Eating for $15 a Week from Dollar Tree | Extreme Budget Meal Plan

Hey friends! I can't believe it's been over a year since I've made a Dollar Tree extreme budget video! I've been meaning to make one all year and since I was running out of time in the year, figured I'd better get on it! My original video was a 10 item, $10 video. Since the increase in prices I decided to raise my budget to $15 which gave me 12 items, and hence a little more wiggle room in what I was able to get.
The Dollar Tree is a non traditional option that a lot of people either choose to use or have to use for some or all of their grocery shopping. For many of these people the Dollar Tree may be the best option, or the only option, due to availability, distance, or affordability of better grocery options. Not everyone has the ability to access food pantries or food assistance, so please be open minded about the situations of others before criticizing those using Dollar Tree as their primary source of nutrition.
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Disclaimer: These demonstrations are ultimately just for informational purposes and as a personal challenge. If you are struggling, please reach out to the resources around you.
If you are in the United States, the United Way runs a confidential helpline that can be accessed simply by dialing 211 from any phone, and they can help connect you with community resources (this includes assistance needs outside of food access too).
Additionally, I make no claims about the nutritional value of this meal plan and recognize that different bodies have different needs, allergies, preferences, etc. It would be impossible for me to create a meal plan that could accommodate everyone's dietary needs, especially at a $15 price point.
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/ thatlisadawn
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That Lisa Dawn
PO BOX 99383
Raleigh, NC
27624
Some of my favorite things that you see in my kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6qt
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Aroma Rice Cooker
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KitchenAid Stainless Steel Wire Masher
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Rainbow Regular Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Rainbow Wide Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Heavy Duty Egg Slicer
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Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
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[@ShellyS2060]

I loved hearing your encouragement to all who may need help with food. Thank you for never shaming but always SHARING good, solid, respectful content

[@Parsley96]

YESSS!!! I feel the same about Lisa! She’s so thoughtful, caring and awesome! Thanks Lisa for making these. ❤

[@JoASMR2]

Come to Korea. Korean food is delicious❤

[@daninap5889]

⁰

[@jacquelinejamesx5049]

I totally agree. Her personality is great and will let people know they are not alone

[@lizwebster1521]

Amen to that.

[@jeffrobodine8579]

Your efficiency will cut down on hunger. People need to take the initiative and follow your work.

[@jacquelinejamesx5049]

So true

[@kerrygordon1088]

My fave thing about these budget videos is how much respect you show each ingredient, such as rinsing frost off veggies, saving the fat from cooked meat, paying extremely close attention to even a microwave reheat time so that you are maximizing flavor. You’re not just saying it’s “cheap food” and giving up. Very creative and thoughtful. Thank you,

[@thruErinseyes]

AGREED

[@MaryTheresa1986]

Lisa is the best! ❤❤

[@athia37]

As a nurse I can tell Lisa does pretty well with balancing proteins and carbs,and fats,little dairy..could use a little more veggie, but on such a tight budget,I give her A +..Years ago,when I became a single Mom of 3,we experienced real hunger and homelessness,and I learned to make due like this and was grateful for every crunb we had.I learned the hard way to seek out resources,eventually getting back on our feet..hunger is a real part of today in America and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help,or because they're hungry.Lisa gives no judgement,just offers learning and support..Bless you Lisa..Love every video you post !

[@lucianaporto3262]

In Brazil it is very common to mix leftover rice and beans and then fry some eggs and eat them together. It is an inexpensive option that avoids food waste.

[@littlesongbird1]

sounds good

[@nomadicprepper8594]

Sim!! O famoso mexidão 🙂

[@kathleenvickroy450]

Also sounds more filling than some of these other suggestions on youtube.

[@lucianaporto3262]

@@littlesongbird1 And it really is 🤤

[@lucianaporto3262]

@@nomadicprepper8594 sim 😂😂 tem Br em todo lugar né?

[@bobguy3939]

I am autistic and really struggle to hold onto food ideas and it makes eating really stressful. Because your ideas a back to basics it's extremely useful. Thank you so much 💓

[@user-oe6wq7pu8d]

Dear iv found an autistic cookbook. It's a lifesaver. Easy to follow recipes.

[@tinagingrich3039]

I am DEFINITELY HERE for Lisa’s best of dollar tree!!!!! Who’s with me????

