My Secret Basement Grocery Store That Saves THOUSANDS in 2025

[@FrugalFitMom]

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[@sehrishchughtai7086]

Honey do the delevr in spain??

[@GailMurphy-z3s]

Way too expensive

[@sehrishchughtai7086]

@@GailMurphy-z3s thanks

[@jodytigges1830]

For those in apartments or small houses don’t forget that suitcases can hold extra pantry items and flat totes (Rubbermaid-like) that go under the bed are great too

[@Camperlauren]

Agree! We also slid a flat of cans under our couch for years.

[@macantakai]

This is such a good idea!! Thank you ❤

[@Cheray_]

We had low kitchen cabinets and stored boxes of cereal on top!

[@wvnanaskitchenandgarden]

I’m on day 5 of being snowed in. My extended pantry is a god send. I haven’t worried about having to try to get out to go to the store.

[@samanthaclark5348]

Same! Such peace of mind 😊

[@tgayer1]

Lucky!!! I wanna be snowed in! ❄️

[@Cheray_]

When the bug hit in 2020, I had enough paper products for 3 years! An ounce of preparation..😉❤️🙏🏾

[@RedsRtrouble]

I would love to be snowed in 🤭. When they tell people not to travel I’m like “don’t threaten me with a good time”…. As long as my son and husband are home I’m good lol

[@SweedaFish]

I do not know how to tell you how many times my pantry has saved me, or has allowed me to pass groceries on to family or friends who were in need. It's great!

[@bluedragon1979]

I have done both snowboarding and alpine skiing. Snowboard was PAINFUL. Alpine skiing does take some getting used to, but you'll definitely fall less often. For me, the slopes I feared the most, became my FAVORITE. Don't fear turning, and use your poles to pivot. And don't worry about what you look like. Hit the slopes (not too hard) and just have fun.

[@nathaliedasilva555]

Aww - I'm pretty sure that the Christine we all know and love will definitely get better at this skiing thing. I'm 61 and back to ballet class after a 20 year hiatus!LOL I look pretty silly but I love it and it makes me feel good. My ego flew out the window a long time ago but when it was still with me I was always worried about how I looked! Now I give my self some loving kindness and embrace the freedom of doing what I want to do.

[@flightlessphoenix77]

I'm going to have a pantry in my new house. I'm beyond excited!!

[@tinadavis9796]

So happy for you. When I get a new place, a pantry will be at the top of the list

[@JadeSanderson654]

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[@robynhayward]

I live alone so my 'basement grocery store' is just a closet, but it's the best. I have at least two of everything I know I use all the time, and then random things I found that can inspire a meal, like sundried tomatoes or a jarred sauce. I'm all about buying things on sale so if it's on sale and you don't have an extra one, buy it! There are some things I just couldn't imagine buying full price

[@merete1409]

About skiing...remember to bend your knees, goes with both downhill and cross country skiing...and take some lessons :) Happy new year from Arctic Norway.

[@dianekreuzer3854]

Wish we had a basement. However we do utilize a hall closet & our office. I grew up with grandparents who always had groceries available due to living in the country. When I was little it was so much fun playing grocery store. We are waiting on the snow storm to hit Texas & I’m thankful I have my own store.

[@Cheray_]

OMGoodness, my friends and I played grocery too. Loved being cashier🤣🤣

[@laurapellett7797]

I recall that after a ski lesson my instructor went around and gave everyone a compliment. When he reached me he said " Nice outfit ".

[@cindybaumgart4219]

😂

[@anniealexander9616]

I bought sirloin steak and drumsticks because that's whats on sale. Ground beef is crazy expensive this week. I made burgers from my on sale ground beef. Groceries aren't that expensive when you buy on sale.

[@janclimo2284]

I stockpile a lot of the basic items. I enjoy a shelf stable pantry ❤Don’t let anything get in your way! Slow and steady wins the race! I’ll go on the bunny hills with you 🤩

[@samarPartapsingh-xg7rl]

so there was this period in my life when i kept attracting the wrong people, wrong opportunities, everything just felt…off. i couldn’t figure out why it kept happening. then one day, a friend mentioned a book called Vibrations of Manifestation by Alex Lane, saying it helped them see the patterns they didn’t even realize they had. i decided to give it a read, and wow, it opened my eyes to how much my own energy was shaping my life. seriously, this book is something else.

