As a college student one of my biggest mistakes was being too cheap with my meals. Not buying meat, subsisting off of pasta and rice. I found myself eating out more cause I didn't like what was at home. It was a game changer when I would spend more for fresh mozzarella, or meat, or not the cheapest apples. So I spend less money and I'm still well within my budget.
I wish I could convince my cousin to shop for fresh, not “one day from expiring” foods for everything, especially produce. It’s just her, and she can afford the newer fresher foods. And SHE’S WORTH IT!!
Great tips! Something I have started doing in the last year or so is when I buy fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, and peppers specifically) and I know they won't all be used before they go bad, I just dice them up and throw them in a freezer bag and freeze them. When I make soups or whatever and it calls for those veggies, I pull out what I need and toss them in 😁 Sometimes I need fresh veggies, but can seldom use it all before it goes to waste. Freezing them has been a money saver (and time saver when they're already diced up). We also started doing meatless Monday (or at least one day a week) to cut down on meat costs. I have really been enjoying your videos! Very creative and helpful! 😊
I’ve done this with bell peppers for awhile and when I make my salads for lunch I throw the frozen slices in and they’re thawed for lunch but I never thought to do carrots and celery. Thanks!
@@HeyyJessie22, and the price of peppers varies so much throughout the year, you can buy in bulk when they go on sale, chop, freeze and have it available for months!
I have a tip for freezing chicken that will keep your chicken freezer-burn free for at least two years. When the pandemic first hit (March 2020), my SO gave me $100 to buy meat, while it was still in the store (remember all those empty shelves and cases??). Once home, we set up an assembly line of sorts. Take a baking sheet, place it in the middle of your prep area. On the left, put your packaged meat, and a box of cling wrap (if you can find the boxes with the cutter that slides across, this is SO worth the extra money!). Have several freezer bags open and waiting on the right side. Label with contents and date. Pull and cut a piece of cling wrap big enough to nicely wrap one chicken breast or drumstick, or fish filet, or whatever you’re trying to freeze. Place one piece of meat on the wrap, and tightly wrap the meat. Place wrapped meat in the freezer bag. Continue till the bag is almost full but you can still close it (pressing out any air). Yes, this may seem like a waste of wrap, but it’s cost-effective as you’re not going to throw away bad (burned) food after six months or longer. I’ve found that you can pull, cut, and layer several pieces of wrap on the baking sheet at once (let’s say there are four chicken pieces in the package from the store; layer four pieces of wrap). That keeps the box of wrap from getting chicken juice on it. Just wash your hands before you start on the next package and layer of cling wrap. It may seem time consuming the first time you do this, but you’ll get the rhythm quickly. When ready to cook, pull as many pieces of chicken as you’ll need from the bag, thaw, and you’re good to go. Yes, the chicken frozen in 2020 is still good in 2023.
Another tip I'd add if you need only one item from the store ( like milk) then don't get a cart or a basket when you walk into the store. You won't pick extra items if you can't hold them in your hand. I only take a basket if I need 3 or more things. Also, meat always go on sale after holidays that have barbecue as tradition like memorial day and 4th of July. Turkey and ham go on sale after Christmas and Thanksgiving
Another tip on the meal planning side of things. Before planning out your meals check your fridge, freezer and pantry for what you have and what should get used up and plan your meals around these items. I took this tip from Jordan Page.
Remember to check the unit price! One item might be overall cheaper than the other, but over time you'll spend more if the unit price is higher. Also double check larger quantities. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy the smaller version! (Very rare but I've been tricked a few times)
The frozen veggies thing is HUGE for me, i often will push harder recipes off because of adhd/executive dysfunction and end up buying the same veggies to make it many times. I've learned to just get it frozen so i don't have to feel pressured AND don't waste money
I'm glad you were able to find what works better for you! Especially because fresh vegetables really do add up in cost. I've thrown out many vegetables over the years myself...
What’s been working well for me is using my grocery store’s app to plan a grocery pickup. If I go in the store, all bets are off. But the app isn’t enticing, and I can re-do entire orders without browsing. It’s saved me about $60 a week in impulse or unnecessary volume buys.
Frozen vegetables are frozen fresh, so they are a much healthier alternative to canned veggies (or moldy-back-of-fridge veggies haha) Great advice for saving money on groceries!
I love your channel! Thank you for making homemaking and FlyLady seem so simple. As a full-time worker, it was difficult to see how possible maintaining a clean home is watching a lot of other FlyLady UA-camrs with their McMansions and Martha Stewart vibes. Your home and habits are a lot more like mine, which makes it seem more accessible. Thank you for giving me the confidence to try.
Meal planning for the win. I have finally found a strategy that works for me and we haven’t eaten out except on preplanned days that were in the budget for the last three weeks. Also when I cleaned the fridge out yesterday I only threw away half of a roasted pepper and a dried bundle of sage.
Yay!! I'm glad you found what works for you. It truly is life changing! Well at least it felt that way to me 👍 and it really refines your cooking skills too. I've become such a better cook in the last 2 years that I've been meal planning! Thank you Elizabeth for your continual support on my channel, glad to have you here ❤️
@@lisajohn8388 I use the Minimal Mom’s meal planning system. I have a customized grocery list based on the layout of the store. Recipes, tried and true, are organized by difficulty at the bottom. Having it all on one sheet, without an overwhelming binder I have to sort through, is what helps I think. I also laminated it so I can use a wet erase marker on it and reuse it. I will start making one for summer recipes soon since this one has a lot of winter things like soups, stews and oven use. Edit: I forgot to talk about the whiteboard on the fridge (we just write directly on the smooth fridge surface) but updating what’s in there with leftovers and current produce so we remember to eat them or use them up has been helpful.
We have a family of 8. Every week I check the Aldi produce on sale. If it's something we like (blackberries for $.85/pkg or apples for $.75/lb) I buy $10 worth and we have it everyday for lunch (we also homeschool). Helps a lot.
Some of the frozen veggies are even better than fresh because they are picked up at the perfect moment just to freez them by the concerns, and when they are fresh very often they need to pick them up when they are not developt enough so they wont get rotten in transport.
I love how real you are! Your so realistic and gives great tips on home making. Thank you for your videos. I just became a first time mom and now having to relearn how to do things at home when a baby constantly demands my attention.
Congratulations!! I have learned to take cleaning/organizing/life advice with a grain (or a bucket) of salt if it comes from people who aren't parents. Many of them have NO idea how much additional effort it is to clean a house with kids or meal plan for a picky eater or how much additional time it takes to get out of the house with all of the appropriate supplies/waiting for kids to put on their shoes their own selves. Other parents get it though!
@@jenleonard5619 I read that you add twenty minutes per child to get out of the house. I tell my stepson and SO we’re leaving at least 20 mins before we really need to. They put a whole new spin on dawdling!
