The Everyday Frugal Things We Do To Save Money

We have tricks and tips that we use so often that we are barely aware what we do!
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@katworkstowander9853]

I can go through my house and point out about 75% of my furniture bought second hand, given to me, or “ trash picked”. About 20 years ago I laid the laminate flooring in my house, although I don’t think I’d do it myself again. My dad taught me how to change out light fixtures, and other basic home maintenance and repairs. I do all my own yard work. I think I’m the only homeowner in the neighborhood with a clothesline. During the summer I can hang a load of laundry and it can dry in less than an hour. I love air dried laundry, even towels. Now retired, I have more time to do frugal things.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love it!

[@denisereneec]

Another great video! I am realizing how much of a "throw away society" we have become with our things just because we are "tired" of something. Our grandparents would never did that....they used things up until they fell apart. Love your channel!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely!!

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Not wasting is such an underrated way to be frugal. Eating at home and cooking from scratch saves us quite a bit of money too. 🌹

[@sashabarnes7445]

Hello Jane and Mike from Glasgow, Scotland. Jane, I have been reading your blog for many many years now, since you were still teaching in the school and I picked up so many great tips. From dyeing my own hair, to drying the washing Infront of the wood burner, to baking cakes. I recently discovered this channel and I am so happy that I can watch guys continuing your journey. I don't usually comment on videos but really wanted to say thank you, I believe you helped me be a better mum and wife . Best regards to both of you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching and your kind words

[@rachmc34]

We also use things until they are on their last legs and only replace if we have to. We are still using things we got as gifts for our wedding and we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and I still use my crockpot and food processor that I got for my 21st birthday

[@alegna4132]

Married 42 years here and still using Tupperware containers to store kitchen goods that I bought pre wedding! I remember them being pricey at the time but they last.

[@christineconnor4413]

I'm with you re second hand stuff. I've just baked a cake using my little hand mixer my hubby bought me ( new ) for our first Christmas..we got married 1971 and still going strong - mixer and marriage -- a few bumps in the road - hasn't everyone ! But still going . Our settee was given to us by my aunty and uncle . It was made in 1998 . Apart from getting new foam in the cushions it's fine . We got our 3 piece suit off a lady I used to clean for . She was getting a new one sooooo me being me asked if we could have it . Hubby has a trailer so we went for it that day ! ( We have two sitting rooms hence two settees ) Most if our furniture was given to us or bought from charity shops. And also our clothes. People look down their noses for buying second hand but it's saved us a fortune ! Bargain basement we are and proud of it ! 👍

[@debbie303]

Thank you always for your videos! Crocheting is my passion and I use whatever yarn I have on hand as much as possible filling in with only what I need (white and black usually) to finish a project I was blessed to be gifted with 4 huge boxes/bags of yarn from a friend a couple of years ago and I am still using it all! I also have unraveled old afghans I have made, refilling the yarn and making new projects with it 💕😊🧶

[@mariarooney6262]

Both of you have done an amazing job with all you have gotten done in only 5 years. You’ve worked so hard and I’m sure it is very satisfying when you see the results. I look forward to your future videos. Thank you!

[@ninajohnson6578]

Great ideas! I bought the first new to me used car since 2004 just last week! I’ve decided as an older woman in my own I must be safer with my cars. Already started saving for a new one in 2-4 years

[@lindajacquot5391]

I enjoyed today's video very much! After all this time watching your channel, I still picked up or remembered a couple of good ideas that you have shared before. Thank you, Jane and Mike, for being honest role models for the rest of us. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@LynneAllison-ok5rn]

Oh Jane you never disappoint - I absolutely loved this video and am still working my way through every video you and Mike have made. I absolutely have to share your KZbin channel on my FB page so all of my friends can benefit from your amazing advice and ideas. Thanks so very much Jane and Mike!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@user-pp6do9cr3k]

I live in a very dry area, so I VERY rarely use my dryer. I love hanging laundry. I don't have air conditioning, but ensured that I have proper blinds that deflect heat during the day. It truly makes a difference. Nights are always cooler, so windows are opened to capture the freshness into our home. I used to live in an area where hanging laundry outside was frowned upon. I didn't care. I wasn't breaking any rules, so out they went! I did ensure that unmentionables were hidden behind larger pieces. Wouldn't it be amazing if households showed more frugality which enriches the environment rather than displaying hot tubs and party decks. Thank you for your video.