[@granitemoss1451]

Just cleaned out my pantry and have a pot of beans simmering away on the stove to use up the end of a big bag. We'll have rice and beans soon and freeze the rest for next time. Bonus: It's been super cold the last few days, great time to use the stove!

[@cathyfeigert5660]

I’ve always had a grocery store in my basement; my Mom always had one. I spent the holidays reorganizing my grocery store as well as my freezer and cabinets. Hopefully I can stay organized!

[@RampKevorkian]

Hit 220k today. Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 34k in November 2024

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His instructions allowed me to reorganize my retirement plan, resulting in an estimated $700k more by the time I retire.

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I'm favoured, 90K every week! I can now give to the locals in my communities and also support God's work and the church. God bless America,, thank you Mr Jihan Wu😊🎉

[@NesMee-gz1rg]

We don't have a basement but a floor to ceiling Ikea pantry in our utility room slash hallway filled with cans and stuff. In our garage we have an extra fridge and chest freezer. I take my shopping basket in there every day to shop for dinner 😂

[@contancesholl3833]

I started my New Year with an inventory of what I have. Presently, I can eat for a whole month without shopping. I may be alone, but I still budget and meal plan. Skiing, boy I tried when I was younger. I had a pro tell me you either got it or you don't. I didn't! 😂 Happy New Year and love you and your videos!

[@kellyharris4639]

I just did my inventory of my basement store. I’m planning to really work through a bunch for Jan

[@TheRozylass]

I learned the Pantry Principle from Amy Dacycyzn in her newsletter The Tightwad Gazette in the early 90's. Yep! It saves tons of money because you can put together a meal even when you're tired and busy.

[@JanuaryLisa]

I LOVE HER BOOKS! Still have the combo one!

[@BallroomJenni]

Just today my husband was talking about starting up a food storage system and I said I felt like it would mean we needed to tighten up our meals so that I can better know what to buy in bulk! So maybe an outline of things you would make with all of that could be super helpful, similar to something See Mindy Mom does with her capsule meal plans or emergency meals.

[@Gardeningchristine]

Throw a can of corn in your chili and a can of green beans in your chicken and rice bake, If you need to rotate your stock.

[@Mikesgirl79]

I bought a small bookshelf from Walmart and that’s where I keep my extra food. I call it the annex . 😂

[@alicha_zanreading_horder3982]

a simple ski tip for the non-snow season.. is learning to skate on roller blade.. if you do that it is so mush easier to learn ice-skating and skiing.

[@xo2quilt]

I could probably not grocery shop for a year, and I'd be fine. Guess I should try that! Deep pantry is essential when you are a dragon.

[@SarahSchneider2]

I live in an apartment so no basement but I do shop sales and like to keep a stock of food within reason based on the space I have.

[@annhysell6064]

Oh my friend, I have been a ski instructor for many years. Lessons are the way to go. So many tips and tricks. And yes, if you are able to go to a series of lessons (every week x 6 or 8) you will accel in 1 season. (Due to your athleticism, mainly balance). Take care of your knees! Be well.

[@DC-pr2bq]

Lessons are the way to go. It's a skill. I started skiing at about 20 and until I moved away from a ski area at about 60. Now I'm a broken hip waiting to happen. Skiing in the West is approximately 1 gazillion times better than here in the East because of .... ice.

[@amixeblu]

Here's a good tip. Get a couple big onions, slice them up and put them in portion sizes (what fits in the bottom of a pan/pot) into small freezer bags. We have one drawer in our tabletop freezer filled w/ sliced onions. So easy not to have to cut them when you are ready to cook. Just throw one of the bags into your pot, let it thaw out and voilà. Super easy, and so very helpful in the kitchen!

[@readyornot316]

“The more often you go to the grocery store, the less you save” (or the more you spend). So true. And I also mountain bike and stink at downhill skiing. Try cross country!

[@jennifersjunkmail5935]

As a new skier, I benefitted greatly from lessons, and would start the season every year with a refresher. As for how long to keep trying, you know the answer: for as long as you are enjoying yourself, regardless of how you look to others!

[@susanmolnar9606]

Growing up we had a large basement pantry. My mom did a lot of baking. But whenever she needed something she sent me to go down and get it for her. I guess that’s what your role is when you’re the youngest! Lol.