Now I almost exclusively do grocery pickup. It's free, and I can make my list all month from home where I can see if I really do need something. I used to buy things I already had because I though we didn't have them and when in the store I couldn't check if we had them. It's saved me so much! 😌 Thanks for the great tips! 👍
This is what I do at Walmart, it's great! Skip the delivery fee, cut down on impulse buying, save SO much time, and I don't have to even get my baby out of the car! 🎉
@@petmomful2260 I don't use paper coupons s much because I get too tempted by things that are good deals but I don't need so I spend money I wouldn't because of the coupon. I do use Ibotta, though, and the receipts from the grocery pickup automatically count and give money back if I bought anything there was a digital coupon on. It saves a bit - I got back a bit over $100 from it last year.
@@rachelresets Cool! I am just trying Ibotta, and I am trying some heavy couponing. Like today, I went into Walgreens, cause I had time, and I got about $80 worth of stuff for $40. So I matched the sales, with my coupons, Walgreens digital coupons, and cash back. It took some thinking, but it is kind of fun. I have to be careful to not buy things I don't need, unless I am getting it free, or close to free, and can give it to my kids. It is a challenge for me cause I am a senior, and doing all this digital stuff is easier for younger people. I need to learn, tho, so it is good practice. Even my husband, who was skeptical, had to admit that I did pretty well. Anyway, I like Ibotta, too, and I wish you lots of savings and good luck!!!!
$250 is a low end of our weekly grocery bill. We have 5 people in our family. You are my new favorite UA-camr! It feels like you're my friend. Thanks for another great video 😊
Yes, thank you! Meal planning and curbside pickup has saved us so much. No more wandering around and tossing random things in my cart (even with a list in hand)!
Having a well stocked pantry and freezer is really reassuring, convenient and leaves one plenty of time to keep it up... once it's established. I moved out from my parents place and it took me 3 months to get down to the effort I want to spend on about the same food I ate that time since everything was "in the wrong place", not assigned a place or not bought to begin with (I think I ran out of oil while cooking 3x before everything was stocked how I keep it now)
I buy whole chickens and cut the backbone out of them. Then I lay it out flat and cut down the center of the breastbone so that I have two halves. I make marinades and put them in the freezer this way. It makes for an easy dinner with a little bit of chicken left over that I can easily find a use for. I use the backbones to make broth.
Agreed. My impulse buys are the worst on an empty stomach! We have snacks in the car to eat before shopping, or we try to go after dinner. Not eating hungry helps me stick to the shopping list
These tips are really good. I work in a grocery store and see great deals every day. I often have to discount things because they are nearing their expiration date. Sometimes I'm like, "Wow, what a great deal" and end up buying stuff I don't really need. I have a hard time resisting these deals/sales but I'm learning and it's getting better with time. Greetings from Germany
Oh wow, my family is actually also a vegan family of 3! My daughter and husband make our grocery bill a bit more expensive each week though because my daughter is a picky toddler and vegan plant nuggets can be expensive and my husband needs to have Impossible or Beyond meat at least once a week lol. Anyway so cool to stumbled upon your comment!
I'm a vegetarian and my partner is a type one diabetic, and in Toronto, we're at about $200-$300 a week.... and we don't live a lavish lifestyle by any means. I go with a rough meal plan, and we shop the sales.
You are so funny 😂 This channel has joined the ranks of my favorites which includes Dawn, Cas, Dana, Dave, Christine (frugal fit mom) and Lisa (tried tested and true). Thank you for your content ❤
Love this video!! I actually have to put reminders in my calendar to wash and chop radishes otherwise they'll go bad in the fridge. My family will not eat any veggies unless they are totally prepped. I've been meal planning for about a year and that helps a ton!! Hamburger pie is on the menu for tonight! 😁
Seriously I follow quite a few ladies accounts on UA-cam and you’re by far the funniest 😆. You’re so awesome. Thank you for all the mom stuff and keeping it real. And thank you for so many laughs at the end of my day. 😂
I agree with the stop buying fresh veggies. I stopped when my kids told me we like the frozen ones better. Told them they were the same thing but they did not agree. So if they will he them from a frozen bag but not fresh. I give them the frozen ones. And usually they are cheaper so good on the wallet and they really eat veggies now. And as always enjoyed your video very much. Can't wait for the next one.
That's really interesting that they enjoy frozen better, I like frozen vegetables but I definitely enjoy the taste of fresh more. But hey, win-win because they are cheaper and they're easier to prepare! Thank you Karen ❤️🙏
Awesome tips! One thing that helps me control spending, and it goes hand in hand with meal planning, is that I do grocery pickup from the store. That way, I make out my menu for the week, order what I need, and stick to a price range. Ordering ahead of time eliminates impulse buys at the store, too. Your videos are helpful! Thank you so much! God bless!!
Meal planning is amazing! I love to plan my meals then shop my pantry before making my grocery list. I have recently started getting groceries delivered though because with 2 boys under 2 it going to supermarket is not the easiest thing to do ! Great tips Ariel 😊
Me! 🙋🏻♀️ I’m always buying fresh veggies and rarely eat them 😩 I feel so guilty… now we buy ready to eat packed salads, it’s more expensive, but we don’t waste as much
I love a ready to eat salad, so much less time consuming than making your own.. I made myself a salad the other day and it literally took me 20 minutes lol
Great tips! Here are a few of mine: - combine meal planning with sale ad shopping -- I'll look through the sale ad, see what's on sale (especially meat like you) and plan meals around that. If ground turkey and salsa are both on sale, we're having tacos! And I will cook triple batches of taco meat and freeze two, so that saves time down the road too. - if I have to run into the store for just one or two things, I time myself. My record is 6 minutes from the time I turned the car off to the time I started it again -- I don't get distracted and wander around buying things I don't need if I'm focused on hurrying, and it saves time too! - compare brands/store brands/unit prices, stock up when at a good price (if you have the space, of course -- not all of us have that privilege) I have set prices on certain things set in my head. I won't pay more than $1/roll for my preferred of toilet paper, for example, unless I'm really about to run out. Sometimes sales are only really a very small amount off, not necessarily worth it. Doesn't apply to things like milk and eggs that we use up often but I can't stock up on because they will go bad, but with things I can stock up on, I do when they are below my price threshold (and sometimes I have to adjust those due to inflation, boo).
When our local big box store has frozen veggies 10 for $10 I stock up. I make a big pot of veggie soup every autumn to have throughout the winter. They work great in soup, and I can throw together a big pot of soup in minutes. I freeze the soup and split it with my elderly Dad so he has a healthy, hearty meal that’s easy for him to fix. The exception is if I find the discount store veggies are 88 cents a package.
A way I save money is to make my own detergent for laundry and dishwasher. You also can use dish washing liquid in your dishwasher in a pinch. I also have a lots of rags to wipe spills. Dryer balls are noisy but cost so much less than laundry softeners. I use Vinegar for so many clean, as well as a fabric softener. Oh the smell you say well how much does certain cleaners cost. This has cut down our cost so much we can have more money to spend on date night. I can also save more too. Happy savings.
