7 Things Frugal People Do That You Don't

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/frugalfitmom to get 20% off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep

[@jillmartin8195]

@frugalfitmom frugal people brew homemade kombucha!!! Dirt cheap. Crazy easy. Fool proof. GUT HEALTH 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼😉

[@myluvs2931]

Hi. Thanks for this video. You sound like me. Have they checked you for gall stones? I had such a bad flare up while I was pregnant with my twin girls in 2017. Ended up having to have my gallbladder removed and went on a no red meat, high fiber diet for a month after and now I’m good. Just wanted to share in case it could help. Hope you feel better! ❤😊

[@nancyfarkas3592]

Those mattresses are expensive!

[@danaerakstad7924]

Question. I'd like to order a couple mattresses but what do you put them on? Do you use a box spring? I not where do you buy your platform? Thank you

[@FrugalFitMom]

I have a few platform beds from amazon, they can also go on a box spring but don't have to. amzn.to/3EMn53c @@danaerakstad7924

[@christinawentzel9624]

Also remember to let go of toxic people. You don’t owe anyone anything just because they’re related to you.

[@nicoleyap6070]

Exactly!! I did just that, and what a relief!

[@neldafairley6440]

My daughter and I didn't talk or visit for almost 5 years. I was fine with that at the time. God did bring us back together again and we are much happier. Sometimes people just need a break from each other.

[@glendaschilder3048]

Amen 🙏

[@mysteryexplorer556]

Being a nurse, I would say that washing clothes is dependent on where you have been, not just physical appearing dirt. My uniforms ALWAYS got washed every time worn. If you have been in public areas where you have sat on furniture that does not get wiped down, in tight quarters with others, etc. you might reconsider washing the clothes otherwise you are keeping those germs and spreading them in your home. 🤢

[@gailoreilly1516]

Nurse here...I couldn't stand coming home in the same clothes I worked in. I had 3 little children and tried to keep work "germs" separate from home germs. I never wore my work shoes home either.

[@leelaural]

I always washed my unis daily as a nurse. underwear and socks need to be washed and things like dishclothes....however, other clothes I might just hang outside to air out. my spouse will wear a shirt for two hrs going to a meeting....his shirt gets hung outside to air out.....does everybody realize that dry cleaners charge ridiculous prices and basically brush off your clothes and hang them up.....

[@Foxyexrn]

@@gailoreilly1516RN here too! I agree. My work shoes go in a box in my car , my uniform goes into the washing machine and I’m in the shower! Washing my uniform is essential for hygeine ...it’s non negotiable!

[@raneesroom]

Facts. Learned this as a child from my pediatrician. She told me to take off the clothes I wore to school because all the pollen from the playground and germs from school were in them. So I wash my kids school clothes… backpacks and shoelaces can be another source of nastiness

[@ruthturkington1736]

Being a nurse as well, Totally agree with germs 🦠 on clothes!

[@ninnymuggins5159]

One cup of vinegar and one cup of water into a spray bottle and it cleans EVERYTHING- fridge, counters, mirrors, bathrooms, glass. And it's so cheap and NO PERFUMES, great for people with allergies to the toxic chemicals!

[@dinahsoar6982]

I use this, adding a drop or two of Dawn Dish Soap and about a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. For windows I love this: equal parts of white vinegar, alcohol, water and a little bit of Dawn. The alcohol makes the windows dry faster. These are pretty much the only cleaners I use along with microfiber cleaning cloths.

[@claradiblasi354]

Thank you for the tip!!

[@jebsmith323]

Mr. Bubble bubble bath is the best cleaner ever. Just a few drops with water cleans everything, doesn't need rinsing, removes scum and washes window. Put a drop on a grease spot, and it will wash out.

[@lesleysears9808]

It kills orders instantly from pet accidents too.

[@roxyjohnson5112]

The hospital I work at uses vinegar. I do to, and it’s great.

[@triciaperinger2675]

The clip of Dawn hiding her throw pillows was funny!

[@melodiemoore2076]

😂😂😂

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

Best.cameo.ever!!! lol!!

[@UnadornedInIndiana]

Dawn and her throw pillows. ❤

[@Clic03]

I wonder if Dawn uses Dawn dish detergent. 🤔

@@Clic03she does!

[@CS-tk1ni]

Here are some of my small saving hacks 1. I cut the dryer sheets in half 2. Run errands and shop on same day to save mileage and gas 3. Buy canned goods etc in bulk at warehouse store 4. Give Thanks to God for my blessings

[@dawnmichelle63]

Talking about Clothing... I find/buy my clothing a Thrift Stores, sometimes New with Store Tags & Gently Used. Great buys for $3 to $5. Name Brand Shoes & Handbags...❤Love Your Video ❣️

[@kerriwiman6484]

“Do you leave people better than you found them?” Wow thank you … that is the best goal ever!

[@kayleigh1722]

They outlawed the plastic grocery bags in my state. So when the out-of-state grandmas ship gifts for the kids, they use their empty (checked to be hole-free) grocery bags as packaging. Then I get to use them for my garbages and other uses. I’m so grateful!

[@juliaarango8363]

I don't know wht they call them single use bags; I use the for carrying an extra pair of shoes to work, fir carrying my wet swimsuit after swimming, for lining my trash cans

[@kimmyers7583]

When I bought my only new car, a 2013 Ford Mustang, I negotiated 75 cent oil changes for the life of my car. I still have this car and plan on keeping it forever!

[@Trish....]

Excellent negotiating skills!

[@naomiemoore5725]

Great deal! How much do you drive per week?

[@katiemobley5882]

I just started cutting my sponges in half! We are watching every dollar, thank you for the video 👍

[@cathylombard964]

Only 8-10% of the stuff we put in recycling bins which are picked up by trash companies end up being actually recycled. Most end up in landfills.

