE ARE NOT BUYING 2023! Simple Frugal Living!
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Old fashioned simple frugal living! 20 thing we are not buying in 2023! Learn from the past how to save money for the future! Frugal Living! Beat Inflation! Cook from scratch! Rice a Roni Recipe! Early retirement debt free couple shows you how you can have an abundant and full life with less money!
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Frugal Money Saver
P.O. Box 256
Jefferson Valley, NY 10535
Rice a Roni Copycat- I loosely based my recipe on this original- www.plainchick...
Hubby & I have never paid for any of these things in 48 years. Gardeners, car wash, tire rotation, manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, changing our car oil, house cleaner, dog groomer, window washer, gym memberships, memberships in things like amazon prime, Netflix etc. We discontinued satellite TV about 5 years ago & we love the peace & quiet! Our printer uses only black ink, we hang our clothes on the line & if its rainy we have a long retractable clothes line in the garage, we've never paid for a seamstress because I sew, we've painted our own homes inside. & out, no subscriptions...we utilize our library & it's many services, we've been vegetarian from even before we married (except when hubby was in boot camp), nobody believes us whe we say this but we've never dined in a fancy restaurant. Never. Being vegetarians made that easy. We've never gone out to a bar or other place for alcohol, we drink at home & we're not snobs about fancy liquors. We bought our first home on the GI bill when we were 21. Even little things.. I wash & reuse plastic straws & ziplock bags, we always take beverages in the car with us. We've never been to starbucks. We picnic several times a week, Now, if you're thinking we've never had any fun......with the money we've saved we've traveled all over the world & we've almost always stayed at 4 or 5 star resorts. That's our only splurge. We laugh that we'll be staying at an over the water deluxe suite in Bora Bora and we'll be eating a couple of Subway veggie sandwiches sitting on the balcony. I've never worked outside the home & we're debt free in San Diego. It can be done!! And it's been a blast!! Life is good!
Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Amen!
Brilliant! Sounds like you had your heads screwed on from an early age! My husband and I have only really got sensible in our fifties but trust we have a good few years left to put good ways into practice. God willing! 🙏
Sounds like a blessed life🙏🙏
Cool. My son lives in San Diego,,,,,,, he can't wait to get out ..
Getting books from the library instead of always buying them😀
I agree, use what you have. I had my mother’s silverplate and she used everyday when I was very young and the switched to stainless steel when I was older. It wasn’t until my dad gave it to me that I realized she still had almost a complete set. I added to it when I found pieces cheap at flea markets. I was using it just for special occasions and then thought why wait for a special occasion. I now use it every day.
Oh Ann I love that you use it!!
Edited to add that we already do most of the things on your list, including making our own convenience meals. I bought a smart watch after falling and breaking my ankle in the garage. My husband couldn’t hear me yelling for help. Fast forward - I fell out in our yard, landed behind the hedges with a broken shoulder. I was able to use my smart watch to call for help. I’ve used it to call when I’ve locked myself out accidentally while walking the dogs. It also measures my O2 levels and can take an ECG. My cardiologist loves that I can bring him print outs of ECGs.
It’s not a fashion or social statement for me. It’s a safety tool.
Love the copycat rice-a-roni!
Oh my goodness that's a totally different aspect! Hope you are okay now!
Great tool for you!
Stay safe ❣️
I too fell in the back yard and broke my upper arm. I had my phone in my pocket but had a hard time getting it out as it was in the pocket on the same side. Safety is a priority, and it is great you made that decision before the last fall. Praying for you that you don't fall and get hurt again. Take care! 🙏
A little frugal idea for batteries. My fiancé was going through AA batteries like crazy for his X box controller, so I got him rechargeable batteries and a charger. It was about $20 I think, and we really like it. Makes less trash as well.
Smart!
I did this too! But I just found out that my boys were being lazy and decided not to charge their batteries, so no more buying batter for them 😅😂
One of the first things I did when I got my Xbox many years ago was to buy a decent battery pack. I know I have saved so much on batteries over the last 10 years just from that purchase.
You are truly a breath of fresh air I absolutely love how you come across in your videos you never talk down or belittle people just full of love and respect and I appreciate that so much
Thanks so very much for the encouragement Lori! It is so appreciated!
BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE! This has been our family plan, especially when it comes to tools. We don't pay more for fancy items but will pay higher prices for items of good quality. Then, we take good care of our tools. I have a vacuum system in my wood shop, so I vacuum all of my power saws before I put them away each day. Our garden and homesteading tools are all cleaned (and oiled at the end of the season) after each use. We also use teak oil on the wooden handles to keep them from cracking and breaking. Even the John Deere riding mower is washed after each use, air filter blown out with air compressor and the underside of the mower deck cleaned. I have tools, which I inherited from my grandparents, that are still in good working condition because of the care they took.
So smart!
That's what I keep telling my husband! He left the hoe outside and when I wanted to use it, the handle had rotted and had mushrooms growing on it!
The older tools from the 1970's and earlier years; whether it is man-powered (manual), electric, or gas operated, were made to last. They were easy to repair and maintain too. Modern gizmos break down or malfunction before it's even a year old. If you are lucky, that item might last for a couple of years, but once it dies it cannot be repaired. You have to toss it out and buy a new one.
@@rachelrodgers9171 planned obsolescence.
I can totally appreciate your candle obsession!
No more going food shopping on weekends, it will take a bit of working around but will save me 4 hours of precious weekend quality time and less opportunity to spend on a whim.
