Help! I Can't Stick to My Food Budget.

I answer questions about coping with your food budget. I also give you my five top food budget tips.
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. .
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Twitter / batt_jane
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Music:
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Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

Growing up in Alaska my family had 8 children and my Momma would shop once a month. It had to last. She would by a bag of apples and a bag of oranges and we would get a quarter of one or the other each day. We had lots of beans and mounds of potatoes we had a large garden in the summer. No electricity or TV. We entertained ourselves and I can honestly say it was an amazing childhood. We did things together. We ate alot of fish, moose and caribou but fruit was a luxury. To this day fruit is what I consider a dessert because it was as I was growing up. I loved being able to have fresh strawberries and blueberries in the summer. Momma made jam after we went berry picking. She made rosehip jam because it was full if vitimin C. Sweet memories for me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You ate like kings

[@loriricci9383]

So inspiring ❤ Thank you for sharing

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

@@loriricci9383 You are welcome!

[@jamesnbrenda8960]

Kids today have no clue. It’s very sad to me that lots of kids never experience forests & parks etc. Thank you for sharing.

[@Deedeevenice]

And I bet you anything, your diet then, eating seasonal, made you much more healthier then, instead of what we eat now- every fruit from around the world, all year round! It’s the cause of so many illnesses!

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

We had invited some friends over for a nice dinner for the midday meal. They came a week early! Luckily My husband and I had just done our grocery shopping (and the house was clean & picked up). We all made sandwiches and spent a couple of hours gabbing away on our porch. We now get together, once a month, for a sandwich lunch. Simple, but good food and great company makes for an economic and enjoyable get-together. It has also helped people in our group whose budgets are tighter than ours. The "sandwich lunch" has enabled them to actually have friends over for a meal for the first time in a long time. We all realize that we value friendships more than a fancy meal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s lovely

[@andersonomo597]

A teacher used to call this type of thing a "happy accident". Seriously, would you be insulted if you were invited for a 'very casual meal' - say pasta, garlic bread, salad, a simple desert? I'd be more than happy!! I think too, as food prices go up, no-one will expect steak and roasts and 'luxuries'.

[@veemcg3682]

This is what I'm going to try as soon as I'm well enough to have people in again because I'm no longer able to stay on my feet long enough to cook or serve "proper" meals even if I could afford to. What a brilliant idea as our circumstances change and are forced to accept limitations physical or financial. I can bake again and a simplified afternoon tea would be much more fun than a multi course meal. Thanks for sharing Vera in Northern Ireland

[@andersonomo597]

​@@veemcg3682 YESSSS!! Bring back the afternoon tea! A tray of nice little sandwiches, scones, a simple cake - that sounds so appealing I'd invite myself over if I wasn't so far away!! LOL BTW Helen Rennie just posted an apple/sour cream cake which I can vouch was so easy to make, inexpensive, and really really good - if you try it, double up the streusel topping - it was great!. Cheers from Oz!

[@patriciagibbons6964]

What a lovely and frugal idea to have sandwiches for lunch get together. !Like you say its the company that's important xx

[@heatherj3030]

I love that you address food issues and picky eaters without judgment!! ❤ My 23 year old son has asperger's. I could count on one hand the things he was willing to eat as a small child, and he was always very underweight. I caved to the judgment once, and he pretty much quit eating, lost more weight, and his immune system suffered. He is doing fine now, and eats healthier foods now, but it took years to get there. Thank you for your compassion and wisdom. You are an absolute angel, and you give such great practical advice. ❤️

[@sophiafelmingham8734]

Could have written this myself, exactly the same. I now know he has ARFID which is an eating disorder prevalent in autism, not just being fussy. I will always trust my mother instinct in future and not give in to pressure. We know what is best for our kids!

[@heatherj3030]

@@sophiafelmingham8734 ❤

[@sandrabryan9106]

I remember the first time I made simple stuff like French toast, Grilled tuna bake, chili and biscuits, and beef stroganoff. I was so proud of myself. The first time I made homemade pancakes, I forgot the eggs. they tasted ok with syrup but very flat and pale and once I made oatmeal cookies and forgot the flout. It was all trial and error. The funniest one was when I was newly married and we had an insurance man come over to sell us home insurance and I almost started a grease fire while he was there

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We all made mistakes

[@beverleybanyard2680]

For the young mums in my family I am writing out easy recipes with shopping lists for them. It's helping them cook from scratch and to a budget.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

That is such wonderful, practical advice and information for the next generation. And, it’s something they can keep and use for a lifetime.

[@patriciagibbons6964]

❤❤❤

[@suellensellwood5854]

When my boys were teenagers, I found a mug of soup sated their post school hunger until dinner time. I have always and still do make soup from bits and pieces. Veg ends, squishy tomatoes, left over cooked meats, pasta, rice etc. Different flavour and ingredients each time. Plus homemade popcorn in the microwave fills them up.

