The Entire 2nd Week! $100 Grocery Budget to Last a Month!

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  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 709

  • @shadowcatX2000
    @shadowcatX2000 2 дні тому +443

    Please keep referring to the freezer as the squirrel fund.

  • @GoingCoastal
    @GoingCoastal 2 дні тому +123

    There is no room to criticize about the food not being super healthy. This is the reality many people live. This is their budget. They can't pull another $50 out of a hat. Your meals are balanced and well done for the budget. You're helping people have a good variety and there is very decent nutrition in your meals. Great job, looking forward to the next week.

  • @erinb.5103
    @erinb.5103 2 дні тому +108

    You can take a couple of tablespoons of your jelly in a saucepan and add 2 cups water, 1 tsp sugar and bring it to a boil for 4 minutes, it makes what we called poor man’s syrup, which we used on biscuits or French toast or pancakes if we ran out of regular syrup. We were very poor and used whatever we had.

    • @stacib7141
      @stacib7141 2 дні тому +5

      Brilliant idea 👏🏼

    • @lauraspicks7114
      @lauraspicks7114 2 дні тому

      Thanks for the tip.

    • @dianethoroughman9541
      @dianethoroughman9541 2 дні тому

      Clever, and useful!😊

    • @eringrant8221
      @eringrant8221 2 дні тому +8

      I'll have to try that. I came here to say that if she buys a few apples like she wants to, she could boil the peels and cores in water, strain it, add sugar, and reduce it to make a really nice apple syrup. (Add cinnamon to make a more savory apple cider syrup!)

    • @ariellel6123
      @ariellel6123 День тому +2

      Ohh I might take your idea to use on these oat pancakes I want to make! (I’m gluten free and currently don’t have pancake mix or much gluten free flour but I do have gluten free oats that I think I can grind up and make pancakes out of!) We have syrup but this sounds delicious!

  • @StephanieGiese
    @StephanieGiese 2 дні тому +133

    My grandma would have totally taken that graying meat over to the counter and passive aggressively made them mark it down for her. I can hear her now. "Excuse me, I think this may have been left out by mistake. I know y'all usually have better quality than this. If you want to take the price down on this one, I'll go ahead and take it off your hands for you so you don't have to throw it out." haha

  • @ameliastelmach148
    @ameliastelmach148 2 дні тому +222

    As a retail grocery employee of 30 years I can tell you that markdowns are never completed before 9 a m. It takes time for the one employee who is responsible for this task to go around the whole department to mark appropriate items down. For future reference. You are the exception to the rule of nobody coming in that early looking for markdowns. Next time you will not "waste a trip" to the grocery store at 7 a. m. looking for markdiwns. Not at a Food Lion Publix or Harris Teeter gricery chain stores at least. Maybe elsewhere.

    • @Golden_Girl7123
      @Golden_Girl7123 2 дні тому +3

      What about couponing?

    • @Yesica1993
      @Yesica1993 2 дні тому +12

      Thanks for the inside scoop!

    • @jillgott6567
      @jillgott6567 2 дні тому +10

      Did you ask the store when they reduce items

    • @Nick-uh3jx
      @Nick-uh3jx 2 дні тому +11

      Tell that to my local Smiths, Wednesday 6am is gold mine day.

    • @ameliastelmach148
      @ameliastelmach148 2 дні тому

      ​​I can't speak for them. Never worked for them.s​@@Nick-uh3jx Sounds great!

  • @kat-napzzz
    @kat-napzzz 2 дні тому +148

    I totally understand sticking to the budget, but I felt for you not having enough ketchup with your eggs😂
    If you did this again, I wonder if you could give yourself a small dollar tree pantry of like hot sauce, ketchup, mustard and a few more spices. I feel like it wouldn’t be a stretch that someone would have a few affordable basics already. Plus showing how to build up a small affordable pantry from dollar tree might be helpful to some.
    Totally enjoying these videos and getting ideas and now I want to hunt better for markdowns myself!

    • @Cookie7294
      @Cookie7294 2 дні тому +7

      Most people have some seasonings and sauces in their pantry and fridge. Might be interesting to do a challenge including what's on hand as a base.

    • @tv-21
      @tv-21 2 дні тому +4

      Gas stations have them for free

    • @mrdaym
      @mrdaym 2 дні тому +8

      That sounds like a delightful idea! Yes I know Rebecca usually only uses oil, pepper and salt as a basic free for all because she tries to keep everyone in the loop, even those of us who are going through hard times. But it would be fun to see a challenge performed with a "beefed up" base of not only oil, salt and sugar but also hot sauce, ketchup and mustard be added to the ready-to-go ingredients.

    • @Cookie7294
      @Cookie7294 2 дні тому +2

      @@mrdaym I stock up on non perishables when the price is good and have jars of all kinds of herbs and spices. A video on how to work with what you have while buying a minimal amount might be interesting. There's a channel called Frugal Queen in France that you might like. She talks about budgeting, how to take advantage of discounts and sales, and meal planning. Now she is also gardening. She does several no spend months each year as well.

    • @kenyonbissett3512
      @kenyonbissett3512 2 дні тому +5

      Dollar General- crystal hot sauce $1.15, clover valley ketchup $1.35. I think you are right that Bull’s Eye bbq sauce $1.25 would provide a nice selection of flavors for her dishes at a low cost.