[@lorrainem8234]

🤚😀🤗

[@palermoVmusic]

I’d be down if she did it like a bracket, like Rhett and Link do 😂

[@mamadoom9724]

When I was a kid we ate rice with milk, cinnamon, and sugar a lot for breakfast. I always really liked it. It’s funny because it took me years to realize that the food I grew up on was budget food. I just always thought I was eating like a king. As an adult my family still eats like kings on budget food. I’ve always wondered why broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are California food too 😂

[@CelluliteYogaPants]

yes! Cinnamon rice with milk was the ultimate breakfast! ( Left over rice from dinner) My kids ask for it so I tend to cook extra white rice just so they can have it for breakfast. 😂

[@thruErinseyes]

Love your comment! We were eating like kings then too when I was growing up!

[@tiredapplestar]

Yes! That is always so delicious too! I also remember eating a lot of meals that were just potatoes or just corn on the cob. As a kid who loved potatoes and corn, I thought it was wonderful!

[@jalifritz8033]

Fun fact: In Germany California Blend is sold under the name Kaisergemüse (the Emperor‘s vegetable).

[@eileenroberts1952]

White northern beans a little garlic and a little butter pureed together make an excellent alfredo sauce on a budget

[@jeannelejeune1983]

Good idea

[@pennynickels5216]

Also is great as a cream base

[@bobbieseright5117]

I do a version of sweet rice I call breakfast rice. It's a dab of butter, honey, cinnamon, rice, half an apple chopped, and raisins or cranberries. Sooooo good!

[@metallicatt316]

My father used to make that when I was growing up. He would use white rice, butter, sugar, and milk. It was very good!

[@mbell66]

@@metallicatt316 that is exactly how I grew up eating rice at breakfast and still do.

[@jenniferjoseph1560]

I'm trying this! Yummy!

[@Back-handedLuck-ul7ms]

My mom was from Germany and made this often. It was the only way I ever had rice till I was grown. One of my and my dad's favorite meals was ham and apples sliced thin and lightly fried and this rice with a lot of cinnamon and raisins. I am binge watching Lisa Dawn so I am coming late to this game. Thanks for this reminder. I am going to make it tonight.

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

Last week I was so freaking broke! I'll have you know watching these videos you have made actually helped me! I needed some peppers onions and I remember you used those frozen ones in a video ! That tip and a few other suggestions got me though the week ! So your videos are very helpful!

[@wayydowneast]

Loved watching this! I was living in a shed that got accidentally bulldozed, and had to get a room in a local boarding house! These meals have been a HUGE help with my increased living costs!

[@sarahgabonay7082]

No Lisa Dawn meal is complete without garlic. It's one of the reasons I love them

[@aileenwilson7475]

I never would have thought to add mild flavored beans to tomato soup or to blend the same beans and milk and add them to a potato soup - great ideas! ❤

[@kimberlee3243]

I have looked at food waste in a whole new way since watching your channel. During the height of the pandemic I found myself providing for my family of 3 ( food allergies requiring certain expensive foods), my mother, disabled brother and my father and his gf. Thankfully the state of Massachusetts sent pandemic EBT cards and food pantries opened back up as resources for them. I made some frugally delicious meals that I would freeze and share Have you watched Dollar Tree Dinners channel? She is great, too!

[@scotlandfan79]

It is midnight here in Germany, but when Lisa posts a new video, I gotta watch it! 😁

[@HistoricHeroine]

One breakfast treat we would get growing up was warm rice and milk with cinnamon and sugar. It was really yummy.

[@stephaniemeads]

We called it rice pudding! I loved it! I never knew it was a poor man’s food! Lol

[@ashtaylor4107]

Rice pudding. Cheap, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.

[@littlesongbird1]

it sounds good

[@loloi9018]

We called it sweet rice or milk rice, I haven't had that in years

[@anakelly76512]

Budget or not, we still eat beans and rice with cornbread, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions and sweet iced tea to drink. Very filling and delicious. Beans and rice are still fairly cheap, even with this inflation. No way I'm paying over $4/lb. for ground beef. We were able to get a turkey from Winn-Dixie because if you spend $10, you get a Butterball turkey for $0.49/lb. So, we paid around $5 for a 10 lb. bird. You can't not buy it at that price.

[@JacindaH]

My friend picked me up this rice cooker for $4 at The goodwill because mine died. Holy cow. The best $4 purchase ever. And I love the basket on top for steaming veggies. Plus I've used it like a instapot and made entire meals. Lol.