[@Seeking_Him]

I was disheartened to see the garbage truck actually pick up the recycle bins too a few weeks ago. They usually run separate trucks. I heard recycling is not really what it seems, so now I just try not to stress it and grateful for the extra space on the weeks we have a lot of packaging/plastics.

[@shannonshannon4654]

Dawn the Minimal Mom hiding her throw pillows absolutely MADE this video!!! Bahahahaha 😂 thank you Christine for adding that clip!

[@daysonsmom]

When I got married. I had a couple ladies give us starter pantry box and starter cleaning/laundry box. Still consider this the best gift yet.

[@rondanakamura2655]

That's BRILLIANT!

[@trublgrl]

A little tip for your jeans: A stylist from Levi's said you really don't have to wash jeans. Instead, roll them up tight, put them in a plastic bag, and put them in your freezer for a day or two. The cold kills any bacteria and kills most odors associated with worn jeans. Then spot clean as needed. This will keep your denim from fading and your fabric from shrinking. Also, the smallest rip will fray like crazy in the wash, so don't put them there!

[@dorothylamb6646]

I had a friend who had a blue Jean skirt that she never washed. I’m not that frugal.

[@deniseheninger5303]

I once told my husband, "If you really love me, you'll let me go to the grocery store without any kids." I would put our three young boys to bed, and then head to my local Smith's by myself. It was my happy place!

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

Me too!

[@anaalves3658]

I don't understand parents that take the whole family to the grocery store, it's extra stressful, time consuming and your kids just end up asking you for junk. I also don't understand how people go grocery shopping with no list. You end up walking up and down the whole store, wasting time and buying things you don't need and forgetting what you do.

[@diversekakes]

At one point in my life I got up to go to the grocery store at 5 am so I could go to the store and be back and have breakfast ready by the time they got up

[@Bs13579]

@@anaalves3658 I try to take mine with me to teach them money management, self control, and they tend to eat the healthier things if they help pick them out. I set the expectations and we have made some wonderful memories grocery shopping. That being said, do I always enjoy it, do I always have the energy, no. 😂😂

[@mollyswanner1607]

Same !!! I loved that time by myself at the grocery store!!

[@lanoredixon170]

Whew! Gotta comment here. Love the video, but spending time with people is not what makes all of us feel fulfilled and joyful. In fact, that can really cause far too much stimulation. For many of us, being alone is what brings us joy, exploring our creativity (which unfortunately often creates clutter) makes life worth living. Otherwise, you've got some great advice!

[@shawnacombs5171]

They do actually recycle the bags. My husband is an engineer for a bag manufacturer, the recycling plant is located next door to the main facility. They recycle the bags, make pellets from them, combine those with some new materials, and extrude that into new film 😊

[@lyndi9082]

AWESOME!! That's great to know!! I've seen documentaries where our recycled trash is so overwhelming that a percentage is recycled, incinerated, or still ends up in the landfills with about 2% shipped to other countries. A lot of people in this world using disposable paper/plastic items every day. Before plastics, it was cloth and glass that was washed and reused.

[@susank2019]

Thank you. Do you know whether it's true they cannot be recycled indefinitely and must eventually end up in a landfill?

[@cjhoward409]

Pellets ?! You shouldn’t burn plastic. Or do you mean pallets ?

[@cjhoward409]

@@sct4040 I only pay for the 13 gallon size ones but I also put trash in our empty 50 lb dog food bags. All the non stinky burnable stuff goes I go the big empty dog food bag. And we live out in the country so we burn our own trash. We go thru 1 bought trash bag every 10-15 days. Everything else is recycled or composted …

[@rosecorrie2920]

I make my son return those bags all the time, he hates it😂

[@pamcarr3598]

Not too long ago on the news, they put trackers on 20 of those plastic store bags and took them to different recycling places and stores that have recycling drop offs for them. Only 1 out of the 20 made it to a recycling center. The rest ended up in landfills. So yes, they're lying to us. I reuse them for trash bags.

[@xAmaya13x]

Omg that's sad to hear, I try so hard to be good about my recycling.

[@beans4853]

​@@xAmaya13xrecycling is a scam created to make the average person feel good about saving the planet when its really going to the same trash center as everything else most of the time

[@user-fv1mt6sc5t]

That's how I felt when I was recycling bottles and cans religiously to help the planet. Then finding out they don't even actually recycle them, they ship them around the ocean from Port to Port because they don't have anyone who will take them anymore 😭 it's ridiculous

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yup trash bags is what they’re great for Until they stop selling garbage bags, the whole NO Grocery Bag laws are simply a way to sell garbage bags!!!

[@llkg9]

​@@YeshuaKingMessiah Exactly! My old grocery store stopped giving out plastic bags years ago. When I asked why, they said it was bad for the environment because they're "single use." When I mentioned that I reuse them for the beach/pool, then eventually reuse them as trash bags, the guy says, "well, you can buy beach bags and garbage bags." 🤦‍♀️

[@jkp62]