  • @steviegallagher1801
    @steviegallagher1801 2 дні тому +35

    you may already know this bc youre so good at budget eating and associated things like that, but if youre not already: chill all your meals down in the fridge first before putting them in the freezer. if its already cold when it starts freezing, the ice crystals will be smaller, which minimizes any texture changes when you reheat it.

  • @menevermind2612
    @menevermind2612 2 дні тому +42

    My tip for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Extend their life from getting soggy due to jelly bread, touching with a thin layer of peanut butter on both pieces of bread and then the jelly on top of that. So the water in the jelly doesn’t touch the bread and make it soggy. I hope that helps somebody.it’ll make a sandwich last at least a day or two if you don’t eat it right away. Love your video love this series too.

  • @patrice1966
    @patrice1966 2 дні тому +164

    You won’t get the mark downs going that early. You need to wait at least an hour or two after the store opens. That gives the meat department employees time to go through the meat on the shelves to check the dates and mark the items down.
    I find better clearance prices on Monday and Tuesday because they mark down meats that didn’t sell over the weekend. With the new sales start on Wednesday you might find some clearance on Fridays as well.

    • @christinamatzen4214
      @christinamatzen4214 2 дні тому +3

      Here too. One store does Mondays and the other does Fridays for all their markdowns.

    • @cindymichaud7111
      @cindymichaud7111 2 дні тому +2

      I agree with @patrice1966 , one hundred percent. Too early for mark-downs, plus, my stores marked by Monday afternoon. Have a blessed day 💖✝

    • @juliehill8292
      @juliehill8292 2 дні тому +6

      I was thinking the same thing. I love this series and am really enjoying the videos. The only thing I wish is that you had more to work with in seasonings and condiments. I also want so much for you to have your ice coffee or chips ,some kind of a treat. I feel like you probably have enough food in your freezer now for the fourth week and could maybe splurge on some more convenience items.I absolutely love how you use every last bit of everything. It's inspiring and makes me want to try and do the same.

    • @SMV95OA
      @SMV95OA 2 дні тому +4

      Yes, great advice! I work in a grocery store bakery and we will not have markdowns done until at least a couple hours after opening. Usually the weekend is not the best time for markdowns because product is flying off the shelves faster than we can stock it. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings/noonish are best, as least at my store.

    • @loriloristuff
      @loriloristuff День тому

      Nope. Here in Wisconsin, we're up early. Woodman's and Stinebrink's Piggly Wiggly are ready before 9 AM. Aldi opens at 9 AM, but my daughter works at one (yes, we have 6 within driving distance), and Aldi marks down after closing, in anticipation of the next day.

  • @kristinebautz1859
    @kristinebautz1859 2 дні тому +135

    i'm not even broke or starving, i just love watching these videos and getting ideas. Your recipes are simple and realistic. I've done about 4 of your ideas and they are now a new staple in my household. Just sending some love!

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +8

      Glad you like them!

    • @kenyonbissett3512
      @kenyonbissett3512 2 дні тому +10

      It’s fun to see what she comes up with.

    • @stephaniebaker4024
      @stephaniebaker4024 2 дні тому +5

      Me too I have gotten so many great ideas from Rebecca. Even not thinking outside the box. ❤️

    • @user-kh9jv8cx3l
      @user-kh9jv8cx3l День тому +2

      ​@@DollarTreeDinnersLove your recipes, they are so simple. Would also like to know where you got the lunch/food containers. Thanks

    • @tauna8941
      @tauna8941 День тому +1

      We can't eat anything she cooks due to dietary restrictions but I love her videos.

  • @kelzorific
    @kelzorific 2 дні тому +68

    I love calling it the "squirrel fund" - my current meals are about 2/3 from my own squirrel fund. I haven't gone grocery shopping at all this month, and did one modest trip late May for fresh stuff to hold me over and see 1) how long I could get some produce to last, 2) if I would actually start eating out of my freezer instead of just keeping it stocked until it was bursting, and 3) to get really creative and make sure I used up some stuff that was languishing in the back of my cabinets. I love seeing all of your creative ideas for making do with what you have rather than my usual tactic of impulsive grocery trips to make whatever food I'm feeling like at the time. It's inspiring!

  • @redinwolfsclothing
    @redinwolfsclothing 2 дні тому +35

    If you have any takeout Chinese sauce packets, duck sauce pairs really nicely with pork loin sandwiches.

  • @jenny97217
    @jenny97217 2 дні тому +48

    As frugalfitmom says ask your store employees about the best time to find mark down.

    • @KJDogluv
      @KJDogluv 2 дні тому +8

      She’s great!

  • @mistymountainhop1971
    @mistymountainhop1971 2 дні тому +58

    I just got my Food Lion coupons yesterday in the mail. They had some good ones, a free bag of small coffee. I work as an RN, so I don't really have to budget for food, but when you grow up as poor as my family did, you don't forget where you came from. I could go out and spend $$$, but I ask myself, will this bring value to my life, do I need it, or do I want it? Thank you for making this series.

    • @Golden_Girl7123
      @Golden_Girl7123 2 дні тому +1

      You might go online too and see their download coupons

    • @Nick-uh3jx
      @Nick-uh3jx 2 дні тому +10

      This is the most relatable message for me lol. I grew up dirt poor and food insecure. After 31 years I finally have a very cushy government job but I still can't lose the budget mindset.