[@Almost.Sharon]

a question ive been having to ask myself as ive binge watched your videos is how to adjust things for a single person living with roommates! might be a good video idea too or something :) but i wanted to know your take on that. things like how big of a prepper pantry for a single person, budget, other things that might change if youre a single person household!

[@Jen-Chapin]

I specialize in a chaotic pantry grocery store 😂

[@bandnadevi5870]

i remember this one time i felt completely stuck, like no matter what i did, life just wasn’t moving forward. i tried everything-manifestation journals, vision boards, all that stuff-but it felt like i was missing something. then i stumbled across this book, Vibrations of Manifestation by Alex Lane, and it hit different. it wasn’t just about manifesting; it was about understanding the energy i was putting out into the world. honestly, it changed everything. if you’re feeling stuck too, you might want to check out this book.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I have a well stocked panrty. I also get Thrive Market, go to Costco quarterly and Trader Joe's monthly. Weekly HEB for veggies and fruit.

[@nancyfeeser4653]

I started ( thank you) a basement stock pile. Small but getting used to it. I need to get liners or something to put on shelves.

[@brentderksen]

After the pizza is mastered, go to the S turns. Then bring those skis together and strait. It's a progression.

[@olasarts]

Lol, planning a pizza date night, but feel like this was about something else 😂

[@ingmariohman8242]

Skiing is one of the best work-outs there is! You use large muscle groups. Awesome cardiac and coordination. Keep at it!

[@lorrem2539]

In the beginning of 2024, my pantry and freezer was stocked! Now, it is empty and I need to restock it.

[@Hillbillygal]

Me too. I do Always keep enough extras for occasional weather events though.

[@brendaspencer6691]

We have 3 of the shelves like yours and it is so nice to make less trips to the store.

[@AlrakWeaver]

My family is starting to call me a prepper…(yes, that is how they’re saying it) But when you’re on a fixed income like me, and you don’t drive, I’m starting to stock up on essential non frozen items to put in my hall closet. I recently transfer to another apartment that now has a decent size hall closet, but it has a lot of shelves. 👍

[@holly4357]

I can relate and I say keep skiing! I started skiing at 39 (my kids were all out of baby stage finally!) and I’m 44 now. I’ll never be a natural skier compared to my kids who all started at ages 2-3, but I have definitely improved! Yes, I have fallen, but I don’t take huge risks and ski steady down the mountain. 😂 I fully expect all of my kids to be better than me and I’m totally ok with that!

[@cynthiajudkins2250]

I have a bay window that I transformed into a extra pantry/storage for pots and pans and I love it, almost want to do the same thing to my other bay window

[@rhondavigil795]

When did your channel explode? I remember when you had less than 100,000 . Congratulations on the growth.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@becreative2420]

​@@FrugalFitMom love your channel! More growth = more scammers in the comments. Ugh.

[@ashleyt6237]

I love these food storage videos. Thank you for this info.

[@treenawelch31]

I had to take one skiing lesson with people who already were familiar with skying....it helped me immensely to get over my original fear of falling I'm no longer near a ski place but I would go again!

[@youknowthatgirl8710]

I learned to ski in my 60s I got an instructor that gave me tons of tips I would have never figured out. I went slow and practiced on my days in between lessons. I got the hang of it enough to have a good time, but at the start of every season I get an instructor and have them there to help with what I forgot. Instructors are the way to go, I’m female so I got a female instructor and I think that helped a lot when I was out of my comfort zone she knew how to help me regain my confidence. Don’t give up you’ll get it sooner or later it’s all muscle memory. Like biking.

[@shlf2615]

Your "grocery store" is impressive! I live in a tiny apartment in FL, so I only keep extras (mostly canned food) during hurricane season. That's when canned vegetables are handy.

[@marissastockton793]

Ever think about roller shelves like one you can put between your fridge and wall? Also top of fridge storage too

[@shlf2615]

@@marissastockton793 Thanks for the good thoughts. I would love to use a roller shelf, but this kitchen has no space between anything. LOL But, yes, the top of the 'fridge is utilized in another way - as is under the bed. 🤣 It's a small space, but cozy and affordable. I'm not at all complaining.

[@tondamccarthy6537]

I have never once had to worry or fight crowds during any emergency situation not one time. I keep a well stocked pantry.

[@cjhoward409]

Same !