One thing I’m not buying this year is starter plants for our vegetable garden. Big box stores in our area were charging $3-5 per tray last year. This weekend, I’ll be starting seeds for broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage. In a few weeks, they’ll be ready to transplant.
That is a great point!
You might also look into winter sowing to grow seedling easily and at low cost. Query it on RUclips and you'll see instructions on how to make your own jugs. I grew more than 50 types of seedlings last year at very low cost and they were super healthy.
So smart Kimberly!!
@@cltinturkey I’ve done winter sowing before. It’s amazing!
If you purchase heirloom seeds, you can save the seeds from those plants for years to come! I save extra seeds from my heirloom plants every year so I can replant plus trade with others in order to try something new for free!
I am committed to stop buying gallons of iced tea. I can make my own for pennies. I do really well for a while, and then just pick up a random gallon, and next thing I know, buying again. I have a new pitcher, and am moving forward on this!
I've started cold brewing iced tea in the refrigerator. I just fill the jug with water, add three tea bags, and refrigerate. The next day I remove the bags and let them dry so the tea leaves can go into the compost. The tea is clear and delicious and the only waste is the tea bag containers. Super economical and a great way to use many boxes of tea.
That's a brilliant idea, I have to start making lemonade and orange juices as well when I see a good deal, everything store bought is getting so expensive.
Agree. Make my own ice tea unsweetened and add an orange and lemon. Also only buy frozen orange juice concentrate. Walmart brand the cheapest. Add water to my apple juice in my glass. Too sweet for me. That stretches it.
It helps if you buy a tea kettle 👍
I get the large Walmart iced tea bags, I also like the PG tips brand. I can only have decaf so it costs little more than regular. If I want a fast pot I brew it in the ninja coffee bar or useba kettle if water. It brews really strong, I can have a cup of hot tea and cool the rest for iced tea.
I think you should keep a small supply of paper plates, cups, bowls+plastic silverware. In the event of a power failure, you don’t want to be washing dishes.
Yes! Or in the event of a water main break...We were 4 days without municipal water once. Another time I had well water which needs electric. It took 3 weeks to get power back because the storm affected so many over a wide area. Disposables saved us. I won't use them if I have water.
Judi, I still have paper products from our wedding rehearsal dinner 25 years ago LOL!
I love your suggestions and felt rather smug that I am doing most of them already. I live in Egypt and there are many things we simply cannot get here, so I have learned to do without or find another way. I have been doing the rice a roni forever and I love it made from scratch. We have available to us, amazing fresh produce, but it is sometimes hard to get things not in season, since it is nearly all grown right here, but this is what we all ought to be buying anyway. I do buy a few things in cans, like red beans which are not available here in bags, and the people here laugh at me because they eat all fresh things. We have nothing like frozen dinners, other than maybe a frozen pizza but I never buy these either. We do have frozen chicken patties, which I do buy, since I am cooking for only one these days, and they are so easy and so much cheaper than sending out for delivery, or a trip to the fast food place. We do have a lot of options here for delivery, often with no delivery charge, but I do not do this unless I am sick or unless I cannot make something myself. They have not caught on to slow cookers here and they are non existant with the correct electric plug, but I still make my own soups, except in the summer when it is too hot to cook that long. We are so blessed with spices so fresh, there is no comparison to what you have in the US, and so cheap. This makes everything taste better. I do not have a car here. It is impossible to drive because of road congestion, and we have Uber and taxis, plus other mass transit, that is very affordable. I have no idea how much I save by not having a car, but I imagine it is a ton. My rent here is obscenely cheap and I have a nice three bedroom apartment. Too much for only me, but they build them for families here so a one bedroom is impossible to find. No cable TV necessary here and internet is so cheap. Phone is all pre paid and I have only a cell phone, which I pay almost nothing for. If I need to go to the doctor, that too is very reasonable and the quality of care is excellent. I had a root canal done here, by a good dentist, who had all modern equipment, and it cost me about 10% of what it would have cost in the states. So, come to Egypt for a visit and get your dental work done and pay for your vacation. A meal out is going to cost you almost nothing, and a decent hotel can go for only about $25, or more if you want. It is completely safe here and you will not feel like you are being ripped off at every turn. Just watch out for the scammers who offer to act as a guide etc. OK I went off on a tangent but I am always so pleased to tell people about how I can live very well on a small income. Thanks for reading.
Wow! Egypt! Thanks for sharing all this info!
You can make a sort of non electric oven it was on RUclips a few years ago.
Nice share
Thank you
Hi Emmie, Paul, and all! Does anyone remember putting/using the grocery paper bags and some newspaper in your kitchen basket? I know I’m showing my age!😊 Thank you Em and Paul for the great content as always! Blessings to you and your viewers ❣️
My mother ALWAYS did that!!
Yes
My dad rolled kitchen waste in doubled paper bags, in newspaper layers, now it makes me think of making an egg roll, but he'd create newspaper bundles of wet trash and they went into the big trash bin for the curb. Before counties demanded plastic bags.
OATMEAL PACKETS! I buy store brand quick oats and make packets in small reusable containers. Add cinnamon, raisins, nuts, and a dry sweetener or maple syrup. You can make up 6 to 10 in just 10 minutes, and they are ready to go - in an instant. Much lower cost and reduced waste.
Delivery service of take out food or delivered food kits can be helpful when a person has limited mobility or extreme health issues. it can also be a kind way to send food to a family in bereavement. For example, when my friend started cancer treatments, I arranged a gift card to a local cafe and his family could phone in their order for when they would like food.The cafe was also amazing in that they could work around food choice concerns. Since I lived in a different town, this worked so well.
