A Day in the Life of Frugal Retirees in France

[@missmerrily4830]

These are the days when you really reap the benefits of your frugal lifestyle. Early summer and a real treat just to sit in the garden and enjoy it. And it's FREE. What could be lovelier than that. Even working in the garden is a pleasure with birdsong and bees buzzing to accompany it. Love the bike. It helps take some of the harder work out of cycling. We aren't all Tour de France candidates! It was a super video and thanks for sharing your day with us!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

He really loves it, he cycles a lot.

[@gladyschandler6724]

It's a good thing Mike has a lawn mower; that's a lot of property to keep up

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is indeed

[@teresaearl5688]

Thank you for another great video, Inspires me to do more each day. ❤

[@smiley9987]

Yes,I loved the video. Fantastic atmosphere,finally with all that green and flowers,trees,bees. And the sound of nature,the birds songs,it is Really fantastic indeed. It takes motivated people like you two,to take care of such green space around the property. It is a hard work,that's for sure. Many people I heard refused offers for houses they liked,because not willing to deal and look after the gardens that belongs to the property. It is health,it is movements of the body,but a lot of sweat as well. Bravo to you two. Grass looks very nice and tidy when cut down. Love the sound of the running near by water. Very good shot with the products. I like how you compared the price on offer,with the store's brand. A big fan here in dining outdoors and I totally support you for doing so. Feels and looks lovely. Peaceful and calming. I like how you support your nice husband with the review. We all know men are a bit less talkers in explanation,but he seems to really enjoy the el.bicycle and will use it with pleasure. Last but not least,the privacy strips looks very good. Once all done,will bring great finish touch. Super episode 👏🌞🌳

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so very much for watching and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment

[@katherinerichardson1767]

In the U.S., we are celebrating Mother's Day on May 12th, so, Jane, I wish you a wonderful mother's day. Thank you Mike and Jane for the tour of your garden. My 3 acre garden (which we call a yard) is full of wild flowers, and it is so refreshing to see the place come alive.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you too!

[@lindamcconnell1653]

Bonjour Jane and Mike. I'm just so impressed by all the work you have done in the last few years that I have been watching your channel. Today, for me, I was almost awestruck by all the improvements and the hard work. Félicitations!! to both of you. PLeae continue to share; we love your work and videos. It encourages me (or us) to continue with the frugal lifestyle.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wow, thank you!

[@susansmit307]

I am in such awe in what you have done with the property and how it was when you first bought it. I just love following your frugal journey as I truly feel not alone. The bonus is you are a quilter and love Bonnie Hunter ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much! I love her too

[@laurajohnson8898]

Nice to see Mike in FRONT of the camera 😂❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@JulieRees-b7w]

Nice to see you both outside making the most of the weather! Take care both..love the vlogs ❤😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@jillchapman286]

It's very nice to watch such a nice video with people who are content with their life . I enjoy the positivity!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sandrawhitacre]

A most enjoyable video, you all are such hard workers, love your property. Thank you Jane Mike and puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure! Thank you

[@michellejennings3232]

You've worked so diligently to manage and develop that gorgeous property. I have to agree with your followers that the bees are so much fun. Thanks for sharing your very inspirational lives with us.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you very much!

[@roenadykin689]

Nice to see spring and your lovely garden along with the warm weather. You are way ahead of us with everything blooming. Eventually we will catch up. Enjoy your lovely garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Many thanks

[@loriar1027]

That's so funny to hear you say 27 degrees is hot. I had to look up what that is in Fahrenheit, and it's only 80 degrees. I know it's all about what you're used to, but here in South Texas, we'd call that a very mild day. 😂 Love your videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching. It’s been 12° recently so it’s a weather change.

[@barbarabarber4485]

I loved this video! I😢 could let myself be really envious of your place! But wait, I'm old! Im 78 with problems. My husband is 81 with his problems! We lived a similar life in our 40s and had fun. Now we keep our little place quite nice. Lots easier than your workout! I'll just stay here and water for 10 minutes per night and have things looking nice! Lots less work than yours! But lovely to see your wonderful lifestyle! Hugs to you both and pets for your two cuties! Our two cuties send their love too!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear you’re not well. My French neighbors in their 80s are so fit, digging their garden, growing vegetables, cutting wood, and I love how they go for a walk after lunch every day, talking to all the other retirees out for their afternoon walks. They walk about three miles every afternoon.