[@salonsavy6476]

Same 👍🏻

[@mari15103]

Same! So much less stress 😊

[@barbaramatarazzo4269]

Love a pantry in the house it allows me to get stuff on sale and buy more of it for when there is no sales which here in NY happens more often lately😊thank u for your videos love them..

[@olasarts]

What NY stores do you recommend?

[@kathrynbynum5]

Thanks for sharing! I am trying to build up a pantry.

[@tarawarner8864]

usually I dont pay attention to sponsorships but I feel like I can actually trust your recommendations!

[@LeahCary78]

I started mine with just 5$ ( USD) PRE shopping trip. 😊

[@Devie-q9g]

Fire roasted tomatoes. Yum. I too have discovered the Isle with fire roasted peppers. Delicious

[@ConnieK-n1i]

I tried skiing for the first time in my 30’s. I took lessons and I tried several times, but I just couldn’t get my legs to do what I needed them to do. So I gave up. But if you can snowboard you can probably do it. Keep trying.

[@SaraBudgetOrganized...ish...]

My husband had never skied in his life before. I started skiing before I could walk. He had classes 4 days x 3 times and then skiing without classes 2 days x 3 times. At that point he was good at skiing. Now 9 years later, he's better at it than I am. 😅🤪

[@donnaknowles-ni8fg]

skiing is a learned sport...give it 5 seasons...no less...i think you will rock skiing...keep going

[@evershade.after.dark.]

To answer the skiing question, all I can see are twisted knees in your future. I think snowboarding is safer, which is why I let my kids use mine whenever we had a good snow. ☺️

[@melissawright4040]

I love thrive market. I'm trying to use food in my pantry so I haven't ordered from them in a while. I haven't bought hamburger helper in years. My mom took what I had and when she passed away i donated or tossed them.

[@themeatlessmama]

I went skiing once. Never again! I was terrible at lessons and then fell off the ski lift and the 250 pound instructor fell on top of me. I cried and begged for the snowmobile guy to drive me back down the mountain. I spent the rest of the day sitting under the heat vent and eating soup in the lodge. So skiing is more of a spectator sport for me LOL

[@elenalunn4052]

Hi! Mediocre skier here. Just keep at it this season and keep going if you like it. I find it hard to carve out time to ski, the mountain is a decent jaunt away and I’m busy so can’t dedicate more than an hour or two. My form got better when I started skating more so if getting to a sheet of ice is easier than a mountain there’s a decent overlap in how you move your body around weight wise over your feet. You probably have better access where you are than I do in the east coast to quality lessons so one is always worth a shot.

[@abbymoeller8389]

The first couple times my husband and I went skiing, I hated it! I was awful at it and felt like I couldn't get the hang of it. I'm an avid rollerblader, and those stupid ski poles were such a distraction and an obstacle for me. Finally I decided to try without the poles, and BOOM! I got it down! I cannot use the poles. Lol

[@debbiehaney2467]

If you’re having fun skiing and you never look like a good skier, I say keep on skiing anyway. I try to maintain a grocery store pantry, but space is an issue I haven’t figured out yet. I have a small home with very little storage, but don’t have kids at home like you, so I ought to be able to create a dedicated space for my personal grocery pantry if I’d just organize myself better. It definitely makes a difference to have on hand multiples of the shelf stable products i use most often.

[@rachelosteen8454]

Awe, I was hoping we’d get to see you skiing. 😆

[@Fedilino]

Becoming the person we needed during tough times is a powerful motivator for both personal and professional development. I wish everyone reading this the best of luck in achieving success!

[@ReneeDennis-x8h]

You have a wheat grinder? Tell me more! 😊

[@wendystuthers8706]

I have a well stalked pantry. I have no worries about starving. I also have 2 small freezers full. There is only 2 of us.❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@juliamarple3785]

My basement is emptied out! ..cuz we r packed up to move. Feeling so vulnerable.

[@brettewart7453]

Udos to you trying something new. Don't give up. You will get better with practice no matter what you do! 😊

[@kerryf9796]

I love our basement grocery store! Funny story about skiing. When my husband and I were dating, we went skiing in Vermont. When it was time to get off the ski lift, my now husband jumped off. I didn't. I got scared. I was probably about 95/100 lbs (5'1") at the time. Well, the sensor didn't go off, so the lift started going around again with me on it!!! The ski guy AND my husband climbed up to rescue me. Talk about EMBARRASSING! 😂

[@timschofield2762]

I wish I had a basement/extra space.