[@MM36577]

This channel is needed more than ever at the moment!

[@wyyeti4004]

Agreed

[@mariecroarkin4899]

Thank you ,Jane and Mike, for sharing all of your wonderful everyday tips on living a more frugal life. I have been implementing so many of them in my daily life over the last couple of years and find that it not only has been saving me money but also created for me a more contented life . I am eating healthier, being very mindful of waste and enjoying my home, which is filled with comfortable pieces of older well made furniture not trendy junk. I found I actually don't like going out to eat as I used to as usually I found what I prepare myself at home is tastier, is less expensive to make and gives me a couple of meals which I appreciate. I like your honest approach in your videos and have enjoyed the easy recipes that you have shared and your frugal suggestions so that others can also enjoy living a full life in their part of the world. Wishing you blessings and happiness.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@katehorrell8732]

I don't know how expensive a repair man is over there but here in the states like every thing else it is pricey, so being able to DIY things is great n, u both make a great team.

[@sharonmcgee8178]

There is so much satisfaction from mastering a project that you thought you couldn’t do!

[@janfoster9583]

This is great! Many of us can benefit from these many reminders of frugal practices.😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@Waterlover58]

My most treasured quilting projects were done early on. Using materials from no longer used favorite clothes. Looking at those quilts brings back cherished memories!

[@cathymillar9900]

I buy cake mixes when they are on sale. A good cake with icing makes our get togethers special and festive.

[@marypeterson1053]

Lovely seeing your laundry on the line. Makes me happy

[@lisaward3890]

Hello Jane&Michael; lovely video today! It lines up with the way my Husband and I live. We love buying thrift finds and shopping charity shops! We do all of our cooking from scratch as you do. We have dietary issues with sodium levels in most prepackaged items. We do make up homemade picnic fair when we go to the lake. I used to hang our laundry outside on the clothesline,unfortunately i have been unable to do that since i started working outside the home and in a night shift scenario. We are trying to pay down our mortgage but at the same time my Husband is needing some costly dental work done and we have 1 credit card with a balance that we also are trying to pay off with much larger than minimum payments! I know we will get to that goal of being debt&mortgage free someday! Love your outside view of projects! I also enjoyed seeing your repurposed bench doggy bed! Wonderful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tinanolan1485]

Love this channel and embracing the frugal lifestyle. Agree entirely on store brands enough was enough when my Nescafé gold blend decaf reached silly price. . Aldi gold roast decaf at £1.79 it was. My partner wasn’t keen on changing so I put it in the Nescafé jar and he admitted he didn’t notice a difference.

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Your videos are just fabulous! We also DIY whatever we can. And we lower costs even on what we do hire done. We have trees being taken down (they are 60 feet tall or taller and have a lot of holes in them or dead branches, so too risky for us. But they will chip up all branches too small for firewood stacking, those will be used, in and around my gardens. The remainder of the trees will be cut into manageable lengths and we will split and stack them for future heating. To freshen up my kitchen, I sanded down my cabinets and removed the handles, painted them with a glossy white, and put the handles back on, and wow what a brighter kitchen I have. We use a thrifted hutch for a cabinet in our bathroom for our toiletries and health care needs. We repurpose anything we can, and we store pieces supplies left from projects to put to use for something that we will be doing later. Bless my husband and his love to tinker, we both think outside of the box when it comes to how to approach a project. We frequently feed off each others idea's in order to get to the finished project. The couple that can work together on projects are truly in sync with one another. We consider ourselves blessed to be able to do that. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Elizabeth

[@lynngudgeon9416]

So many simple things that can save money. I recently bought 2 pairs of curtains for 2.69 that are on marketplace for 80.00. I love to shop the thrift stores. Thank you for sharing these tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is awesome!

[@marty9011]

I do a lot of knitting for our large number of grandchildren & much of the wool comes from me buying good second hand garments & unravelling & washing the wool. This way you have access to all sorts of different & interesting wools. Most of my clothes are second hand too although now I do buy through a reasonably priced catalogue. My washing is always outside & now in winter, it hangs in the shed. It dries eventually ! Most people have enough clothes so that washing doesn't have to be available instantly. It is worth having plenty of underwear & towels so that dry washing is not so urgent.

[@charlenebrissette3348]

I needed an apron so I took my little pieces of material and made myself one using the old one as a pattern.