    • @aHavenForTheLost
      @aHavenForTheLost 2 дні тому +3

      I would still perhaps do a budget because you never know what can happen. Then you can save the rest for a raining day or for more of a retirement savings on top of your 401k.

  • @wandasellers3899
    @wandasellers3899 2 дні тому +10

    To use up those bread scraps, my mom used to cut up the heels and crust and put them in scrambled eggs. She would let it sit on the counter to soak up the egg a few minutes while she did other things in the kitchen. She used bacon grease to cook the eggs and bread which she seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and parsley. She would save and freeze the end pieces of cheese, any extra sausage or bacon and bits of veggies. Any of if these ingredients could be added to the eggs and bread. Mom called this dish "Tummy Filler", lol.

    • @jemnyjones
      @jemnyjones День тому

      My mom would make something very similar growing up. It’s called a strata! Rebecca I bet this would be a great way to use up leftover scraps.

  • @allyrooh3628
    @allyrooh3628 2 дні тому +40

    You might need to wait until the butcher comes on duty. Also, if you talk to the meat manager they could tell you when they do their markdowns. I’m no morning person either. I felt every ounce of your pain while watching you shop! Your last week is going to be awesome shopping your freezer & it will be such a time saver!

  • @eathomelive
    @eathomelive 2 дні тому +32

    It's okay to not have a veggie with every meal. Your meals have been so much better than what I expected. You are doing great so far. Putting back food in the freezer is so smart.
    You should ask the meat market when they do their meat markdowns.
    Also, you could usae the cabbage to make some slaw for the pork sandwiches.

  • @bethanyg153
    @bethanyg153 2 дні тому +105

    Canned green beans are great, I agree! I found them for 38¢/can around Thanksgiving and I bought 36 cans.

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +17

      Oh wow! That’s a great deal

    • @user-cy5ll2kl6d
      @user-cy5ll2kl6d 2 дні тому +3

      I cannot even look at a can of string beans. It was my mom's favorite, but she was from the depression era, and would eat them just poured out of the can. Blah

    • @somethingoldsomethingnew2199
      @somethingoldsomethingnew2199 2 дні тому +2

      ​@@user-cy5ll2kl6dSame! My mother wasn't depression era but she and her sister (my aunt) liked their vegetables cooked until they were mush. It wasn't until I was an adult and learned how to cook vegetables properly that I realized how much I actually liked them. Except onions, that's where I draw the line! 😂

    • @dianethoroughman9541
      @dianethoroughman9541 2 дні тому +2

      ​@user-cy5ll2kl6d It is weird, I like regular green beans, but I hate string beans! 😂 Same vegetable, but a different way of cutting.

  • @alisosiaalisosia9282
    @alisosiaalisosia9282 2 дні тому +28

    Peanut butter and jelly on tortillas is just as good as on bread

  • @1981lackadaisy
    @1981lackadaisy 2 дні тому +10

    I have perfected roasted potato wedges (for us anyway). I toss with olive oil & bake covered with foil on a baking sheet at 425 for 35ish minutes. Remove the foil. Flip the potatoes. Bake for another 15ish minutes. Covering with foil for the majority of time makes them so soft in the middle! Then letting them bake uncovered for the rest of the time gets the outside crispy. For seasoning, I usually just use Lawry’s seasoned salt, ground black pepper and garlic powder. My whole family craves these magical spuds!

  • @Michelle-ud4we
    @Michelle-ud4we 2 дні тому +66

    A 99cent bag of frozen spinach would have gone a long way to adding nutrition to the Alfredo and the breakfast burritos

    • @ilovemusic1974
      @ilovemusic1974 2 дні тому +6

      Could also add to the breakfast burrito mix

    • @mariafentis
      @mariafentis 2 дні тому +6

      A small bag of raisins or dry fruit would spice up oatmeal too!

    • @estelarubin764
      @estelarubin764 2 дні тому +2

      I love spinach on almost everything

  • @sarahconnell6332
    @sarahconnell6332 2 дні тому +24

    Another fun and interesting video - thanks! Just one quick fact check “According to Reynolds Wrap, the difference is a byproduct of the manufacturing process. You see, aluminum foil is milled in different layers. Heat and tension are applied to stretch the foil until it's thin enough to become the familiar sheets you buy in stores and use at home.
    The factory manufactures two sheets of metal simultaneously to ensure the sheets are strong enough to withstand breakage. The side where the foil comes into contact with another layer of foil appears dull, while the other side, which hasn't made contact with another sheet, appears shiny. In other words, the two sides look different, but when it comes down to it, they're both made of the same stuff.” (From Southern Living)

    • @kaelynnmartin6521
      @kaelynnmartin6521 2 дні тому +4

      It’s kinda sad that the myth of the shiny vs dull sides of the foil still persists. Unless you specifically buy the nonstick foil, it makes no difference

  • @myyoutubeaccount2780
    @myyoutubeaccount2780 2 дні тому +27

    if you don't have milk you can add in a little butter to the oatmeal to make it more creamy

    • @Susanfuzz
      @Susanfuzz 2 дні тому +2

      I love oatmeal “porridge” style: butter, salt and lots of pepper! It’s tasty and lower carb than with sugar :)

    • @user-qj6jb9nk9w
      @user-qj6jb9nk9w 2 дні тому +1

      @@Susanfuzzthat sounds good! I will give that a try.