How cute - you, your mom, and your grandma all have the same hair. Another tip, if you have freezer space, is cook in larger volumes and freeze some to be available on nights you don’t have it in you to cook.
That's smart! I've done it before and it really is so nice to be able to pull out a full meal and throw it in the oven. I've got to do that more often! Thanks 😊
I feel so called out on the meal planning lol I was just thinking I should be doing that already and you were like "I know you've been avoiding this", yep! But I will try my best!
Lol!! I say that because I remember avoiding it myself for so long 😂 You can start slow too. Maybe start by just planning Monday-Wednesday and see how that feels for you!
I love that you've got date night on your meal plan! Your tip about meat is spot on. I'm so-so at meal planning because I hate repetition, but I have a good hack for vegetables: I plan dishes that require smaller and smaller pieces. For example, bell peppers can be halved for roasting and stuffing, and I'll roast all of them as halves; what I don't use in meal 1, I slice, and then they're ready for meal 2 (salads, tacos, etc.) PLUS they're already cooked; what I don't use in meal two gets diced, and then they're ready to drop into quick omelettes, or a stir-fry, or stews... or if you're really pressed, to fancy up that extra container of rice from the Chinese takeout (they always give you too much rice). Also works for squash, potatoes (baked > au gratin > smashed), carrots (halved > julienned > small bits that no one can pick out of their omelette), etc.
New subscriber here. You are so comical and have great advice. Enjoyed the video and plan on binge watching this evening after chores. Love how you edit the videos... which isn't easy. Thanks ❣
I just found your channel from following the organized mum method! You should do a trial run of the batch lady for meal planning/food savings. I’d love to see you try it out. 😊 love your channel and your sense of humor. ❤️
Love these tips! I only buy one type of meat a week (usually what's on sale). It's saves me more money than buying chicken, beef and pork all for just one week.
I am in the process of trying to meal plan again. I tried and probably just didn't have the right idea or something. I have been doing the grocery pickup for a while now and that definitely helps with not impulse buying. I'm so so bad with that. Love your videos your so funny and relatable. Look forward to your next one.
Thanks Katherine! I'm sure you did nothing wrong, it's just hard to get started on. It really does take patience in the beginning. As I mentioned to somebody else in the comments, my first week of meal planning I spent over 4 hours on!! But after a couple months I was able to learn what my family likes and doesn't like. And what ends up happening is you start to repeat a lot of the same meals that you know everyone enjoys and then making your meal plan gets simpler each time. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's okay to plan meals that are even as simple as Frozen pizza, even I still do that in-between the meals that I know are more time consuming! But anyway, I just wanted to encourage you, thanks for following along with my channel 🥰
@That Awkward Mom oh my goodness dear thanks so much!! It has definitely become more challenging when my oldest daughter become more picky with her food. Of course then so did my youngest daughter copycat her sister. So that is when my planning kind of ran to the waist side. It was also a time that I was trying to eat and make more healthy meals. I feel like I could talk to you for hours or maybe it's because I don't have regular conversations with adults 😂😂🤷♀️
I need to get back into meal planning. I did it successfully several years ago, but eventually it fell by the wayside. One way I found to keep from making impulse buys is to do curbside pickup. In my area, it's free at Walmart. The only restriction is that your order has to be $35 or more. So I need to make sure I actually *need* at least $35 worth of groceries. Otherwise, I'm just throwing things into my virtual cart to meet the minimum. That's as bad as the "save $15 on $150" scenario. 😀 As for wasting fresh produce: guilty. I wish there was an alternative to fresh lettuce, because I'm constantly feeding old lettuce to the deer in my backyard. 🦌🥗
I recently started doing curbside pickup too, I love it! I used to spend 2 hours shopping in multiple stores and it was just tiring... Meal planning is great but hard to start up on. I remember when I started meal planning I would spend HOURS planning my menu and I would get really frustrated. But now I can finish my menu plan in an hour and it is such a relief throughout the week! I hope you can get back into it 😊
@@ThatAwkwardMom I sometimes shop at multiple stores to get the "best deals" but most of the time, I realized that I was spending more in gas (plus my time is valuable too!) so I decided that the majority of the time I can save (or at least break even) by doing curbside at one store even if the prices aren't all the cheapest. I'm going to re-watch your meal planning video to get some motivation 🙂
If you wrap lettuce or any leafy veg in kitchen towel, not sure what you call it in the US (we use reusable bamboo ones), and put it in a bag it stays fresh and crispy for AGES! I used to throw out so much lettuce because it had gone limp and horrible, but not any more!
Meal planning works for some folks. We just keep pantry and freezer stocked and buy what is on sale or what we are low on. Have to do what is best for you.
If i have a "spend this much $ get this much off" i pull out my calculator on the phone and add up as i shop. I like fresh vegetables but they do sometimes go bad. I HAVE to prep them as soon as I get home or they will not be used. So dividing up and weighing the veggies for snacks, chopping up veggies so they are immediately ready for cooking (like onions and peppers and mushrooms) and if i buy more expensive veggies like asparagus its because i have a meal i know im going to eat it with. Pork chops and asparagus taste great together and cook in about the same amount of time. Brussel sprouts take longer so i pair with potatos and chicken.
Ariel, I really enjoy your channel. I have just started doing some really heavy couponing. You match up the sales, with digital and paper coupons, and sometimes even cash back. You are creating a stockpile, buying things when they are on sale, such as laundry detergent, and so never paying full price. I am learning from a channel by Jodi Dunne. It is some work, but I am saving at least half. I was curious if you have ever tried that to a large degree, cause every week there are new deals. But, yeah, you have to be careful to not buy stuff you don't need. Sometimes you even get stuff free! Today I went to Walgreens and spent $40, but got about $80 worth of stuff. So I am stocked up on these things, but paid 1/2 price. I won't buy them again until a really great deal comes along. Then I will pay for them with Walgreens cash. It is like a game you play with the store. I am just a beginner so I hope to do even better than that. You have encouraged me to cook more, and I am soaking beans tonight to make soup tomorrow. I am making sure to "Like" each video as I binge on them. lol
I like your style of doing your videos! Super cute and funny! It is really relaxing to watch it! :-) Thanks and nice regards from Europe (Vienna/Austria)
My struggle has always been how to plan for the other meals of the day, besides dinner, and including snack options for my toddler. Any tips specific to shopping for lunch, breakfast, and snacks? 🙃 I seem to either buy too much or too little for these items…
We pretty much eat the same thing for lunch/breakfast everyday to be honest haha. For breakfast we have either cereal or eggs/toast. Then for lunch its sandwiches or yogurt. Snacks are typically a fruit or animal crackers. I don't like to put too much pressure on myself so I keep the first two meals of the day very simple!