Yes, totally agree!
That’s super kind and thoughtful
What a wonderful, thoughtful gift! ❤
I agree with you. So much seems to be buy, buy, buy. I grew up in a place where we grew potatoes for the whole country, sugar beet too. But many people didn't have much money. Our pantry was very rarely full. So for me to have a full freezer and pantry is a total luxury. This week, I shopped not only my freezer but pantry too. Only needed milk. I feel blessed to have the wisdom on how to do without, make the dollars go as far as possible. Its good to see people like you who pass on the knowledge to others. Keep up the good work. Xx
Thanks so much Suzi!
I made my own potato chips this week. I pulled a mandolin chopper that has been unused for a few years out and put it to work. I figured it cost me about .20 cents to take 2 small potatoes and turn them into a side to eat with my sandwich. I just can’t pay 4-7$ for a bag of chips!
My mother made those to put in our school lunches. Cost was pennies. At that time you could buy a large 50# bag of potatoes for $1-$2.
That is awesome!
Good idea!
Going into 2023, I will no longer be buying my kids packaged sweets for their lunches. My girls and I spend 1.5 to 2 hours baking simple treats (cookies, bars, breads) on Sunday and I place them in their lunches during the week. I find its a great way to spend time with each other, the girls learn a life skill, and we always have fresh treats on hand!
Love that Janet!
HAM! I just organized my deep freezer, and I've got enough ham to sink a ship 😄. I will not buy anymore until we've used up up what we have. It's just so hard to pass it up when I can get one for less then a dollar a pound. My blinders are on for this in the future. Thanks for all you do week Emmy and Paul.
LOL! I totally get it!
Guilty 🫣✋️my candles are double yours 😬 and my freezer... also stacked to the top!!
I'm with you on all the "won't buy" list.
Yesterday, I was tempted to go to the thrift store after my doctor appointment. I quickly snapped myself back into reality and just went home. There isn't one thing that I need in that store. This was a win for me.
Ditto here!!! I am just buying fresh foods like milk, trying to even use some canned fruits etc. Candles are my weakness too!! I have been organizing and tossing items not needed unless it something I can sell in upcoming community yard sale!! Dialing it in for the entire year!!🙏😉 love all the ideas!!
YAY!! R N You did it!
@@lesleystandish3922 look at minutrure goats on RUclips for milk.
What you called Rice-a-Roni is the recipe for Armenian rice pilaf, minus the Italian seasoning. We've been making that for generations. If you can find vermicelli noodles or fine egg noodles, that works well.
And we don't use plastic bags in the waste baskets, not counting the kitchen trash. We just wash out the cans as needed.
I just stopped buying dryer sheets. Instead, I purchased 2wool dryer balls and a large bottle of cashmere oil. Total cost $17 and should last two years. Plus my home smells amazing now. No chemicals one step at a time 🌺
Great idea!!
Add safety pins to the dryer balls to eliminate static. It Works!
I live on a homestead so I use my clothesline most of the year. On winter sunny days, I dry my laundry in my greenhouse (usually 80 degrees and higher here in southeast Iowa). These wool balls would be a good idea for the few times I do use the clothes dryer though!
Never heard of cashmere oil. Do you put it on the dryer balls, and is it used to soften clothes?
I haven't used paper napkins on my table for decades. I have built up an inventory of cloth napkins I made from thrift store bed sheets and tablecloths. I also rarely use paper towels. Instead, I have a full drawer of cloth rags from worn out flannel shirts, old sheets, tee shirts, etc. I just add them to whatever laundry load I'm doing after use. I not only save money, I'm trying to wean myself from single use, disposable items as well.
Emmy, how on earth do you stay warm?? I’m watching your videos and you have on these little sweaters while I have on 3 layers, base layer, turtleneck and hoodie. I’m freezing and you seem so warm!!!! I have saved EVERY plastic grocery bag for years, they are stuffed in every nook and cranny of my house. Drove my husband crazy, until they banned them! Now we have years and years of trash bags hidden all over the house! Fun video as always, ❤️
We always have the wood stove insert going and it's literally 20 feet from me LOL!
No more running clothes dryer. Switched to outdoor line, and for bad weather, indoor line.
Thanks for the great tips...Great advice as always ☺️...For quite awhile I have been using the produce bags for my bathroom trash cans 🗑️ because they fit better. Also here in California I can't get over the fact that the plastic store bags that we pay 10¢ for are so much thicker and seem worse for the environment than the previous thinner bags. I remember growing up in the 70's and the only plastic we ever had came from the premade bread loaves... otherwise we only had paper bags.
I save all my bread bag's and reuse them along with those tortilla bags that have a sip closing!
I agree. They call themselves progressive, but I see regression. We have to follow the recycling propaganda, yet the business itself is a failure. They should educate people to live simple and frugal, the result will be phenomenal if everyone takes it to heart.
@@nevermind7253 I save mine also. Use them to put my frozen in and then put in a freezer bag. Double protection. I just cut the excess off after I tie with a produce tie from the super. Also use to PKG my homemade bread.
I remember sometime in the 90s? 00s? They had us switch to pastic to "save the trees." 🙄 only thing green about all this "green" stuff is lining Their pockets...
Paper sacks should be brought back . Trees are renewable and sacks will break down, unlike plastic. We ought to either go back to more glass bottles, or all plastic bottles, containers, straws, etc ought to be mandated to be completely recycled.