[@heleeneverson8256]

Stupid question how long after best before date can you use your canned goods after expiration date

[@Cheray_]

Because it's such a smart and common question, she has a whole video on it😉

[@lexyarnold1216]

From one Idaho mom of boys to the next, keep skiing! Bunny hill, lots of bunny hill! French Frie Pizza Frnch Frie Pizza over and over and over! And if you can find a class the does adult beginners, take it! Pomerelle in Tein Falls area has one and so does Bryan Head in southern utah, it's were o learned and 2 of my kiddos so far have taken on their first slopes! Love it there

[@brentkillian]

Among many others reasons not to get into skiing. It is a very expensive hobby. Take up cruising instead. Much more enjoyable warm weather.

[@aaronmurphy8186]

What kind of wheat grinder do you have? I’m thinking of getting one

[@hollypepen4012]

Do ski lessons! My hubby has been a skier for 20+ years and that’s what he recommends 😊

[@girlonaswing9439]

Never been skiing or snowboarding but I asked a snowboarder which was easier and he said by far skiing. So maybe it won't take you that long.

[@cindybaumgart4219]

@frugalfitmom take some skiing lessons. You’ll be hella more confident! No one looks spectacular when they’re first learning to ski 😂 I took lessons when I was a kid. It takes time to get really good! You’re a star and you can do it! ❤

[@beckym.macias6285]

Life’s goal is to have a pantry like yours!! Mine is a work in progress.

[@joannaazar7396]

Good afternoon Christine, sending love from- Jersey ❤🩵

[@donnamullins2089]

Nice basement grocery open 24 hours. Love me some beans or peas with rice. Team Louisiana (father) plus anything with shrimp or out of the Gulf. You don't have to ski or snowboard to be popular. lol. Thanks for the video Christine.

[@lifetwolive]

Had to laugh at 6:52 when you said "maybe you have a basement in your grocery store".

[@FrugalFitMom]

LOLOLOL!

[@sarahl.944]

Same ​@@FrugalFitMom

[@aderynthomson5991]

I’m the opposite. I’m a great skier, but when I tried to snowboard, it was a disaster. I decided I was going to stick to what I know and do best.

[@chelseafailla9887]

Cracks me up seeing some of the things that show up at all of the discount stores. We've also got the primal kitchen vodka sauce and random flavored mayo and also the peanut and co chocolately pb spread 🤣 (my son's fave!)

[@tanjacavlovic8053]

I feel you about the skiing. I found on Instagram a post with a lot of commentators how skiing is a sport for mazochists and reasons why they left it. A majority. I wish I never read it.

[@elissapoh7782]

Video or it didn’t happen girlfriend - where’s the video of you skiing? We want to see it 😂😂😂

[@brendacole9134]

Awesome pantry!

[@suebee1540]

I tried cross country skiing (basically walking with skis on), when I was about 15. I came to a little bump on the trail and I sat down mid way 'cause I was going to fast. Some of us are not built for speed.

[@smilingjacks83]

I wish thrive market existed in UK

[@davinacipriano5642]

Skiing is hard. Snowboarding is hard. It all takes time!

[@amy2284]

We can do anything if we have two things Passion and perseverance which is GRIT (Angela Duckworth’s book 📕) God created us with a Growth Mindset ( Carol Dweck)- not a Christian books but she explains a lot about it and some schools have done well to implement this concept. You inspire me to get better at mountain biking 🚵 which I love too. Thank you for your videos Christine. You will be an amazing skier ⛷️ because you have that stick ability which can make it happen- but only if it’s your mindset. Ski school helps for sure :) Maybe take it with one of your kids- what a fun memory that would be and it’s seems you like to create those with kids. That could be your why too ❤️

[@debravanderpool2250]

remember sonny bono.....skiing bad

[@adairsulhoff5405]

Don't worry, my attempt at skiing would make yours appear deft. I spent most of the time on my back like a bug trying to get up, with little kids zipping around me. The instructor was so relieved to end accountability when the time was up!

[@tanjacavlovic8053]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@The47thBasement]

Show the skiing video or we riot.

[@godsprecious6884]

This was good ❤

[@Charlotte-h9j]

My basement grocery store is under my bed.

[@timschofield2762]

It is definitely worth an initial lesson according to my 40 year old son who tried skiing for the 1st time. He paid for a two hour lesson on the basics and felt it was well worth it.