  • @drea1976
    @drea1976 2 дні тому +22

    Re: Pork sandwiches.....To impart more flavor,for free, just toast your buns. Plus you're adding texture.😊

    • @sueh6287
      @sueh6287 2 дні тому +4

      Great advice for improving taste and texture. I toast all types of bread for any kind of sandwich, and even lightly toast hot dog rolls.

  • @kasideehomer3045
    @kasideehomer3045 2 дні тому +51

    I love seeing someone appreciate canned green beans as much as I do! I used to just eat them straight out of the can and they are so superior to frozen and fresh. :P

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +9

      I can also eat them cold straight out of the can! So good!

    • @tinashort9098
      @tinashort9098 2 дні тому +2

      I love them too!

    • @RikkiWhite
      @RikkiWhite 2 дні тому +7

      I have never liked fresh or frozen green beans as much canned ones. When I do have fresh green beans, I intentionally overcook them, so that the texture is a bit closer to canned.

    • @misspeaches1144
      @misspeaches1144 2 дні тому +1

      @@RikkiWhitei totally get it! My family is all about blanching green beans and cauliflower and then ice bath so they stay crunchy. I loveee overcooking mine so they are super soft and the cauliflower gets sweet and not bitter

    • @ChristinaJ-5189
      @ChristinaJ-5189 2 дні тому +6

      Something I grew up on, is bean salad. A can of drained green beans, a can of yellow green beans, and several cans of different kinds of beans drained & rinsed. I now use a 6-bean blend plus an extra can of chickpeas. I season it with minced onions( fresh or dried) celery, chopped sweet peppers, salt, pepper & parsley flakes or fresh parsley. Dressing is oil, vinegar or lemon juice, a pinch or two of sugar. For simplicity, I also use italian dressing instead. It can be an entree or a side. Delicious & filling plus cheap even with fresh vegetables as you use so little. It lasts all week & gets better as beans marinate .

  • @FoxyOxymoron
    @FoxyOxymoron 2 дні тому +11

    For POTATOES, you shoiuld use parchment paper because nothing really sticks to it. stuff will stick to foil unfortunately.

  • @Susanfuzz
    @Susanfuzz 2 дні тому +9

    I used to prep pb&j sandwiches for school lunch and repack them in the bread bag, then into the freezer. I would pull them out daily and pack them frozen. It would keep my son’s lunch cool and be defrosted and not soggy any lunch time. Reusing the bread bag and packing in a sandwich box reduces waste and plastic bag use :)

  • @flippingthescienceclassrom5252
    @flippingthescienceclassrom5252 2 дні тому +13

    Can I just say, as someone who:
    Lives in the south
    Worked at Walgreens as a photo tech
    Worked at fast food
    And owns what seems like all your food containers…
    Are we twins?? 😂 😂
    I’m so glad I found your channel. Great to listen to and learn new tricks to save money.

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +2

      What a unique parallel situation!

    • @vickiethompson9245
      @vickiethompson9245 22 години тому

      ​@@DollarTreeDinners As for the twin situation, I've always thought if you went ash blonde, you'd be twins with the actress Amber Marshall. Do you ride horses?

  • @shannonc4135
    @shannonc4135 2 дні тому +10

    Coming from a Kroger employee, they are having employees come in later to have people there during “prime time” to cut hours so a lot of things aren’t done as early anymore, I assume the same thing is happening there unfortunately, we are lucky if we even have time in a day to get them done at all

  • @s.sherwood4193
    @s.sherwood4193 2 дні тому +11

    Don't be shy and talk to the managers in each department, (make friends with them) they will give you the schedule on mark downs. My local "big" grocery store is Tuesdays and Thursdays. They clear out what didn't sell over the past weekend and clear out before the start of the new weekend. If your grocery store does produce and bakery mark downs, those are a great place to start to figure out food for the week. Hope this helps. Love the new series by the way❤

  • @Sammvoy
    @Sammvoy 2 дні тому +17

    The clip with the turkeys is too precious 🥺

  • @veronica978
    @veronica978 2 дні тому +21

    I’m not sure what state you live in and if you pay taxes on food… but I think a good “challenge” would be to do a month on the Max SNAP (food stamp) amount for a household size … I’m not sure what it is in your state but in my state a household of one Max is $291, household of two is $535. (Those amounts are for households with $0 income… the more income you have the lower the amount is, since it is a supplemental program.) I’m not personally on SNAP but know people who are. I think that it would help show people how to stretch that type of budget. .. i usually cook those loins in the slow cooker and it makes them so tender and juicy.

    • @aHavenForTheLost
      @aHavenForTheLost 2 дні тому +1

      Excellent idea!!

    • @bouldergirl528
      @bouldergirl528 2 дні тому +1

      Yep, I'm in Colorado and on SNAP benefits. I live alone, my benefits are $271/month

    • @somethingoldsomethingnew2199
      @somethingoldsomethingnew2199 2 дні тому +2

      Years ago, I was on SNAP for 6 months. We got 87.00 a month for a family of 4. I can honestly say that it didn't do much to help. I checked recently and we made 2,000 too much to qualify this year. I'm trying to get through the rest of the week with 11.00. I will have to skip a few meals and just hope it doesn't affect my diabetes too much.

    • @Aery-ro6te
      @Aery-ro6te 2 дні тому

      ​@@somethingoldsomethingnew2199 😮 oh no, please don't skip meals 😢 do you have the makings for some simple biscuits? That's my son's favorite "poor food"

    • @irenez7439
      @irenez7439 День тому

      ​@@Aery-ro6te biscuits are not good for diabetes.

