15 Essential items for frugal living - these are my top fifteen hacks you need for your home.

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
  • I tell you my fifteen top items that every frugal household should have.
    Frugal Queen in France
    Like the menu board & Budget Book? We have now started Amazon Affiliate Links its available here:
    Kitchen Slate Board: amzn.to/2S2tWjW
    Budget Book: amzn.to/3qISz2i
    We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
    Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
    We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
    Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
    FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
    Instagram / frugalqueen. .
    Twitter / batt_jane
    Equipment used
    Camera : iPhone SE (2016)
    Mic : iRig MicCast2
    Editing : iMovie on an M1 Mac mini
    Music:
    Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
    Artist: audionautix.com/
    Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
    CZcams Audio Library
    Apple iMovie*

Komentáře • 415

  • @nata3467
    @nata3467 Před 4 měsíci +2

    I got a French Press to replace a broken one and free percolators - what a rich brew

  • @jodieupton4000
    @jodieupton4000 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Fleecy blankets for every member of the family to keep warm watching tv in winter.

  • @Shantelle6253
    @Shantelle6253 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I boil a kettle of water to wash dishes or bathe instead of using tons of propane to use the water heater. My miniture appliances all work on my portable solar Bluetti (except the microwave😢). Which also powers all my USB rechargeable lights and fans unless they run on the 12v house battery.
    I use washing sheets, not liquid or powders. They are lightweight, importsnt in an old RV, and have less potential for making a mess. Very important in small living quarters with nothing but a bucket to do the washing and 6' line inside the van for drying. If i do go to a laundrymat for bigger items like sheets and blankets, i use these small scratchy reusable balls in the wash to pull of lint and cat hair and reusable wool balls in the dryer to reduce static.

  • @janaanders5477
    @janaanders5477 Před 2 lety +41

    I save money daily by packing my lunches for work. I also embrace my leftovers! I cook all of my food from scratch 😉

  • @ShoestringJane
    @ShoestringJane Před 2 lety +99

    Interesting list! In these times of environmental crisis, it’s worth nothing how many of your frugal hacks are also eco-friendly. A frugal life is more sustainable and less wasteful, as well as saving money. Double bubble!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +8

      Thanks Jane I don’t think of that, but probably

    • @debbiekoortzen1154
      @debbiekoortzen1154 Před 2 lety +4

      Hi Shoestring Jane, so nice to see you here too. I completely agree. I was just about to watch your video. 🌻

    • @janeevaboone9278
      @janeevaboone9278 Před rokem +4

      I've also read that frugal habits are not only good for the environment but also good for your health. Sort of a 3-prong win! Money-Environment-Health

  • @BudgetJett
    @BudgetJett Před 2 lety +19

    One thing I would add is we use an electric blanket when it is cold, we actually have it under the throw on our sofa rather than on our bed. On a cold evening we just snuggle up on a warm heated sofa and under a few blankets and it’s lovely and cosy and a cheap way to keep warm.

  • @printerudell3604
    @printerudell3604 Před 2 lety +10

    I make my own note pads out of old envelopes and junk mail cut up and stapled together. Haven't bought notebooks in donkeys years

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +2

      I used to do that but we’re pretty much paper free and don’t get physical post. Thanks for sharing.

  • @yellownightjar
    @yellownightjar Před 11 měsíci +1

    I have cut up old clothes, sheets into small squares to keep in jar of white vinegar as wipes . I use them to clean with & especially for #1 in restroom as doesn’t burn as ph balanced for skin & saves a bunch on toilet paper💕luv your channel

  • @azgardenlover370
    @azgardenlover370 Před 2 lety +29

    I live in a home with a hoa that does not allow clothes lines so I have a rack and line in my garage where I hang everything. Outerwear on hangers and everything else on the line. Saves running the dryer and since no one can see it, no complaints.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +5

      I've known people with those rule hang clothes in open doors and windows to get round that

    • @cherylT321
      @cherylT321 Před 2 lety +1

      That’s a good idea!

    • @legslikewhoa
      @legslikewhoa Před 2 lety +4

      Hang drying extends the life of clothing too.

    • @jc10907Sealy
      @jc10907Sealy Před 5 měsíci

      I hang clothes inside my garage also!

    • @katiejo711
      @katiejo711 Před 4 měsíci

      I used to live in a HOA neighborhood. I did not like it because of ridiculous rules. I was not allowed to have a cloth line, but my husband put a umbrella clothesline. I put it up when I dries my clothes, and took the center part out when I was done. No one ever complained. The first thing I did when I moved was put a 5 line cloth poles up. I live in Ohio, but I dry clothes about 8 months out of the year. I have a wonderful drying rack from Costco about 10 years ago. I use that in a spare room and I hang up other things on a clothes rod. We have propane and it’s expensive. My dryer is a 1984 Maytag, still going strong. I recommend not buying new appliances. They are cheaply made

  • @kootenayJAK
    @kootenayJAK Před 2 lety +44

    Having a basement pantry that we call our store is a huge money saver for our home. We try to keep at least 6 months worth of dry goods and replenish it as items go on sale. It prevents us from running to the shops for single items. It’s nothing special, just a few mismatched shelf units full of essentials and includes both food and toiletry items.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +2

      great tip there

    • @patmartin9727
      @patmartin9727 Před rokem +3

      I have always tried to keep a little bit of the shopping budget back to spend on stocking up when I see a great sale price on something we buy regularly. Be that because it’s on promotion or because the shop has overstocked.

