Grandma's Frugal Hacks | Frugal Living Tips from the Great Depression

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/frugalfitmom to get up to $200 off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows #helixsleep

[@commenter5901]

Your mom looks like Meryl Streep

[@52habits44]

This video is just heart warming. It's lovely to see the kind of relationship you two have and your mom is great!

[@jujube2407]

My grandma put the slivers of soap in a knee high stocking ( usually with a run) when she got enough she tied a knot... diy soap on a rope!

[@JB-vd8bi]

Yup we did that or Nan crocheted little bags so you had your own soap saver bag

[@viviannichols3582]

I always put the end of the soap onto the new bar (on top of where the logo is) and they kind of glue themselves to each other when they’re both a little wet.

[@MomNTraining]

We stopped eating out as much for budget sake. We hardly eat out now. My oldest is 9 and she says eating out now feels so much more special and fun. She’s right! I actually love it!

[@amosiren]

Omg with prices now- I can tell anybody if they are eating out even once a week⬅️ that's why they are broke 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@missyprissyable]

It would be more special if the food was good. I have found most restaurants have really gone downhill!

[@gloriaalex11]

The prices went up and the portion sizes went down -- you get LESS for your money. That's the opposite of what we're trying to accomplish. So on the rare occasions when we do go out for a meal, we only eat at our very favorite places where at least the quality is still high. Not wasting money on mediocre food, when we can cook better stuff at home.

[@awhiny1]

We only go out to a restaurant for a birthday. That way it’s extra special since the birthday person gets to pick where we go

[@lv2flip24]

@@amosiren … how about the people that buy their specialty coffee out everyday

[@andreawinn9420]

Speedy sitting on your moms lap the whole video is adorable!

[@coreydavidson3501]

Oh my goodness, Christine! At the end when your mom said she had done her job as a parent and was proud of you, it made me cry! And you look super pretty today! Thanks for sharing!

[@teresajones5973]

Your mom is so comfortable in front of the camera. I’m closer to her age and would love to see her on her own channel.

[@kelsiereid5513]

I was today years old when I realized you could pay someone else to change out your windshield wipers....I mean, I've literally seen so many people I know change them out themselves, and I just never even thought about paying someone to do it. 😅

[@danicegewiss862]

My parents survived the Depression. My mom taught me how to make my own toys. My dad ate onion sandwiches. We passed our clothing down. My clothes were so outdated, but having 7 siblings meant we had to do this. Your mom reminds me of my one sister. My mom loved those fruitcakes and mince pies. I appreciate watching you two. We go camping, too.

[@lizee708]

My parents grew up in (communist) Eastern Europe. Our parents left when we were still very young. They never stopped using the lessons and skills they were taught by those before them. How to stretch food and budgets, make clothing, sew, repurpose, repairs, etc. Many are simple things that can save so much money. Even with my own family, I apply those same skills and teach my children. My dad would say that you can do a lot of living on very little.

[@tinalaws7506]

Your Mom is fantastic Christine! She has great ideas, and her skin is incredible!🥰🥰

[@marykayesugerman6843]

We have a paid off Cadillac (that we bought gently used) that has a rear window wiper that needed to be changed from the winter’s snow and ice. We went to our very trusted mechanic and several others who would not touch it. We had to go to the dealer to get it changed. Between that and the oil change it came to $130. Crazy but we had no choice. While we were there we had the computer checked out and a few other things that were particular to a Cadillac model. So we made sure to get all bang for our buck that we could. The new bells and whistles that are on your car the more things can break.

[@hmarie2014]

That is the most well behaved pup! Lol. I am thankful for my frugal ways but woah that’s frugal 🤣

[@melindakathriner4148]

Your mom is HILARIOUS!!! It seems like so many people think just because a person is older, they aren't expected to be funny. I don't know why that is! Anyway, she's fabulous. :)

[@lisavoegtly1475]

Omg! I luv the closeness with you and your Mom; it appears to be the same as what I had with mine before she passed last year. I miss having my ‘person’ that I could talk with about my childhood - things only a Mom could remember… Please hug and luv your Mom every day as there will never be anyone like her in your life when she’s gone. 💗

[@kelmike060404]

I feel you I lost my mom 2021 and not a day goes by I don't think of her 💔wish I could call her

[@justpatty7328]

Hugs to you both. I lost my mom in 2007, life has not been the same. I do more of what she would do, in honor of her.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

My childhood dinner experience was definitely all about the bread and butter. Our starch was usually potatoes.

[@anji5635]

That is the most calm puppy!

[@flightlessphoenix77]

Speedy is the best

[@marylutyger675]

My father made what we kids (7 of us!) called “mixed milk”. It was powdered milk, water, and some regular milk. He made a gallon at a time.

[@leslieadams5370]

ugh. hated it.

[@patdoman8209]

Christine! Whoa! Your hair looks FABULOUS! ❤️❤️

[@mf3361]

Your Mom is a true gem 💎❤

[@amyciampa490]

Pure gold❤

[@Leggo-Of-My-Draco]

Auto Zone (and I believe most other auto part stores, like O’Reilly’s) will change your windshield wipers for free if you purchase the new ones at their location

[@retawillis8156]

Great memories!