Love the rice hack of letting it steam with the residual heat. My mother taught me to do the same thing with pasta. Bring the water to a boil, add the pasta, stir, put a lit on it and turn off the burner. Let it sit for 12 mins (or however long it is supposed to cook for) stirring it every 6 mins or so and you will have amazing pasta without using the burner the entire time.
I'll try that! Thanks Erin!
This year I've chosen not to do anymore unnecessary couponing. I have wasted so much money on things my family has not used up. I still have shampoos, conditioners,lotions,body washes, etc. from over 3 years ago. I will save time and money not couponing this 2023 year.
Wish i cold do that here in Portugal...
Mine too. I just wrote that comment. I’m going thru my stash and only buying what we use. Even if I don’t have coupons.
same and I truly havent couponed at all in about 2.5 years. I still have at least 1 year of liquid laundry detergent, bar soap, shampoos/conditioners; deodorant, razors, shaving gel, hand soap etc. I also have a whole tub of mini things from hotels and vacations that we have been on that need to have the rest used up. I have just purchased my first 2 packages of TP in two years. I have 1 & 1/2 rolls of paper towels left from 2 years ago too. The struggle is real. LOL But the savings are great too. I never bought anything we wouldnt use though.
Love the positive presentation. Gym membership - walking outside enjoying the fresh air. I do not use a microwave, air fryer, crock pot, toaster oven or coffee maker. Love the NY ban on plastic bags and your solution to trash bags. Smart and fun. Thanks again. (My dad grew up in Manhattan).
Love that! Thanks Maureen!
Great tip about turning the gas off to finish the rice. I agree with most of the list, but we all need to do what works for ourselves. I gladly pay for a professional pedi to keep my feet healthy. After I started getting pedis many years ago, I no longer got ingrown toenails or rough, cracking skin on my heels. I’m also supporting a family-owned/operated business. It’s great if people can do their own pedis, but the cost is worth it to me.
Same here. I gave up other spa services, but I can’t do a proper pedi on myself.
Yes! I totally get that Jeanne! That's why I always say everyones journey is different!
Don't see well enough and can't reach far enough to do my own pedicures. Worth every penny!
No more candles for me this year either, I have 3 full drawers. I’ve also made a pact with myself to not buy any fingernail polish, hand soap, or clothing. Trying to use what I have. Good video, I love Tuesday’s and Friday’s
So kind of you to say that! Thank you!
@@FrugalMoneySaver You could gift some of those candles to friends and family and save some money on that line item too, since you have a WHOLE DRAWER of candles that you couldnt possibly burn in two years! LMAO I love candles too, so I feel your pain on that one! :0]
I wont be popping out to the supermarket for just one item. I dont have the discipline to just buy the one thing I went in for. What I dont have I will either substitute it for something else or do without. I will be sticking to my twice monthly grocery shop and the budget I have allowed myself. I always have food in my house and have to stop thinking what I fancy to eat and work with what I already have.
Emmy, I know you don't use food service sites, but what about Chewy for Dixiebelle? We have found that service wonderful for our pets. There is no shipping charge, it comes directly to the house, and it is comparable in price to the grocers and pet stores in our area. Plus, when our little Shih Tzu died last year and we asked them to discontinue her food on the next order, two days later a huge bouquet of flowers and a wonderful sympathy card arrived at our door. I realize that is a good business idea, but they didn't have to do it.
We use Chewy, too. I make an order every 4-6 weeks. It cheaper to get my pet’s meds through Chewy than the vet. Chewy is not a subscription service, and there’s no added cost if you buy enough for free shipping. I love having cat food and litter delivered to my door.
I will definitely look into it! Thanks Susan!
I use Chewy also. We have big dogs and it saves me from having to load heavy bags into my car. We make sure to order enough to get free shipping. It is the same or cheaper than going to the store and a lot easier.
I use Chewy too sometimes! I just ordered prescription eye drops from them for one of our dogs, it was a generic and a very small fraction of the cost. Our vet was very nice, and just charged a ten dollar prescription fee for three bottles of drops. Also Walmart delivers free with an order of 35 dollars. I live in a rural area so the free delivery is a God send! : )
My dog was on a special diet dog food that was hard to find in the regular pet stores.When he died this past October, Chewy sent me flowers and a card also. They are a great company to do business with.
Discount rack bread can be made into bread crumbs or croutons. My Mom and Dad raised 10 children and I remember her teaching us to compare unit prices back in the late 60s. She was frugal and I have handed down that mindset to my children. They are in college and they budget every penny they make. When I shop, I compare prices between stores with my phone. We have an Ooma for our home phone, no cable, just internet. We live simply, after 38 years of marriage, we have more than we need. You have so much good info!
That's wonderful Nancy!
Bread pudding snd French toast casserole both require old bread
@@doricetimko332 yummy, yes!!
Only time we have had food delivered was when everyone on the house was sick.
Can't believe bottled water wasn't on your list! Paying for bottles of water is something I absolutely refuse to do! And the waste that is generated from all of those plastic bottles is unbelievable. I have a water purifying pitcher on my counter and if I go out I fill a reusable water bottle. No waste and very little expense. Agree with you about the canned soup. The high sodium is not good for anyone! And I can't wait to try the rice dish because I love Rice-a-roni but the sodium is just too much for me. Thanks for another great video.
Agree on the water bottles. I refill them from the tap.
It depends where you live if the water is nice to drink. I live in London a hard water area & the taste is not great. Yes it’s safe to drink but I prefer bottled. I do have a filter jug too but tend to use that water for coffee. I use tap water for tea & mostly it’s ok but oftentimes it tastes & smells like bleach!