[@CB-zs7lj]

I stayed with a large family in hard times years ago. Every night there was plenty of iced tea, pinto beans and fried potatoes except Fridays. On Friday Dad would bring home a large loaf of fresh white bread, bologna, cheese, mayo, and big sack of potato chips, the kids were thrilled and giggled like it was a party. They looked forward to it every week. (Fond memories from the south, usa)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Lovely memories

[@CB-zs7lj]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I doubt it would ever occur to them what an impact their simple living had on my life and now maybe on others. Something to ponder as we interact with others.❤️

[@vixxcottage]

As a retirement person eating main meal early in day makes digestion so much easier. Making changes to food budget is not easy. I know people buy all that junk and can't pay their bills. I have heard those people make derogatory comments about eating beans and rice. I remember a lady saying we won't have steak and gravy every night but we have food. Eating simply and economically is the only way to make it through these times.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How true

[@brendafarris7590]

Jane, you are just wonderful at guiding and encouraging the younger members of the community that haven't been through this before.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Brenda

[@elizabethcoates3024]

At 61 I am still learning how to cook new dishes and I am still learning new tips and tricks for everyday life. There are no failures, just lessons. Okay this may not be my best batch of bread, so we will have this dipped in soup, or covered with gravy, or maybe even into croutons. So it's not a failure, but an option for a different way to consume it😅.

[@marrykardux1812]

Cook some extra potatoes for dinner and make a potato egg salad. It's a favorite by us. If you have chicken use the leftover chicken for sandwiches with mayonnaise and chicken. Divide leftovers for lunch or an extra dinner. Make a meatloaf for dinner and use the leftover for your lunch sandwiches eith a little mustard. Make tuna sandwiches. Think outside the box and be creative. We are only with the 3 of us but we have 7 children and we had always food on the table. Now that they are married have families of their own, i get recipe requests from our daughters in laws from meals that the children had when still at home. I should mention that we were on a tight budget. The biggest compliment I got from our children when they came home from school was "oh mom it smells so good and it is so cozy in here"

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All very good tips, thank you

[@mirth9859]

Today the only thing I can say is a big THANK YOU. You show so much respect and love in answering these questions. If I could I would give you a big hug and a thank you. Your wisdom is so much needed in these times. God bless you and Mike. Love from Spain.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@sheilap3100]

I absolutely agree that this channel has been so very helpful to many people. Thankyou Jane and Michael x

[@dennisealexanderhale1300]

I have just recently come across this channel...just a joy to watch and listen to. I look forward to many more episodes. Thanks so much🌻

[@juliebird6096]

Hi Jane. Just wanted to echo your advice. I was lucky enough to have parents who started of with very little, both from large families . We moved to a small rented farm when I was a toddler and we grew all our food . My mother at 95 still cooks from scratch and I am so grateful that she gave me the skills to manage a frugal life. Sewing, knitting and gardening, making the most of what we had was away of life and as she reminded me recently we will get through this but people who don't have those skills will have a tough time. Your advice is so good. Keep up the good work Jane and I love the scrappy quilt on the sofa.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Julie

[@maryd1495]

I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me with my budget and shopping habits. Thank you so very much. While I’m not struggling at the moment, that’s mainly because of you. I’d rather keep a sharp budget and save the rest of the money for a rainy day/situation. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback

[@lisacalandra2474]

My five year old granddaughter plans her lunch with my daughter. Nine times out of ten she will then eat it all the next day. Since she was able to make choices, nothing goes to waste. My daughter suggests different things to keep it balanced. Her school has a no cookie or candy policy so her extras tend to be a fruit or veggie.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@trudyorth6037]

Great video Jane! Such compassionate advice for Catherine who is learning to cook. We all had failures as young brides. We do get better. Maybe encourage her to get a basic cookbook at a charity shop. I have learned so much on KZbin when you type in “ how do you…” Sometimes I feel like a handyman when I fix something. It’s a great feeling.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@elizabethcoates3024]

My parents arrived 4 days early, and popped in to surprise their grandkids. It was my zero available money week in the budget. We were down to just 2 meat packages for the week to feed 5 of us. So I peeled potatoes and cooked them up and added half an onion, that was lunch. I sauteed carrots in butter with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar as a side, and opened up a quart of home canned applesauce and sprinkled cinnamon over the top. The kids loved it, but mom offered me money before she left. The following week they stopped by again and had a full spread meal. I explained that sometimes we have to wait for the availability of cash to restock the freezer.

[@susiedavis1740]

Thank you Jane for another helpful and encouraging video! My youngest child still lives at home as a commuter college student. It was much cheaper to go to a state school and live at home, then to go away and live on campus. He is a phys ed major, and always hungry. He would love to have fruit and cereal bars, like Nutri-Grain bars in his lunch every day. Those are simply not affordable! I make quick breads every week for all of our lunches - not only is a double loaf recipe much cheaper than anything prepackaged. I can use all sorts of bits of food to make them: bananas, pumpkin, apples, zucchini, leftover squash, shredded carrots, and raisins. I make two loaves at a time. One gets eaten during the week. The other goes in the freezer for weeks that I don’t have enough time to bake. Everyone is happy that they are getting a homemade treat, and I am happy because I can do this wall sticking to my budget. Sorry for the length is comment! 😉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s ok, I read it all. Thanks for sharing

[@marywebber7223]

Wow, that sounds amazing and delicious and luxurious TBH.

[@carolinemead7747]

We live in France and totally agree it’s a non-snacking culture, our sons grew up here and school lunches were 3-4 courses so lasted them until planned for goûter on return from school. Earlier this year they flew to the U.K. and stayed with one of their sisters, she later commented to me that they never wanted any of the snacks between meals and she was surprised as they love their food.……

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s why the French stay slim along with small portions

[@annbeth6730]

When there was a shortage of oil in the UK I managed without.Bought a new fry pan and dry fried everything.