We are close to our 41st anniversary and everything you have said here is what we implemented decades ago. I not only cut sponges in half, I reused coffee filters (until reusable filters came on the market) and ziploc bags. When dryer sheets came out, I realized just half a sheet worked perfectly on a large load, so I still cut my dryer sheets in quarters. Our daughter and her family had moved to a city a few years ago with online food delivery-think fast food and restaurants- they didn’t think twice about ordering their lunches and diners per UberEats,etc. Then they moved back to our very rural town and as she was going through the spending each quarter, she realized they had saved over $3,000 by not having meal delivery, yes, $3,000! Yes, they can afford it but now she has built her long term savings and maxed it out and now she’s putting that towards their mortgage, yes, they are financially blessed, but they have learned to pay off any debt before purchasing large items or for vacations. As for grocery shopping, one- I do not have personal hygiene or cleaners, etc attached to my grocery budget, they are separate; we have a $600/month food budget for 2 and 10% of that is for sale items or replacing depleted items (doubling-quadrupling up some items) and to be able to stay at or BELOW that budget, we meal plan and part of the meal plan is utilizing leftovers either for another meal with a twist or for our work lunches. As for plastic bags, it’s ridiculous, pretty much everything we all purchase is wrapped in plastic, even cell phone cases, so recycling is nominal in the grand scheme of things. Before I married, I had an overflowing closet of classic cut clothes, no fast fashion, those clothes lasted another 12 years after we married (weight gin and body changes after 3 children, those clothes and shoes and outerwear were quality materials and classic style so no one even knew they were close to 20 years old when I wore them, I just would buy accessories that were fast fashion to “modernize” the outfit), yes, quality classic styles cost more but they also last a lot longer and through multiple trends, just invest in one piece at a time like the classic white blouse or a classic wool trouser or classic leather flat or heels. We are so use to instant gratification it creates shockwaves through our brains to start waiting for things or save for things or plan a meal plan 1-2 weeks out, but that is how people who can truly afford those cash paid vacations, cars, clothes live, more frugal than the ones trying to pay down a credit card to get the next best thing.

[@mishelmk]

Absolutely!

[@lyndi9082]

Everything you say is oh so true!! Telling it like it is... thanks!! ❤

[@LovelyBones1841]

Thank you so much for sharing- I did not know that they make reusable coffee filters and this little tip will help save money for the future!

[@emmyjoyful1]

Don't need to use any dryer sheets. They leave a film on the clothing which contributes to them wearing out faster, and not getting as clean. Plus the chemicals on dryer sheets are polluting as are the sheets themselves.

[@tazmrm0373]

@@emmyjoyful1yes, haven’t ever done dryer sheets; 1/2 c vinegar in rinse cycle helps soften and freshen the clothes. I recently added dryer balls but many months of the year we hang our clothes outside. Less wear and tear and saves the dryer cycle; AND the life of the dryer!

[@kristinafrancis9695]

I don't use conditioner on my hair anymore!!! Just a solution for distilled white vinegar & water (50%/50%). I also got rid of ALL my cleaning products & just use my fragrance free/plant based dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, essential oils. Life is MUCH simpler and smells way better!!! Great video!!! ❤

[@The47thBasement]

Cutting sponges in half made my jaw drop. I NEVER would’ve thought to do that.

[@anonymoususer9119]

Once you start you’ll never stop

[@wilsoncrunch1330]

I am in a warmer climate so I do not own a dryer, I just hang them out on the line which also helps keep them last longer and the sun does sterilize and the fresh smell is great. I also have my own homemade laundry soap which last 10x longer then store bought.

[@trish237]

I carried one of those little pocket notebooks in my back pocket for 3 months. Every penny spent went into the notebook. On what, where, and cost. At the end of each month, I categorized what I bought and the total cost. Easy to see what I can cut out. It took a while, but buy becoming frugal, I paid off the rest of the car, ALL of the house, no more credit card debt and paid my car and house ins 1 year ahead, which gave me a huge discount and with that discount I paid for my food pantry. Try it, it works.

[@tgayer1]

You’re a ROCKSTAR! 🌟

[@user-fv1mt6sc5t]

I might need to try this. I already know a few things I could cut out that would save quite a bit of money, but I really need to work out how to space out what I need and when. I may go into so much detail that I will figure out how long it takes me to go through my razors, soaps, etc. I may get real weird on this 😂

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Only if u have enough income to do this lol

[@user-fv1mt6sc5t]

@YeshuaKingMessiah it isn't an all at once process...

[@trish237]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah anyone can use a notebook to identify their spending habits. Go from there. Blessings.

[@tanyasmeditationmusic]

I love finding ways to repurpose items! I always use my plastic grocery bags as bathroom trash can liners, and I also use them doubled-up as freezer food storage bags instead of buying ZipLoc bags.

[@karenm7433]

Christine - I am a public works director. In most cases, Those single use plastic bags ARE NOT RECYCLABLE in your curbside collection service. They should be recycled at select retailers who have drop boxes in their lobby (target, meijer, etc). They wrap around the conveyor belts at the recycling facility and cause all kinds of problems. They are considered contamination and must be manually removed by processing center workers. Best to reduce your usage of those single use plastic bags or repurpose them for lunch bags, small trash can liners or dog poop bags

[@terryrodriguez6209]

My city will take the plastic grocery bags but only if there are a lot of them all stuffed tightly into another tied up bag. No singles.

[@AprilOverstreet-en1ii]

Or, burn them. It won't have the effect the Burning Man event had on the environment. Keeps them out of the oceans and doesn't take up space in landfills. Let's remember Yahweh controls the climate not man.

[@UnadornedInIndiana]

She wasn't asking about recycling them with other recyclables. Her Walmart has a bin just for recycling bags. Our stores do, too. Do those bags, placed specifically in bins to recycle recycle plastic bags get recycled? That's the question.

[@karenm7433]

@@UnadornedInIndiana sorry if I misunderstood! The plastic bag issue is always a quandary 😊

[@vickigonya9432]

I LOVE Meyers hibiscus dish liquid as shampoo/ body wash. It does a great job!!!

[@ilianaguerrieri7573]

A frugal we do is barter! I’m a cosmetologist so I offer haircuts, nails etc, hubby is very handy so we barter services for things we don’t want to buy lol

[@nancycarney]

You just described my husband 100% of frugal living. He is the reason we are debt free. I am a stickler about the laundry. It saves electricity, wear and tear on your clothes laundry detergent and water bill. All of that being said....He is not a fixer. 😞. Absolutely no skills. That is where I come in. I will KZbin anything to fix it before I call anyone. We also have a plumber and an electrician that are great neighbors. "Score" Love this video.