[@jackiephillips9042]

Sitting in the garden and relaxing after a full day is wonderful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It really is!

[@lin90210]

So nice to see tou are supporting flora and fauna :) I apparently mowed my lawn to early and should have left the flowers to be pollinated by bees...but my lawn has too many dandelion weeds hehehe

[@BrittanyLucy]

I love my ebike, an hour or two on that is like a holiday, and it's good in hot weather as you get the cooling breeze without getting hot and sweaty. Get one for you too, and maybe a trailer for the dogs! Bar soap also clogs the drains up more than the liquid stuff; I don't like the way it goes squishy and slimy either. Do you have those nylon bunchy sponge/body scrubber things? Make the shower gel go much further. Your big chaos rocks in the garden and the wild flowers are beautiful - alkanet and campion and buttercups, who needs manicured borders! Not anemones but aquilegia (columbine, granny's' bonnets...), lovely to have it naturalised like that. I find your ongoing, Forth-bridge battle with the weeds reassuring,makes me feel better about ours! The sleeping doggies at the end are so cosy and restful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, I don’t have a bike, I’d love one and hopefully a sponsor will send me one.

[@Pejosach]

Garden day for us too yesterday (Saturday). I said to my husband ‘Jane and Mike will be out in their garden’ 😅. Did a boot sale this morning, we love decluttering and passing things on. We made a few pounds and two days of gardening, lifting and shifting gave us a good work out. Back to the office jobs tomorrow but our planned retirement in France is never far from our thoughts x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re having a great day

[@jensmith9288]

Thanks for the peek into your lives... Very inspiring and i loved your garden, so peaceful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@karryhuston1321]

Looks so peaceful in your yard or should i say garden...❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@marycorriston5090]

Your sponsors need to send you a bike, too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’d be nice

[@HouseofLogy]

Water just off the boil deals with persistent weeds. Stubborn thistle requires a second dousing a couple of days later. It's a bit of a palaver, but it does the job.

[@mallikawillson2851]

Your puppies are so adorable❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you, they certainly are

[@michellevaleriewilkins-tur274]

Living in Florida where weeds can pop up thru any thing I have some experience fighting the feeds. Since I also have two dogs I will not use the poison they sell in the hardware store. I purchase either 30 or 40% vinegar and put it in a sprayer and it works perfectly. Household vinegar will not kill the weeds.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@allisonspeer649]

Your garden has really come along this year, I have watched in the past when you were first starting out. It is looking lovely.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So nice of you

[@kellyphinney9357]

How lovely and peaceful! When your video started and I could hear the birds singing, I just instantly relaxed and exhaled!! Your daily life is a dream❤️❤️❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you and we are so very lucky

[@brendafarris7590]

Sensodyne, the same tube, is $7.49 each in the USA! Way to maximize your dollars. The garden is lovely.

[@Jennheartsqs]

This might be one of my favorite videos!! And I like the little changes you're making to the intros. ❤️ 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@simonefeaster5131]

Such a delight to see more of your garden! My husband and I spent this weekend hauling almost a cord of wood from our neighbor’s property (it was free because they need to clear the land). It has been nice to do the work together, and we are so grateful to have saved so much money! A cord of firewood delivered is $500 here. Look forward to seeing the fence come along. Stay cool, Jane and Mike! PS -Nice to see Mike as well on camera:)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. What a lovely video 😃 The garden looks great and how nice for you to be able to dine al fresco at last after such a long winter. I've done a bit of that this weekend as the weather here in the UK has been nice too. Not quite so hot as yours, but nice all the same. Yes, always best to get any jobs done before the temperature rises. The privacy screens look smart too. No doubt you'll be glad when they're finished. Seeing Ajax powder brought back memories. That, as well as Vim, were very popular back in the day. I can't recall having seen them in supermarkets here for a while, but more than likely they'll be available somewhere online. You managed to bag some great offers there. Glad you enjoyed the bike ride Mike. Thanks for inviting us in. 😃