[@marymcdonagh8957]

The sofa I use every day is over 30 years by old and is very comfortable, only needed seat cushions replaced. Can’t buy anything equal to it these days! I also eat out rarely, can cook tastier meals - seasoned to my liking at home, but do like a Starbucks caramel latte as a special treat once in a blue moon.

[@PenniestoDollars]

That is so great that you don’t need a credit card to do anything there. So many things in America require it to stay at a hotel, rent a car, etc

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Even if it did, we never stay in hotels or hire cars

[@rogettesteele5322]

You both are an incredible couple who practice what you preach. Your work ethIc is outstanding. Your property has become a paradise in my opinion. I always look forward to your videos. I really adore the table lamp on the Singer bottom with marble top. I dry my clothes on lines in the basement. I live in Iowa which is in the Midwest U.S.

[@muttersmenu2422]

You both are a real team, keep up the good work. Enjoy the pep talks and viewing the quilting projects. Taking the doggies for strolls has got to be the best budget activity. Trying to do a zero spend month but things have gone slightly downhill. Great video.

[@wyyeti4004]

Thank you for each video. There is something to take away from each one. Kind regards.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So nice of you

[@helgaschulteiss]

Woow, i absolutely love the cabinet for the dogs🤩 i am impressed how you transformed it

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@gladyschandler6724]

My son had in his storage a new huge 40in T.V. he put in his room and gave me his. He also had a large T.V. stand, a chair with ottoman (I washed the cushions) like brand new. He also had a small table that I'm using as a coffee table. He wants to built a fireplace and we're planning on that project for October. Eventually want to get a larger dining table 2nd hand.

[@PadmasujaKannan]

Hi Jane, I'm a subscriber to your channel from India. Your videos are very informative and I watch them every week. My hobbies are cooking, crocheting and home making and I also love quilting. Thanks and best wishes

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@yvettenj]

Jane, thanks for the advice about booking ur trips on a debit card. I just booked my hotel stay for next month at a Hyatt Regency hotel and I asked if I could do debit and was pleasantly surprised when the lady said yes 👍🏽. Previously they only took credit cards. I’m def doing that from now on. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@bex438]

I really enjoyed watching this Jane, I try to do what I can but there's definitely room for improvement and listening to you has inspired me to try harder. If more people lived like you do not only would they save a lot of money, but it would have a massively positive impact on reducing their carbon footprints and helping the planet generally, al ot of people making small changes for the better has a far greater impact than a few doing a lot.

[@kristins.5039]

great video! Your photography and style are great, I'm amazed you do it with an iphone! It's better than some channels with all the bells and whistles !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cathyeller5722]

One of our local stores had their beef on sale this week. It was almost 3 dollars off what it usually costs. I bought 4 roast, and a small side of ribs. The ribs were sneaky you could get them only one side for cheaper. Of course the store expected you to buy more than one side, one cheap and one expensive. I bought one side only, they could keep the not sale priced side. The freezer was almost empty and it's full again now. We set a rule however, no eating the new meat until the other was gone. Maybe, we will stick to it, it's so easy to stick something in a crock pot in this heat and walk away. Our crockpot uses more electricity than anything else in the house. We need to come up with a side hustle to bring in an extra 300.00 a month by September. We will come up with something.

[@Silvergirl70]

Thank you for sharing your strategies and showing how positive frugal living can be, I have learned so much watching your channel, you have enabled me to regain my self belief and confidence, can’t thank you both enough 🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@susanjacks8830]

Mike and Jane you guys are awesome! Your home and property are beautiful. I like your way of thinking.

[@jeanettewilliams8898]

Thank you Jane. Cooking at home definitely is cheaper but it takes some time but its so worth it for me anyway. 2023 I'm going to say eaten out once so far this year it was my birthday and my sister ended up paying. We were going to this Seafood restaurant that she wanted to try out. Everyone else was busy but it was interesting. You definitely have to do what works best for you and I definitely enjoy watching these videos 😂.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for sharing

[@annettefridfalk333]

Today i was at The Dollarstore and buy me a good parfume for 4.56 Euro👍😀(50SEK) hi from sweden 👍😀

[@minimalist5555life]

Love your channel. Can you do a video how on making an outfit from upcycling

[@jacd8666]

Yes, so nice to have a real napkins

[@deemason5297]