[@lindajacquot5391]

Your answer to the young mom who doesn't cook was great. I'd also suggest browsing the cookbook section at the thrift stores. Some are very good at demonstrating with photos each and every step in the process of cooking. I've cooked for over 50 years and I am still learning.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Linda

[@margarethoughton6288]

I agree, and was just reflecting that some of the older cook books have cheaper and fewer ingredients than many of the newer ones. I invested £10 in Delia Smiths Complete Cookery course in 1985 and still use it regularly. When I bought some lambs liver last week for £1.50, I knew Delia would have a recipe! Really enjoyed Peppered liver with veg and mash! Great advice as always Jane and the 10 percent investment of buy now to save for later if you can, will serve us all well x

[@jewelgaither1504]

@@debbieframpton3857 You would have been wise to save a couple of those cookbooks. The internet/phone service may not always be working and you might not have access to those recipes you would want to use.

[@amayastrata4629]

Delia Smith how to cook books. Student cookbooks are usually a good idea too. Not being afraid to adapt some recipes but knowing also when you shouldn’t adapt and change recipes such as for cake sponges. KZbin have some very good demo’s too. I’m not a bad cook but sometimes I need to see how something new is done. I made cannolis for the first and last time last year and it was handy to see how others managed to make them. To see what textures and colours of certain things are is very useful. I’ve given my cannoli tubes to a charity shop!

[@decorDD]

@@margarethoughton6288 gosh I learned to cook watching her cooking shows! I got a job as a carer in the 80’s and couldn’t even boil an egg but learned how to do basic cooking watching cooking shows on British TV ! Such great times ! My poor elderly ladies were my test subjects , bless them 😂😂 but I kept them fed and healthy , so I did OK . Now I adore cooking and have expanded my repertoire from boiled eggs to excellent roasts , casseroles and even sushi ! I live in the Middle East so I am learning to cook a lot of Indian and Middle Eastern food which is wonderful

[@lorisandison765]

My daughter, when it was just her and her husband, would make a meal that serves 4 for dinner, then the next day theyd take the leftovers in a thermal container for lunch at work. Her two young children have lunch boxes with sections. She'll put hummus, cottage cheese, cheese slices, yogurt, etc, cut up pieces of fruit and vegetables, crackers, pita chips etc, small sandwiches, whatever happens to be in the fridge and can be eaten cold.

[@jenniferstewart1499]

I remember the first time I made boxed Mac and cheese for my siblings when my mom was out.I cooked the pasta...added the cheese powder,milk,butter...but forgot to drain the water out😁

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

And we learn

[@JonTanOsb]

But I'll bet your siblings still ate that delicious soup. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@laurithomasson6979]

Reminds me of a failure when I was in 4-H, I used baking soda instead of baking powder in biscuits (American) and didn't cook the rice before I put it in Spanish rice, my family gamely at the awful biscuits and crunchy rice. Live and learn.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

For anyone who is having issues with cooking rice, I highly recommend the purchase of a rice cooker. They can be purchased for a very low price and they are a worthwhile investment for anyone who does have at least some money. Since I bought my rice cooker (over twenty years ago and it is still working nicely) I have literally never had a failed rice. Over time it has saved me a lot of money. At this time, there don't appear to be any obvious gaps on the shelves here. So far! Thank you for the video! Have a fabulous weekend!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

One lunch packing tip that helps me is to have a bin in the fridge and a basket on the counter with things I can easily grab and tossin my lunch - after I shop I may wash and divide grapes into portions in containers, or scoop out cottage cheese into portioned container or chop carrots and package up and put these all together on a "lunch shelf" in fridge. I may make a batch of cookies and then put a couple into containers or a few crackers and little resusable pots of peanut butter all go into a Lunch basket on the counter. Then, when I need to make lunch I can just grab an assortment of what looks good to me that day, fill my thermos with ice water, and go. This was I have option that help with boredom of the same thing every day and can get it all done quickly without having to do it all in a rush because I didn't give myself a lot of time.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great ideas

[@helengordon6927]

I do a online shop once a month for myself and a cat of £100.00. Doing a on line shop you can see the total as you go a long, when it gets to £95 I just stop £5 devery charge. A neighbour gets fresh stuff for me, as I don't drive, that is between £5 and £10 a week . If I go to town myself, I spend money on stuff I don't need killing time till my bus.

[@calleyh551]

I spend if I go to the shops, so the answer is avoid! I’m on my own and a pensioner and I do a big shop about every three months and preferably when there’s cash back. I walk to my local Co-op every week for eggs, milk and fresh veg. I go when I know the yellow stickers will have been done and I get excellent bargains. I buy what’s there and marked down. If there’s anything else good in the yellow sticker, I get it and put it in the freezer. So far it’s working well.

[@rosemarydoran9907]

I'm disabled and don't drive either. Helen I also do a once every 3 to 4 week larger grocery haul for myself and also by for my dogs every 3 months or so as I buy a large bag of food and it will last that long. I live in the midwest U.S. and I try to spend about $120 to $150+$10-12 tip on that larger shopping trip and then when I need additional perishable items such as a gallon of milk or produce, a neighbor will typically pick it up for me while they are out or I will do a another small delivery order. I have a delivery membership so I get free deliveries over $35 but if I only need a couple of items, it isn't worth ordering online as I won't meet the minimum and so that's when a neighbor will usually pick something up for me. I have been unsubscribing to many retail stores and website ails so I'm not tempted by all of the sales that come out and I no longer watch any home shopping channels that used to lure me in to buy things I don't need. It is challenging to stay on budget and although I still allow myself a few treats throughout the month, I have cut back on convenience and snack items which is overall better for my health anyway and has become a necessity due to increasing costs.