[@nataliejohnson3192]

Hi Christine, another way to reuse plastic bags is to donate them to daycare centers for diaper disposal, public libraries for book check out and local thrift stores. Also, elementary schools often need plastic bags for “accidents” with little kids. The wet clothes get sent home in plastic bags.

[@kaymyers4766]

People who have support with family or friends in their lives are richer than than maybe they know. Even if they don't have a ton of money.

[@AWordofHope]

Lol yes growing up in a single parent household learned to wear clothes more than once before washing and I still do it at 51. I still have clothes from years ago that are in good condition. Occasionally I buy a new piece. I learned a lot from my mom growing up that helped me. She grew up in the depression and she saved everything and reused a lot of things❤ lost her in June but thankful for all she taught us. Lol 😂 yes I reuse Walmart bags for trashcans too. Sooooo many things we can repurpose 🎉

[@cgt6497]

Save your spray bottles and make your own "windex". I put in 2 Tbsp. ammonia, 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/4 tsp. dawn dish soap, fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. This makes a wonderful streak-free, grease-cutting cleaner. Plus, the ingredients cost much less than one bottle of Windex.

[@terrivelazquez4974]

I use just dawn and water and wipe with a microfiber cloth. About 1 tbsp of dawn. Works great

[@lcampbell6264]

😊

[@Loretta_C]

I used to cut my sponges too. Then I purchased reusable and I wash them with the rest of the kitchen towels and cloths about every 6 weeks. I bought a good mattress and I have had it for 7 years and it's still going strong!

[@doveandolive1153]

🤣I knew it!!! "The Minimal Mom does have a closet of throw pillows" Pay up people💸 Great video Christine, dropped off a ton of items at the donation center that we won't be missing. Glad to hear you are on the mend, not feeling good with our gut healthy can be the worst feeling. Love the earrings and girl you can wear those bangs❤ Great session on the Get Organized HQ - you always rock - thank you for helping so many people and making Frugal Cool! Congrats on the race by the way🎉🥳

[@emeraldcoastbarb1161]

I use those grocery bags for covering extra shoes before I put them in the luggage, and to hold what I scoop out of the litter box. Also, they make great trash bags for the vehicle during road trips. I don’t like Mrs. Meyers products either. I prefer Method granite and wood cleaners, and windex. (Did you know Method has a multipurpose cleaner that smells like lime? Heaven.) We have lived very frugally all of our lives, but have been splurging more in recent years. Having lost friends our age in the last couple of years has taught us that budgeting is important, but so is getting out there and enjoying life. We take two or three long weekend trips with friends each year now, and couldn’t be happier. We budget for it the rest of the year, so it all works out. Live life. Love those close to you. Enjoy each day. ❤

[@MollyT119]

We use those grocery bags for the bathroom trash cans, for dirty diapers, or cat litter, and I also line my "carbage" can in my car with them. They are also awesome for packing as box stuffer if you're moving. Some stores where I live (I'm in Phoenix) are starting to encourage reusable bags and will actually charge you for the plastic bags. I am personally a huge fan of cooler bags and mesh bags because they're multi functional and also work great if you're going to something at a park/lake/beach, and also if you're road tripping. 😉

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

It’s so sad the free grocery bags are going away 😢 Complete consumer scam to buy have to garbage bags

[@nanciseliga8369]

Regarding being lied to about recycling bags, Trex, the deck manufacturer, is making their decking products out of 95% recycled bags and wood products.

[@rebeccaa2433]

I miss those single use bags. CT banned them years ago. I used to use them for so much! Now I have to buy small plastic bags from Amazon to use for garbage cans, cat litter disposal etc. I don’t mind shopping with reusables but get grossed out by them. Most people don’t wash them.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

​@YeshuaKingMessiah While not free, you can buy those plastic bags at several online places. Uline and nashvillewraps are 2 places that I have seen them in the past. Note: you have to buy a lot!j

[@sandraj7196]

agree they are for the trash

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

Loved your video! In addition, frugal people: 1) buy mostly second-hand for household & clothing & cars (‘cep maybe skivvies & “emergency” purchases like a tool you need RIGHT NOW) 2) (mostly) eliminate FOOD WASTE - eat leftovers, learn how to prepare produce in every stage of ripeness (yes even overripe/shriveled), learn recipes that utilize food that isn’t ideal like stale bread (dressing/croutons/strata/bread crumbs etc), limp veggies & overripe fruit (soups/smoothies/muffins), cheese & milk “on the verge” (mixed mac & cheese/ricotta/pancakes), etc 3) Never fear expiration dates on food (we consider them only a SUGGESTION) - then u can buy at discount grocers & utilize your pantry by eating older items first (w/o simply tossing all post-dated items) 4) never buy single-use disposables (well, ahem, except TP & perhaps menstrual products, but there’s alternatives to both if u wanna get hardcore) - use grocery bags & produce bags for your trash, cloth napkins for the table, rags/towels instead of paper towels, reusable containers for leftovers/lunches (not clingfilm or baggies), etc 5) make their own cleaners from vinegar/baking soda/bleach/peroxide/etc

[@kar0047]

Christine absolutely!!! we flat sure are being lied to about recycling!!!

[@julie2904]

This is so true!!! I think my husband wanted to cry when I said no more eating fast food because not only were we doing that but he was ordering it on a app to be delivered to us instead of getting up and getting in the car to go get it which is even more expensive than going there and ordering it. Plus it is easier on the wasteland.

[@mariah3654]

I live this! Cutting the sponge in half - I'm frugal by nature but this is a game changer!

[@heathersmeather]

13:52 Minimizing cleaners is great. I like using a couple drops of Dawn in a small spray bottle with water for most of my cleaning. Smells SO fresh. I do have a method window cleaner (wanted ammonia free), however the Dawn water works on glass with a microfiber cloth too. THEN I’ve got my baking soda and vinegar for certain jobs, and laundry. For cleaners and soaps I don’t like (like the hand soap our neighbors give us every Christmas), I use them in my daily toilet swish. Yeah, it might smell like Christmas or Mrs Meyers for a few minutes, but I feel less wasteful.