  • @katherinerichardson1767
    @katherinerichardson1767 Před 2 lety +56

    After viewing your video, I went through the people's comments, and they had some added great ideas also. I love getting new ideas as well as finding out other people do frugal activities too. Sometimes when you do not have close friends that are frugal, you feel a little odd. Support like this is encouraging. Congrats to your 10k subscribers. Keep up the good work.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks Katherine, I love the written feedback, such great ideas and sharing

    • @patmartin9727
      @patmartin9727 Před 2 lety +2

      Hi Katherine you should be made to feel ODD for being frugal. Being frugal helps you and also helps the environment. I am proud to be frugal. I discuss it with my like minded friends and ignore, and feel sorry but respect friends who are not frugal. I do find myself annoyed by people who say things like it’s all right for you you have money. I just say there is 100 pence in everyone’s pound then I either change the subject or walk away.

  • @RhondaLorch
    @RhondaLorch Před 2 lety +53

    The things that saves us money everyday is that we live where we can walk to almost everything we need - grocery stores, pharmacy, our doctor, garden centre, home repair etc. We have a collapsible wagon with sturdy wheels that can manage a bit of snow so we try to walk as often as possible even in winter. Saves a lot of gas for the car.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +3

      We chose where live exactly for that reason too

    • @CharlesAvilaMeasInst
      @CharlesAvilaMeasInst Před 2 lety +3

      This is awesome and is exactly how I wanted to set up life. I live in Houston, TX where it’s near impossible to do all that walking safely. I am sooooo happy for you though. How wonderful!

    • @rayyg786
      @rayyg786 Před 2 lety +1

      That is phantastic!!

    • @ayela562
      @ayela562 Před 2 lety +2

      We have a thriving downtown where I live as well. Post office , doctor , dentist , bank , library , grocery store etc. We easily get by with one car. I love it .

  • @jewelgaither1504
    @jewelgaither1504 Před 2 lety +14

    Something I have that is not used every day, but sure saves money is a kit to repair/mend items in our home. If we can repair anything at all, we do, and then we're not replacing it with new (or new to us) items. When some article of clothing is worn beyond repair, I tear it us for cleaning rags.

  • @KarenSmith958
    @KarenSmith958 Před rokem +2

    I tried making my own clothes washing powder?!?! It worked to a degree, but not enough to convert me. I now buy Persil, which may on the surface, appear expensive but you need so little for each load, a minuscule amount, it's ultimately worth the purchase.

  • @lisahirschlozano823
    @lisahirschlozano823 Před 2 lety +22

    I started hang drying my clothes in high school because I was very tall, and my clothes would shrink when my mom put them in the dryer. So I started washing my own and hanging when I was about 14, and have had a collapsible rack in every apartment and house I’ve lived in since. I also installed a clothesline on my balcony in Los Angeles, even though it was forbidden in our lease (a whole other story…). And the dryers were $2 to run one load, so it added up. We live in a house now with our own washer and dryer, but I recently bought a second drying rack because sometimes we run out of space with only one.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +5

      It’s a British thing, we all hang our laundry up outside on a windy day or sunny day or by the fire when it’s neither

    • @helenhartley6904
      @helenhartley6904 Před 2 lety +1

      I have 3 clothes lines, main one is outside the laundry, one under our high set house for our hot wet season, one in the laundry for smaller items. I'm in the tropics.

    • @magesalmanac6424
      @magesalmanac6424 Před 2 lety +1

      Necessity is the mother of invention :) wish I had room for air drying, plus I worry the city air will make the clothes dirty again. Country folk are so lucky 💜

    • @overactiveunderachiever7407
      @overactiveunderachiever7407 Před 2 lety +3

      Put the clothes on a hanger and hang them on the shower curtain rod.

    • @abbeyl6115
      @abbeyl6115 Před rokem

      @@magesalmanac6424 Have a tiny apartment, enclosed bathroom. Wash my clothes in the bathtub with a twin tub. The 1300rpm spinner a bit tricky on balance sometimes, but I set the full five minutes and my clothes are almost nearly dry when I take them out. Then the get placed on hangers with laundry clips. The tabletop dehumidifier works for some reason well for about two hours. Then a small portable fan. These steps speed up drying while preventing any moisture mold, mildew problems. Next morning, I know they are definitely dry. Am planning to purchase a garment-closet rack on wheels to hang my clothes and dry under the vent and ceiling fan. Some of these gadgets are foldable and can be placed for storage elsewhere.