[@lemonteapot1061]

Helen are you in the UK? You shouldn’t be having to pay so much for delivery if you’re spending £95 surely? That’s terrible.

[@helengordon6927]

@@lemonteapot1061 Hi I am 10 miles from tesco

[@lemonteapot1061]

@@helengordon6927 oh I see. Sorry you have to pay that.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Popcorn is cheap and have a Popcorn machine that I use if I need a late night snack. I always have nuts, dry fruit and a some chocolate all in moderation.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All of those are really expensive here, we save money by not snacking.

[@jenunmaskedca]

I would like to kindly offer two thoughts or ideas. One, have the teenager or other family members try taking the budget money for food and they go to the shops. They may come back with a better appreciation, or ideas, and it's a great lesson for younger folks. Second, the human body is designed for fasting!!!!. Skipping breakfast or fasting on Sundays, may help with saving food and money. You will also get the added health benefits it brings, which is less cost for health care. Thanks a bunch for all you videos!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yep agreed, no eating between meals

[@ramblingrosevanlife]

By choice I tend to eat only 2 meals a day. First about 11:00 and second around 7pm - it also saves on cooking and washing up.

[@jenunmaskedca]

@@ramblingrosevanlife That's perfect. I forgot about the time and cost saving of the prep and clean up as well. Thank you!

[@mariannejoynes6541]

Another to the point video, thanks Jane and Mike. I’m planning my food shop for this week and I will be making a Chilli in my IP & I will be adding lentils to stretch the meat/protein content. I will be making a lasagne with butternut squash and spinach instead of meat. Both of these will be portioned up and frozen for a later date after I’ve had a portion. Last week I made a fish pie. Yep, there are 2 portions in the freezer. I’m a single gal and batch cooking can be a bit unappealing but if you freeze portions instead of eating the same meal every night you can mix and match. The main gain from this is having a week where I can “live out of my freezer” and save the shopping money. 🤗 Planning is definitely key! ❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

Jane I so appreciate the fact that you let us know that it can be overwhelming for all of us. So many channels talk down to people who are struggling with all the inflation. You let us know we are in the same place and it is ok to feel overwhelmed at times.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our emotions are our own, no one has the right to dismiss them

[@mariedamon5655]

Hi Jane I used to do rainbow salads in pickle jars layer all the coloured veg ie cuc tomatoes onions lettuce red peppers green peppers then drizzle olive oil lemon juice salt pepper all throu it and if fancied a change I would put ham chopped throu it .and yoghurt and tin fruit in a small bowl or humour with cut veg to dip .x

[@susanbell4528]

Excellent Jane. Thank you. I learnt to cook when I was growing up and my first job was stirring the gravy after my granny had started it off. It’s sad that this isn’t available to everyone. I loved how you encouraged the young person who was in the early stages of feeding herself and a family. You are still an educator.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Susan

[@CB-zs7lj]

In tight times our family made a big batch of popcorn most evenings. Any leftover went into a huge pickle jar for nibbling during the day. Spices can add variety. With the right seasoning rice or potatoes can be Mexican, Asian, Italian or homestyle comfort food. It can stretch cheese and meat. Oatmeal with a dab of jam or other fruit is filling and can satisfy a sweet tooth. In hard times toast accompanied every meal, it is more filling somehow. Flavor the toast or chop leftover buns to toast adding flavor with garlic or a sprinkle of parmasean. Add water to whole milk for cooking or cereal. A mix of flour, water, and salt can make tortillas, flat bread, dumplings, or noodles. Just a dab of peanut butter can give noodles an Asian flair. My daughter set up a box for each family member in the fridge and pantry to stash their snacks and leftovers...everyone got equal but anyone over-purging endured watch the others pace theirs. I hope this helps someone, I'm retired now but remember many hard times. Oh, and if one can, serve a side of beans with every meal so nobody walks away hungry.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good food

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Hello from California. You are such a joy to spend time with. So much great advice. My family was not good with money and I grew up with horrible spending habits. Now retired and putting better habits into practice. I buy what's on sale and stop up on well priced foods. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@debbiej4406]

This is something I really need to work on! W e live in the city right down the street from a supermarket and it's so easy to just go walk there and buy something easy for dinner. Was so much easier to stick to the budget when we lived far from the stores 😂 Thank you for all the great tips!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@ljb3135]

Great video J&M 😊 I just use cash now for food budget & it is working well & I’m not going over, meal plan, shopping list & calculator always with me in the supermarket. Reading everyone’s comments gives me additional tips & tricks, thanks to you two for bringing everyone together ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great to hear that

[@LaundryFaerie]