[@keriezy]

[@SeeGeekRun]

I use a couple drops of dawn in a spray bottle with water too. Works like a charm!

[@mariah3654]

Flylady wrote for years about a lot of this - too many household cleaners under the sink, menu planning to save money (+ many excellent recipes from Leanne Ely) & clutter.

[@dp8888]

Hi Christine! I met you today at Big deal outlet. I was kinda a deer in the headlights 😆 but I wanted to say thank you for your awesome videos. They have helped me be a little more frugal and I thank you for that! And yes you are still a celebrity and an awesome normal person 😊.

[@rg-mi5hh]

The starter pantry is so right on target. Just found a good way to use processed chicken tenders from the freezer. Put a layer of mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Put a can of corn on top of that. Next put shredded mozerella and cheddar cheese. Then the chicken tenders. Last thing is the gravy. Did not know gravy could be made from boullion cubes! Bake this and then after you put a scoop on your plate, add gravy to the top of it. Mashed potatoes bowls. Yummy! Good way to use up chicken tenders.

[@tamaraliscia3408]

You made a clone of the KFC bowls. I've never had one at KFC but have made them. And, you save so much when you make them yourself. ... good work!

[@rg-mi5hh]

Saw it in youtube. Never had KFC. Looked so good.

[@CrashingDownLovely]

I’d recommend a mid to dark grey over black. That way you can keep the beautiful spots from the wood by using a stain. Also it’s less drastic of a difference between your wall, bed, and windows. On top of that it’s quite the small room and a big black box in the middle can make it look smaller. I bed it would look amazing tho!!! I agree the wood tone isn’t best for the tones already in the room.

[@CrashingDownLovely]

Also if you don’t like it you can just put black over it.

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

I love dark stain colors on wood

[@susanma4899]

Yeah, painting it is one thing. Staining it is another. Do not paint it black--it'll look like a chalkboard behind your bed :P

[@thanielsmom08]

I absolutely love when you say you’re only here for the food! Throws me back to Ever After and I would love to see a clip of that line in your video someday!!

[@kathychatterton5623]

In my area recycling does occur. Our public works department sell those recycled materials for which there is a demand. We have to drop off our recyclables at the transfer station and I frequently see them bundled to go and occasionally see the bundles being hauled away separately from the trash. In my state, there are no trash bags like you showed. The thicker ones can be purchased in many but not all stores; Walmart has do disposable bags, even for a fee. My reusable bags are kept in my car so I can’t forget them. You’ve touched on it in other videos but frugal people plan. I live in a town much smaller than your (1700 people). Most shopping means traveling a distance, we combine errands, plan out a route that doesn’t involve doubling back and my trips frequently involve a friend so two households get errands run in one trip. Frugal people shy away from disposables where it is practical. I use fewer paper towels because as a knitter I made small clothes (Dollar Tree yarn) that I use for cleaning up after pets. They take up a whole 6 sq inches in my kitchen linen drawer. I stopped buying Christmas wrapping paper and tape. I buy Christmas fabric when it is 75-90% off, make draw string bags for gifts and reuse them year after year. Much less paper and dyes in a landfill each year. Fewer disposables and recycling mean we save on our utilities bill each month by being able to use a smaller trash can for trash pick up. Frugal people are ants (ant and the grasshopper story). We know that the $5 we save on our trash bill added to $10 saved on our grocery bill are essentially nothing, but the few cents here there really add up over time. I retired at age 60, debt free. As I tell people, I don’t mind spending money, but I hate wasting money.

[@denise1665]

Living in Germany makes you more conscious about the environment. So every time you go to the grocery store we take our own bags. I make my own cleaning products because I find the store bought products make me cough and hurt my chest. Love your videos and your Daves. Thank you

[@robino941]

Yes, keeping a basic pantry is key! I love all your insights. 🧠

[@carolynboorsma7994]

I have ben menu planning for 15 years. Aside from saving money, I love that I can look at my calendar and plan my meals according to our schedule. One busy nights I can plan a meal like tacos or breakfast for supper and put something on the table that's quick and easy and that my kids will happily eat.

[@lucindapick2986]

I have a grocery budget but don't always need to use it all. On the short weeks, I take inventory of my pantry to see what I'm low on and comb sales to see what's worth stocking up.

[@relaxedambienceatmosphere7041]

This women is smart

[@YTwatcher312]

Not sure what’s in the Costco trail mix but growing up we would just buy big containers of peanuts, raisins and m&ms and make our own trail mix. 😊

[@Virginia_GiGi]

My prayers & sincerest condolences for your untimely loss of Noah. May you find some peace in the coming times. Sending much love ❤

[@adoptedscot]

My husband is so handy with diy. Has just completed a garden renovation which would have cost thousands of pounds and not been done as well. We do all our own decorating would hate to think what it would cost to get somebody in. We are both retired and in our 60’s so not youngsters by any stretch of the imagination and have always done most of things ourselves only exception was dealing with mains gas when we had it.

[@TheWynch]

I eat pineapple before heavy protein and half a cup of raw sourcrout as a late snack, it has turned my IBS completely around. I also try to get a half cup of Kefir with active probiotics sometime during the day. I also switched over to Lactaid milk and lactose free ice cream. I don't know what kind of gut issues you were having but I spent years complaining to the doctors only for them to tell me they couldn't find anything really wrong to cause my symptoms, except to give me more meds to alleviate symptoms which cost money and didn't work. I had reached a point that my diet was reduced to small portions of chicken and easily digestible veggies. Just wanted to share my story, hope it helps.

[@CassieDavis613]

Thank you! I get raised eyebrows when I tell my MD that canned pineapple settles my stomach better than any over-the-counter or prescription medicine.