I harvest rainwater from the roof and refill the water bottles originally sourced from the supermarket. Friends donate theirs to me rather than them going to landfill, so I have a continuing supply of good quality water which I finally put through a water filter.
Yep, I have some on hand for emergencies but I don't use that water. I'm looking into a homemade powdered cream of recipe to make up and use instead of cream soups.
Hi Emmy and Paul! Thanks again for your awesome video! Since you said you use Ivory soap..here is a little hack I use with that soap..lather it and pour table salt in your lather in yoir hand and proceed to wash your face. It makes your face so soft and smooth. Sounds weird but it works. First read about this in a womens magazine.
Oh how neat! Thanks!
Hi Emmy, I grew up with that homemade pilaf recipe. I never had a box rice mix until I was an adult. I prefer homemade to control the amount of sodium. I had to put a stop to buying bath soap and toothpaste every time I found a great sale. I probably have two to three years worth of bath soap. I’m not buying freezer food either. I have the dead body storage sized freezer and it’s full to the top. I’ve been eating it down.
I never drank any coffee until December 2021 when my Mom introduced me to mochas 🤩 I went a little crazy with mochas in 2022 and was buying them from McDonald's or buying the ingredients to make them at home so I could have a mocha twice a week (crazy for me, since I usually don't buy anything unnecessary). I had my last mocha on December 31st and have been coffee free again ever since. I am not against coffee, but it is something I don't need and one of the few things I can cut out of our very tight budget. Our goal is to be debt free by Christmas 2023, and with how high inflation has been, that goal is going to be challenging.
I like the reusable ideas. We invested in a steam mop and I started using microfiber cloths on our swiffer about a year ago. I recently pulled out some cloth napkins that my husband and I received as wedding gifts that we never used. Now that my babies are older, I cut up some of their receiving blankets and use the pieces to wipe off my toddler's hands and face after meals instead of using paper towels. Something about your video also reminded me about when my twins were tiny. My husband and I couldn't even afford a box of kleenex back then, and the babies were past the point of needing burp cloths, so we started using the burp cloths to wipe their noses when they were sick and threw them in the wash with all the other loads of laundry I was already doing. We didn't have enough money for the convenience items, but we had enough on hand to take care of our babies.
Love this comment!! Thank you for sharing!
I make moca coffee using a little instant and cocoa powder and a little squirt if I happen to have a chocolate syrup in the house, little sugar and it's so good! Sometimes I add cinnamon for taste and health.
Your doing great!
Great cooking demo, and 20 great never - do’s. I do the same things for baskets too. For my swifter, if the rags are too big I secure them with binder clips across the top of the flat part. Thanks. Waving to you from Michigan.
I just washed all my husband's handkerchiefs and am in the process of ironing them when I use iron for my quilting hobby. Going to start using instead of Kleenex tissues. They have gone sky high in price. When I had Covid went thru my stash of Kleenex.
They now cost more than $1.25 a box. Always bought at the $ store for $1. They want almost $2 for store brand.
An answer to prayer and the same thing the Lord has been directing me and my husband to do!
Wonderful Kayla!
You only need a few throw pillows -- just change the covers. You can get very cheap covers.
Sigh... I do that too!
Great video Emmy and Paul!!! Always appreciated and valued!!! My goal for this year is to become a minimalist. I have removed/donate/sold items no longer needing. My house looks great and neat---less cleaning!!! Ended the previous year strong!!! We are totally debt free and I have taken early retirement at 55. We value all your efforts and the sage information. You are both highly regarded and appreciated!!!!! Enjoy your weekend. Cant wait for your next video (s) Blessings---Lora xoxo PS totally agree with quality over quantity :)
Congratulations! How wonderful! Thank you Lora!
I think your idea of using and enjoying what we already have is excellent advice. It brings so much joy to use or wear something that has meaning and beauty. For this year we won’t be buying any more bottled salad dressings, cake mixes, sodas, juices etc. Just sticking to the basics.
Exactly!
Homemade cake mix and salad dressing taste so much better than bottled/boxed. An incredible difference!
@@happycook6737 I bought a cake mix before Christmas. Then I read the ingredients. I was so appalled at what was in it I threw it away. Never again!
Great ideas! I did Hello Fresh a few times when they had a great promotion to try out recipes with ingredients we don't normally use. I also keep skipping weeks so I can save and print recipes without buying the boxes 🙂
I don't buy canned soup either. Make more than enough and then freeze or can it myself for later use.
I stopped buying throw pillows and bought a few pairs of pillow covers on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Easy switch out and much cheaper too.
Quality over quantity is not only cost efficient, it's eco friendly!
So true Mary!
I will not be buying any more holiday decorations this year and probably not for many years. That includes Christmas, Easter, St. Patty's Day and Halloween. I have more than enough. BTW, I love your heart platter on the counter. I won't be buying any jewelry this year either. Like you, I found a brooch that belonged to my grandmother. I received so many compliments on that brooch when I wore it the other day. It's costume jewelry, but the quality was so much better back then. I bet that brooch is over 70 years old and still sparkles like it is brand new. Thanks for the inspiring video. I can't wait to try this new recipe.
Oh how lovely!
Omg, I SHOULD have my own frugal RUclips channel, because I have and still do most of what you do! We don't have cable,home phone, use cloth napkins, ect,etc! My husband and I have been frugal most if our life! Like you I feel that I have everything and anything I need or want.