One thing I did during the worst of the pandemic shortages was to look around for groceries in places where I didn't normally buy them. When grocery stores had no toilet paper, flour and other household essentials, they were frequently available (and sometimes even on sale) at drugstores and restaurant supply stores. As always, you need to adapt to conditions. If the store where you habitually shop doesn't have what you need, it's time to branch out a little bit. Or do the old-fashioned thing, meet your neighbors and ask to borrow a cup of sugar or a roll of TP. I've found that under difficult conditions, most people are happy to help, but since they're not mind readers they usually have to be asked.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@kamicrum4408]

Eggs, when one if my children was young she was alerguc to chucken eggs In bakeing you can use 1 heaping Table spoon soy flour & water for each egg. In most bakeing & it works just as well, Ir you can use EnerG egg replacer, I foubd it to be a bit pricey. If it calks for several eggs, try useibg fewer, my mim has dibe this for years with out a pribkem. If receipte calks fir 4 eggs try useibg inly 3 ect.😊

[@joannahalford5672]

Great tips as always Jane and Mike! I particularly like the one about shopping the snacks last once you’ve got your main meals covered. The list and calculator is also great. Although I have to say it would’ve impossible in my local Aldi as it’s always bedlam in there, you don’t have time to stop! But I’ll try it next time if it’s quieter or I’m in Morrisons - which is a far less stressful environment 😂🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@marybethsteinel4466]

Friends coming over- when they say what can I bring? Accept the offer, salad, dessert,bread whatever. It will help with the cost. I use to hold a homeschool dinner here every month. I would do a couple soups and ask for side items to go with it. It worked really well. Soups is a great easy budget meal for guests! Or I would make pasta or Mexican. But, I had a list of stuff people could bring. Everyone loved to get together and had no issue with bringing things. Made for a lovely evening.

[@marybethsteinel4466]

Lunches- I purposely make extra of dinner for lunches for my husband. He has access to a microwave. But instead of sending next day. I place in container in freezer if possible. That way I can switch up items. If I have extra from kid’s lunches- chicken noodle soup etc- I freeze that too. I pull out one of those, toss in some fruit and he is good to go. I run a home childcare so I eat whatever is leftover in the frig for lunch- salad etc. Snacks- when my son was a teenager I made a lot of popcorn! I make it in a pan on the stove.. not microwave popcorn. Homemade muffins, other baked goods etc were always good for filling his belly.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I always say yes please if someone offers to bring something

[@corinneleppard1933]

This is such an informative and compassionate video, thank you. I was a young person who left home with very few real cooking skills. I had watched my nan cook and my mum was a good baker; I could make fruit cake, flapjacks, scones and different variations on sponges. My savoury repertoire extended to a very basic risotto and pasta and tomato sauce (tinned tomatoes, onion, garlic, dried herbs). It took me a while, but I learned to cook a lot when I was at university on a tight budget and then when I had my first house. I can still remember the first time I cooked a roast chicken; it was rather dry, as I was convinced that it had to be cooked a long time to avoid giving everyone food poisoning! I used the library, magazines and still refer to websites and youtube if I want to do something different or need to be reassured. I would say I am now happy to have a go at most things, but the basics are usually there , somewhere in the background. I find a slow cooker really helps as it is quite forgiving if you're unsure what you're doing and don't have the time or money to experiment.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@lizscott6911]

I always think it is a good idea to experiment with food. This week I blitzed some porridge oats to make oat flour I made some bread dough and after the first rise I added a large spoon of peanut butter, mixed well and set for second raise. Cooked in air fryer and I can't tell you how delicious and filling it was. Honestly delicious and filling. My advice and I know I have been like Jane, a home cook for many years BUT I still experiment. 90% of the time it's a winner. So please people try to workout how to make nutritious food, CHEAPLY. Cheers Jane, another great blog👏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Liz.

[@decorDD]

Sounds delicious Liz ! I have GOT to invest in an air frier

[@andersonomo597]

Same here - it's fun experimenting and challenging yourself! I'm always trying different things - especially when I'm not risking an expensive ingredient. In about 5 years, I've had one pretty bad meal - not inedible, just not enjoyable. I'm encouraging my daughter to be courageous when cooking. I keep saying to her "It's just food, not a tattoo you'll regret someday" 😉😄

[@ninajohnson6578]

Jane I was shocked you answered my question! Thank you! One thing I do for guests is to have various homemade muffins in my freezer. My friends like to stop by my house after our morning walks. Pop them in the toaster oven. Serve with some jam or any fruit I can manage either fresh, canned or that I canned. Tea and we are done. My friends dropped off ground coffee for my larder as a thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tamarasmith288]

All very helpful tips. Thank you so much. I grew up with 7 siblings, and out family had little money. So, my mother always had a big pot of soup, stew, beans or chili on the stove. We all had a bowl or cup ofbthat with whichever meal we were having and it really filled our bellies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very healthy too

[@veemcg3682]

I'd have egg chips and beans for Christmas Dinner! I'm recovering from serious illness so I try to eat yoghurt and fruit or a few nuts or a jam sandwich and cup of tea for planned snacks in place of biscuits and crisps or pringles I used to eat. Focusing on affordable ways to maximise the nutritional value while cutting out the less healthy foods is helping my health as well as my budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s my favourite meal

[@maureencasey7500]

Thanks for the tip of the long term food budget of 10%. I am trying to do that one!