  • @tutuluvsminnie7129
    @tutuluvsminnie7129 Před 11 měsíci +1

    we rarely use the dryer for our clothes - we hang things to dry in the laundry room. clothes last longer that way too.
    I keep a 6-12 month supply of essential food items that are canned or dry, like pasta, rice, lentils and canned tomatoes, sauces, soups and beans.
    I keep an inventory of my food storage in pantry and freezer.
    Each week i plan the meals and post it on the fridge
    The weekly grocery list is based on store sales or must have items like milk and fruits.
    importantly, i keep a budget and use a spreadsheet to maintain the totals of everything we buy to keep us honest on what we will need and what we spend.
    We have reusable bags in the car trunk for shopping trips and for our hot weather many are cooler keeper types.
    One of my favorite recommendation that your make is to take a inventory of what you have on hand and what needs to be consumed quickly before creating the meal plan and grocery list.

  • @patrice3603
    @patrice3603 Před 2 lety +16

    I have a manual carpet sweeper that I use in between using the electric vacuum cleaner to tidy up my carpets.
    Another thrifty item is clear plastic sheeting and tape to put up over my windows for the winter.
    I had put vinyl replacement windows in when I bought my house 22 years ago but there are still air leaks around some of the windows.
    I cover those windows with plastic as the weather cools down in the Autumn to help keep the house warmer and so I don’t lose as much heat from those particular windows.
    I can’t afford to replace them so doing this was the next best alternative. I can get several years out of the plastic and only need to buy tape whenever necessary.
    Another money saving device that I use is a draft guard or draft dodger on my exterior doors. If you aren’t familiar with what this is, it’s a weighted fabric tube that you place on the floor against the area where the closed door and floor meet.
    It stops drafts from blowing in under the door. Some people also use them on their windows by setting them on the window sill or ledge.
    I have replaced the bottom of the door “sweep” but there is still a bit of air that leaks in so this stops that from happening.
    Keeping my heat turned way down overnight and adding a down comforter to my bed helps to reduce the heating costs when my wood stove dies down overnight.
    The last thing on my essential list is LED lighting, it really has saved me a bunch of money by replacing my regular incandescent and those newer bulbs (those odd squiggly shaped bulbs) that were meant to be more energy efficient but weren’t.
    🎉 Congratulations on hitting 10,000 subscribers Jane and Michael! 🎉 I hope your channel continues to grow in leaps and bounds. 😃

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      You’re doing great there Patrice, good for you

    • @sharonparsons9804
      @sharonparsons9804 Před 2 lety +4

      What a great idea. I had a carpet sweeper many years ago. Great for in-between tidy ups.

  • @NeuroSpicyNonna
    @NeuroSpicyNonna Před 2 lety +6

    We installed solar panels 9 years ago, cut electricity bills drastically. Best investment we did.

  • @katielee9354
    @katielee9354 Před 2 lety +2

    Brill tips, thank you. We too saved enough to retire to a little cottage in the country 4 yrs ago, mortgage free. Frugal all our married life. We are non car owners so we made sure we are near bus/train/ dr/shop & a main hospital, as i'm disabled. We made sure we had a small garden & greenhouse to grow our veg & fruit for 2 of us. We now spend very little from our pension .We still only use oven when we can batch cook,other times its the slow cooker ,only from Oct to May as gives off a little more heat for the house. We always use a double veg steamer to save on gas. All waste water is used for garden etc as we are on water meter.Radiator racks to dry washing over night in winter.Herbs ,salads & flower herb teas still grown on back door patio for summer salads for pennies.Roses & carnations rooted from any gift bouguets of flowers. Old duvet are still used as liner on mattress, under bottom sheet to give extra warmth in winter ( so cozy) All old knitted winter jumpers are unraveled in the summer & made into a new winter blanket/throw for coming winter. In winter old summer shirts etc are made into a new washable indoor mat by back door. Old socks are used as dusters/window cloths, just pop over the hand & dust away. This yr we plan on making a long lavender hedge to dry small linen items on ( country women used to do this) as it then scents the washing as it dries. Like yourselves, for me & my husband, frugality was necessary & the bonus of it is contentment. We are proof it can be done.

  • @barbaracarbone4658
    @barbaracarbone4658 Před 2 lety +18

    Hi.. I live in New York and I love your channel. I actually love being frugal. I feel calm and peaceful when I make a frugal choice. I also air dry my clothes and I ensure all lights are turned off if I don't need them on. Thanks for the vid. 😊

  • @Jennheartsqs
    @Jennheartsqs Před 2 lety +52

    I want to echo the congrats of hitting 10K subscribers. I have all the items you listed here, but would also like to add that blankets help to save me a fortune on heating costs because most of the time in the colder months - so long as it's not snowing - I can get away with just throwing a blanket or two on my lap and then I don't have to turn on the central heating. Thanks for always so generously sharing your frugal tips!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks for watching and your lovely comment

    • @lisahirschlozano823
      @lisahirschlozano823 Před 2 lety +5

      I made two scrap flannel quilts for our couch last winter. It's the easiest kind of quilt to make and flannel is cheap (at least here in the US), I used a mix of cut up sheets and some fabric from the store. :)

    • @hilarygibson3150
      @hilarygibson3150 Před 2 lety +1

      I came across someone that left heating on at night! to 21C

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      @@hilarygibson3150 that’s not really necessary