[@kyndalburton8203]

I'm so glad to see the sweet rice, my kids absolutely love sweet rice, I was raised on it, but I've met alot of people who have never heard of it.

[@countrygal3688]

Thanks Lisa Dawn, I would of never thought to divide up those frozen veggies to season all of those meals. You are just full of ideas. Good job!

[@xMrsGontierx]

I looove your content so much, you remind me so much of my grandmother who I lost just a lil over a year ago. She raised her kids then my siblings and I, all while being a preschool teacher, and she was my absolute best friend. One of our favorite things to do together was go to the dollar tree or 99 cent store and see how far we could stretch our dollar, since we had to count pennies for as long as I can remember, and we'd make such a fun outting out of it together. Some of my fondest memories are in the Dollar Tree with her. She always taught us to never be ashamed, and your similar approach reminds me SO much of her, as well as your cooking ;-;

[@amybly1400]

Best wishes on your first pregnancy. ❤

[@jenniferjoseph1560]

Your best friend is always with you! She is proud of you and your new addition 💞

[@thruErinseyes]

Oh I’m so sorry about your grandma. Breaks my heart. God knew you needed to fill that hole in your heart up so you are getting the most precious gift imaginable. You won’t even know what hits ya girl. You are going to be so in love. Just wait you’ll find grandma in that baby angel. I’m not trying to be weird I just know what’s coming and I’m excited for you. My oldest daughter has had my o my grandchild a little boy and I told her the same thing. And man are she and I in love with him. How old are you sweetie? I know you said she raised you so I’m guessing your bio mom wouldn’t be much of an option as grandma in babies life? What about the baby’s daddy’s mama? I’m sure she is super excited and could possibly be your friend and helper in this so you have that female support you’re missing without grandma. I always feel for my parents when it comes to my brothers babies. They don’t get to see and be such a big part in their lives since the mama takes the babies to her family for everything. So don’t forget about that side I bet his mama would love to help you in this. Sorry I seem so nosy. I’m just a mama and I read your message and was for some reason just guided to start blabbing. Ha! But it’s blabbing from the heart. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 congrats doll🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@karendiane5]

Thank you for taking me to a positive vibe for a few minutes. 😊

[@maryl8052]

I recently found your channel and just love your personality. You do such an amazing job with making yummy looking meals for so cheap. Thank you for all the food ideas ❤

[@dln7994]

I second that, Mary. She is amazing!

[@donn6908]

I agree ❤️

[@christinedunn8860]

I agree also! 💜😍

[@yeetasaurus9427]

Agree. She's amazing. She has a video where she makes fresh pasta. She 8s super creative on a budget and everything looks delicious.

[@erinf4712]

Thank you for not only addressing a great way to stretch your food budget but also using beans which are high in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Kudos also for doing some education on available calories- that is something that a lot of folks miss when creating these videos.

[@kellylorang6845]

Lisa, thank you for the great recipe ideas! I love that they are for 1 person. Most of the cooking shows are cooking for larger groups. I am a single lady who has never had children and only cook for my self. I am lucky enough to be financially stable but I'm looking to retire in a few years, so I am wanting to increase my savings. It is just amazing that you were able to make a weeks worth of balanced meals with just $15! Merry Christmas to you and your family and your very large "baby"!⛄🎁

[@whitneytucker1224]

Here she is!!! I’ve been missing some Lisa Dawn in my notifications! 💞😍 Hope all is well! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to you and your family Lisa! 🎁🎄🎅🏻 Yes a “Best of Lisa’s Dollar Tree Recipes” I’d love to see it!

[@heathershideler9641]

I bought that rice cooker after the 1st video I saw you use it. It is awesome! We use it all the time.

[@klh2m661]

Me too! Best one I’ve had. Glad to know it’s last Lisa Dawn a good long time :)

[@meanhe8702]

I’ve gotten those tomatoes from the dollar tree, they are excellent, way better than walmart or store brand crushed tomatoes, I’d say they are almost as good as Cento San Marzano tomatoes. I used them to make a delicious pasta sauce. You know if you can manage it, it’s probably a good idea to have a little something sweet to add to your budget meals, such as a little candy, some pudding, a cake you can have the entire week, maybe some popsicle or something, so that you don’t feel like you’re being deprived.