[@pigletsbank437]

My tip is Please remember, that an apple fills you up longer than a cookie, bar or juice. A handful of (pe) nuts are more filling than bag of crisps and work wonders as snack . Raw veggies digest slower so fill you up more as a snack or with a meal🥒🥕🫑🥬. Omelet or boiled egg on sandwich or with a meal/(leftover) salade (pasta/ rice) are nutrient dense also as lunch. My hubby had simple homemade veggiesoup or cheap lentilsoup that is full of PROTEIN and filling FIBERS with him for lunch to heat up in winter, (saved in sandwiches and snacks) and easy to make and even freeze. you could concider buying a (secondhand) flask if there is no microwave.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very true and well said

[@pigletsbank437]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you, these simple tips /changes made a real difference in our food budget over the years. Even more so when we found out of food intollerence like gluten and lactose. Special snacks are almost not affordable in these times. Simple,basic foods help enormously

[@clairepower1782]

I have a tip that might be helpful for when you have younger kids and where snacks are concerned .. put snacks for the day or the week in a basket or some container you have laying around and say ‘that’s what you have for today/week once it’s gone it’s gone’ if they want it all by 9 on a Monday then a good lesson learnt because there is no more. I have three young children 5 and two 4 year olds and they know this is what we have once it’s gone it’s gone (to be fair they aren’t very snacky but some children really are) I think it’s learning about how to stretch things that can then transform in to money when older xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Mine had snacks crap as we called it on Friday night, usually pizza and Ice cream.

[@bridgetannanelson6921]

This video was just brilliant. Love the food emergency fund idea 💡

[@elizabethcoates3024]

When there are limits, my husband gets a cart and we each get what we are allowed. Or buy a couple of things, preferred non-perishable and put them in the car, and go back in.

[@carolbuckley8535]

Can I just make a suggestion for snacks for children of all ages, it is one I used back in the day when things were really tough for us. Individual treat/snack boxes to last the week and when it’s gone it’s gone

[@teresaclark7654]

Hello Jane, I love your channel! Everyday I pack up items for my hubby to put in his lunch box in the morning. He takes a piece or two of fruit (whatever is on sale and in season), a sandwich and a snack like a granola bar. We freeze 2 small bottles of water and place them in the bottom of his lunch box to keep his food cold since it will remain in his work van all day and we live in Arizona in the Sonoran desert where it can be very very hot. It’s also extra drinking water if needed. And if not needed, those same two bottles of water will be refrozen for the next day. He packs a thermos of home brewed coffee and thermos of home brewed tea as well. He often works 12+ hour work days and eats while he is driving, so it has to be food that is easy to eat while on the road.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@happycook6737]

In case you never tried it, homemade granola bars are super simple and so much cheaper than bought.

[@teresaclark7654]

@@happycook6737 Yes, I agree. I’ve made them before. We have a discount grocery store in our area called American Discount Foods. They sell them pretty cheap.

[@smalltownhomesteadAC]

After watching you for a year, one thing that really stands out, is your empathy and compassion for people. You really care about what other's experience. Thank you for that!! Also, great advice and another wonderful video. Cheers

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lesleyspence4972]

Hi Jane. I’m a senior living on my own and find it difficult to stay in my food budget. I make my own meals and mostly organic or from a farm when I can since I have loads I’d food sensitivities.

[@grainneocarroll6427]

I first made lumpy glue and it eventually, after many trials, turned into a decent cheese sauce. My daughter still tells me about the day my sister made macaroni “cheese” to save me a job when I was late home - using icing sugar not cornflour 😅 If you learn to start by frying an onion and adding veg, you can do so much from that!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We all have stories like this

[@ibislife]

The Norwegian art of "matpakke", the packed lunch, consists of 2 slices of whole grain bread, with butter and toppings, like cheese, salami or maybe a combination, ham and cheese! 😅 We put our energy into "middag" which can translate into mid-day, and in these modern times its after work, about 5pm. The main meal of the day. I normally dont eat after that, until breakfast next morning. Maybe some fruit. The kids do another couple of open sandwiches for their evening meal, and fruit. Bisquits and other snacks like chips is for weekends. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s best not to eat between meals

[@lyndamcleod2242]

Jane my lovely,most of us can’t stick to our food budgets in this climate. I have resorted to shopping bi- weekly,what a difference it has made,I now get 2+a half weeks of food from bi- weekly shopping,please try it x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have to stick to it, there’s no more money in the food budget

[@KsoPlans]

For Katherine - A really yummy cheap rice I make is 1 cup rice, 1-2 large tomatoes quartered (or cherry tomatoes) 1/2 - 1 onion and some chicken stock powder - normally 1 cube per cup of water but check the pkt. The water ration I use is double the quantity I used for rice - 2 cups. I put it in my rice cooker, but you can cook it on low on the cooktop in a saucepan with the lid on. You can even do it in a slow cooker. I’m having it today with some chopped sausage, frozen peas, corn and capsicum/peppers. I’ll add a tiny bit of sesame oil to serve. I also have it with my slow cooks, Japanese curry (box sauce), massaman curry (jar) and as fried rice with egg and ham or ‘red rice’ where I add some tomato ketchup. It’s also nice in its own. It freezes well and you can even stir in some butter or spread when reheating if you think it’s a bit dry. My trick was just coming up with some ‘base meals’ that I could rotate the ingredients and makes my time in the kitchen simple and stress free.