    • @judymcpheron5955
      @judymcpheron5955 Před 2 lety +1

      Love my throws and blankets. I dress in layers and love my zip up fleece jackets. Much Warner than layers of cotton and acrylic. Wool sweaters are to warm under coats when going in and out of stores and businesses. Stay warm, keep your bills lower. 🇺🇸🤗🇺🇸

  • @tracypeel6424
    @tracypeel6424 Před rokem +2

    You can use a salad spinner to spin handwashed knickers and socks to get them to air dry quickly rather than using a dryer. Maybe a different one from the one you use for lettuce 😄

  • @Swifftylady17
    @Swifftylady17 Před 2 lety +4

    My husband and I work at the same school, so carpooling saves us money. 🙌🏽

  • @danicecreager951
    @danicecreager951 Před 2 lety +9

    I have proven to myself that I can 95% furnish a house or apartment using only second-hand furniture and household items. I don't buy paper towels. I make cleaning cloths out of worn out linens and clothing. I try not to buy plastic items. I use a vinegar/water solution as a very natural hair rinse.

  • @deborahcaldwell9775
    @deborahcaldwell9775 Před 2 lety +13

    Well… only the last two items are missing to positively match your list, here in the state of Maine in the USA. however your list has a partner and I do not have one. I think someone holding the banners at the other end, or the clothesline when it has stretched too much, or the sheet or a blanket that needs to be folded, or one end of the mop is a fortuitous boon.. I am 81 years old and do not have a partner in house at the moment; it really makes a difference not to have one or to have one. The wood heat is just wonderful but I needed help with piling the wood; visits from family came through. I can still carry all the wood inside and keep the fire going, that’s saving the oil, but It would be nice to have an in-house partner.
    Also my solar panels have cut my electrical costs by seventy percent (70%).

  • @RhondaTowanda
    @RhondaTowanda Před 2 lety +28

    Hello Jane
    Congratulations on the 10K!🎉🎉🎉
    I have most of your 15 items.
    I use oil lamps at night, I love the warm light they give off. Plus you get heat from them too. Double win!
    My husband still uses paper towels, so no win there.🤦🏻‍♀️ I have all kinds of rags to wipe up messes, but he insists to use paper towels.
    I think it’s interesting to see all of us being frugal, and we are all going back to living like people in the ‘60, 50’s, and beyond!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +3

      I’ve always lived like this too

    • @grovermartin6874
      @grovermartin6874 Před 2 lety

      This is a well organized blog, too. I marvel that those practices and tools that are money savers are also environment savers, and healthier for our nutritional needs, too. And for our peace of mind, too. We are less likely to feel the need to rush to buy a limited stock in an emergency dearth, which leaves more for less propitious neighbors, which takes pressure out of community interactions. Your organisational efforts are a boon to giving daily life a degree of predictability and ease. Good show!

    • @nancisailormoy9135
      @nancisailormoy9135 Před 2 lety

      I agree a lot of us are going back to our old riits of frugality and frankly as wasteful as our society is Im s little glad to see some pullback

  • @ruthhill5311
    @ruthhill5311 Před 2 lety +9

    Notebooks are a must in my kitchen! I meal plan weekly. Having the meals written down makes it so easy for me to peek in them in the morning or even the evening before if I needto thaw meat. Having a plan and prepping for dinner in the morning helps us save money by not being tempted to go out to eat

  • @patmartin9727
    @patmartin9727 Před 2 lety +14

    Well done on hitting 10K just shows how people love your videos.
    I feel extremely frugal now I realise that I do all of the tips you gave in the video. Lots of quiet simple things we should all do which make a big difference to the budget. Not only do all these things help our pockets they also help the planet. Hyper inflation is hitting us all and doesn’t look like it will be going away any time soon so every penny we save is a penny to use on something else. Don’t forget a pound saved is a pound in your purse a pound earned is about 70pence in your purse by the time all your deductions are taken off.
    Keep the videos coming we all love them and learn from them .You are helping us all become more frugal and keep the pennies in our purses and we in turn will help you increase the pennies in your purse by running the adds and liking the video’s.

  • @teresaoloughlin2532
    @teresaoloughlin2532 Před 2 lety +3

    Great tips just wish my husband would come on board

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      What does he want to do, or not want to do? Does he prefer to work more hours to earn more?

  • @lisathompson8062
    @lisathompson8062 Před 2 lety +31

    Congratulations on 10 thousand subscribers! Thank you for all the great content you provide. Love your channel!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +7

      Thanks very much to everyone for watching and interacting

    • @nikki27ish
      @nikki27ish Před 2 lety +8

      That's great, it's amazing how much the channel has grown this year. You put so much work into this channel and help so many people.

    • @virginiajimenez7955
      @virginiajimenez7955 Před 2 lety +6

      Jane and Mike, thank you both for these videos. They give me a very helpful litmus test for tracking my own economic progress while helping me to fill in any gaps and avoid future pitfalls.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +4

      @@nikki27ish Thanks Nicola for your kind support

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +3

      @@virginiajimenez7955 Thanks Virginia

  • @lynnoorman2144
    @lynnoorman2144 Před 2 lety +20

    An excellent list. May I just add a steamer - one that is made of stainless steel with two baskets that stack on top of the saucepan part of it? You need only have an inch of water to boil in the bottom to steam a load of veg. The veg keeps the vitamins better as they are not thrown away with the boiling water. Or you can cook potatoes in the bottom and veg on top - using one hob to cook 3 things- a friend steams salmon in there too ( on a piece of foil). Do comments bring you in cash, Jayne, or do they just help the algorithm?