I have a plan that keeps me from wasting fresh vegetables. When I create my weekly menu, I plan meals with fresh veggies the first three days after grocery shopping day. The other four days I use canned or frozen veggies- or root veggies which will last longer.
I have been putting off food shopping for so long.. i trully believe this is my sign to just do it lol Thank you for the tips!! I will be doing my mext food shopping "online /pick up" thanks to you. So thank you for motivating me to do so.. and thank you for all the money i will save!
Green beans cooked in oil or butter the skillet with onions and black or red pepper salt ( call me high blood pressure curious). Green beans are good for you and good. Even just a touch toasted ..gives a little crunch. Fresh or frozen. Kids like them better after they plant the seeds in the garden and pick them off the vine. And there was that one Mom who pureed veggies and added to baked goods. Sneaky. My child had enchiladas that had broccoli in them at home all the time. So one night eating out he ordered enchiladas. When the waitress asked " how's is the food? " He said ...really good, but there is no broccoli in it.
I watch for sales on items in interested in trying, typically the ones that cost a little more. That way if I don't end up liking it I didn't waste as much money. When I buy produce I find that preparing it when I get home is often the best way to make sure it gets used. I don't do this for ones that spoil shortly after until I actually need them. But if they last for several days it works well. Things like salads and veggie toppings, fruits and veggies you bought for snacks. I find if they are cleaned and cut up already you are more likely to reach for them instead of a processed food when you want a snack. The thought of having to prepare or all before you can eat it can tempt you to say you'll do it later and grab something else. And if you have a Meijer in your town, their rewards program knows what you buy and every month or two will send you customized coupons for things you buy often!
Another great video!!! My husband has a long & sometimes unpredictable commute (Ferries) and sometimes he just has to buy dinner. I’m trying to figure out how to save money on that.
My husband bought me freezer containers and we make big batches of things like spaghetti and chili and fajitas and freeze meals so if we ever don't want to cook we can just pull meals out
I buy bulk lean hamburger, cook, drain. Then freeze 2cups in freezer bag. This equals 1 lb for recipes. Then I pull out and make tacos, meat sauce, sloppy joes, etc etc
Laughing forever at how the giant ice cream tub was featured twice as a "Do not buy" but also once as a "Definitely buy"! I grew up with lots of outdoor freezers full of chopped frozen produce, so that's an old habit, but I recently learned some vegetables can be stored in water in the fridge for many weeks, stuff you wouldn't want to freeze, like avocados and snack baby carrots!
Great tips. In some supermarkets in the UK we have club cards & they can really save you money. I suffer from Gastroparesis & never eat or buy fruit & vegetables anymore, as I can’t digest them.
Love following you !!! Not only Great tips but such a Sweet, Adorable Personality you have!!! Followed this video with your meal planning video as you suggested. I caught the fact that you shop at Aldi's in Hanford. Do you live in Hanford California?
Hi, What can I say another great video. Meal plans really do work. I live in the UK I save money by buying the supermarket own brand. It took me a while to get into the habit. Now it's almost automatic. I don't know if US supermarkets still do that?
Meal planning works great for some people. We just keep our pantry and freezer stocked up with what is missing and what is on sale. That way, we get what we want to eat for a low price. Guess you use what works for you.
I read up on it a few years ago and actually there can be arguments made that frozen veggies are actually more nutrient dense if used within a certain date from their initial freezing. Veggies that have sat on the shelf/been transported tend to lose some of their nutritional value and also were picked prior to their peak in terms of taste and nutrition because of the need for transportation and storage. Frozen veggies, however, are picked right at their peak and then frozen. Again, they do lose nutritional value if frozen for too long, but in theory, you could actually be healthier and save both time and money going with the frozen veggies!! I pretty much always go with frozen because I don't have the patience to put together another side dish on top of the meal that took me an hour to make. Frozen veggies I just pop in the microwave and they are done in six minutes!
The thing with frozen veggies is to also focus on the wastage of fresh vs frozen. Ie frozen corn is lest wasteful than corn on the cob. So you get more servings from the frozen bag than from the save weight or cost of fresh.
As a college student one of my biggest mistakes was being too cheap with my meals. Not buying meat, subsisting off of pasta and rice. I found myself eating out more cause I didn't like what was at home. It was a game changer when I would spend more for fresh mozzarella, or meat, or not the cheapest apples. So I spend less money and I'm still well within my budget.
I wish I could convince my cousin to shop for fresh, not “one day from expiring” foods for everything, especially produce. It’s just her, and she can afford the newer fresher foods. And SHE’S WORTH IT!!
Great tips! Something I have started doing in the last year or so is when I buy fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, and peppers specifically) and I know they won't all be used before they go bad, I just dice them up and throw them in a freezer bag and freeze them. When I make soups or whatever and it calls for those veggies, I pull out what I need and toss them in 😁 Sometimes I need fresh veggies, but can seldom use it all before it goes to waste. Freezing them has been a money saver (and time saver when they're already diced up). We also started doing meatless Monday (or at least one day a week) to cut down on meat costs. I have really been enjoying your videos! Very creative and helpful! 😊
Thanks for this smart tip. I always buy celery for one thing but never use all of it before it gets rubbery.
That's a great idea, I never thought to throw my vegetables in the freezer, but I think I will now! Thanks 😊
I’ve done this with bell peppers for awhile and when I make my salads for lunch I throw the frozen slices in and they’re thawed for lunch but I never thought to do carrots and celery. Thanks!
@@HeyyJessie22, and the price of peppers varies so much throughout the year, you can buy in bulk when they go on sale, chop, freeze and have it available for months!
My mom would buy green peppers when on sale. When she had squired a bunch she would defrost them and make stuffed peppers with them.
"That's a sale for someone else."
WOW. That ONE sentence has completely changed how I go about shopping for ANYTHING from here on out!!!
Awesome!!! 😁
Same! I repeated that line in my head and felt this huge weight go away. I'm so using that when I shop.
I have a tip for freezing chicken that will keep your chicken freezer-burn free for at least two years. When the pandemic first hit (March 2020), my SO gave me $100 to buy meat, while it was still in the store (remember all those empty shelves and cases??). Once home, we set up an assembly line of sorts.
Take a baking sheet, place it in the middle of your prep area. On the left, put your packaged meat, and a box of cling wrap (if you can find the boxes with the cutter that slides across, this is SO worth the extra money!). Have several freezer bags open and waiting on the right side. Label with contents and date.
Pull and cut a piece of cling wrap big enough to nicely wrap one chicken breast or drumstick, or fish filet, or whatever you’re trying to freeze. Place one piece of meat on the wrap, and tightly wrap the meat. Place wrapped meat in the freezer bag. Continue till the bag is almost full but you can still close it (pressing out any air). Yes, this may seem like a waste of wrap, but it’s cost-effective as you’re not going to throw away bad (burned) food after six months or longer.