[@CB-zs7lj]

Great idea. My cousins grew up with tomatoes in macaroni. Through enough hard times it actually became a family favorite served frequently! (From the family garden. In the south, usa)

[@winifredmccue3398]

Thank you Jane for your guidance and help to everybody in these times that we are going through, young and old alike. You are awesome!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@lyndagray173]

Since watching your last budgeting video. We have completely reviewed ours. Thank you for your personal finance plans. O look forward to this next video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you for your feedback

[@sargee97]

The food price hikes is shocking. I have found that I am not seeing so many reduced items since the financial crisis. I feel so sorry for the elderly when they say they can't afford to eat and heat their homes. I was lucky to have a wonderful mother that knew how to feed a family on a set budget. A really clever wholesome cook. Sadly mum passed away suddenly when I was twenty but she passed on such great skills. I have two slow cookers and an electric pressure cooker and they are so useful. Mum always said if you've got a bag of potatoes and eggs you can make a meal. My parents were wonderful and we never went without. Always a good home cooked meal. Meat, potatoes and veg was what we had and we ate what we were given or went without. My elder son is a fantastic cook and always does Christmas dinner now, he cooked for 17 last Christmas and everyone was so grateful. My younger son is getting better at cooking and does a great steak. Love watching your vlogs, so many thanks both for all your help. Kind regards Angeline ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Your mum was so right.

[@rachelkieffer8707]

I need this!

[@cindyjolly9114]

Love it thx!

[@mariondunn6580]

Thanks Jane, your videos are great and so practical. I'm an older budgeter and class myself as frugal. We eat well and bulk out with home made snacks, never store bought. It's so quick and easy to make a biscuit dough and put a tray of biscuits into the oven to bake when a meal is cooking. The odd foraged item can perk up a meal no end - a few blackberries to make a sauce, leaves to add to a salad, nettles for soup, etc. Pastry scraps rolled with foraged leaves or fennel seeds, a sprinkle of sugar or pinch of salt make excellent snacks. Looking forward to your next video, thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@yoshanifernando5348]

I am from Sri Lanka an island in the Indian ocean. We make a dish called milkrice. Raw rice overcooked with water and add salt and coconut milk. It is accompanied with a onion tomato lime salt chilli pieces mixed together or as a paste. Or treacle or honey . This is very economical. Ideal for beginners. Thank you for your helpful tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very helpful, thanks

[@belindacopson2390]

Fantastic tips as always. Thanks Jane.

[@teresagalloway1313]

Great video. Thank you Jane 💜

[@beebasd5401]

Great tips Jane.❤

[@readyintn4829]

I buy at least 3 extra cans of soup, meat or fruit each trip to put in the longterm pantry. I will also buy a pack of dried beans, rice or pasta. If you can't but 3, buy 1...it all adds up over time.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very sensible

[@flatlandah52]

Another great video! Your kind, positive , but no nonsense advice is a breath of fresh air!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@mimitadigre4103]

A challenge for us is when we are short on time . Last night we went to do a quick shop and bought fresh items in a hurry . It turns out some of it was spoiled! We salvaged what we could but it was frustrating! Not shopping in a hurry again if we can avoid it .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@monicagould8136]

First time as a teenager that I made spaghetti,,,,my brother poured his tea it because it was so dry!!!!! I am 58 years old now and it's still a good laugh when we are reminiscing about our family in the to young years,!!!!! Love you Show

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Funny

[@donnasnell5250]

Yes! If you have food, then whatever you have, serve it in a timely manner- It will stop the crew from mutiny!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Feed them early, hearty simple food

[@gladyschandler6724]

There is so much available on cooking, t.v. shows, Facebook, Chef's during Covid-19 filmed lots of cooking recipes, the internet, youtube, magazines, cookbooks. I've been cooking since I was 12, but will research and try new recipes all the time to make meals appetizing.

[@ericawaddle94]

Thanks for the practical advice as always. Our packed lunches are usually leftovers or tinned soup in the winter. Sometimes I pack a picky lunch of cheese,crackers, fruit and veg.

[@connieseward8773]

Start a grocery co-operative with a small group of family or friends. For example, if there are 6 you… 5 could contribute $20 to the shopping expedition and the designated shopper that week contributes nothing but does the work of the actual purchasing. Take the $100 and purchase the large bulk items that would be far too much for the average family or couple such as a 50 lb sack of flour, etc. Divide the purchased items among all 6 equally using repurposed containers. Large bulk purchases are often half the cost of smaller sizes. If each family can save $10 per week in their food budget, they can save $520 per year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good idea

[@amandapanda7229]

Excellent tips Jane. Love your encouraging style. I was lucky enough to learn to cook with my mum, dad and grandma. I’ve always been happy to try new recipes and discover flavours that I like. Totally understand it can be daunting to try and cook new things on a strict budget as you don’t want to waste food. But I recommend looking for recipes of favourite takeaways and try and make ‘fake-aways’ (Hairy Biker’s recipes are great for this 😁) and the results are much tastier and cheaper option to take-out.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love the hairy bikers too

[@happycook6737]

One fun way to entertain is a "Progressive Dinner". At first home is soup or salad course, next home is main, and last home is pudding/dessert. Works best if you live near each other.