[@TheWynch]

@@CassieDavis613, I use the precut fresh, but if it works that shouldn't care. The enzymes in pineapple help digest heavy proteins, I swear by it.

[@Happy2Run4Me]

My daughter repurposed our grocery bags into “plarn” or plastic yarn and we crocheted several household items out of or make little gifts with it. So much fun! I’m currently making a plarn basket for keeping produce. My daughter made a hanging basket for onions, garlic or sweet potatoes. We needed one and it was fun for her too. We used to use the bags as trash can liners but this is way better!

[@chelseaolsen8330]

Awesome! How do you do that?

[@abfamily4075]

The clip of Dawn with her throw pillows made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! I love her videos too. That was GENIUS! 😂😂😂

[@user-fv1mt6sc5t]

The way that you meal plan to shop is such a great and simple way to do it!!!! Thank you! I also move my things from room to room at random 😂 I learned a long time ago for pet messes, Windex works wonders. Spray it, then put a rag over it to sit, put a couple heavy books on it, leave it for a little bit. It takes the smell and stain out. I live minimalistic as well. I am going through right now to get rid of things I don't need that I've acquired this year that I don't use. I have a little storage area at my place and am not using it so I may as well.

[@ijustliketosmile__smilingi5733]

Great to hear you are feeling better and on the mend!! I totoally get it. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease 12 years ago and it changed EVERYTHING. Best of luck with your health journey, keep listening to your body!

[@lindamcdermott9980]

When I moved into my newly refurbished apartment, I was told to clean my vinyl floor with Windex. So yes it works on floors too. Personally, I reuse my old Mrs. Meyers spray bottles for vinegar + water + few drops of Dawn for almost everything. Vinegar is an excellent disinfectant, it also kills mold around the bathtub better than Clorox.

[@PhineaBlue]

In Germany you have to purchase plastic bags for your groceries at the checkout and you have to pack it yourself as there is no employee doing that for you. But most shops and stores started selling reusable bags instead of plastic bags, either made of paper, fabric or recycled plastic. But many people actually have baskets or foldable boxes at home that they take with them when grocery shopping - which is the best and most eco-friendly way imo because you can use them for years 😊

[@karenglenn2329]

We have the German experience with Aldi grocery stores. I am studying German. I have learned cash is preferred over plastic. Just stick to task. Now if l could find some curriwurst.. Off topic. The grammar is a challenge for me. I will not give up.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

When you have a business like I do, my frugality helps not feel desperate to take on all jobs that come my way, I can afford to be selective about who I do work for. Frugality gives me a priceless gift, time and not becoming burnt out from working too hard.

[@mialyons8698]

You are one of my favorite people on KZbin because you sound like family to me. I'm always trying to get my family to be more frugal and it works best when you can show them how much money and time they can save. Thanks for the tips. Glad you're feeling better.

[@stepoff1277]

Windex for the win! I use it on clothes to work out a stain before throwing in the wash, too! Dawn or not-Dawn, works on lots of that too. I use Dawn and baking soda in my farm sink to clean it a couple times a week. Works so purdy. And vinegar! Well, so many uses!

[@melissalee1531]

I have Crohn’s disease . I totally understand being so hungry you don’t care what it is !!! Food and cooking is something I love . So having Crohn’s disease stinks !!!! God bless !

[@SherryClarkI]

I understand. I have ulcerative colitis. Pain and hunger.😮

[@susanmitchell4820]

I am in the middle of healing my gut too. I was not having issues with it but other parts of my system were off. Glad you are healing too! I am waiting for my energy to return!

[@kimthomson3761]

A rule we have in our house is if u haven't used or worn something in 2 years it's time to get rid of it. I have been on a major declutter the last couple of weeks. I donate alot to a local thrift store that is run by volunteers and all the funds go to Interval House which is a home for battered women and children who have left their bad situation. It's all about reducing, reusing and recycling. It feels good to pass stuff on so others can enjoy it.

[@homegirl56]

Being a minimalist, and a frugal person is very wonderful. It’s very freeing not only of your pocketbook, but your mind things are easier to clean in your home surfaces they clean or longer you buy what you only need versus what you want. Americans have become very much so consumers. We try to be more producers, but other countries are doing that and taking jobs from us. This year I purge over 12 years of things that I thought I needed wanted or wore and that didn’t happen, so I donated them to three different thrift stores. Love your channel. Keep up the good work PS I also make a list before I go to the store just like you were talking about saves me hundreds of thousands of dollars a year I also grow more of my own herbs spices my own garlic, onion, potatoes, carrots, celery, I grow all those vegetables and so much more berries as well. I at least over 5000 year and just fruits and vegetables that I grow on my own. It’s a lot of work but it is very frugal and it’s fun.

[@chevygirl8275]

Man, I only have 2 sets of bedding for when one is in the wash, but I'm loving the idea of never having to try and fold a fitted sheet ever again! 😊

[@ettamargason4995]

Me too cotton for summer and flannel for winter.😊

[@EmilyMims-ui9zw]

We cut down 60 -70 ft pine trees, replace the engines in the wind terrines on the roof, take out and replace rotten boards in the shutter box fence, hike in the woods and dig big rocks to extend a patio, build a curved brick wall and more / sounds like “oh big deal” except that we are 79 and 82. With the saved money we go to the beach, Key West and planning 2 weeks in Yellowstone. Do it yourself is the BEST. Thanks for being an inspiration.

[@thriftymominboise4128]

When my daughter worked at Albertson's one of her tasks was to empty the bag recycling bin into the big stinky dumpster out behind their building. Very disappointing to hear that. 🤨

[@itsjustme.7059]

That’s very interesting. I really thought they recycled those.