I’ve found that you can pull, cut, and layer several pieces of wrap on the baking sheet at once (let’s say there are four chicken pieces in the package from the store; layer four pieces of wrap). That keeps the box of wrap from getting chicken juice on it. Just wash your hands before you start on the next package and layer of cling wrap.
It may seem time consuming the first time you do this, but you’ll get the rhythm quickly.
When ready to cook, pull as many pieces of chicken as you’ll need from the bag, thaw, and you’re good to go. Yes, the chicken frozen in 2020 is still good in 2023.
A billion respect points for the Bluey clip! 😍🇦🇺
Another tip I'd add if you need only one item from the store ( like milk) then don't get a cart or a basket when you walk into the store. You won't pick extra items if you can't hold them in your hand. I only take a basket if I need 3 or more things. Also, meat always go on sale after holidays that have barbecue as tradition like memorial day and 4th of July. Turkey and ham go on sale after Christmas and Thanksgiving
Another tip on the meal planning side of things. Before planning out your meals check your fridge, freezer and pantry for what you have and what should get used up and plan your meals around these items. I took this tip from Jordan Page.
I watch her too, she's great!!
Remember to check the unit price!
One item might be overall cheaper than the other, but over time you'll spend more if the unit price is higher.
Also double check larger quantities. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy the smaller version! (Very rare but I've been tricked a few times)
Yes, I do look at the unit price and I've actually noticed that before too!!
The frozen veggies thing is HUGE for me, i often will push harder recipes off because of adhd/executive dysfunction and end up buying the same veggies to make it many times. I've learned to just get it frozen so i don't have to feel pressured AND don't waste money
I'm glad you were able to find what works better for you! Especially because fresh vegetables really do add up in cost. I've thrown out many vegetables over the years myself...
What’s been working well for me is using my grocery store’s app to plan a grocery pickup. If I go in the store, all bets are off. But the app isn’t enticing, and I can re-do entire orders without browsing. It’s saved me about $60 a week in impulse or unnecessary volume buys.
Frozen vegetables are frozen fresh, so they are a much healthier alternative to canned veggies (or moldy-back-of-fridge veggies haha)
Great advice for saving money on groceries!
I love your channel! Thank you for making homemaking and FlyLady seem so simple. As a full-time worker, it was difficult to see how possible maintaining a clean home is watching a lot of other FlyLady UA-camrs with their McMansions and Martha Stewart vibes. Your home and habits are a lot more like mine, which makes it seem more accessible. Thank you for giving me the confidence to try.
You are so welcome, and it makes me really happy to know my videos have been helpful to you!! 🥰
I'm SO addicted to your videos, don't stop please, you motivate me to improve, god bless you and your family. Greetings from México
Meal planning for the win. I have finally found a strategy that works for me and we haven’t eaten out except on preplanned days that were in the budget for the last three weeks. Also when I cleaned the fridge out yesterday I only threw away half of a roasted pepper and a dried bundle of sage.
Yay!! I'm glad you found what works for you. It truly is life changing! Well at least it felt that way to me 👍 and it really refines your cooking skills too. I've become such a better cook in the last 2 years that I've been meal planning!
Thank you Elizabeth for your continual support on my channel, glad to have you here ❤️
Elizabeth what's your strategy? If love to know.
@@lisajohn8388 I use the Minimal Mom’s meal planning system. I have a customized grocery list based on the layout of the store. Recipes, tried and true, are organized by difficulty at the bottom. Having it all on one sheet, without an overwhelming binder I have to sort through, is what helps I think. I also laminated it so I can use a wet erase marker on it and reuse it. I will start making one for summer recipes soon since this one has a lot of winter things like soups, stews and oven use.
Edit: I forgot to talk about the whiteboard on the fridge (we just write directly on the smooth fridge surface) but updating what’s in there with leftovers and current produce so we remember to eat them or use them up has been helpful.
Great humor, great editing, great tips!☺️
Thank you!! 🙏
We have a family of 8. Every week I check the Aldi produce on sale. If it's something we like (blackberries for $.85/pkg or apples for $.75/lb) I buy $10 worth and we have it everyday for lunch (we also homeschool). Helps a lot.
Some of the frozen veggies are even better than fresh because they are picked up at the perfect moment just to freez them by the concerns, and when they are fresh very often they need to pick them up when they are not developt enough so they wont get rotten in transport.
I love how real you are! Your so realistic and gives great tips on home making. Thank you for your videos. I just became a first time mom and now having to relearn how to do things at home when a baby constantly demands my attention.
Congratulations!! I have learned to take cleaning/organizing/life advice with a grain (or a bucket) of salt if it comes from people who aren't parents. Many of them have NO idea how much additional effort it is to clean a house with kids or meal plan for a picky eater or how much additional time it takes to get out of the house with all of the appropriate supplies/waiting for kids to put on their shoes their own selves. Other parents get it though!
@@jenleonard5619 I read that you add twenty minutes per child to get out of the house. I tell my stepson and SO we’re leaving at least 20 mins before we really need to. They put a whole new spin on dawdling!
Now I almost exclusively do grocery pickup. It's free, and I can make my list all month from home where I can see if I really do need something. I used to buy things I already had because I though we didn't have them and when in the store I couldn't check if we had them. It's saved me so much! 😌 Thanks for the great tips! 👍
That works so well for me too
This is what I do at Walmart, it's great! Skip the delivery fee, cut down on impulse buying, save SO much time, and I don't have to even get my baby out of the car! 🎉
That is a great idea, but then how do you use deals and coupons?
@@petmomful2260 I don't use paper coupons s much because I get too tempted by things that are good deals but I don't need so I spend money I wouldn't because of the coupon. I do use Ibotta, though, and the receipts from the grocery pickup automatically count and give money back if I bought anything there was a digital coupon on. It saves a bit - I got back a bit over $100 from it last year.
@@rachelresets Cool! I am just trying Ibotta, and I am trying some heavy couponing. Like today, I went into Walgreens, cause I had time, and I got about $80 worth of stuff for $40. So I matched the sales, with my coupons, Walgreens digital coupons, and cash back. It took some thinking, but it is kind of fun. I have to be careful to not buy things I don't need, unless I am getting it free, or close to free, and can give it to my kids. It is a challenge for me cause I am a senior, and doing all this digital stuff is easier for younger people. I need to learn, tho, so it is good practice. Even my husband, who was skeptical, had to admit that I did pretty well. Anyway, I like Ibotta, too, and I wish you lots of savings and good luck!!!!
$250 is a low end of our weekly grocery bill. We have 5 people in our family. You are my new favorite UA-camr! It feels like you're my friend. Thanks for another great video 😊
Yes, thank you! Meal planning and curbside pickup has saved us so much. No more wandering around and tossing random things in my cart (even with a list in hand)!
I searched groceries tips on UA-cam just now and this came up, it is literally uploaded 42 minutes ago
Lol... The mighty powers of UA-cam!!!