We made the decision years ago that if we could buy what we needed 2nd hand we would prefer to do this and support local charities and help save the the planet. We still buy 2nd hand as much as possible and reuse and recycle what we can. We realise there is still so much we can do and watching your videos gives us lots more ideas. Thank you Jane you are an inspiration.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@abidashah4943]

Lov the way u 💓 live frugal ans faboulous 🎉😊❤❤❤❤

[@helenaurelius-haddock4695]

Edited: I cut up used tea towels/ old towels, machine the edges and use them as "non paper" paper towels. I have microfibre cloths also. I don't know why, but I never add fabric conditioner (home made) to these things when putting them on a 15 minute wash in the machine. I think leaving them rinsed and dried gives them a maximum absorbency. I also wash my J Cloths, plus I recycle cleaning wipes by washing them, and reusing them as paint/ craft wipes, which I use over and over again (I make a mix of dish soap, water and a dash of white vinegar for the wipes for craft).

[@RipleyHomestead]

I am going to be 64 this Sept. I do pretty much the same thing as you. Only buy when I have to and reuse some of the oddest things in place of other things. Some work out great, some not so great. But I don't need much so it usually works out great. I put in a garden each year, I heat about 50 percent with wood, 50 percent Propane gas. I make meals for 2 or 4 people and spread it out over lunches and dinners. Well you get the idea. I love watching your channel and I hope you have a wonderful Summer!!

[@johnwilliams6900]

hi Jane and Mike brilliant video most of your way of living is exactly like my wife and i try to live - very inspiring - see you next time

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@carolynm9798]

My living room is the same! Second hand for most of it. I think I calculated $200 spent but it coordinates. I joke that God is my interior designer because through gifts and Buy Nothing it is a coordinated blue, white, yellow living room!

[@jomortimer4248]

Scratch cooking is also alot healthier...no palm oil less salt etc

[@marionbates3311]

I still have an iPhone 4s, it does what I need so keep using it! Just had to buy a new microwave today! That was hard but a need! On a no buy for a few weeks to make that back up in the emergency fund again, but thankfully the money was there as I use the microwave a lot.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@heathertucker7056]

So agree about not upgrading items! I have kitchen items 50 years old that were my Mums! What’s the point if it’s ok? We had a morning out yesterday walking with our dogs in the sunshine and it didn’t cost us a penny!

[@leanel5736]

Love your flowers in the quick snippet of the house and garden near the end.Absolutely lovely!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So nice of you

[@ybois3]

🙋🏻‍♀️Hello friends all over the world 🤍

[@cherylfindeisen6088]

Another amazing helpful video!! I didn’t know that about credit cards in France- very interesting concept!! I haven’t made it through all of your videos yet but wondering what foods you would take on a picnic. I am looking for ways to do things free here - very few. Even the local lake here you have to pay to go in but we could enjoy a nice park for free. Thanks to both of you for all your hard work to keep us Inspired on living a frugal life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Picnic: sandwiches, quiche, pasties, jam tart, cake

[@dawnziccardi8205]

I love your upcycled dog bed bench! Do you groom your dogs yourself, or do you get them professionally groomed? They are both adorable!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Professionally groomed. We have a sinking fund for that

[@jackieloreno1818]

Love from India ❤

[@drusillarensel8089]

Love this video. Our furniture is almost 14 years old. Im thinking of getting slipcovers because of worn spots from kitties. Its still stable so im not replacing them. I use soft warm blankets for them to cuddle in. Im just not sure if i want to spend the money.

[@lynnb1226]

Great video! I heard you mention apple peelings going to the compost, have you ever heard of apple scrap vinegar? You can make an apple cider equivalent by putting your apple peelings and cores in water with a little sugar and letting it ferment. It’s easy and great in salad dressing or other recipes calling for cider vinegar. Here cider vinegar is quite expensive so I started making my own.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's pennies here

[@bonnie7433]

I have been doing patchwork with thrifted clothing for a while now. I absolutely love making something beautiful from second hand clothing,+ it's such a challenge. I was just wondering if you ever put polycotton fabric in your quilts. a lot of bedding in Australia is polycotton and it can be so georgeous but I have not been brave enough to try it yet. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. love your videos. thanks for your content

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I wouldn't use poly cotton. Thanks for watching

[@janetstraw191]

Amazing! 👏👍🙋‍♀️🇺🇸🥰‼️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marjorielass3118]

Thanks for another helpful video! Well done! 👏🇨🇦

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindascullion4417]

Another great video thanks Jane and Michael.Jane are your beautiful quilts available to buy?i would love one unfortunately my sewing skills are awful i know not very frugal i have tried lots of times to learn to sew and its just not a skill i seem to manage

[@wyldlibrarian3549]

Thanks to the wonderful team! Wish I was more handy!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@FrugalFrogContent]

Great Tips! And well explained :)

[@ubwaterman]

Hi Jane, i really enjoy this channel!! Sher.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm so glad!