[@tammyhagger9791]

I’ve already used a couple of these meals as spring boards to help me use up food in my pantry. That’s just a testament to how practical they are, and versatile as you can adjust to what you have on hand and your personal flavor preferences. You really are very talented. ☺️

[@barbefinkle6102]

So many people, like myself, have no idea where to start. I am no cook for sure, but with your step by step instructions I can make these meals. Please keep helping us "cooking challenged" folks who need your expertise. God bless

[@2busysecretary]

I made the biscuits and sausage adding green onions - they were perfect!

[@jake_from_statefarm7209]

Hi Lisa! I haven't seen the whole video yet, but wanted to comment before I forget: As a Californian, I've never known why certain veggie blends are labeled Californian 😁

[@omgnoi]

I grew up eating rice and beans so much as a Hispanic. I don’t eat it as an adult but your video made me crave it lol. I also just want to say your voice is so calming, I could listen to it all day

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

Rice and beans is an easily bioavailable carb and protein combo. A jalapeno has 100 x more vitamin C than an orange.

[@mattplyler12]

This is just genius. Imagine if more people planned out meals like this. Thank you for sharing

[@anniq2678]

Love your videos. I think they are neat but I’ve learned so much. Also wanted to say I appreciate your narration in the videos. It makes it more accessible to people who are visually impaired to have you read out everything you bought and what you’re doing etc. My grandma can see but not always well and we can watch together, no problem.

[@everydayblue7798]

I think the ideas in this video can help a lot of people in these times!

[@jeannelejeune1983]

I love beans and rice. I like variety but if things got really tight I could live off of it. Thank u so much for these videos, Lisa. I’m sure it helps ppl out so much and they can learn you can still eat well on a tight budget.❤

[@apr1lann331]

Yummy I preped this yesterday. Cooked dry beans up. Even slow cooked brown rice accidentally added a bit too much Curry powder. But made it all up this morning it was so yummy. I had some Cheddar cheese on hand so added a bit to my plate. Thanks for the recipe it was delicious.

[@sharonlynn3358]

Oh I wanted to say I can't wait for the "best of" dollar tree meals but i would also binge watch "wingin' it with Lisa" recipes as well! ❤😋

[@tammyhagger9791]

😂Yes!!!! I can't tell you how helpful her videos have been in whittling down my pandemic pantry stash...and it's been mostly very good and we're "wingin'" it with a little (ok, a lot of) help from Lisa.

[@sharonlynn3358]

@@tammyhagger9791 omg same ... doing panty challenge in January and her tips are spot on! I still can't make homemade tortillas like her but I'm still trying.. every time I rewatch a video like I can do that! 😂... still nope not like Lisa!

[@WellEditedCo]

This was so fun to watch, and inspiring. You’re a genius with simple foods, and they all look so tasty.

[@rosacanisalba]

I've had bean mash as a side before. It's a really good alternative to mashed potato, not only gluten free but also high in protein and fibre and definitely filling.

[@tynaedwards8452]

Once again you have come up with filling , flavorful and different recipes on a budget. I have a very old cookbook from the 40's that has menus for different budgets and one of them is an emergency budget. Grains, legumes and dairy are a big part of the diet and you always manage to have and give those big flavor which is so important to keep it interesting and good. Thank you.

[@electromollyful]

Thank you Lisa .. your helping so many people out here. Including myself. God Bless your patience...❤

[@rivahcat8247]

What's the name of the book? I want to see if it's in the Internet Archive. TIA!

[@tynaedwards8452]

@@rivahcat8247 The New American Cookbook by Lily Haxworth Wallace.

[@dianam9028]

Hello Lisa ☺ Your cat is gorgeous...I love cats. Thank you for all of your wonderful and helpful videos. Happy Holidays! 🤗🎄🎀

[@Genna.K]

Most people find $15 dollar tree challenges difficult. Not Lisa! Here's a real challenge... Lisa you must not shop at dollar tree, you must spend more than $15, no beans, rice, tortillas allowed! 🤩😄🤩

[@lilpoohbear653]

hard to do a week for $15 but if anybody can do it...its LISA DAWN!!!

[@thewickedwitchofse8998]

My favorite YT girl! Such an adorable kid and so talented. Your videos are so important. And it costs money for gas and some can't afford to drive to multiple or further grocery stores---it is an added expense. Some people don't have cars, either. Cars are costly to maintain, run, pay taxes, registration, inspection. It is absolutely right to show how to do this from just one store---whichever is near. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@lenalambson9714]

I ain't gonna lie I needed this this week and the food and recipes were so good! Thank you so much!