I've got so much meat stashed in our freezer, that I've put myself on a NO BUY for meat until the end of March - maybe longer! I need to use what we already have!
We do too Susan!
Love the homemade rice-a-roni. I’ve made that up in little zippy bags and/or jars to have on the shelf. Makes it even more of a quick side dish. ♥️ Great ideas, per usual. Thank you!
Great idea Robin!
Do you freeze it? That’s what I was thinking of doing! I’ve never seen that here in the U.K.!
@@kimwade6249 me neither 😊
Good idea. All you have to add is the broth. A lot cheaper than the boxed and bagged stuff.
Any suggestions on breaking spaghetti into tiny pieces if you live in a household that is coming and going 100 mph!? Lol
Emmy! Same with candles and throw pillows. I cured my throw pillow obsession by starting to buy pillow covers for seasonal purposes. I like to change out the look and now I don’t have to buy anymore because I have enough for each season and they are washable!
I buy covers too LOL!
I make my own hummus with chick peas or lentils. I put them the finished batches in small containers in the freezer et take out one portion at a time for my salad (I live alone). I also make my own crackers with only seeds. There is nothing like home cooking.
sounds delicious would love to know the recipe for these two
If you sew, make multiple coverings for your pillowcases & you can have 'new ones' for decor.
I completely relate to your throw pillow obsession! Lol. That last few years I have bought throw pillow covers to go over my older throw pillows to freshen up the look. It saves space in my closet during off season for the style, and it is way cheaper to do this for an updated look. So, I have a set for autumn, a set for Christmas, and a couple sets for other months. The same pillows just get a new look depending on the time of year.
Oh I do that too lol!
I know you garden. Do you can as well or freeze produce?
I will not be buying produce I know I cannot use before it expires. I will not be buying additional cleaning items until I have worked through some of mine. I will not be buying anymore holiday decorations. My focus this year is to work my way out of debt to provide a better quality of life for myself and my kids.
I use baby shampoo or baby wash, its cheap and I don't itch so much after showering.
I just subscribed, loved the video! And I bet your number of subscribers continues increasing, especially with inflation, shrink-flation, demand destruction, & anything else I didn’t include. I was fortunate to have grown up with two wonderful women in our home, my Mother & maternal Grandmother, both whom lived through The Great Depression & never forgot the lessons they learned. Naturally, l was raised frugally. My Grandmother designed & drew a pattern on newspaper, then sewed a beautiful dress on her treadle sewing machine for my first day of school, made from a flowered tablecloth she bought at Goodwill. I still remember the full skirt, ruffled hemline, & beautiful bow sewn on the back of the dress at the waistline. My Mother taught me how to shop for real whole foods (not the store), cook from scratch, & how to always make our food go further. Our neighbors were on food stamps & welfare - 4 children. My Mother worked full time for very little pay, but she generously packed up a full laundry basket with good food to quietly give them every month when they ran out of food. The difference that even l could recognize as a little girl, was the Mother would only buy easy convenience foods like TV dinners….no fresh fruit, no vegetables, etc. She refused to cook.
So happy you found us and subscribed! Thank you!
I will be trying the rice a roni recipe. I no longer buy chicken stock.Whenever I cook a chicken or turkey I save all the bones & skin & make my own stock in the slow cooker. Then freeze it. I always look forward to your videos, great tips!
Thanks Karen!
I only have the top freezer of my fridge and have only things I eat all the time in there. I have five candles left, then no more. I have Chanel #5 I was gifted 5 years ago (it lasts). I don't have a smart anything, including me! Ha! I have spare throw pillows on the floor by a very cold wall to keep out drafts. Last, but not least...I love the old saying...Keep it simple, stupid!.
I have been doing the Rice A Roni meal for years. Ialways add other ingredients like veggies, flaked chicken, nuts, etc. and my family always loved it. I still like it and it is so simple. I do not and will not buy gadgets that clutter up my kitchen. When friends suggest them, I try to be sweet and not shout NO ! but I have been told that I have a certain set to my face and folks get the idea. Thanks for the wonderful visit and may you recieve many blessings(and I do not mean kitchen gadgets !)
LOL! Anne thank you!
You can save a fortune on soap by making it yourself. I make enough soap and shampoo to last a year for under £10. Usually, I just make unscented goat milk soap which is mild, moisturising and smells great whether you leave it unscented or chuck some essential oil into it. It's simple and fun to make and lasts for ages.
Wonderful!
Quality over quantity. I love this, it’s always been my mantra. Buy just a few, they last longer.
I won't be eating out. Thank God for a full freezer and cabinets
Amen!
I was so happy to see that you,Emmy, also use ivory soap. I switched to it when I was told by Drs to stop using all the scented body wash etc. I have to say that a bar of ivory lasts a really long time making it better for my pocket book!
LOVE my Ivory lol!
I am so sorry that I took a bite out of the Ivory soap when I was 1 year old. Haven't been able to stand the smell of it since. 😝
We use Ivory soap all the time. Walmart didn't have any for awhile. Might want to stock up.
I use Castile bar soap. Takes up less space in the shower and no plastic waste.
I won’t be buying batteries in the large package. By the time we use them up they have lost power. I only buy what I need at the time.
I have mothballed my Jeep for the Winter. I will be using public transportation. This will save me on gas, wear and tear, insurance, And shot nerves. After the thaw, I'll pull the Jeep out of mothball status. This is a game changer for me.
Wow! What a great idea!