  • @kj7653
    @kj7653 2 дні тому +3

    In my area, the best bargains are on Wednesdays. That is usually when the new sale ads come out. Some of the stores honor both the past week bargains and the coming week's sale prices. So double bargain sale prices to choose from.

  • @TheRAWRpham
    @TheRAWRpham 2 дні тому +13

    An idea for the crusts, bread pudding is always a good idea too

  • @veronica978
    @veronica978 2 дні тому +8

    For potatoes for your burritos you could use the cubed hashbrowns (you can get them with peppers and onions or seasoned) from the freezer section. It might be cheaper

  • @4vinte
    @4vinte 2 дні тому +11

    me, a Brazilian living in Europe, not struggling with money, couldn’t wait for this episode to come out 😂 you are so sweet, kind and thoughtful! you deserve the world!

  • @chrismuellner9270
    @chrismuellner9270 2 дні тому +10

    Keep your potatoes in the dark place the light is what makes them turn green

    • @peggydierks6988
      @peggydierks6988 2 дні тому +2

      I put mine in a big bowl and cover them with a towel.

  • @The3Storms
    @The3Storms 2 дні тому +3

    If you only like wheat bread with sweet and you’re talking of French bread casserole, I figure at least one can of peaches can go in there.
    That means the 2nd half of the pasta, at least one of the frozen portions of soup, a couple oz of cheese, the inner half of the cabbage (or last can of green beans) and some stock from the scrap bag can go with the 4th serving of pork to make a savory bake.

  • @ceciliaguevara6977
    @ceciliaguevara6977 2 дні тому +18

    A quick suggestion maybe try oatmeal banana pancakes

  • @sheliapeters2082
    @sheliapeters2082 2 дні тому +10

    Another idea is if you make a breakfast bread if you have the small loaf pans you could freeze some for later and I love just pulling a couple slices out at a time.

  • @explorn66
    @explorn66 2 дні тому +15

    Another great video! My wife loves it that I'm following your ideas while she's working away from home. I've always been a meal prep guy and I love leftovers and saving money. Keep up the good work.

  • @lindaholliday4536
    @lindaholliday4536 2 дні тому +8

    We have a store called Winco and some prices are cheaper than dollar tree. Veggies can cost as little as 59 to .69cents a can. Fruit is a good price also,you probably could have gotten your apples.

    • @heatherj3030
      @heatherj3030 2 дні тому +4

      I love Winco! Their bulk bins are perfect for a low spend month!

  • @sarahconnell6332
    @sarahconnell6332 2 дні тому +17

    I love the turkeys, I talk to animals crossing the road, too❤

  • @Lottie_Girl
    @Lottie_Girl 2 дні тому +13

    Just want to say that your content helps me a lot with budgeting ideas and not only that, I am genuinely excited when I see a new upload. We don't have cable and only a few streaming services so we mostly watch UA-cam and yours is my favorite channel. You have a genuine kindness and warmth about you that is inviting and refreshing and I don't see it much online. Thanks for everything you give to all of us. ❤

  • @Dr.ShitzenGiggs
    @Dr.ShitzenGiggs 2 дні тому +12

    Thanks for the inspiration to eat better while saving money.

  • @christinemascott8061
    @christinemascott8061 2 дні тому +12

    peas would work great too. Cheap and you can keep a bunch in the freezer.

  • @d-townchicana2232
    @d-townchicana2232 2 дні тому +5

    You could do a crustless quiche with leftover potatoes and sausage. You'll get 6-8 servings with same amount of eggs😉

  • @alexisbryanto1474
    @alexisbryanto1474 17 годин тому

    Another low cost meal we enjoy is a summertime bow tie pasta. Get bow tie pasta, Italian dressing, 2 cucumbers and 1 container of cherry/grape tomatoes. Boil pasta then drain. Cut up cucumbers into small pieces and cut tomatoes in half. We go ahead and add the bottle of dressing. Refrigerate, then serve cold. We get roughly 5 generous portions. At Walmart you can recreate it for ~$6.71. So roughly $1.34 per serving! Also perfect for a hot day since you serve it cold!

  • @aardyn8564
    @aardyn8564 2 дні тому +7

    Pink Lady apples are another non-mealy apple choice if you happen to see them in stores.

  • @happygardener28
    @happygardener28 2 дні тому +19

    1) Along with rinsing jars to get most of the sauce out of the jar/bottle lay the container (lid on) on it's side for several minutes (I use a towel or pad so the container doesn't roll around). Squeeze bottles can stand on their top to get more of the product ready to use.
    2) Cocoa powder (or hot chocolate mix) with Peanut butter is so good in oatmeal. But I also like to use cinnamon, or apple pie, or even pumpkin pie spice to add to my hot cereal.
    3) Loin cuts (beef, pork, chicken or lamb) can be precut into chops/small steaks and then cooked; this can give you multiple options = chops, cubed for stew/soup, stuffed chops, shredded or finely diced/minced for casseroles.
    4) Here I find that the meat departments put out the markdowns about 2 hours after they open. But depending on "holidays" discounts can be scarcer as people saved to splurge. I also shop near the middle of the month as SNAP recipients and most retirees do their shopping near the first of the month so demand is higher and discounts fewer.