@@ThatAwkwardMom Looks like the algorithm digs you 😂
I'm usually really good at meal planning but I've been slacking off lately. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!
Enjoy everyone of your Videos. Missed you.
Thanks so much ❤️
Having a well stocked pantry and freezer is really reassuring, convenient and leaves one plenty of time to keep it up... once it's established.
I moved out from my parents place and it took me 3 months to get down to the effort I want to spend on about the same food I ate that time since everything was "in the wrong place", not assigned a place or not bought to begin with (I think I ran out of oil while cooking 3x before everything was stocked how I keep it now)
I buy whole chickens and cut the backbone out of them. Then I lay it out flat and cut down the center of the breastbone so that I have two halves. I make marinades and put them in the freezer this way. It makes for an easy dinner with a little bit of chicken left over that I can easily find a use for. I use the backbones to make broth.
Great tips! Never go shopping hungry 😂
I realized the same thing about veggies too, I usually just buy frozen now.
Agreed. My impulse buys are the worst on an empty stomach! We have snacks in the car to eat before shopping, or we try to go after dinner. Not eating hungry helps me stick to the shopping list
Love these tips! You crack me up too, love your videos so much!!
Ariel, you always have great videos! I love that you're getting your mom and grandma involved in the videos! Have a great two weeks! :)
Thank you 🥰🥰 Luckily I have a photogenic family!
These tips are really good.
I work in a grocery store and see great deals every day. I often have to discount things because they are nearing their expiration date. Sometimes I'm like, "Wow, what a great deal" and end up buying stuff I don't really need. I have a hard time resisting these deals/sales but I'm learning and it's getting better with time.
Greetings from Germany
As a vegan family of 3, we only spend about 60$ a week on food since we don't buy meat and dairy products. It's a huge money saver!
I'm sure it is! Meat and dairy are always the most expensive items on my grocery list.
Oh wow, my family is actually also a vegan family of 3! My daughter and husband make our grocery bill a bit more expensive each week though because my daughter is a picky toddler and vegan plant nuggets can be expensive and my husband needs to have Impossible or Beyond meat at least once a week lol. Anyway so cool to stumbled upon your comment!
We are a vegan family of four and spend $200/week 😬
I'm a vegetarian and my partner is a type one diabetic, and in Toronto, we're at about $200-$300 a week.... and we don't live a lavish lifestyle by any means. I go with a rough meal plan, and we shop the sales.
Frozen vegetables are great because they're flash Frozen while they are fresh and retain their nutrients.
"You are scaring me!" OH my goodness! I need to watch that movie again! Great clip! Yes shopping list is vital, meal plan or not!
I avoided meal planning for SO LONG! Now I do it almost every week and it saves so much money, time & effort.
It's really is daunting at first. I avoided it for a while too before I jumped in. It's a game changer!!
I keep a pre made check list oraganized by section, in the order I walk through the store. It’s very helpful, and really keeps things moving.
I do the exact same thing Megan! So helpful.
You are so funny 😂 This channel has joined the ranks of my favorites which includes Dawn, Cas, Dana, Dave, Christine (frugal fit mom) and Lisa (tried tested and true). Thank you for your content ❤
love seeing when you post a video! thanks!
I absolutely adore your posts! Very helpful and hilarious! Thank you!
I was so glad to see a new video from you today, I love them so much!! I even watch some more than once. You are doing a great gob!
One, super helpful! Two, your b-roll is great 😂
Love this video!! I actually have to put reminders in my calendar to wash and chop radishes otherwise they'll go bad in the fridge. My family will not eat any veggies unless they are totally prepped. I've been meal planning for about a year and that helps a ton!! Hamburger pie is on the menu for tonight! 😁
Looks like you have spoiled them well! (In a good way 😜). Hamburger pie, that sounds delicious...🤤
Seriously I follow quite a few ladies accounts on UA-cam and you’re by far the funniest 😆. You’re so awesome. Thank you for all the mom stuff and keeping it real. And thank you for so many laughs at the end of my day. 😂
I agree with the stop buying fresh veggies. I stopped when my kids told me we like the frozen ones better. Told them they were the same thing but they did not agree. So if they will he them from a frozen bag but not fresh. I give them the frozen ones. And usually they are cheaper so good on the wallet and they really eat veggies now. And as always enjoyed your video very much. Can't wait for the next one.
Yes, me too!
That's really interesting that they enjoy frozen better, I like frozen vegetables but I definitely enjoy the taste of fresh more. But hey, win-win because they are cheaper and they're easier to prepare!
Thank you Karen ❤️🙏
It may be a texture thing. Canned veggies are usually “soggier”, where frozen are crisper. Different chewing textures.
Thank you, great tips!
You're welcome!
Awesome tips! One thing that helps me control spending, and it goes hand in hand with meal planning, is that I do grocery pickup from the store. That way, I make out my menu for the week, order what I need, and stick to a price range. Ordering ahead of time eliminates impulse buys at the store, too. Your videos are helpful! Thank you so much! God bless!!
I just love watching your videos ❤
I just love that you love watching my videos 💙
Meal planning is amazing! I love to plan my meals then shop my pantry before making my grocery list. I have recently started getting groceries delivered though because with 2 boys under 2 it going to supermarket is not the easiest thing to do ! Great tips Ariel 😊
I recognize that Bluey clip!! I’m a mom of two preschool boys, and it’s a favorite in our house!
Excellent tips
You did a great job on this. Proud of you
Me! 🙋🏻♀️ I’m always buying fresh veggies and rarely eat them 😩 I feel so guilty… now we buy ready to eat packed salads, it’s more expensive, but we don’t waste as much
I love a ready to eat salad, so much less time consuming than making your own.. I made myself a salad the other day and it literally took me 20 minutes lol
@@ThatAwkwardMom right? Just a thought of chopping off vegetables gets me tired already lol
It really does save you in the long run if most of the fixings would go bad before you use them! 🥗 ingredients are EXPENSIVE!
@@elizabethchetwood1916 indeed ☺️
Yes, salad in the bag for the win 🏆
Great tips! Here are a few of mine:
- combine meal planning with sale ad shopping -- I'll look through the sale ad, see what's on sale (especially meat like you) and plan meals around that. If ground turkey and salsa are both on sale, we're having tacos! And I will cook triple batches of taco meat and freeze two, so that saves time down the road too.
- if I have to run into the store for just one or two things, I time myself. My record is 6 minutes from the time I turned the car off to the time I started it again -- I don't get distracted and wander around buying things I don't need if I'm focused on hurrying, and it saves time too!
- compare brands/store brands/unit prices, stock up when at a good price (if you have the space, of course -- not all of us have that privilege) I have set prices on certain things set in my head. I won't pay more than $1/roll for my preferred of toilet paper, for example, unless I'm really about to run out. Sometimes sales are only really a very small amount off, not necessarily worth it. Doesn't apply to things like milk and eggs that we use up often but I can't stock up on because they will go bad, but with things I can stock up on, I do when they are below my price threshold (and sometimes I have to adjust those due to inflation, boo).