[@lemonlame7779]

Never really comment, but been watching for FOREVER. Love the content. ❤😊

[@robintindall8469]

Lisa Dawn, you never fail to amaze me as to how creative you are in the kitchen! I must try these soups!! Love your channel!!

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

Merry Christmas my friend. God Bless you and your family in 2023.

[@ThatLisaDawn]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@happycook6737]

We are blessed in the USA. One hour of minimum wage work feeds us for 1 week. In developing countries even the cheapest food requires 60% of your income just to survive.

[@Jewelsquiss]

If you were someone who needs more calories, you could just double what you buy and double what you eat. That would still be only $30 for a week. 😊 Edited to add: OR For a person requiring more calories you could add $7.50 more (so $22.50) you could add 5 more items. I would by two of each of these; sausage, instant potatoes, biscuit mix, milk, rice or beans. OR Other nutritious higher calorie foods of your choosing. Then eat larger portions at meal times or add them as snacks. 😊

[@hutchiea1]

Powered milk is also a great option. I'll use it in a pinch if I don't have any milk in the fridge.

[@KarisaKitty]

This is going to help us SO MUCH FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 💞🥰💞☺️

[@santropixie5140]

I did the Pinto beans recipe with some fresh carrots and broccoli and marinated jalapeños and grilled red bell peppers. Subbed the pork fat with butter, added garlic and red pepper flakes and it was. 👌

[@lorrainem8234]

💗

[@katrinbivens3723]

Great job,Lisa.! Next time could you include a snack in the budget? (like popcorn) I get sad without a snack a couple times a week!

[@sheilasendling5356]

This menu doesn't hurt my feelings in any way! I would love any of these soups and being vegan all the recipes can easily be adapted to my way of eating. Thank you!!!

[@moladhdodhia164]

I wasn't expecting the potato soup,A+on everything, it all looks fabulous, I'm quite impressed.

[@annaleelp9345]

I never thought of dividing and mixing the veggies a meal at a time. And I grew up eating rice and milk thanks to my dad. Yummy. ☺️

[@donn6908]

Hey Lisa! I never realized that your baby is so big!! lol He’s the size of a dog! lol Thank you so much for posting this video! And I loved everything that you made. I love rice and beans, also. I could probably eat them every day. Thank you for all the wonderful videos over this year!❤️ Merry Christmas to you, Andrew, & your mom! And kitty!🎄 I love you ❤️

[@JacindaH]

Have you ever tried augratin potatoes for your soup? I made it once and added some brocolli and leftover ham chunks. It was so weirdly good. Yeah...now I know what I'm making for dinner. Thank you as always

[@stephaniehopkinsartist]

I make potato soup with mashed potatoes, bone broth, a little butter, salt and pepper. You can get several light meals out of it. It's delicious and low budget friendly.

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

Add a can of evap milk and some parmesan cheese.

[@brennanbourne]

We have the same exact rice cooker and it's still going strong! I usually make 2-3 cups of rice at a time and eat it throughout the week. 😊

[@tama4217]

Love your videos. I wish I would have had these videos when I was younger. You seem like a great person Lisa Dawn! Would love to learn more about you.

[@widowswatch6610]

Wow I never thought of that bean and mash potato meal. It amazes me that most people use a lot of garlic and seasoning. I like to watch how other people cook. I get ideas. I can’t eat garlic it makes me sick. And I don’t like it. But that’s okay I still get ideas and I can just use different seasonings. I like your videos. Also that cat is huge!!!!!! Beans are economical and good for you. 👍👍

[@gardengirl7258]

Learned something new👍😍 Using the hand blinder to make the soup more creamy. 👏👏Good idea.

[@louib716]

Love your budget videos. Youre so real, like you're demonstrating from experience.

[@mollisashshimi8491]

Excellent, I always enjoy your videos, honestly you need your own budget cooking show on TV with sponsors. You are so much more worthy than some of them out there. But don't give up youtube! Thank you for all you do, especially now times are tough for many people.

[@kevinkeener3216]

I love these videos. They got me through round 2 of the rona virus in the house. My wife keeps getting it. I have never had it. But after a long day of tending to the house. I watch these videos. I find them informative and relaxing.