    • @violapastuszyn1349
      @violapastuszyn1349 2 дні тому +3

      And when that pb jar is basically empty, just make the oatmeal directly in the jar.

  • @salmansj
    @salmansj 2 дні тому +6

    The company that makes the chocolate covered Pomegranate balls also makes chocolate covered Blueberry Acai and they are SO good! Much better fruit/chocolate ratio. Their chocolate caramels are also really yummy.

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +1

      They’re a great brand and super affordable, I love their chocolates

  • @five_pennies
    @five_pennies 2 дні тому +18

    I'm fortunate that I live near a discount bread store. I can buy Nature's Own brand bread for $.89, hotdog and hamburger buns for $1. They also sell discounted Tasty Cake brand snack cakes. Anyone reading this, it's worth checking in your area to see if you have something like this. It's not stale either, I think it's just what they just couldn't sell to distributors. We lived in a rural area and my mom would stop there on the way home from the monthly grocery haul and buy a bunch of bread to keep in the freezer. Also if you're in a rural area I can guarantee this time of year someone's got a vegetable garden and has too much produce that they can eat or can themselves. My dad used to just give away squash, tomatoes and peppers; actually he would beg people to come take them, otherwise they'd just rot in the field. Someone else probably has chickens and would sell or give away eggs. There might even be a co-op you can join. You might have cheaper options than even Dollar Tree, *and* you'd be helping out your neighbors

    • @cnk2hoo
      @cnk2hoo 2 дні тому +2

      Impressive that yours still has discount prices. Went to mine the other day and realized clearance at Kroger was a better deal 🤦🏽‍♀️

  • @stephsstuff270
    @stephsstuff270 2 дні тому +4

    I love my barbecue as an open face sandwich. I like a corn cake, the baked beans, then my pulled pork with bbq sauce. No judgement for dipping that sandwich!

  • @BrowneyedGirlmjd
    @BrowneyedGirlmjd 2 дні тому +8

    Watching your intro I was thinking... WTF????? Don't those stores know Rebecca has an entire online community counting on these videos and she got up early for us and to snag the good sales!! 😠🤣 Seriously though as i was watching this set of videos I was thinking of our senior you cook for. I think she and her nephew would love cabbage rolls (especially now that you know how to tweak the recipe). Watching waiting for the birds??? ♥♥♥🐦🐦 In Winnipeg in Spring the annual waiting for the family of geese to cross the road is tradition even on the crazy busy freeways.

  • @alanbirkner1958
    @alanbirkner1958 2 дні тому +6

    A local store had canned vegetables for 48c each, limit 6. I had some left from before, so I made a pot of vegetable soup one night with some other items I had.
    Tina, Al's wife

  • @cbears57
    @cbears57 2 дні тому +3

    My grandmother's grew up during the depression & they always used a very little bit of confectioner sugar for things like French toast & waffles. We do that now and save money using that instead of syrup. Just a thought for your leftover bread crusts.

  • @jeanlujan6129
    @jeanlujan6129 2 дні тому +5

    You can make syrup by using one to two cups of water and brown sugar one cup and if you want you can add maple flavoring to it bring it to a boil and let everything melt together turn down the heat and let it reduce a little then put it in a container and put it in the fridge it’s not going to be thick but still taste good

  • @kaye2168
    @kaye2168 2 дні тому +4

    What about using the syrup from your canned fruit for the French toast casserole? You could cook it down to thicken it and even add some cinnamon.

  • @MakingThisUpAsIGo
    @MakingThisUpAsIGo 2 дні тому +4

    I know you don’t have ranch but peanut butter is a perfectly good dip for carrots you could even add a bit of water if you wanted to stretch the PB and make it more dipable

  • @christygreen9550
    @christygreen9550 2 дні тому +6

    Strawberry jam/jelly makes a good syrup. Cook w/some water. Great week of meals.

  • @ellendurkee5444
    @ellendurkee5444 2 дні тому +3

    keep potatoes in the dark, its light that turns them green.

  • @adigmon
    @adigmon 2 дні тому +8

    Saturday night is a good time at our local store for meat markdowns. I think you have to find what day your store does it. Be the crazy lady that goes in every night until you figure it out. 😂 I always make burritos out of leftovers. You can add beans, potatoes, anything you have to a little meat to make all kinds of burritos for the freezer.

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +10

      I was thinking about doing that honestly haha a trip to the store everyday to figure out which day is the best

    • @adigmon
      @adigmon 2 дні тому +2

      Love your videos and your kindness! I’ve been watching you since the early days. We’re so fortunate to not have to eat frugal, but a lot of the time we do because it’s what we like. I grow a lot of our produce too. Keep up the good work. You help so many!

  • @stephsteph5755
    @stephsteph5755 2 дні тому +7

    I am the same way with green beans !! Canned to me is my favorite.

  • @mishaa7263
    @mishaa7263 2 дні тому +8

    i love overcooked pasta too but that al dente peer pressure is real 😭😭

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +6

      for real! anytime i confess my love of overcooked pasta it's always this hesitation within me.

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 2 дні тому +4

      ​​@@DollarTreeDinners🤫 I never tell anyone that I prefer overcook ed pasta and rice. I like my rice softer than most as well.