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching

[@Sally-wm5jh]

Your lunch looked so delicious. Great finds at the store. Mike looked very happy with his new bike. What a savings on not having to always use you car. You are both so ambitious it makes me tired watching you. Have a great week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We try our best

[@lynnestait8011]

its so good to get outdoors after a very long, wet, albeit mild Winter, here in the southern half of the UK - we also had our first al fresco meal of 2024 this past weekend. Those privacy screens on the fencing look very smart - living the dream :-) thanks both for another great video

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@gaildurocher6553]

I always wrap.my bar soap in a clean dry wash cloth. It prevents that wet mushy thing from happening. Lasts forever. I keep liquid soap by the sink for guests.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@teresaearl5688]

I have to say, this video is my favourite 😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you, we love our life here

[@ppresley9208]

Love your hat , Jane ... it suits you ! Such a beautiful property , but lots of work ... at my age I get tired just watching you lol ! Have a good week !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We love it, hard work is good for us

[@DebfromVa]

Great video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sams.9745]

Love the video. Beautiful property!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you!

[@Hana-qk7gr]

Thanks for a nice sunny video...I have just returned from a lovely holiday abroad and you definitely helped me to save money for that....

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful! I hope you had a great time.

[@debbiegnagey2095]

Love the privacy strips! Happy Mother’s Day! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks we do too

[@SharonLundstrom-q2j]

Loved this video. You have lovely surroundings. Fresh air, hard work and lots of fresh vegetables suits you. You have a nice healthy glow.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@janhudson4943]

Looks amazing and all achieved by all your hard work.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! We enjoy the physical work

[@sidetracks4]

Thank you for sharing your day. Love seeing you both.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching!

[@susanh3936]

Loved the video.

[@muttersmenu2422]

Lovely video of the garden and Jane and Mike enjoying a busy day in the garden I am giggling as 27 cel in Oz is a warm day but try 40+ for a warm day😄 I am a newbie to Instagram but getting there✔️ Love the electric bike 🚲, now you need a girlie model or a bike made for two👍 Thank you Jane and Mike for a wonderful video 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gladyschandler6724]

Such lovely property and garden to relax by

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@jodieupton4000]

All that gardening is great exercise in the fresh air! No need for gym fees!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true!

[@marypeterson1053]

You did so well on your shopping.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We try

[@bria2596]

I love the sounds of nature in your videos. Real life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@susannahedwards8230]

Lol 26° as a very hot day. Here in Australia that's a nice day a cooler day In summer. We can get into the 40s now that is hot! We had 26 over the weekend as well but it's autumn here. Mind you I have the fire on tonight as its cold to me but for where you are you would think I'm nuts putting the fire on a12° evening I guess

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

27 n the shade and 40+ working in direct sunlight sun.

[@howellshq1165]

Have you seen the Water Boy with Adam Sandler? He drives his lawn mower on the road holding up all the traffic 😅

[@rachmc34]

Jealous of your beautiful weather, it's gotten properly cold where we are now!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh no!

[@cindiblazer8621]

Your lunch looks yummy. I don't see how you keep all that yard mowed. Everything looks good. I like you fencing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@barbaram5214]

Very nice to see more of Mike in the video. Your property is beautiful. The electric bike is a great sponsor. Have a wonderful day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, you too!

[@lindalomax5448]

Ah! Can’t seem to buy Ajax powder here in Gloucester any more. It was really very good for cleaning the loos

[@glawsgal]

Have you looked in Savers? They are in Northgate Street 😊

[@elizaC3024]

Fabulous video you two. Mike will find that ebike to be such a blessing. Jane you really should give it a try, I promise you will love it. We now do miles on our bikes, where without the assistance for hills, I couldn't have.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'd absolutely love one and maybe they'll send one in my size

[@sandrakeighron2585]

Great video as always. Haven’t had any WiFi for 10 days as tractor pulled it down😩Really missed your videos 😘

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome back!