[@GeckoHiker]

The smashed beans looked like a delicious take on plain old refried beans. When you transform the beans in some way, it keeps it interesting. We like to make bean burgers from slightly mashed beans, leftover cooked rice, onion, celery, a dried herb, garlic powder, salt, pepper, a splash of soy or Worcester sauce, and sometimes other leftover veggies or chopped mushrooms. Use a little milk and flour to bind, and an egg if one can be spared. Make patties and fry in a spritz of oil. Seasoning can vary from chili powder to Italian to ground rosemary or parsley. We eat them like hamburgers in a toasted bread bun or with some type of glaze, sauce, or gravy. So it's never "just" rice and beans. Your video just inspired me to make a budget sausage meatloaf with split red lentils instead of hamburger. I used leftover rice instead of bread as the extender. Cooked the soaked lentils with a dash of Liquid Smoke and Worcestershire sauce. The sweet Italian sausage was on sale for $2.99 for a pound. It was fun getting creative by watching a creative cook at work!

[@mamadoom9724]

That’s what I love about Lisa dawn. I never follow her recipes exactly but she reminds me how to cook creatively.

[@GeckoHiker]

@@mamadoom9724 Her recipes could be in a book or newsletter to pass out with commodities boxes. I did this when I managed a food bank on a military base. Plus, we gave out cookware and a special box of basics to the younger families.

[@rhondadeakin8051]

@@GeckoHiker Excellent idea! I routinely place cans and boxes of food in our town's community blessing box. Taping Lisa Dawn's recipes to bags of rice or beans would be so helpful to so who receive these items at food banks or the blessing boxes.

[@GeckoHiker]

@rhondadeakin8051 A great idea. The recipes are mostly just basic food transformation, with creativity. Nothing is set in stone except building flavor with cooking techniques.

[@mscaliwood3108]

As usual you didn’t disappoint, great video keep them coming Lisa Dawn, yes ma’am stay blessed 🤙🏿

[@jillgott6567]

I was excited when this video came up. Beautiful kitty. I have 3 and when I am on the phone one gets behind me to meow. She is letting the person on the line know she is not getting enough treats lol 😂. Folks can do this with other stores but I doubt it would be more food. And, you included lots of veggies very good choices

[@nesadcruz7840]

My Kitty doesn’t like to see me on the phone. He starts acting up asking me to pay him attention.

[@donn6908]

@@nesadcruz7840 same! Lol

[@nesadcruz7840]

@@donn6908 possessive LOL

[@donn6908]

@@nesadcruz7840 I thought that it was just MY trouble maker. lol He REALLY gets into things lol

[@smartiplants]

I am always thrilled when you put up a new video! I love your meal ideas and that they are budget friendly.

[@usatodaywife]

I'm glad you're helping people. I get so frustrated reading comment sections in news articles, etc. with uppity people saying they only shop at Publix, Krogers, and other higher priced places with "good customer service" and they put down places like Dollar Tree, ALDI, etc. Many people, especially now, can't afford to be choosy and just need something to eat.

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

Let them eat their pride. Ignore them.

[@kathrynmiller3151]

I am BEYOND impressed with you. You are creative and practical and intuitive - just really brilliant!! I have been riveted throughout this video as to how you would make a $15 food budget last you a week. You have taught me so much on numerous levels!! Thank You!!! 🙏🏻❤️

[@Zoe-dr5ps]

You're really pretty, your hair is gorgeous xx

[@ladyofjazz448]

I supplement my food budget with dollar tree trips, food drives, and Aldi's. Necessity is the mother of invention.

[@vernareed2692]

Amazing! The wonders you work and come up with, your creative imagination!! Those are excellent meals I would prefer on a budget or not even having to budget!! A person would be full, and satisfied!! And more than that,it would be healthy food! I love rice and beans, even plain seasoned brown beans!

[@liberty121]

Always excited when Lisa pops up!

[@JessicaenlHalev]

That carton of milk is actually really good and is preferred over fridge milk in my house it has a creamy type flavor I just wish I could order it in bulk lol

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

You might be able to, depending on your Dollar Tree. Speak to the manager about a bulk order.

[@katrinagarland5219]

You are amazing. There is no way I could have come up with that many meals with the ingredients you had. Bravo!!!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Your tomato soup recipe reminds me of a UK recipe I found a few years back. It's a simple lunch idea, and since it's UK the recipe calls for "tins" 😀of tomato, carrots, white beans (or baked beans - in the UK they are not sweet like in the US). I believe the recipe is a 2:1:1 ratio and is easily blended because everything is already cooked. Literally it's just blend and season to taste. (Some commenters talked about draining or not draining the carrots and beans, I'm sure that's a matter of preference.)