[@terryhenderson424]

Frugal people tend to do what they can for themselves rather than pay for it ready-made or for services. This includes heat and serve foods from the grocery store, mowing thier own lawn, and learning to do some of thier own day's. Frugal vs cheap types will often make "investment purchases" like a lawn mower so they can mow thier own lawn. Or a better quality steel thermos so they can enjoy hot coffee on the go; add the fixings and at least rinse out every evening. Many frugal people are continual learners creating a basic skill set (the library and utube are great for this) and building upon it in small bites of increased difficulty per project.

[@feleciaphillips6388]

Been a minimalist for awhile now. Not by choice, just circumstances. I do laundry every 2 weeks. I have 2 sets of sheets, 2 bath towels (only drying a clean body). My cleaning products is vinager and windex. Same reason as you, love the smell lol. It works for me.

[@fred6059]

I am so happy just to sit at home. Money saved. My boyfriend or uncle do basic home repairs. Money saved.

[@donnabradshaw5200]

I'm going for the minimalism. The horizontal surfaces are the bane of my existence. I've gotten rid of several things (about half) of the items in my home. My drawers, cabinets, closets are all very well organized. But it seems there are always something more to be done.

[@einat1622]

Yes! I use those plastic/paper bags for trash & taking lunch to work as well. I get a little low at times, bc I use reusable bags when going shopping. Same with Windex (any blue cleaning brand. Same stuff). You can redecorate with curb shopping items. Right before specific holidays people are know to get rid of a lot of things, in order to replace them.

[@kelliconlan8133]

😂😂 Love the clip of Dawn and all her throw pillows. Because I thought of her as you were asking the question...and boom...there she was with all of her pillows!!! BUDGETING and knowing where you spend your $ is definitely #1 things for frugal people. PS. When I worked at Lowes (over 12 years ago) once the big bag of small placing bags got full at the front of the store one of us employees was in charge of taking it our and throwing it in the big dumpster in the back of the store. I have also seen this happen at a local grocery store in town also. So save your bags at home and use them, or send them to your kids school, daycare, or churches. They can alway use them for nurses office and other places around the school. (Know first hand as my husband is a teacher, and I'm a substitute teacher.)

[@goddessmel8518]

Equal parts WARM vinegar and Blue Dawn will clean pretty much everything in your house, perfect for shower tiles and screens - my husband will no longer use anything else, he even uses it to clean weeds in his landscaping business. Do you shop your wardrobe before buying new clothes? Do the same thing with your pantry before grocery shopping. Take your list, go through your pantry/fridge/freezer and cross out anything you actually already have. Then have a snack. Then go shopping. Never shop hungry...

[@kzgroovy]

Amen to using the plastic bag as small bin garbage bags! I love cutting the sponge in half idea!!!

[@lindaelhady]

I am quite the minimalist. I buy no plastic or paper items except toilet paper. bought an 18 pack of different colored wash cloths (5 dollars). The white ones are for kitchen use and are washed daily with a bit of bleach , dish washing and drying and washing down kitchen appliances etc. The pastel cloths I offer to guests for napkins or I use my stash of beautiful antique linen napkins.. Grey is for bathing. Black cloths for dirty jobs. All freshly laundered of course. When food comes in plastic jars I reuse with non food items such as nails or craft items. Glass jars are the best that I use for leftovers, freeze soups . store fresh foods, etc. I have purged my kitchen of all plastic items. Cutting boards, glasses, wraps, everything that food touches. When I buy food that comes in plastic trays I try to re purpose in non food storage ways.

[@abbygator411]

A few years ago my city stopped picking up recycling because it was just going to the dump anyways. It was all a scam. Now we have to take our recycling to a recycling center ourselves.

[@cturnerb]

Same here. Now I don't even think about recycling1

[@kathymatheny6336]

Ours stopped that because they can’t keep enough trucks running to handle basic trash pickup. (Mechanical issues and lack of employees) i take cardboard to the recycling center to save space in the garbage can. They have employees to take your recyclables at the drop off so it’s really quick and easy

[@itsjustme.7059]

I live in Alaska. I used to pay a fortune to have our garbage people pick up our recycling. Then I found out that they had to barge it out of here. We don’t have many recycling places up here. I stopped paying for it. I use reusable bottles to take water with me. I have those metal straws, reusable grocery bags. If they didn’t barge it out of here it went to the dump so it was not worth it to me to pay for it.

[@canoli1978]

Ask your Dr to test you for H. Pylori. It’s really common but most doctors will not test for it unless you have an ulcer. If your dr. will not do the test, you can order one online and take the results to your dr. I did this and got the antibiotics I needed to get better.

[@athomewithtexasgirl9888]

So glad your feeling better Christine. I've been meal planning for years and it truly helps. Yes I believe we've been lied to about recycling. Past 2 years I take all our trash to the dump myself bc its cheaper and I have a truck. Costs me $2 a week and the dump is not far. I see the garbage trucks dumping all the trash and guess what...it all goes in the same pile of garbage as everything else. Some places might be different as well as other states in how they do things, but i see it all going in the same place.

[@lauranewman564]

I have fainted before. Not fun. Take care, friend. You are important to us.

[@katherinemanna1821]

Add turmeric and ginger (if you aren’t already) to help the gut and any inflammation. Also more fermented foods. Hope you stay well for a long time. Love your videos.

[@robinmoore446]

The sponge cutting was new to me. I’m going to try it. Thanks! You are entertaining and inspiring.

[@gungamesschuf7irdrjklmcemi810]

I have lived my life with a well stocked larder. We live in a rural area so the store is a good half hour away so the thought of an hour round trip is unappealing just to pick something up. When I had kids at home, I used to can and freeze quarts and quarts of food to feed them every summer from our garden. I bake from scratch. As a girl, I made almost all my own clothes but today, it is often a better value to buy off the rack. In 2010, I found high quality tees for $1. I bought every color and I am still wearing them. Maybe not out but they are fine for daily activities. One thing I learned from my grandma, mom and aunt is to be patient with large purchases. Plan and save for those things. Don't pay interest, don't strap your budget. Put money away each week while researching the product and purchase when the time is right.