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +4

      Hi Lynn, comments help the algorithm but not as much as likes do, we only get a few pennies from each time the viewers let the adverts roll, thanks for asking and have a good day

    • @janetstonerook4552
      @janetstonerook4552 Před 2 lety +1

      I use a steamer a lot for veggies, esp. Broccoli, Cauliflower and Asparagus! And I use the leftover water on my garden plants. It's a great fertilizer. Just don't want the water!

  • @jackiefields1607
    @jackiefields1607 Před 2 lety +2

    I keep a small pail in the bathroom for hand washing delicate clothing. It lasts longer that way.
    I have an extra shower-curtain rod over the middle of the tub for hanging things to dry

  • @RetirementContentment
    @RetirementContentment Před 2 lety +45

    Great post. These tips are so useful and inspiring! My frugal focus this year is reducing food waste. I assign the last week each month as a no spend week (other than milk or dog food) and eat up everything I can from frig, freezer and cupboard. I have also shifted to two meals per day instead of three, which has helped me maintain weight and spend less at the market. Thank you for all the time and care you put into your lovely channel!🙏🏻🌻

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +4

      I'm working on reducing my food costs, they are going up and up

    • @nancisailormoy9135
      @nancisailormoy9135 Před 2 lety +3

      I switched to two meals last year and has helped me cut some weight down. I just started the no buy last week of the month and find it very helpful in cutting my budget with this super inflation we are seeing

  • @mariedamon5655
    @mariedamon5655 Před 2 lety +3

    Where you live is so beautiful.your menu board is so nice.i use my pegs to close half opened pacages i use thrm for freezer food thats opened so closes tight .also i rip strips of old clothing up and use it for tyeing my climbing plants and tomatos against the wall.or stake .hope you are well..had a lot of rain this week in the uk but i love the fresh air and warm winter nights in .the fire is so homely thankyou x

  • @joannereynolds69
    @joannereynolds69 Před 2 lety +24

    Pleased to see that I have everything on your list. For me, our freezer is essential to frugal living - my Husband batch cooks our meals from scratch. He is able to cook 8 portions at a time , 4 different meals for about 4 Saturdays in a row which stocks up the freezer for about 5/6 months of evening meals for the pair of us. Huge congratulations 🎉 on reaching 10k xx

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +2

      I agree on the freezer. I batch cook too.

    • @glendacastillo6504
      @glendacastillo6504 Před 11 měsíci

      I didn't like frozen foods. If I freeze food, I would end throwing it in the trash. It doesn't work for me.

  • @barbaratrubenbach115
    @barbaratrubenbach115 Před rokem

    Thank you for all your wonderful ideas.

  • @ReinaAGrace
    @ReinaAGrace Před 2 lety

    Great list of essential items. I have some of these items as well. Food freezer bag is my top item for saving money.

  • @janfoster9583
    @janfoster9583 Před 2 lety +12

    Terrific ideas! I’m proud of my collection of rags. Absorbent ones for spills, flannel for polishing, others for dusting and cleaning. Years ago I bought cheap washcloths strictly for wiping kitchen surfaces. Keeps the tea towels on display unstained. Thanks, Jane, for lots of content in a short video.

  • @SherryEllesson
    @SherryEllesson Před 2 lety +16

    Congratulations on 10K subscribers! Among the fabric vs paper products, I would add the use of handkerchiefs instead of tissues. I've found that two packages of a dozen linen hankies are not only much more economical than the use of the disposable tissues, but kinder to the nose when one has the sniffles.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing

    • @katsterbear3565
      @katsterbear3565 Před 2 lety +2

      Yes, also old bandanas and head scarfs work well too!

    • @abbeyl6115
      @abbeyl6115 Před rokem

      Bought a few packages of baby washclothes awhile back. Divided up by color. Some colours are used for some of my toilet paper supply. A few others are facecloths. The white ones I use for handkerchiefs that are the right size for me. The prints I use for dishcloths. Have mending but no straightline cutting or sew skills. This wash up and air dry on the easy side. The handkerchiefs I pack with me on the grandkids trips for toddler mess control.

  • @sarahfitzpatrick5734
    @sarahfitzpatrick5734 Před 2 lety

    10k! Congratulations Mike &Jane....love the videos 😁

  • @tinalemna7998
    @tinalemna7998 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on reaching 10k followers! Thank you also for putting so much effort into your videos. 🥰

  • @shivakat2297
    @shivakat2297 Před 2 lety +9

    I have all the same items as this is how I grew up. Sometimes folks will laugh at how frugal I can be but my parents knew the depression era well and so learned how to mend..reuse..make do with what you've got. Congratulations on your sub's.

  • @iriswelch3553
    @iriswelch3553 Před 2 lety +5

    I would add a sewing machine. It's so handy for making things and doing repairs. Also, if you want matching food storage containers, just place the lids on a piece of newspaper, and give them a quick coat of spray paint -nice enough to have out on the counter!