[@happydays3678]

Great advice as always 👍 thanks Jane and Mike.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@karentownsemd2117]

Keeping it real as always Jane. At work I am one of the oldie’s chatting to the youngsters I always encourage them to save a little every month even if it’s just a very small amount most still living at home with family they seem to understand the situation we are in now we are sharing ways to keep the heating off for now drying washing without the use of a tumble dryer making their own pack lunch we have a good laugh but it makes us feeling that it’s the same for everyone and not embarrassed to admit times have changed.I also think if you do these new things and think of it all as a daily challenge and each day we have met today’s challenge ie not spending a penny till the day you have planned to spend helps ,thanks again Jane great blog as always

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice

[@annewright3129]

This is a WONDERFUL chat! !I appreciate the detail with which you explain your suggested skills in meal planning. AND, The nature scenes aid greatly in satisfying my hunger for beauty. Just as a beautiful string quartet simply fills my soul hunger for beauty, awooded scene, birds singing, flowers waving in the breeze meet necessary appetites. Often, when we think we are hungry for food, we are really starved for beauty, companionship, or the love of a pet. I like to test this theory before I reach for food. And, sometimes, I really am hungry. Then, I will look over your ideas for snacks again. Thanks !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Jane I have been terrible sticking to my budget the last 2 months. I so needed this video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help

[@jbulldogmom]

I would eat anything you cooked Jane, it always looks delicious and healthy!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How kind

[@loriburgess1866]

Good job Jane. As always, helpful and encouraging.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@barbararoberts4471]

Once again you explained and gave such good, sensible advice Jane. Well done!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@cathyb3790]

Hi Jane, enjoying your videos,, my favourite appliance is my crockpot and my simple bread machine,found both at thrift stores,, all we have to do is look back into the generations ,and see what they eat and how , I asked my Mom how she feed us and she kept it simple ,,only a few simple recipes ( on occasion she would make Rice Krispie squares with chocolate drizzled on top ,,we really enjoyed it ) she also planned 2 weeks worth of meals ,if there is a will,,there is a way ,,,

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

There certainly is

[@amystiers4622]

Thank you for being so practical and positive! We can all use some practicality and positivity in our daily lives dealing with our budgets! Keep up the good work!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Amy

[@susannarobinson1936]

Fantastic advice love all of it thank you ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@heathertucker7056]

Such a brilliant video with so much excellent advice. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@kakelinga]

Hi Jane, thank you for addressing my question and concern regarding buying too many snacks that I don't budget for. We have a $300 a month budget for food for the two of us. Food is pretty expensive n Hawaii but it is doable. After watching the video, I realized that i have never ever budgeted for snacks in our monthly budget. We do have snacks regularly but maybe we need to eat hearty meals three times a day. I find myself sometimes skipping lunch due to snacking and grazing throughout the day. Thank you for all the tips and advice.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the feedback

[@jamieharrison8326]

I love the little clips you add at the end of your video's of your sweet doggies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@christinephillips3435]

I made a sausage casserole to last two days and tuna pasta with a tomatoes base it lasts two days.i learned to cook by watching my mum.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good food too

[@suematile9078]

The video reminded me of many things. My mother did not teach us to how to cook. She gave me a junior cookbook. We had one car and she took my father to catch the train for work and then she went to work. When she got home from work she would start supper and then leave to pick up my father. She quickly told us how to finish the meal. That was our instruction. It worked, because both of us were able to make main meals. Both my husband and I were raised to snack between meals. There were just less sweets in my home. We still snack and eat smaller main meals. I have stomach problems and it helps to eat smaller meals that are not too far apart. Even as a child large meals and too much food made me sick. I always have a list and plan my meals. I can keep our budget to $300 a month like you. But in addition to that amount my husband gets an allowance and if he wants, he can buy fast food. We eat out once a week that I fund from the entertainment fund. So my $300 is not covering as many meals.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing, we don’t eat out often

[@jillmcaleese6514]

Brilliant video, well planned and empathetic. Well done!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Jill

[@adaly5115]

Jane and Mike thank you for all those ideas will watch again and make more notes Anna.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@lorrainreed3378]

Thank you for all the great ideas. I hope you and your husband are feeling better.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@tikacalifornia7876]

Growing up in Quebec, Canada my wonderful grandmother had a variety of ways to cope with just the things you are discussing here and it always changed with the seasons. I always had something in my lunch pail, but breakfast nearly always was left-overs from the dinner meal from the day before. She had something of an afternoon tea when I arrived home from school, usually vegetables and cheese or similar things. Winter dinners were usually stews of some sort and of course bread with jam or butter if we had either. But what we did in Quebec during the cold winter months was something she called "just before bed." It was usually something that resembled a custard or porridge. Rice was my favorite with raisins and cinnamon. That little meal right after school tamed the appetite so that it was not so sharp for overeating at dinner and "JBB" kept you through the night. When I look back on this, it wasn't really any more food than would usually show up on American tables, but the spacing and timing made a big impact.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@tikacalifornia7876]

@@JC-rl1vd jbb was "just before bed" some custard of suchlike - a dessert maybe to keep you through the night. It got cold in Quebec and we didn't have central heat.

[@challengingkitchen3554]

Awesome video Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@mariannewesten3638]

Jane,Thank you so much for this Video. It helps me Stick to my budget.👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching

[@barbarabruce7648]

For the mum who is new to cooking, a couple of tins of spaghetti or baked beans added to sliced mushrooms that you have fried in a frypan for five minutes. My kids love it served with thick toast. Even better with avocado toast. Quick, easy and kid friendly.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much