[@brandyf9128]

So happy you are feeling better! I think it’s great you have such a positive outlook! :)

[@janemartin229]

I cut up Mr. Clean type sponges (I buy the cheap ones) into little squares. We almost never eat out. We were using our Discover points for restaurant gift cards but stopped using them. We're almost always disappointed in the food, service or cleanliness of restaurants. When you cook it yourself, you know what you're getting. If you work, it's really important to cook extra for packing a lunch. Once I trained my husband to stop going to the food court, his fellow employees were actually jealous of his home-cooked meals, and we saved a ton of money. We're retired now, so it's really important to be frugal.

[@scottminshall6420]

Great video Christine as always! For your stomach issues if you have not done so, have a test done on your gallbladder, you are talking all of the same symptoms that a few of my friends had where it was their gallbladder. they had to have it removed but it was the big cure for them. hope you get it worked out soon. Good luck on your race.

[@raquel5401]

gallbladder surgery is getting WAY TOO COMMON. Try getting rid of all hyper-processed foods in your diet, this really can help. Fake ingredients completely screw up our bodies.

[@kimbare7434]

Oh the uses of the plastic grocery bags. * trash can liners * vehicle trash bags * crumpled as part of packaging for sending care boxes to friends and family * crumpled, dipping into paint to make marbling on a wall * garbage bag instead of bowl when chopping veggies * airplane bag in car***dbl bags just in case * plarn ......some people crochet with bags that make outside mats for the homeless, mats for aboveground pool ladder...... * I use these as another layer of protection in the freezer for my meats. Mark with a little freezer tape * Wintertime they can be used to wear over socks to keep feet warm and dry just in case shoes or boots get soaked. Have a blessed day

[@igna83]

Thanks for the video - great tips for sure! We definitely buy higher quality clothing...my husband and I have had most of what we wear for over 20 years, and we have always tracked our spending. That said, in our family, we wouldn't use 75% of those pantry items...we use salt/pepper, spices, & oil weekly, but all others only a few times per year--no one here eats pasta, beans, or bread--we meal plan, just with proteins and veggies.

[@susanf4857]

My husband and I have fixed so many things by watching YT videos!! There are some very good ones out there. He just repaired my washing machine by watching one. I have fixed my Keurig watching a YT how to video.

[@ashleyemma4954]

I love your bangs!❤ These were awesome tips! I haven't bought cleaning spray in months. I make my own with dish soap, essential oils and water. I do still buy antibacterial spray for the bathroom occasionally but we were going through cleaning spray for the table and counter like crazy!! Also I always go to the grocery store at 9pm when no one is there😂

[@annsaunders5768]

Smarter to go as it opens on a Friday .or I g, marked down meats and produce abound!

[@patriciatinkey2677]

I want to thank you, & Dawn, & all the commenters! So many good iseas. 1 cravat- be sure to use up the cleaning supplies you already have! Not wasting the supplies you have already paid for is important. THEN make your own😊 I love "curb shopping" ! I was taught by a lady who called it "Doing Bulk Pick-up". I like "Curb Shopping" better.😁 Only my microwave, convection oven, stove, & small window AC were purchased new. All the rest of my household equipment is (at least) 2nd hand! (Oops, I forgot the electric chain saw & weedwacker!) All the furniture, small appliances, dishes, rugs, linens, & clothes- thrifted, inherited, or adopted off the curb. Now I'm in my 60's- been doing it since i was 20! That 70's ecology movement sure has saved me a lot of money over the years! ♻️

[@rayrarove]

When I was training for my first half marathon I started getting the painful gut issues too. 6 months later my doctor team figured out it was celiac + gerd. All the extra (gluten) carbs I was adding for training was making everything worse 😩. I hope you are able to get to the bottom of it so you can go back to enjoying food especially during training! Thanks for a great video!

[@caspiana3623]

Mountain bike training and eating trail mix bars while having digestive issues caught my attention, as well. I would reconsider doing these things until you know what's going on.

[@GF-sq4lh]

Loved the video! my first time watching. I'm your friend at the grocery store. I haven't ever used a budget but I want to. I will keep watching. As for your gut, my acupuncture doctor told me to cut out wheat and dairy. I did and I felt like a new person. I am intolerant to wheat and allergic to dairy. I learned it has a major effect on your internal organs as time go by. I read the "Wheat Belly" book by Dr Davis. changed my life. Good luck in your life journey.

[@t.h.1784]

Change your diet. Cut out wheat/grains/cereals/veggies high in oxylate/no nuts(very high in oxylate, sugars, seed oils, margarine… check out Dr.Ken Berry and other leading doctors who are doing carnivore and intermittent fasting. Hope this helps!

[@lyndarussell241]

Please continue to take care of yourself, and I am putting you in my prayers ❤️🙏

[@joelle524]

Love the pantry basics list! And yes we need to cut out eating out- it sucks the $$$ out of your wallet fast

[@danaerakstad7924]

So glad to hear you're feeling better. Praying you have great discernment on what works for you!

[@melvanini]

There was a big scandal in Australia a few months ago when it was discovered that the soft plastics recycling at various supermarkets weren't actually getting recycled. So now most stores have gone to paper bags again. I'm not against paper bags, it's what we had when I was growing up...but the ones they're using now, they're selling for 20c each and they're basically only good for one use because they tear so easily! I don't remember the paper grocery bags being so fragile when I was a kid. The soft plastic bags would sell for 15c each and last for months. I keep meaning to watch the documentary The Religion of Green which is about this very thing...what actually happens to our recycling after we put it in our bins?

[@clareu9539]

When I worked for GAP, we were taught that denim should be washed bi-weekly. They don't need washing unless they are visibly dirty, or they smell. Overwashing clothes uses more of your time, money and resources than is necessary and reduces the life span of your clothes. So does using conditioner.