  • @susanwebster9218
    @susanwebster9218 Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you for doing what you do! You bring hope and inspiration to so many.

  • @heathertucker7056
    @heathertucker7056 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on your subscriber numbers! I enjoyed this video and pretty much do everything on this list! Always up for some good ideas Jane!

  • @sharonparsons9804
    @sharonparsons9804 Před 2 lety +29

    I enjoyed this video. I do all the things that you do already except that I only have a slow cooker, not an instant pot that pressure cooks as well. I do have a great Italian rice cooker that I can make porridge, soup and other dishes in. I also have a toaster oven on my bench top that I use often. I live in Australia and have never had a clothes dryer. If I can't hang out my washing I will hang it on 3 clothes airers in my garage. I have a plastic bucket in my shower that I use to catch the cold water thst comes through before the hot water. I put this in my washing machine. Any other water collected from the shower, goes onto my garden, which is only small (I live in a unit) I have a large plastic drum outside to put the water in, and I can decant it from there to a watering can to put on my plants. I open windows for fresh air and do not use air freshener, although I do have a little machine to put essential oils in that was given to me as a gift. I have stopped using tissues, and have gone back to using handkerchiefs. I am on my last roll of paper towel, and have torn up old flannelette pajamas for cleaning up spills. I am using up the last of my paper napkins and have started to source cotton one from Opportunity Shops (Thrift Stores) I do not drive, and use public transport mostly, which is excellent in Australia, although recently I have re-purposed a double pram by gutting it, and putting a large plastic tub in the frame at the back and an Esky (Cooler) for frozen foods, dairy and meat at the front. It is a great way to bring my shopping home and means that I am not only getting excercise, but I am saving money on bus fares too. Win, win!!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +5

      you are a frugal mega star!

    • @katherinerichardson1767
      @katherinerichardson1767 Před 2 lety +4

      I do the same thing about collecting water when I shower, too. This has saved on our water bill.

    • @cherylT321
      @cherylT321 Před 2 lety

      That is awesome!

    • @freeshrugs63
      @freeshrugs63 Před 2 lety +1

      I really like the video. I wanted to respond about facial tissues. I'm in the grassy plains of the U.S. and my allergies! Oh my, what a horrible mess I would make of a few delicate handkerchiefs. I use tons of Kleenexes each morning during allergy season ( which is 8 months year). I've thought about this quite a bit but have decided my morning sneezes and blows have to go straight into the waste bin. And now, after reading this I'm going to try harder to use a handkerchief once I've quieted down. Thanks for the tips and encouragement!

    • @suzanw5350
      @suzanw5350 Před 2 lety

      @@freeshrugs63 I understand this predicament. When I was little and had bad allergy attacks I would be given a bar towel to use.

  • @debbiekoortzen1154
    @debbiekoortzen1154 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi Jane, this was so inspiring. We do almost all of these. The two of you are truly inspiring. I enjoy your videos so much, thank you. 💐

  • @rosaestrada41
    @rosaestrada41 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for your video. Second time I see your videos. They are very helpful. Have a lovely day.

  • @cherylfindeisen6088
    @cherylfindeisen6088 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on hitting 10,000 subscribers!!! I love your content and the glimpse into your life and France!

  • @sowenchantedirishkitchenga8282

    Love this! Super stuff 💚

  • @debbiefaulkner7889
    @debbiefaulkner7889 Před 2 lety

    You videos are inspiring. Thank you!

  • @michellerubadue9620
    @michellerubadue9620 Před 2 lety +10

    Congratulations 🎉🍾 Thank you for another amazing video! We have all 15 items. I also have canning jars and a waterbath and a pressure canner. I also have a food saver and a dehydrator. I also have old cookbooks that have saved us tons of money.

  • @trudyvanniekerk6647
    @trudyvanniekerk6647 Před 2 lety +16

    Hi Jane. Thanks for your wonderful and down to earth tips. What I cannot do without is my trusty Elna sewing machine, I've had her 47 years. I believe in Make Do and Mend. Have a great frugal week ahead. Regards Trudy.🌸 South Africa.

  • @kathyparandes7281
    @kathyparandes7281 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on reaching 10,000 subscribers. That is amazing !!

  • @TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy

    Congratulations on 10K! That’s awesome. 👏👏👏

  • @anne4083
    @anne4083 Před 2 lety +2

    Congrats on reaching 10k!! Love your tips, I use some of these but not quite there yet!!! Brought back memories of my childhood in Scotland seeing the 'pulley' in the kitchen. 🤗

  • @jeannetteshahenkari265
    @jeannetteshahenkari265 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow!! A great list of frugal must haves!!! Congratulations on 10,000 subscribers🎉🎉 I’m so happy for you both.

  • @juliethompson5301
    @juliethompson5301 Před 2 lety

    Love it .we have a chalkboard in the kitchen I use as a weekly meal planner .it's great because I can shop for ingredients in advance x

  • @davidjenson7773
    @davidjenson7773 Před 2 lety

    Great tips!
    Your place your environment is so beautiful thank you for sharing your life with us!
    David

  • @margiemccarthy6761
    @margiemccarthy6761 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for your great ideas!