[@ndanieltx]

You're doing such great work here. Many great ideas and strategies to help people get through a tightening times. I went to Aldi earlier this week and eggs were $4.49! 🤯

[@wadly312]

Incredible effort! I’m always so impressed with all your ideas 💡

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I discovered homemade Tomato Soup not that long ago. Roasted onions and tomatoes, stock, salt and pepper. A dollop of sour cream if I have it. So delicious. Not always cheap, but when the tomatoes are in season, it is a reasonable cost. Thank you for the video!

[@rebecccaaamarieee]

Hey Lisa! Love your videos! Your first breakfast dish is very similar to something I grew up eating. I am Cuban and my parents would make something called Arroz con Leche, which translates literally to rice with milk, but it’s just rice pudding. A little more milk simmered with short grain rice and then refrigerated. Sometimes we add raisins and cinnamon is a must! Great video as always 😊❤

[@asgharakram]

A Moldova breakfast dish Is rice plain with warm milk over it . And sugar nice how different cultures bhave similar dishes

[@lvwest8092]

We were born and raised in WV. My mom always made our regular rice this way with sugar and milk. We ate it as a side dish. But my husband raised in the same place I'm from never heard of it this way.

[@ievaification]

My mom used to make the same for me in Lithuania! I guess this is a universal recipe that a lot of countries have :) and yes, with raisins

[@michellewillis9008]

Growing up we had rice with butter and sugar for breakfast when things were tight

[@FLCHRISSIE28]

He's a beautiful little man.. I have a blue Russian too they are huge babies..

[@bikinisarah1746]

I am in california and lots of stuff grows good here. I have grown cauliflower and broccoli here and it went pretty well.

[@dln7994]

Very well done. Frugal, plenty of food and healthy. It doesn't get better than that:)

[@paulabroadway1697]

LOVE your budget videos! Wiggle room is such an important concept for everybody. When folks get a little help with rice and beans, it opens up room for fresh foods or items specific to their family's needs. Thank you for such inspirational ideas!🥰

[@susancollier3016]

I’ve had that same rice cooker forever! Still going strong at 3-5 days a week use!

[@goobtube69]

I want you to know that my tastes merged into watching other things on KZbin for a bit and then one day I was like wow I haven't watched those food videos I used to watch for a while, so I started watching them again and I was really disappointed when I for some reason couldn't remember your name or find you so I went back through my history until I found you and I'm so glad you're still making videos 🥰

[@ricktalbott9611]

That is one big cat !!

[@palermoVmusic]

Yes Lisa! I feel like you stick to a base for most of your budget dishes, but then the twists you add make them unique! That tomato soup is definitely going to be on my menu this week! I’d also love if you did a video like this with a calorie count in mind. I am trying to lose weight and I wonder if it’s possible to do so on a budget. Thanks Lisa.

[@kelligagnon8569]

Lisa Dawn, I am a relatively new, enthusiastic fan of yours. I share your love of refried beans/hot sauce, tortillas, etc. (and good food in general) You have a great personality, and I really enjoy your frugal creativity in cooking. I would love to see your take on two of my favorite foods - 1. carnitas and 2. Shredded beef. I use a slow cooker for these, but finish off the carnitas in my cast iron skillet, with peanut oil, to add crispy texture. Just throwing out some ideas I think you’d enjoy and do well with, both are pretty frugal sources of pure protein as well.

[@julieseidel8258]

I just love watching your videos. They soothe my anxiety. I also try your food and love how you make me think about saving money on groceries.

[@sageuncertain8673]

My cat does the same thing whenever I have to do a Zoom meeting for work! Love your videos!

[@sharonlynn3358]

I was wondering what I could make really fast when I got home from work for tomorrow's work lunch and here you are! I made the rice with bullion and carrots.. I had a little red onion left over and made your soup.. I can not wait to eat it tomorrow it tastes AMAZING!!! Thank you for continuing to make these types of videos... I love rice and beans as well and will try your other recipes next week! 😋

[@fireflyfarmletontheeno777]

Howdy neighbor! Love your creativity. It's always more fun in the kitchen when we experiment. I never make the same dish twice because I use what I have and alter just about every recipe I ever tried! Hope y'all's holidays are great!