Frugal retirement living: 4 things I have stopped doing, cooking comfort winter meal

On this visit I share 4 things I have stopped doing in my retirement that has made life so much easier and saved me so much money.
I show how to prepare an economical, easy and delicious winter comfort meal for yourself or your family.
Easy, smart ways to live a happy, fulfilling retirement journey.
Live smarter, not harder.
Products used:
PS clean beauty volumizing shampoo from Dollar Tree
Le Color toning gloss by L’Oreal from Walmart
Nail Magic from Sally’s Beauty Supply
From “Cooking With Maggie” cookbook by Carolyn Grant
Quick, Easy Beefy Mac
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
Brown in lg skillet
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 can water
8 oz elbow macaroni
Add to skillet
Turn down heat, cover and simmer until macaroni is soft, stirring frequently to keep macaroni from sticking to the pan
The macaroni will absorb the liquid, if it becomes dry, add a little more water
If it has too much liquid, remove the lid and stir so liquid will evaporate
1 8oz pk cheddar cheese grated- add half of it now
3 heaping tsp sliced stuffed green olives
Stir well, cover and simmer on low about 5 minutes
Remove pan lid, stir mixture well
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover and turn off the burner
Do not stir again
When cheese is melted it is ready to serve
This will serve a family of 5 or one person several meals and a little to share with a friend
Yummy warm comfort food 😋😋

[@sherrieblake8674]

How lovely to find your channel.

[@sallyblatchford1585]

I love the idea of the green olives. I’m going to make this but think I’m going to Italian style stewed tomatoes. Yum!

[@peggyduncanbaggenstoss5380]

I just discovered your videos. I retired from nursing in 2015 at age 62… I have always lived frugal and on budget. I enjoy traveling so I save for that, especially international travel. For years I’ve been eating twice a day, shower every 2/3 days, wash hair less often, pedicures are for special occasions. A daughter occasionally gifts a massage. I live in a resort / lake town so my wardrobe is much more casual , even for the Cowboy church I attend. With a heated indoor pool at the community center and a small beach on the lake, I now own more bathing suits and water shoes. I wear mascara and fix eyebrows everyday but usually only wear foundation for church and special occasions. Most people I’m meeting in my new location don’t even do eye makeup. I use a crockpot for meals that have several servings. Yesterday I made cabbage vegetable soup. It will last me for approximately 10 meals for 10 days of food at approximately 0.75 per serving. I have food prep days. I’ll make several pans of cornbread to keep in the freezer. I break off the amount I want, put in microwave a few minutes then in hot soup. I buy dry beans in bulk. I drink mostly spring water I collect at a free flowing spring from side of a mountain. I no longer make cold tea at home. I have no chips, colas, snack cakes/ crackers, ice cream, or cheese in my house. I attempt to eat healthy and exercise in order to stay off prescription medication, especially blood pressure or diabetes medication. Within last two years I’ve gotten off two blood pressure medication. I stay entertained by reading, , sewing,walking the many trails, exercising and attending the many classes at the Community Center where my health insurance supplement pays the dues. I save my money to eat out when family visit from out of town and to eat with friends twice a month. Movies are an occasional treat. In the summer there are free music concerts my friends and I attend. I can always find a way to cut corners to save. I’ve never smoked or consumed alcohol. I use Castille soap for body wash, it can be used as shampoo as well. The only lotions I have are gifts from family and friends. I use coconut oil and essential oils for skin care, face and body moisturizer.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@peggyduncanbaggenstoss5380 Thank you so much for sharing and supporting my channel. That’s why I wanted to start it. Get comments from others on this retirement journey. 😊

[@sandyforan3301]

Follow sister nurse here, we also do only 2 meals a day. Started after reading that late first meal and early dinner can help brain health. Very important to us as some family history dementia. Surprised just how much this helped our food budget and energy level. God bless.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@sandyforan3301 Thank you for your comment. I only eat lunch and dinner, occasionally 2-3 spoons of cottage cheese mid morning. Thanks for your comment.

[@GLD-hopeful]

Health is the most important thing in retirement. Home cooking will keep us healthier if we create healthy recipes.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

I agree, I like knowing what is in my food and where it was made. It is so much better on my budget.

[@jackiegaines3780]

I’m so glad I stumbled across your channel tonight. I really enjoyed it and was inspired by your ideas. I too am living in Mississippi. I was born in Tennessee but now am in the beautiful state of Mississippi. I joined your channel and can’t wait to see more of your videos.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@jackiegaines3780 Thank you for joining.

[@kathyklarfeld2971]

Thank you for your lovely video. I did want to point out that pre-shredded cheese (I'm sure you know) is not only more expensive but is also contains a starch that keeps it from clumping (lots of added carbs). I just learned this and I thought it was good info to share. God Bless.

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

I know. That’s right. I buy the 8 oz blocks from Kroger and shred it myself. Thanks for your comment. Great point.

[@kalysagarrett3572]

I learned this recently too so i try to get the blocks to shred it myself now. It tastes so much better that way too!

[@Retiredhappyagain]

yes! I use a box shredder and easy to use and easy clean up. store cheese in ziplock bags.

[@cjhoward409]

Lately I’ve been buying the shredded only because I just had neck surgery and it’s too hard to shred it myself. Grrrrr. But I’ll soon go back to the block cheese. And the block cheese tastes better too !

[@kathynewkirk683]

Been doing keto over 7 years, use shredded, and maintained a 40 lb weight without any problems….

[@Rose-zr6ep]

I'm enjoying your videos, glad I discovered your channel. I love the different earrings you wear, just curious, do you make those? You definitely seem to be creative and love hobbies!