  • @joani2675
    @joani2675 Před 2 lety

    Thank you Jane for your tips on saving money very useful this is second time I've watched this video just to refresh my memory I will keep on watching those adds if it helps you God bless x🙏

  • @kimberlygray227
    @kimberlygray227 Před 2 lety +1

    Love your wonderful tips, your beautiful, joyful spirit and all the wonderful videos of your home and country.

  • @helenmak5663
    @helenmak5663 Před 2 lety

    Congrats on your 10K subscribers! I value your frugal tips and enjoy watching your outdoor landscapes. Your accent reminds me of my childhood when I attended Catholic Convent school where the teachers were Sisters from England. They were kind and lovingly strict.

  • @rzpotts4
    @rzpotts4 Před 2 lety

    Hello from Texas!
    Love your beautiful place and so enjoyed the video.

  • @Barneybudgets
    @Barneybudgets Před 2 lety +19

    Being frugal seems to go hand in hand with being green. I do most of these things already thanks to you. Great tips advice we should all follow.congratulations on the 10k!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks Tracy.

    • @freeshrugs63
      @freeshrugs63 Před 2 lety +1

      It's true, isn't it? If we act to protect our pocketbook, we usually improve our health and the environment.

  • @jeansmith3367
    @jeansmith3367 Před 2 lety +3

    Congratulations Jane and Mike on 10,000 subscribers! Fabulous

  • @julibeswick-valentine3690

    Congratulations on 10k subscribers, that is a big milestone.
    That is a good list. My list includes a sewing machine and a comprehensive tool kit for diy projects and repairs. Also a freezer, a dehydrator and a canner for preserving food.

  • @jomcd2073
    @jomcd2073 Před 2 lety

    Firstly congratulations on reaching 10k subscribers. Secondly most of your essentials are good for the planet too. Reusing is so important:)

  • @lisagarrison25315
    @lisagarrison25315 Před 2 lety +1

    Congratulations on hitting the 10,000 subscriber mark ! I've found that my Instant Pot not only saves me money, but I love that it saves me time as well. Great video Jane and Michael!

  • @clarelamberti9651
    @clarelamberti9651 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on 10k subscribers!! I have plenty of blankets and hot water bottles too for sitting in the Evening and warming the beds before we go up !!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      I must admit, with insulation and a wood stove, our house stays in the mid twenties and we have to cool our bedroom before we go to bed. I’m not complaining.

  • @simonedutch1264
    @simonedutch1264 Před 2 lety +3

    Hi Jane and Mick, I love letting the adds run on your channel. It's a small way that I can say thank you to you both for your time and trouble in putting together such lovely content for us to enjoy, so thank you both very much.

  • @mkhuntstreasure3192
    @mkhuntstreasure3192 Před 2 lety +1

    Love this list, I also use the newest money saving light bulbs through out my home.

  • @victoria7105
    @victoria7105 Před rokem +1

    An excellent, eco friendly way to save and you've just reminded me that I need to buy more clothes pegs! Win, win.👍👍

  • @CharlesAvilaMeasInst
    @CharlesAvilaMeasInst Před 2 lety +1

    Loving this list and just got through hanging my clothes to air dry in the living room under our ceiling fan. I’m frugal - YAY!!

  • @maryannrogers8675
    @maryannrogers8675 Před 2 lety +2

    Congratulations on reaching over 10,000 subscribers. I loved all your frugal ideas. I’m a frugal person because it gives me the freedoms to spend my money on things I really enjoy (like travel).

  • @animalsareinnocent1318
    @animalsareinnocent1318 Před 2 lety +1

    Great vid and congrats on 10K subscribers👏👏👏👏. Something I treasure in my frugal arsenal: a very sharp, large knife which makes short work of all the chopping thrifty peeps do if they don't eat out often. Same applies to my blender for making sauces. They were both initially expensive, but have saved oodles in the long run.

  • @MrsL.H.
    @MrsL.H. Před 2 lety +5

    Another great video full of very helpful tips. Congratulations on reaching 10K, I am so pleased for you both 🙂.

  • @judymcpheron5955
    @judymcpheron5955 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for all the support and inspiration. 🇫🇷🤗🇫🇷 I do many of the thinks you do. I always make my own coffee, tea, cappacuinos. I only drink wine at home occasionally and it is very inexpensive but good. I used to buy beverages with my meals out, but seldom do now. I walk more for local errands. My family and I no longer mail presents, instead we send a check. So much cheaper! It all adds up from every area of life. 🤗🇺🇸🍀🌈🎩

  • @rubytimbers397
    @rubytimbers397 Před 2 lety +2

    Wish I had started my frugal life sooner! Love your videos 👍🏽❤️

  • @lindaleese4628
    @lindaleese4628 Před 2 lety +2

    Followed your blog many years ago and was overjoyed when I found your channel. Even people who are like minded can find tips,tricks and inspiration from each other. Its a pleasure to be in a supportive like minded community. You both deserve all the success.
    I use my mums old pressure cooker baskets in the instant pot to separate veggies when steaming. At the moment im working hard at keeping the electricity and food costs down. I have been following one of your previous tips and instead of our monthly readings we do it weekly now and try to find ways to lower our consumption.