  • @veronicawalters4534
    @veronicawalters4534 2 дні тому +6

    Okay waiting for the birdies to cross the road was so wholesome 😭😭😭😭💜💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏

    • @DollarTreeDinners
      @DollarTreeDinners  2 дні тому +3

      It was the highlight of my day and made getting up early worth it IMO 😊

  • @pigoff123
    @pigoff123 2 дні тому +3

    I don't normally eat breakfast but my daughter moved out and left me apples and banana so I cooked them with butter and brown sugar and added them to oatmeal and had it for lunch. It was delicious. 😊

  • @nicolemeyer240
    @nicolemeyer240 2 дні тому +7

    I enjoy chocolate covered blueberries

  • @fnnygrndm
    @fnnygrndm День тому +1

    If you rinse the chopped potato first, pat dry, they won't stick as much! It gets rid of that surface starch that causes sticking.

  • @bmg9136
    @bmg9136 2 дні тому +2

    I switched to parchment paper for my baking/oven cooking, easy to clean up and food doesn't stick to it (easier to flip), therefore I can use less oil overall. Safe to use up to 425 F. I've used it for roasted veg, works great - paper might brown, not on fire.

  • @lifewithkymm
    @lifewithkymm 2 дні тому +2

    If you steam your potatoes, especially gold potatoes, let them cool preferably in the fridge overnight and then season them and bake them at 425 for about 25-30 minutes (flipping half way) they are the BEST. Plus you don’t need any oil and they don’t ever stick.

  • @destanie590
    @destanie590 День тому +1

    You can save money as well by making your own 2 loaves of bread with just flour water, oil and salt. Especially if the store runs out of bread. The tortillas you made, you can make extra and freeze them for later.

  • @ChristinaJ-5189
    @ChristinaJ-5189 2 дні тому +1

    To make crispy fries & wedges, soak them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge for about an hour. Remove them, pat dry & toss into a dry bowl with oil & seasoning. Layer on baking sheet as per the video instructions & bake. Remove from oven & season again. Serve as desired.

  • @veronica978
    @veronica978 2 дні тому +7

    Aww she had a whole flock ❤

  • @mistresscupcake8913
    @mistresscupcake8913 2 дні тому +4

    We have a WinCo store here. I don't know if you are familiar with them. They have a large section of bins were the customer simply buys the quantity they want. And it's really cheap and all kinds of items! I would love to see what kind of budget ideas you could produce with that. I love your videos. They are such an inspiration! Thank you for your hard work!

    • @ursularowe3353
      @ursularowe3353 2 дні тому +2

      Love Winco, their bulk section is the best!

  • @carolparker2392
    @carolparker2392 2 дні тому +2

    Thank you for letting the wildlife cross the road so enjoyable

  • @katehazel2450
    @katehazel2450 2 дні тому +2

    So an inexpensive breakfast is a drained can of diced beets, saute in frying pan and add eggs. I add time in an oven to cook the top of eggs. 350 fir 5 minutes.

  • @aninnecoiiles9314
    @aninnecoiiles9314 2 дні тому +3

    Not sure if anyone mentions this but salt your oatmeal! 🧂 Makes a big difference 😊

  • @nicolemeyer240
    @nicolemeyer240 2 дні тому +5

    You come so far in your confidence that you can stretch your money!

  • @mistythompson1398
    @mistythompson1398 2 дні тому +4

    Our best day, I live in VA too, is Tuesday after 10am. They mark down things before the ad changes to make room. You are doing amazing so far. Cannot wait for next week.

  • @ginabeena6757
    @ginabeena6757 2 дні тому +7

    I'm loving this series!!

  • @OZARKMOON1960
    @OZARKMOON1960 2 дні тому +4

    With so many different grocery 'chains' across the country, I would just ask someone in the meat and the produce departments when they routinely do markdowns. I know my local 'price chopper' small grocery does it Tuesday afternoon (before their Wednesday ad is in effect) and sometimes on Friday afternoon to get stuff moved out over the weekend. Each one in town is different, though. Great job so far with lots of good ideas for making the budget stretch for decent meals.

  • @1bwash
    @1bwash 2 дні тому

    I love this series so much, it makes me feel nostalgic because thankfully I'm not on such an extreme budget anymore. But I want to share a tip for the things like oatmeal or stretching sauces for pasta. If you buy a big container of powdered coffee creamer, you can add it to a lot of things where you're adding water and it brings in so much richness. And I think you're already doing this with the ketchup packets, but just always ask for extra of that stuff or just take it whenever you're in a gas station.

  • @CreeSweetSage61
    @CreeSweetSage61 2 дні тому

    Love this series! I get the flavored pork loins from Aldi's and cook them at 400 in the air fryer for 23-25 mins. I keep checking the temp until done. I don't know if you like egg rolls, but I make keto eggs rolls, jimmy dean sausage, cole slaw mix, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce and I add in sesame oil. You can added in 6 beaten eggs. Makes a lot and so tasty. Might be something you could make for a future video. And I have frozen leftovers and it was great.