[@cjhoward409]

Now that I’m past menopause, my skin isn’t so greasy. So I shower every 2-3 days and only wash my hair every 4-5 days. And my hair looks better. And feels better AND I save on shampoo and conditioner 😂 I do my own nails too. And mostly just clear. I only use color on my toes in the summer. I take biotin for skin, bone and nail health. It helps! And your silver hair is gorgeous !

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

@@cjhoward409 Thank you. So many adjustments along this retirement journey. Thanks for your input 👍

[@gigihanley9757]

One change we've made is to never use a whole pound of hamburg in any recipe. We divide a package into 3/4 lb portions and freeze them for future use. We don't notice the difference and it cuts down on the cost of meat.

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

@ Great suggestion. I do that too when I buy the 3 pound chub and divide it into 4 ziplock packages.

[@Artiekarns]

About 8 or 9 months ago I saw a dermatologist on YT talking about not bathing as much as most people do. That it is better for your skin not to. Anyway, i was waiting for July to get here because I was scheduled for a Total Right Shoulder Repair (TRSR). At the time showering wasn't a problem but drying off was awful. So I decided to try the dermatologist's suggestions. I went a week without showering. What I noticed was the first 3-4 days I noticed some body odor, not a lot. But then it began to dissipate. Which makes sense. We have good and bad bacteria, the bad is fast acting but the good is stronger so it eventually gets in control. Once a week I do a "spit" bath and shower once a month. My granddaughter always tells me how good I smell. I know there are people who may have strong body odor but I am glad I experimented with this.

[@JackieDavies-ul4ko]

I've discovered my community library- such a welcoming and comfortable place where I can borrow audiobooks for my elderly mother, read magazines in a comfy chair and even do puzzles or sit with my laptop in air conditioning entirely for free.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Yes, and it’s so budget friendly.

[@mikel.5850]

First ladies talking about for the grated cheese actually isn’t a starch it’s derived from wood pulp. Be careful what you eat.

[@PamelaGoetting]

What a lovely, inspring vlog. I am so glad that I came across it and look forward to your suggestions. I am a widow of one year and am learning to live on Social Security now that my husband's income is not there anymore. God bless you. Pam in Virginia

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@PamelaGoetting Thank you for joining our journey.

[@BrokeButBountifullyBlessed532]

Just found your channel when this video popped up in my feed. I liked it so much that I just had to subscribe. I can't wait to see the rest. Love your cute furbaby and your crocheted bags.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you for joining and your comments.

[@ata_telesia]

I'm not retired yet but rather just started in the military and living on my own in our barracks, really love these easy cooking recipes and savy ideas for budget, thank you!

[@Retiredhappyagain]

My recipes and cook book are for anyone who like to make their own food which is fast and easy and nutritious. Thank you.

[@cindynok]

I ran onto your video. You are so pleasant. I have been widowed over three years and lately, I want to go out to eat too much. I am kind of a loaner but enjoy seeing other people, plus my cooking has gotten terrible. Enjoyed your video and subbed.❤

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

@@cindynok Thank you for your kind comments. Enjoy retirement, let us know what you do that brings you joy. 🤩

[@LonnieNelson-x2f]

Your hair is beautiful & love your recipe

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you.

[@kathyjrat]

Just discovered you. Very pleasant and interesting.

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

@@kathyjrat Thank you for stopping by.

[@debbiesmith5455]

These are very sound and wise suggestions:)

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you 👍

[@someothername9462]

Such a sweet, gentle video! Just some random thoughts- The stuffed toys in the background made me think - we never quite outgrow them, do we? Second, home cooked food is the best - but i feel lazy quite often! Three, your doggy is adorable!

[@CarolynGrant-d9p]

@@someothername9462 Thank you. 😊

[@venuscruz6075]

New Subscriber........where can we buy your cookbook, would love to own it.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@venuscruz6075 All my books and items are on maggiesneighborhood.etsy.com. Thank.

[@BopchisCorner]

Very nice video & recipe...thanks for sharing! 😊

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you for stopping by.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

That’s interesting.

[@joycegonzales4994]

I make a simple hamburger goulash that’s somewhat like what you made, but it doesn’t have the cheese or the olives and maybe a little less hamburger

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you. The first time I made it, years ago, I didn’t think the olives would be good, but something about the taste makes it wonderful.

[@americanviewpoint]

Really good advice 😊

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you.

[@WidowedAT56]

New subscriber ❤ great video

[@Retiredhappyagain]

Thank you 😊

[@debbiemiller8018]

All the seniors need other seniors Russia sister❤

[@ellenherman9543]

If women realized how much they waste on nail care and hair stuff! Go natural girls.❤

[@sisperk2281]

❤❤❤

[@kalysagarrett3572]

That meal looks great! Did it pair it with any sides or bread?

[@Retiredhappyagain]

No bread needed. Maybe an apple salad i can show next time. Thank you for sharing.

[@peggyduncanbaggenstoss5380]

To help keep my carb count low I stopped buying bread. In a recipe like the cheesy Mac the cheese and macaroni are plenty of carbs. As we age we need less carbs and more protein.

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@ I agree. Thanks.

[@brendaatkinson1965]

Can we buy your cookbook

[@Retiredhappyagain]

All 4 of my books are on Etsy. maggiesneighborhood.etsy.com Thanks

[@debiwilson8302]

Is the toning gloss fragrance free? You hair is lovely!

[@Retiredhappyagain]

@@debiwilson8302 I checked the tube and I don’t see anything about fragrance. I bought this tube almost a year ago and I only use a pea size amount as conditioner after I shampoo in the shower and leave it on while I finish showering then rinse it out. I’ve been very pleased with it. 👍

[@WidowedAT56]

You do not look your age at all. At least 15 years younger you look ❤

[@WilliamCanaday-kc4eo]

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