  • @carolynhiscock9457
    @carolynhiscock9457 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the great content.

  • @Kitty-wb1kf
    @Kitty-wb1kf Před 2 lety

    Great tips!

  • @jackiepolley3300
    @jackiepolley3300 Před 2 lety +4

    So beautiful! Great info! Congrats to both of you. Good luck for continued growth of your channel. People are hungry for truth and knowledge.

  • @joanmckee3906
    @joanmckee3906 Před 2 lety

    I save jam jars and large coffee jars too and store dried food in them or for left overs which need to be stored in the fridge. I find my slow cooker to be a huge saving on electricity. Removing wrappers from fruit and veg before they are placed in containers in the fridge really keeps them stay fresher for longer. Tks for sharing your tips.

  • @Tess-FrugalLiving
    @Tess-FrugalLiving Před 2 lety

    Well done on reaching 10,000 subscribers! Well deserved. 😁

  • @michellebird3120
    @michellebird3120 Před 2 lety +1

    Congratulations on 10k Jane and Michael x

  • @CFOathome
    @CFOathome Před 2 lety +4

    Meal planning is my top idea in my toolkit, that (along with learning how to cook) has saved me LOADS!!!

  • @carolinebenwell7625
    @carolinebenwell7625 Před 2 lety +1

    I too think one of the most essential items is your budget book. I'd be lost without mine. I've just picked up a Kakeboo budget book to help change the way I think about money so I can save more. It's a great book. I meal plan and make my own yogurt and bread. I also have just started making my own face creams and hand soaps. The process was fun too. Thank you always Jane for your words of encouragement and sensibility. I find watching you live such a happy and fruitful life fulfilling and encouraging. X

  • @karenbowden3884
    @karenbowden3884 Před 2 lety

    The pile of fleecy blankets by the sofa, I cover up when I’m sitting down to stop the temptation of putting the heating on to early or for too long! Also my airers…. Always on the go, saving us money :))

  • @jeannestott1456
    @jeannestott1456 Před 2 lety +2

    Well done on your 10k subscribers you deserve them all!!👏👏
    Just having a little chuckle at you standing on a ladder to hang washing up on the ceiling maiden!! No offence meant but it just made me😂😂

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +4

      Hi Jeanne. It’s on a pulley and it’s let down so I can reach it, thanks for asking,

  • @2451Yvonne
    @2451Yvonne Před 2 lety +3

    Wow, 10.000 subscribers!
    Congratulations 👏🎊

  • @alisonbutler6743
    @alisonbutler6743 Před 2 lety +3

    Another great informative video, especially for the frugal wannabes. Congratulations on your milestone subscribers.

  • @emanuelad3534
    @emanuelad3534 Před 2 lety

    Totally love u and ur energy!😅

  • @milagrosmaldonado5631
    @milagrosmaldonado5631 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for this video. I need to put more effort on meals plan. Greetings from Puerto Rico, USA

  • @Beginnerreadsthebible
    @Beginnerreadsthebible Před 2 lety

    A sewing kit and spare fabrics and buttons for clothing repairs! Love your accent!

  • @sandragerhardt2309
    @sandragerhardt2309 Před 2 lety

    Happy to see I have all on your list except for the Instant Pot. We do use a slow cooker at least once a fortnight instead of the oven.

  • @hollyjobitner3285
    @hollyjobitner3285 Před 2 lety +5

    I run my towels and wash cloths on my serger to maintain any fraying edges ( purchased in 2003). Glass lids from the thrift store for our plates in the microwave. Junk mail envelopes for grocery lists with coupons inside. Cloth napkins, every visitor thinks we’re fancy. I made some for my sister and daughter. Meat purchased in bulk from the farm, garden produce, canning and freezing, fresh spinach grown in the cellar under lights, and 36 solar pànels. Tru Earth laundry detergent. We retired at age 60. We’re 8 years apart. How do you handle your healthcare insurance? My greatest expense > $ 700.00 per month ACA. I appreciate your frugality. 💙

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for sharing, we have universal healthcare through taxation in France with a top up mutuelle insurance which costs us 85€ a month for the two of us. We have nothing else to pay for our health. Medication is included.

    • @hollyjobitner3285
      @hollyjobitner3285 Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks! You don’t know how fortunate you are. 2 more years until Medicare for me. 💙

    • @tesswebb9503
      @tesswebb9503 Před 2 lety

      0p

    • @tesswebb9503
      @tesswebb9503 Před 2 lety

      P0p0000000

    • @tesswebb9503
      @tesswebb9503 Před 2 lety

      0

  • @val6937
    @val6937 Před 2 lety +1

    Your home is super lovely

  • @naomibarton6139
    @naomibarton6139 Před 2 lety

    Congratulations on the 10k subscribers. Well deserved. Here’s to the next 10k….

  • @mariannejoynes6541
    @mariannejoynes6541 Před 2 lety +1

    Congratulations on the 10,000 subscribers 🤙🤩