I'm not buying any plastic containers anymore. Only glass they last and they never pick up oders. If i need to freeze something i will use the ziplock freezer bags wash them and reuse only the bags with veggies or broth. I was so glad to get rid off all the plastic in my kitchen.
The bathroom garbage bag thing was interesting. I try not to use plastic if I can help it, but for tissue and burnable paper items in the bathroom, I make bags out of newspapers (not ones I bought as I don't take a regular newspaper - I raid my neighbours' paper recycling boxes for them) using a paper-based tape to stick them together. I can design them to fit my little bathroom bin. In the winter it makes great kindling for the woodstove. Just pull the whole bag out, and put it in the bottom of the woodstove to start the fire off. For soups, I start them off in the slow-cooker, and as soon as they are simmering, I turn it off, and put the crock pot into a kind of modern-day hay box (looks like a large pumpkin) and within 2-3 hours the soup has cooked in its own heat. Uses even less fuel.
Are you putting the metal part of the slow cooker into the haybox or only the ceramic crock? I'd like to try your method.
What's a hay box?
I have two thermal cookers (Saratoga Jack)that are essentially fancy hay box cookers. I invested in them to save fuel in a grid-down situation. I bring the food to a good boil for 5-12 minutes in the pot, then slip it into the thermal case and close it up. I the food continues slow cooking and stays safely hot for at least eight hours. Now I’m using them to save electricity because of inflation.They are great for soups, stews, and making rice.
No candles, scented hand soap or shower gels. Unsubscribe to emails that tempt me buy items because there is a sale.
I haven't bought candles in three or four years because I saved the jars a meltdown the tapers that are half used up from parties and whatever and I refill my jars. I even have friends now that put their old candles and gallon Ziploc bags and give them to me rather than throwing them away or giving them to the thrift store.
Emmy, your home is so warm and cozy. It makes me want to curl up and take a nap!
Thank you Allison! Very kind of you to say!
LoL 😂 I always "Borrow extra bags" when I'm getting veggies and fruit... I use them for everything!
LOL!
For Lent, I gave up fast food. I'm hoping to extend that through the rest of the year.
That's so wonderful!
I will no longer buy bottled Starbucks mocha Frappuccino since I’ve learned a copycat recipe for it.
1. In a blender, place 5 ice cubes.
2. Add 3/4 cup brewed coffee, 3/4 cup milk (any type-I just use my almond milk), 1 Tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and 1 Tablespoon of fudge syrup (I use Hershey’s chocolate syrup).
3. Blend until smooth and enjoy.
Oh my that sounds good!
There is also a very easy copycat recipe for Hershey's syrup. Tastes better than original.
Being brought up been frugal is instilled in us we just have been ignoring it because all the world wants to make money quality is not their now,we get caught up in a world of thinking everyone is doing it or everyone has it,we need to take back control and think for ourselves im changing my ways also this year i am frugal but i can be more frugal we need heat which is a nessasity and food and our shelter..ps when you get to the end of a candle steep in some warm water,the end of the candle,can be used as wax melts make sure to dry them resuse those jars..😊thank you..mags in Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤
Thanks Mags!
I was considering getting a new throw pillow for my living room, but when my husband opened up our spare sofa bed, he found a small Christmas pillow that had been missed in packing up Christmas. I have decided to sew seasonal pillow sleeves with my stash of fabrics 😊!
Remember covering our textbooks with heavy paper bags when
were were in elementary school. Helped keep the textbooks in good condition.
I will not be going to the movies. Thank you for all the tips, and I plan to try that homemade Rice a Roni soon!
I made most of these changes 15 years ago. I kept candles and perfume. They are worth the joy they give me. But i am conscious of how i use them. Perfume is for leaving the house. Candles are for at night when lights are off.
We can not live without our KitchenAid Mixer! FYI they do not automatically add tips on deliveries- that is up to the customer. I have to use food delivery, I can't walk through the store and the kids steal the power carts and dump them in the river of all things~! I'm a home canner and would have almost all of the things in your freezer in jars in my pantry. I wouldn't be using the electricity to run a freezer. My Crockpot is my Second Best friend (the KitchenAid mixer with all the gadgets is my Best friend!) lol, We haven't had cable tv or a tv in 20 years! (What a relief!) I use rechargeable batteries, they're so much easier. I had fun comparing my list to yours 😀~ Thank you so much! I love your recipe and your energy saving hack! I really don't have anything that we be doing differently - My husband (of 32 years) always said I could squeeze a dollar out of a penny.
I’m older and the only reason I get pedicures is because they are half the price of a podiatrist this saves me heaps and is areal treat❤
Plus Medicare only allows you to have them done every 65 days. I can cut mine twice in that time!!
Absolutely Cristina!
❤️the M/M pillows. If I find myself picking up items and saying aw this is cute- automatically signals me to put it down and walk away.
Loved your recipe! I never boil pasta anymore; I love that there are energy-saving instructions on the package, bring water to boil, add pasta and boil for 1 minute; turn heat off and let pot sit for approx 15 minutes, then drain. Turns out perfect! Alternately you can bake spaghetti without cooking it first; the key is to cover it for the first 20 minutes, then stir before baking another 20. Top with cheese if desired. Absolutely delicious 🤤
Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I love linens but had to stop buying them 2 years ago after realizing l had no more room - anywhere. Needless to say, l won’t be buying towels, dish cloths, or new sheet sets in 2023 as well! Linens to me are the equivalent of your love of throw pillows….hahahaha😅!
LOL! Thanks for sharing!
I love that brown sweater and coral combo with the flower pin. Those are good colors on you
Thank you so much Kimberly!