When our local big box store has frozen veggies 10 for $10 I stock up. I make a big pot of veggie soup every autumn to have throughout the winter. They work great in soup, and I can throw together a big pot of soup in minutes. I freeze the soup and split it with my elderly Dad so he has a healthy, hearty meal that’s easy for him to fix. The exception is if I find the discount store veggies are 88 cents a package.
A way I save money is to make my own detergent for laundry and dishwasher. You also can use dish washing liquid in your dishwasher in a pinch. I also have a lots of rags to wipe spills. Dryer balls are noisy but cost so much less than laundry softeners. I use Vinegar for so many clean, as well as a fabric softener. Oh the smell you say well how much does certain cleaners cost. This has cut down our cost so much we can have more money to spend on date night. I can also save more too. Happy savings.
Loved mom and grandma 😘
I recommend getting a vacuum sealer. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of money. We definitely stock up when meats are on sale because of it!
Lots of great advice
As always, your videos are full of information while making me giggle. Perfect way for me to knock out lunch dishes. Turn this on and scrub away!
Thanks Jacob! 😊
How cute - you, your mom, and your grandma all have the same hair. Another tip, if you have freezer space, is cook in larger volumes and freeze some to be available on nights you don’t have it in you to cook.
That's smart! I've done it before and it really is so nice to be able to pull out a full meal and throw it in the oven. I've got to do that more often! Thanks 😊
@@ThatAwkwardMom maybe a video opportunity here??? Would love to see you do that and what your favorites are!
i would love a video all about repurposing left overs! i love the burgers, tacos, chili idea. i need/want more ideas like this!
Working on one right now actually 🙂
I feel so called out on the meal planning lol I was just thinking I should be doing that already and you were like "I know you've been avoiding this", yep! But I will try my best!
Lol!! I say that because I remember avoiding it myself for so long 😂 You can start slow too. Maybe start by just planning Monday-Wednesday and see how that feels for you!
Diane in Denmark says to start by writing down what you make for dinner for the next month. There you go. A meal plan. Customized by you.
🤣🤣🤣 awesome video!! ♥️♥️
Omg I needed this today what
I love that you've got date night on your meal plan! Your tip about meat is spot on. I'm so-so at meal planning because I hate repetition, but I have a good hack for vegetables: I plan dishes that require smaller and smaller pieces. For example, bell peppers can be halved for roasting and stuffing, and I'll roast all of them as halves; what I don't use in meal 1, I slice, and then they're ready for meal 2 (salads, tacos, etc.) PLUS they're already cooked; what I don't use in meal two gets diced, and then they're ready to drop into quick omelettes, or a stir-fry, or stews... or if you're really pressed, to fancy up that extra container of rice from the Chinese takeout (they always give you too much rice). Also works for squash, potatoes (baked > au gratin > smashed), carrots (halved > julienned > small bits that no one can pick out of their omelette), etc.
New subscriber here. You are so comical and have great advice. Enjoyed the video and plan on binge watching this evening after chores. Love how you edit the videos... which isn't easy. Thanks ❣
Welcome Sami!! Thank you 🥰🥰
I just found your channel from following the organized mum method! You should do a trial run of the batch lady for meal planning/food savings. I’d love to see you try it out. 😊 love your channel and your sense of humor. ❤️
Love these tips! I only buy one type of meat a week (usually what's on sale). It's saves me more money than buying chicken, beef and pork all for just one week.
I am in the process of trying to meal plan again. I tried and probably just didn't have the right idea or something. I have been doing the grocery pickup for a while now and that definitely helps with not impulse buying. I'm so so bad with that. Love your videos your so funny and relatable. Look forward to your next one.
Thanks Katherine! I'm sure you did nothing wrong, it's just hard to get started on. It really does take patience in the beginning. As I mentioned to somebody else in the comments, my first week of meal planning I spent over 4 hours on!! But after a couple months I was able to learn what my family likes and doesn't like. And what ends up happening is you start to repeat a lot of the same meals that you know everyone enjoys and then making your meal plan gets simpler each time. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's okay to plan meals that are even as simple as Frozen pizza, even I still do that in-between the meals that I know are more time consuming! But anyway, I just wanted to encourage you, thanks for following along with my channel 🥰
@That Awkward Mom oh my goodness dear thanks so much!! It has definitely become more challenging when my oldest daughter become more picky with her food. Of course then so did my youngest daughter copycat her sister. So that is when my planning kind of ran to the waist side. It was also a time that I was trying to eat and make more healthy meals. I feel like I could talk to you for hours or maybe it's because I don't have regular conversations with adults 😂😂🤷♀️
I need to get back into meal planning. I did it successfully several years ago, but eventually it fell by the wayside. One way I found to keep from making impulse buys is to do curbside pickup. In my area, it's free at Walmart. The only restriction is that your order has to be $35 or more. So I need to make sure I actually *need* at least $35 worth of groceries. Otherwise, I'm just throwing things into my virtual cart to meet the minimum. That's as bad as the "save $15 on $150" scenario. 😀 As for wasting fresh produce: guilty. I wish there was an alternative to fresh lettuce, because I'm constantly feeding old lettuce to the deer in my backyard. 🦌🥗
I recently started doing curbside pickup too, I love it! I used to spend 2 hours shopping in multiple stores and it was just tiring...
Meal planning is great but hard to start up on. I remember when I started meal planning I would spend HOURS planning my menu and I would get really frustrated. But now I can finish my menu plan in an hour and it is such a relief throughout the week! I hope you can get back into it 😊
@@ThatAwkwardMom I sometimes shop at multiple stores to get the "best deals" but most of the time, I realized that I was spending more in gas (plus my time is valuable too!) so I decided that the majority of the time I can save (or at least break even) by doing curbside at one store even if the prices aren't all the cheapest. I'm going to re-watch your meal planning video to get some motivation 🙂
If you wrap lettuce or any leafy veg in kitchen towel, not sure what you call it in the US (we use reusable bamboo ones), and put it in a bag it stays fresh and crispy for AGES! I used to throw out so much lettuce because it had gone limp and horrible, but not any more!
That's exactly how it is for me, I just sit there... and sit there... like hmmm. I keep trying though!
@@lisajohn8388 Awesome, thank you!
Meal planning works for some folks. We just keep pantry and freezer stocked and buy what is on sale or what we are low on. Have to do what is best for you.
If i have a "spend this much $ get this much off" i pull out my calculator on the phone and add up as i shop.
I like fresh vegetables but they do sometimes go bad. I HAVE to prep them as soon as I get home or they will not be used. So dividing up and weighing the veggies for snacks, chopping up veggies so they are immediately ready for cooking (like onions and peppers and mushrooms) and if i buy more expensive veggies like asparagus its because i have a meal i know im going to eat it with. Pork chops and asparagus taste great together and cook in about the same amount of time. Brussel sprouts take longer so i pair with potatos and chicken.