[@jodihiller4506]

Great video! Thanks😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@sheilap3100]

Hello Jane and Mike.

[@mrsc3120]

Be careful up there Mike😮

[@lovechangesus]

Jane, I once lived where the back was all gravel. Not comfortable for placing outdoor furniture. I had someone take a bunch of old wood and build a small square. Then I placed it in the yard and put my table on it. You might build something like that for your beautiful outdoor set. Plus, you can move it around to suit your outdoor sitting needs. You have such a beautiful yard. You and Mike are so lovely.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!

[@josephinesage8301]

Jane well done. Couldn’t agree with you more

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

Do you plant trees for future wood source? People in the states who depend on wood for heat have what is called, "wood lots". These are areas where the trees are left to grow and provide wood for the homeowner.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We are surrounded by one of the largest forests in France. Trees self seed. Thanks for watching

[@jennifersisson-pg3in]

Good morning!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hello there!

[@deborahlewis3954]

It is so interesting that there is not credit card use in France. I think it would be great if it were that way in USA. Things would be very different I think.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Debt here is very different. Mortgages are 20 years and a fixed rate for the entire term of the mortgage. Shops give three months credit, you can give them three chèques. Cars are often leased here or payments to buy. Cars are smaller here, cost less to run and therefore buy. People borrow money from banks and the interest rates are favorable.

[@deborahlewis3954]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance that is amazing to me. Sounds like a calmer way to live!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@deborahlewis3954 you can only have what you can afford

[@minimalist5555life]

Living in France is it going cashless becoming a digital society. Or can people still with cash. Here in Australia I budget in cash if I can.

[@thriftytowers7160]

Really useful 'reminder' vid!! I do all the same things except for the wood (living in a flat with central heating)l do you ever get fed up having to watch the pennies all the time? I do. gillian

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Gillian. Of course, I’m only human.

[@josephhoag2366]

The beach picture behind you on the right is so lovely. Is it cross stitch? Watercolor?....Carla H.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

2€ poster in a frame from the charity shop

[@rhondajo3]

Do you ever plant trees to replace the ones that have fallen?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is covered in previous videos. Google Huelgoat forest, we live in the middle of it. Also Google how trees self seed.

[@rhondajo3]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Glad to hear it.

[@rhondajo3]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Also, google maps has some beautiful photos!

[@AprendeInglesConStephen]

I see a new video of yours pop up and I immediately click. Could I ask what age you guys were when you retired? If that’s too personal - sorry. I’m just interested as you say ‘early’. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We were 55. Thanks for watching

[@AprendeInglesConStephen]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance wow! Good for you. I’m 44 so when I retire, I think 60 will be the new 55 in terms of retirement. That is, 60 will be considered a very good age to retire at. I’m aiming for this age anyway. Been a teacher for 18 years but leaving and hoping to join the civil service soon. My retirement dream is a modest pension, a paid off house, emergency fund and enough money to have a dog! Like you guys, I have very simple tastes and don’t care about luxury in retirement - I just want peace of mind. Best wishes 😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@AprendeInglesConStephen I wish you well

[@christinephillips3435]

Your skin looks so nice what do use .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Cerave sunblock

[@jomortimer4248]

Do you do b & b ?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No spare room

[@jomortimer4248]

@FrugalQueeninFrance sorry to hear ...think you're missing a trick there!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@jomortimer4248 not really, it averages at 60€ a night, 12.5% to Airbnb, 22% in social charges, then income tax and business tax, actual costs and the invasion of our privacy for about 30€ we're not missing out.

[@jomortimer4248]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance fair enough !

[@waziotter]

No need to apologise for your French. You even have a definite Breton accent.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you. I read, write and understand French well. Speaking and pronunciation is difficult for me.