[@jacquelinejordan1588]

Jane and Mike, fantastic video!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jgrady9553]

Very enjoyable!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dee-iw6up]

From Australia, really enjoyed this format. Thanks Jane and Mike. 😊🐨

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dee-iw6up]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance 😊

[@tonideluca8569]

Loved this thank you so much for sharing your day ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@carolearnold4608]

They are Aquilegia, they self seed and may come back in different colours. Xx

[@loriar1027]

What a beautiful place to live!! I do wonder, though, if you ever miss being back in the UK. I've thought about retiring to another country, but I think I might miss being at home. I guess it's not that far for you to visit, though?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Not at all. I miss people of course, but not the place.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Enjoy your Sunday. Lovely lunch outside

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@corinneleppard1933]

Lovely video, so relaxing and enjoyable to watch (although appreciate not all that relaxing for you with all the gardening!) It's been a lovely sunny weekend here in west Kent, so gardening on Saturday and then spent most of yesterday afternoon and early evening watching my teen son's cricket match, found a lovely shady spot to enjoy our picnic. I see we have the same taste in hats as well!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So nice of you , have a great week

[@sjchan3199]

We had the same problem as you with the soap. Us a bottle top and push the open end into the bottom of the soap, it works like a treat no more soggy bottoms for us loooool. Its quite hkt here in uk, its my sons bday so were having a celebration curry, homemade cake and resting up.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@janeaquilina6745]

Happy Mother's day Jane. Such a lovely hard working couple God bless. Thanks for this amazing video ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@jeannet9592]

I loved this video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tammyburst5516]

I so look forward to seeing your videos. Thank you for posting these.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@mdilworth7564]

I loved this day in the life video! So fun! You two are hard workers and yet find time to relax! Love watching your place evolve over time! Thank you for this video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CherylAnderson0]

Phil on “Chateau Life” KZbin channel did the salt/vinegar solution and it worked well on the weeds popping up on a gravel driveway. I was nervous watching it because salt will prevent anything from growing and he was using it near a beautiful plant border. There is a commercial strength vinegar… wonder if that in your solution would work? I feel like I spend half my life keeping up the yard (garden) in the summer. It is looking beautiful there. Happy Mother’s Day (US) from Florida.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

He used it, what he didn’t show was that the weeds reappear in days, just the same as with pulling them up.

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

What a fun video! Enjoyed it!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teresaearl5688]

Great shopping haul.❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 🤗

[@vikiclegg1047]

Lovely video. What a wonderful life you’ve made for yourselves. Enjoy! 👏🏼😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Judith-b3t]

Loved the video. You two have a great work ethic. Glad to see you enjoy your place and life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes we do and thank you

[@lisadawson2652]

Look at your lunch it’s amazing 👍🏾

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@susanandersonn904]

I am eager to start planting here in northern Colorado. Hopdfully, one more week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck!

[@megandunkley2850]

Thank you, lovely video, as always X

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome 😊

[@treehouse3240]

Boiling water and vinegar should hold the weeds back a little longer. Have a good day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You name it, we’ve tried it, nothing is as effective as pulling them up. It’s good exercise too.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@johnwilliams6900]

Evening Jane and Mike - another lovely video with the countryside coming to life in this very warm weather - we live in the Rhondda Valley and the mountains are greening up lovely until today when some morons set fire to it not even thinking about the wildlife and birds nesting -do you have a problem where you are with arson ?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thankfully not.

[@laurajohnson8898]

Awesome video ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks 🤗

[@iriswelch3553]

Wow, great shopping! Prices here in the US are so much higher. A single tube of Sensodyne is over $5!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's often that price here, the double packs are cheaper and we only buy it when it's on sale

[@michelehagerman216]

Lovely video! Loved seeing all the green! Possible idea for a future video - saving money on tech (phones, computers, internet access, printers, etc)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Noted!

[@carolwoodward6141]

Lovely video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you very much!