Ariel, I really enjoy your channel. I have just started doing some really heavy couponing. You match up the sales, with digital and paper coupons, and sometimes even cash back. You are creating a stockpile, buying things when they are on sale, such as laundry detergent, and so never paying full price. I am learning from a channel by Jodi Dunne. It is some work, but I am saving at least half. I was curious if you have ever tried that to a large degree, cause every week there are new deals. But, yeah, you have to be careful to not buy stuff you don't need. Sometimes you even get stuff free! Today I went to Walgreens and spent $40, but got about $80 worth of stuff. So I am stocked up on these things, but paid 1/2 price. I won't buy them again until a really great deal comes along. Then I will pay for them with Walgreens cash. It is like a game you play with the store. I am just a beginner so I hope to do even better than that. You have encouraged me to cook more, and I am soaking beans tonight to make soup tomorrow. I am making sure to "Like" each video as I binge on them. lol
I like your style of doing your videos! Super cute and funny! It is really relaxing to watch it! :-) Thanks and nice regards from Europe (Vienna/Austria)
Frozen vegetables are supposedlyhealthier as they are snap frozen with optimum vitamins. They're awesome as they are generally pre cut, too.!!!
My struggle has always been how to plan for the other meals of the day, besides dinner, and including snack options for my toddler. Any tips specific to shopping for lunch, breakfast, and snacks? 🙃 I seem to either buy too much or too little for these items…
We pretty much eat the same thing for lunch/breakfast everyday to be honest haha. For breakfast we have either cereal or eggs/toast. Then for lunch its sandwiches or yogurt. Snacks are typically a fruit or animal crackers. I don't like to put too much pressure on myself so I keep the first two meals of the day very simple!
I have a plan that keeps me from wasting fresh vegetables.
When I create my weekly menu, I plan meals with fresh veggies the first three days after grocery shopping day.
The other four days I use canned or frozen veggies- or root veggies which will last longer.
You can freeze the veggies and turn them into stock; yeah I learned that the hard way lol frozen veggies are the best ❤
Such a good idea to use leftover Taco meat to make Chili. Thanks!
Thanks for this much needed motivation! I love your videos, you're such a kind and down to earth kind of gal.
Thank you Ashley ❤️
I have been putting off food shopping for so long.. i trully believe this is my sign to just do it lol
Thank you for the tips!! I will be doing my mext food shopping "online /pick up" thanks to you. So thank you for motivating me to do so.. and thank you for all the money i will save!
You're welcome!! I just switched to pick up about a month ago and it's really nice 😊 happy saving!
Green beans cooked in oil or butter the skillet with onions and black or red pepper salt ( call me high blood pressure curious). Green beans are good for you and good. Even just a touch toasted ..gives a little crunch. Fresh or frozen.
Kids like them better after they plant the seeds in the garden and pick them off the vine. And there was that one Mom who pureed veggies and added to baked goods. Sneaky.
My child had enchiladas that had broccoli in them at home all the time.
So one night eating out he ordered enchiladas. When the waitress asked " how's is the food? " He said ...really good, but there is no broccoli in it.
I watch for sales on items in interested in trying, typically the ones that cost a little more. That way if I don't end up liking it I didn't waste as much money.
When I buy produce I find that preparing it when I get home is often the best way to make sure it gets used. I don't do this for ones that spoil shortly after until I actually need them. But if they last for several days it works well. Things like salads and veggie toppings, fruits and veggies you bought for snacks. I find if they are cleaned and cut up already you are more likely to reach for them instead of a processed food when you want a snack. The thought of having to prepare or all before you can eat it can tempt you to say you'll do it later and grab something else.
And if you have a Meijer in your town, their rewards program knows what you buy and every month or two will send you customized coupons for things you buy often!
Another great video!!! My husband has a long & sometimes unpredictable commute (Ferries) and sometimes he just has to buy dinner. I’m trying to figure out how to save money on that.
Awesome advice! 🥰🇺🇲
Hannaford is my store too. :)
My husband bought me freezer containers and we make big batches of things like spaghetti and chili and fajitas and freeze meals so if we ever don't want to cook we can just pull meals out
I buy bulk lean hamburger, cook, drain. Then freeze 2cups in freezer bag. This equals 1 lb for recipes. Then I pull out and make tacos, meat sauce, sloppy joes, etc etc
Laughing forever at how the giant ice cream tub was featured twice as a "Do not buy" but also once as a "Definitely buy"!
I grew up with lots of outdoor freezers full of chopped frozen produce, so that's an old habit, but I recently learned some vegetables can be stored in water in the fridge for many weeks, stuff you wouldn't want to freeze, like avocados and snack baby carrots!
LOL! Going "grocery-ing" without a list is how we now have 7 cans of pinto beans haha! Thank you for the great tips!!!
I love how ice cream often figures prominently in your videos. 😂 Great tips!
Lol I am a big fan of allllll the ice creams 😁 Thanks!
Great tips.
In some supermarkets in the UK we have club cards & they can really save you money.
I suffer from Gastroparesis & never eat or buy fruit & vegetables anymore, as I can’t digest them.
It's like you were listening to my conversation with my husband today.
I love your videos!
Love following you !!! Not only Great tips but such a Sweet, Adorable Personality you have!!! Followed this video with your meal planning video as you suggested. I caught the fact that you shop at Aldi's in Hanford.
Do you live in Hanford California?
Hi, What can I say another great video. Meal plans really do work. I live in the UK I save money by buying the supermarket own brand. It took me a while to get into the habit. Now it's almost automatic. I don't know if US supermarkets still do that?
Meal planning works great for some people. We just keep our pantry and freezer stocked up with what is missing and what is on sale. That way, we get what we want to eat for a low price. Guess you use what works for you.
great stuff! It is not hard to spend 150 in one trip now in the near future!
I read up on it a few years ago and actually there can be arguments made that frozen veggies are actually more nutrient dense if used within a certain date from their initial freezing. Veggies that have sat on the shelf/been transported tend to lose some of their nutritional value and also were picked prior to their peak in terms of taste and nutrition because of the need for transportation and storage. Frozen veggies, however, are picked right at their peak and then frozen. Again, they do lose nutritional value if frozen for too long, but in theory, you could actually be healthier and save both time and money going with the frozen veggies!! I pretty much always go with frozen because I don't have the patience to put together another side dish on top of the meal that took me an hour to make. Frozen veggies I just pop in the microwave and they are done in six minutes!
The thing with frozen veggies is to also focus on the wastage of fresh vs frozen. Ie frozen corn is lest wasteful than corn on the cob. So you get more servings from the frozen bag than from the save weight or cost of fresh.
Thanks for the motivation. I still don't meal plan properly😫