Thanks for your video. I enjoy your enthusiasm for frugal living and your warm and friendly demeanor. I was raised in a home where my parents wanted the fastest and most convenient way to do everything. I'm trying to unlearn that in my life and parenting, but it really feels like an uphill, counter cultural battle. I appreciate that you're joyful and content, and show one can be happy and enjoy life while still living frugally.
Our downfall is too much food.. LOL. We have 4 freezers (we do do a beef for the freezer and my son's share is also in our freezer). My husband can't resist a good deal. Emmy just rotate those throw pillows to different rooms... instant new decor. My husband won't allow me to get rid of the Dish TV but I'm gradually cutting back. He also does not have a cell phone and wants to keep the home phone. No more kitchen gadgets for me.... it's my weakness... but I buy them and never use them. We still get plastic bags but that's a great idea to use your produce bags.
Yes, I even use pillow covers LOL!
My late frugal wealthy uncle wouldvbuy via subscription a Sunday newspaper this saved money. Then hed remove n use n trade coupons. Then he'd remove n use funnies as wrapping paper n secure with string. Then he'd read the paper then wrap round his broomstick and secure with metal coathanger. That gave him 52 free firelogs a year for woodburner. Hed remove ashes n add to compost n when coathanger became brittle he throw it in with scrap metal to sell as junk. Hence no waste.
Very thrifty!
Great ideas, I do that trick when making rice as well, turns out wonderful every time. I reuse produce bags and empty bread bags for freezing meat/chicken breasts, thighs etc. I portion it out in the bag, tie it, place them on a tray in the freezer so they freeze in individual packs, then add them to a freezer bag. This way I can get more uses out of the freezer bags, reusing the other bags, and I get the exact portion needed, then toss it when I use that portion. I also use produce bags over my hands to touch raw meat, especially chicken. I reuse bread bags and produce bags for bread, rolls, baked goods too. Most the time I have to freeze half a loaf of bread, half pack of buns or rolls, because it will go bad before it will be eaten. This helps me reduce waste.
Wonderful tips!
O, Monday after the Superbowl they had package of chicken wings for $2.45 cents to $3.60. My neighbor called me at 9:00 am cause what they put out was it. So I bought 5 packs. There were 12 in a packet. Chicken wings are high so that was a great buy 🤗.
GREAT price Pat! SCORE!
I've just discovered that I can make plain rice in my wide neck food flask! I measure out my small jug with the rice, warm the flask with hot water first, then put the rice and twice as much boiling water in the flask and seal it up. Leave for 3 or 4 hours and come back to beautiful rice, hot and ready to use!
Love your chats! Corinne in NE England
Love your idea!!! It sounds absolutely luxurious to have fresh rice that almost cooks itself and saves energy. 👏👍🎉
Well , I LOVE scented anything and I use them every day. I love perfume , candles, oils , body wash ect…… I don’t have a lot of luxury so I buy them and use them. I guess that’s my treat.
Absolutely!! I probably buy things you don't! It's all about what is important to us!
Okay! I’m guilty of having the most candles, Emmy. But with mobility issues if I find a sale when out I do tend to buy more than might be prudent, but my little luxuries are few and I like to be prepared. I make my own pillow covers that I can change out at will so only have a few actual pillows. most covers made of leftover fabrics. The one over buy I won’t consider changing is books, of which 95% are used...I have a very eclectic range of interests and local interlibrary system can seldom locate my wants. Very well thought out choices and excellent presentation as always. Best to you both. Susan
Thank you Susan! the best to you as well!
If things get as bad as some are predicting, Paul will be glad you "over stocked" your freezers and pantry.
Oh Emmy 😁😂so nice to hear we both have a candle and throw pillow issue. I'm also trying to downsize on my decorative items
LOL!! Love that!
We always get our tv from goodwill or garage sale or similar. I think the most we’ve paid is $20.
Good for you Emmy. We live a lot like you guys. I will never spend money on manicures or pedicures. I wear my hair in a way that I can cut it myself.
Love that!
Emmy and Paul right now I have my one crockpot going with chili in. I usually have one of my crockpots going daily.
We do not buy paper towels We use washable rags.
We do not have a home phone anymore for yrs.
Thank you Emmy & Paul for being so generous with your time and ideas. I raised my son on my own and got very tired of the financial struggle. Followed Dave Ramsey advice thru his book Total Money Makeover and was free of debt in 2 years. I have never gone in debt again. I have learned so much from you and Under The Median podcast. My utility costs are all down. I have only internet now. I’m working on getting my freezer food down. Looking forward to trying your recipe. I’ve never tried the boxed mix. I used to make crockpot soup always and I’m going to start again. I’m following your advice on container gardening this year. It is winter here in Canada so my garlic bulbs are in the earth now. I look forward to every one of your videos. My pup is also very happy with her fresh fruit and veggie snacks and they are better for her. Thank you for that advice! Love you both and pray God continues to Bless your podcast ministry.
Ann, what a lovely uplifting comment! Thank you! God Bless you as well!
I love your ideas because I try to do the same. I am not going to buy pre made bottle salad dressings. I recently cleaned out my lazy susan and found 4 to 5 bottles of salad dressing that I had bought on sale, which had now expired. What a waste. I am now starting to make my own dressings, which are fresh and better for me. I make them as I need them so there is not any waste.
So smart and they taste so much better!
Great tips and ideas again. I am buying only a minimal of eggs and meat since they are just too expensive now.
this lady is adorable!! love that flower pin.
LOL! Thank you so much!