[@adoptedscot]

Lidl in Uk doesn’t do cashback but you do get offers. I use Lidl’s toothpaste as it’s cheap and doesn’t contain sls which sets off my ulcers and was recommended by my dentist. I’ve decided to retry and go green and use a shampoo and conditioner bars but usually only was hair twice a week and mine is long so save money that way - haven’t worked out the cost but shouldn’t be too bad. Thank you for your informative videos.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@AbidaS0301]

Hi lov the shopping 🛍 haul great bargains learning alot from you thank you for sharing lov ❤ from 🇬🇧 💷 ❤❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@laurierowan1632]

Happy Mother’s Day

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@lilalavendel3951]

Why do I love your channel, your way of life? Because you are so down to earth, and you braught me back to the real life without all the fancy trends and "must haves" we hear everywhere. Big thank you!! And my best regards from Germany from Sabrina ❤.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wow, thank you!

[@rachelseibert7882]

Beautiful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@leedezern6862]

Great price on Sensodyne. Here in the US one 3.4 ounce tube is $6.99.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re being unnecessarily ripped off.

[@leedezern6862]

@@FrugalQueeninFranceI’ve tried generic sensitive toothpaste and it’s nowhere near the same 😮

[@anntaylor4247]

I have fine hair and I only wash it twice a week. My shampoo lasts for 6 months. How's that for economy? 😊 Beautiful garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Economic indeed

[@olivebobo6885]

I have a friend who is very very frugal she only buys thing when she needs them p. No stock piling. Is that a way of being frugal. I only found this out when I mention we buy our milk from Sams Club in a 3 pak it’s cheaper and no tax on food. Unlink the base where she shop s for one gallon.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Either is frugal as it suits the individual.

[@wila-wz6kb]

I do believe your bush is a wigelia

[@gladyschandler6724]

Its Mother's Day in the U.S. relaxing will bake a Gluten-free cake and a pork tenderloin for dinner. Otherwise an easy Sunday.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Enjoy

[@SharonMcGee-b2i]

The battle of the weeds🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It keeps me busy and I get my daily squats in.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I am extremely heat intolerant so most of my outdoors work is before 10 a.m or after 4 p.m. in the summer. I usually do hour segments at a time like you were doing pulling weeds or mowing. And i keep iced electrolyte drinks waiting for me. It's important to break down these yard tasks into workable segments. And not try to do the big jobs all at once!😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@juliesatterfield7004]

What is your basic morning cleaning routine? You said your house was clean and tidy before you went outside at 10. My house is never tidy at 10..... you mop the kitchen floor every day? That would be so lovely.....

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Make bed, clean all surfaces in every room, clean bathroom, vacuum top to bottom , clean kitchen, wash the floors all done by 10 am

[@juliesatterfield7004]

I'm trying to learn new habits, new routines... thank you. Do you have a list of occasional chores and just pick one a day? If so, how often are those repeated? Every month? Every 3 months?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Windows/mirrors/pictures in frames weekly, bed changed/bedroom deep cleaned weekly, oven cleaned weekly, washing machines filters/vacuum cleaner filters cleaned weekly. Fire grates cleaned out daily. Weekly clean of all external doors. Monthly deep clean room including empty out all cupboards and clean and organize

[@juliesatterfield7004]

Thank you.... oh I am so lazy and undisciplined.... I've got to change...

[@juliesatterfield7004]

P.s. you have encouraged me about my driveway. Nothing kills my weeds. Maybe I'll set a timer for 15 minutes a day and pull them. My neighbor does that a little at a time and he has a beautiful driveway.

[@jodieupton4000]

If you have shown how to make coleslaw in a precious video, can you please send me the link? If not, can you show us please?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Grate 3 parts white cabbage, 2. Parts carrots and one part finely sliced onion with equal measure of coleslaw with natural yogurt

[@carolwoodward6141]

Al fresco life 🌳

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's a lucky life we live in

[@gies5383]

Do you have 1+1 in france ? In holland I just wait for the 1+1 regularly throughout the year. No store card money here, but direct savings

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No, 2 + 1 here.