  • @thespoilercritic3478
    @thespoilercritic3478 2 дні тому +3

    As someone who used to work the opening shift at a grocery store.. 8:30 -9 would have been your best bet. With that being said though, I’ve noticed since Covid, meat discounts have been either few and far between or not as big of discount as before, unfortunately. But some discount is always better than paying full price 😊

  • @beckystone7994
    @beckystone7994 2 дні тому +4

    I think you did great Rebecca!! I find Tues. & Weds. mornings the best time to find marked down meats and Manager’s specials on meats at my stores. Rebecca ! I love your meals they are tasty and filling and most are nutritious I think ! I love your potato and steamed eggs breakfast to be very filling and delicious ! Also I take a 14-15 Oz size can of tomato sauce and mix in a envelope of taco seasoning ( store brand is less expensive and just as good, about .50 € ) put in a 1/4-1/2 cup of water depending on how loose you want the sauce but start with 1/4 cup water mix well and store in a jar or bowl with lid ! This keeps well in fridge and I use it on tacos , taco salad, on chicken or pork when baking or when serving , also on burgers , hotdogs, as a pizza sauce, as a veggie dip, mixed in with hamburger meat to make sloppy joes , in pork & beans to make baked beans , with chicken and cooked pasta as a sauce , on meatloaf as a sauce , also great as a dipping sauce for French fries or baked potato ! And it’s a money saver because it is so versatile and it taste great and saves on seasonings !! God bless ❤️🙏🙋🏻🌈🌈

  • @beauty46001
    @beauty46001 2 дні тому +3

    Your "Morning Face" is very relatable :D

  • @tinashort9098
    @tinashort9098 2 дні тому +6

    I love those seasoned pork loins. I’ve gotten them many times on a buy one get one free at Food Lion. I cook them in my instant pot and then pop them in the oven for just a few minutes to get a little brown on the top. So good!!!! I add a little bbq sauce sometimes. I find the most mark downs at Food Lion in the afternoon. Around 5. I love yellow taters!! They’re all so expensive everywhere 😢. I get those tiny ones allot. But I do go ahead and them both if they’re on sale like that. I know why didn’t though. The red ones are a little bigger and are good to bake in the microwave.

  • @Miss_Dante
    @Miss_Dante 2 дні тому +1

    In my experience Sunday is not the best day for deals. The best deal day is the last day of the week before they change over the flyer or the day of the flyer switch. Sometimes that is Sunday but when I shopped at market basket that was Wednesday/Thursday.
    My advice for anyone trying to figure this out is to talk to the employees, The morning employees specifically as they tend to be full timers. Not a manager as they are likely to not tell you. You may also be able to find Shopping hacks on local Facebook groups.

  • @daisyd90
    @daisyd90 2 дні тому +4

    I was thinking those peanut butter bread scraps would make a great french toast casserole too! 😊

  • @mystcxprns
    @mystcxprns 2 дні тому +5

    Great job putting stuff in your squirrel fund! Everything looks delicious and filling! Definitely need to make some breakfast burritos this week!

  • @amandagilds681
    @amandagilds681 День тому +1

    I like to put those flavored pork tenderloins in the Crock-Pot which is to splash of water and let them slow cook all day, shred. We like to eat the teriyaki one over rice with broccoli. In case you find one of those on sale.

  • @ruthsnively7248
    @ruthsnively7248 2 дні тому +5

    Dear Rebecca, you are so sweet. Thankyou for sharing with us all of the things you go through to make these vidoes for us. You are an inspiration !!!!!!

  • @alissaroberts2545
    @alissaroberts2545 День тому

    You mentioned having syrup for a possible French toast dish with the bread scraps. You have an option from what you already have, use some of your jelly mixed with a bit of water heated up in a small pan or glass measuring cup in your microwave. If in the next shopping trip you happen to get canned peaches, get the kind in heavy syrup and use that syrup warmed up it is lovely on French toast, pancakes or waffles.

  • @ksacosta69
    @ksacosta69 2 дні тому

    I used to pile pork and beans and coleslaw on top of my bbq pork sandwich. It was soooo good! Also on hour pb&j uncrustable, you could dip it in a light batted and fry it up in some butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar (blend regular sugar in your blender) and you have a dessert! Lastly, you can make your own simple syrup with water and sugar but if you had canned fruit in the syrup you could use that to add flavoring. Just throwing out some ideas although you're very creative and smart and probably know these things already. 😊

  • @matthafer2415
    @matthafer2415 2 дні тому +1

    bread crumbs from the heels of a loaf is so clutch

  • @stacyrussell460
    @stacyrussell460 2 дні тому +2

    Rebecca, I think you're doing very well & taking the budget into consideration. Also, for the French toast casserole, use some of the strawberry preserves (add a couple teaspoons of water to thin it out) for a syrup.

  • @jeremywilson6387
    @jeremywilson6387 2 дні тому +2

    Store brand pasta whaaaat!!! You were the 1 that showed me DT has 25% more for 1.25...come on now lol jk
    I basically make 3 pasta dishes depending on time and how tight my pockets are that day lol...#1 is my homemade noodles #2 is De Cecco (best store bought imo) oooor the cheapie DT $1.25 box that I can meal prep for 3-4 days that I never would of noticed if you didn't say it in an old video lol
    Thanks as always!!

  • @Ofdoom5159
    @Ofdoom5159 2 дні тому +1

    The freezer as the squirrel fund, is awesome!

  • @kenyonbissett3512
    @kenyonbissett3512 2 дні тому +2

    Every morning box turtles 🐢 would cross in the same place on our road when I was heading to work. My son would get out and put the turtle in the direction it was already going and then we would leave. It was a high light of both our days.

  • @cassandrahammomd1436
    @cassandrahammomd1436 2 дні тому +6

    I totally agree on your potato and egg breakfast. Loving it