[@Cheray_]

Y'all are so me and my mom🥰Craig would love the $2 Wendys keychains...I got one and now I'm going to think of some guy I don't even know when I use it😉🤣🤣Great tips and walk down memory lane...the buttered bread took me back, had completely forgotten about that🤗❤🙏🏾

[@destiniez04]

Grew up in my grandparents house. They utilized church food donations often and the foods I remember having are homemade tortillas, rice and beans 😂 they were so good.

[@judybesse4058]

Christine-your hair looks fabulous you look 10 yrs younger....

[@ms.ashley7643]

I love how that puppy just sits there and just enjoys the conversation.

[@cindyeasterling6917]

Y'all are so cute together! I see where you got your sense of humor, 😂.

[@carryjeanwing]

I’m a Mary Kay consultant. You go girl! I love that you get your years worth! My house as I raised kids : milk and water that’s it too!

[@madesimplyathome953]

I grew up on a family of 10 kids and in order to stretch tunafish my mom would always buy it in the oil and then she would break up little pieces of the bread into the tuna mixture which would absorb the oils in the tuna and then mix the mayonnaise and the celery and all of that but you never knew you weren’t eating tuna

[@lynnnovak889]

Isn't she adorable! I love when the moms join and we get that sage advice! ❤

[@mariannlyda9509]

Ahhh...I love fruitcake (& candy corn!). Cracker Barrel is okay. Our family vacations...mom took an electric skillet & a toaster. She cooked bacon, used the grease to cook the eggs & wehad toast. Lunch was usually a bologna sandwich ( no chips, no soda). We always drank water, mom & dad had coffee (of course she brought the coffee pot!) Guess my parents would be considered frugal. I just thought we were poor. We did get to eat out one meal a day on vacation, usually supper. I thought the vacations were amazing....saw the beach in Galveston, the mountains in Colorado and my favorite was Mount Rushmore. Oh this video brought back so many memories! Thank you!!!

[@sarahsal2]

I remember panchos!!! And the flags! Great to hear a shout out San Antonio!

[@myraclark9002]

Hey... Vanilla Frosty's ONLY! And the RIGHT fruitcake with lots of fruit and lots of nuts with milk or coffee...screams holiday season!😋 Thanks for all of your tips.❤

[@susanpumphrey354]

Your mom is a national treasure. ♥ I am also the product of Depression-era grandparents, and I found myself nodding along with so many of these tips. Our "fancy restaurant" was Western Sizzlin. A steak, a piece of grilled Texas toast, a foil wrapped baked potato, and salad bar all the way baby! Didn't get any better than that! 😅 I honestly don't know if my dad ever went to any other sit-down restaurant than Western Sizzlin. I was well into my teens before I ever had restaurant Mexican food or Chinese food (two of my favorites now).

[@Crackrzz]

Ahh the fancy steak place for us was the Ponderosa. I was five when it left, supply issues or something. I miss it. I think I went to one quite a while ago between my hometown and my current city (same province, I'm in Canada). Fancy to us was a local chain (only 2 or 3 existed) Jaspers, and then Boston Pizza & East Side Mario's when they arrived. And Smitty's. And another local spot that I think is still in operation, Simeon's, which was very close to the old Ponderosa. There was a sit down Mexican restaurant we loved that closed down in the 90s, but there are several Chinese places at home and around me in my part of the city.

[@ellendunn559]

I think her mom is a Boomer (like me), raised by Depression-era parents. I picked up a lot of these sorts of tips from my parents!

[@kathymccune2679]

I loved Pancho's!!! My husband was from Michigan and loved Mincemeat pie and I discovered I loved it too. Closest taste to the figs of my New Orleans childhood! I buy my car stuff at O'Reilly's and they put it in or on free !

[@kimberlymason7080]

everybody I know that owned one of those small Toyota trucks, loved them and kept them forever!

[@ngairepowell2022]

I appreciated your reference to '10 things I hate about you', it's my favourite movie 😂

[@ginnymiller5894]

My Dad liked mincemeat pie so my Mom would make it once a year for him. He did not have to share because nobody else wanted it.

[@kathydaniels3543]

You two are adorable!!! Thank you for all of your tips! ❤️❤️❤️

[@barbaracallwood9220]

This reminds me so much of the once a year or so that my sisters and I sit with my Mom at Thanksgiving and reminisce. We laugh until we cry sometimes! Loved this!

[@christyjohnson6967]

One of your most precious videos. Good going, sweet ladies.

[@dinarubin4828]

I love when your mom makes an appearance!

[@sabrinassuburbangarden9448]

Wonderful reminiscing.

[@patatherton7657]

I loved this. And let me just say.... I love fruit cake , Wendy's frosty and mincemeat pie. Yeah!. I grew up much like you and I do not regret it at all. I had something fun making mud pies , play ball and using my imagination. Congrats to you for having parents that knew and valued you and your siblings .

[@samantharuffkess3052]

I love this! We also drink water. We rarely have other things. Sometimes we have juice boxes or. A sports drink for the kids during the sports seasons, but it’s water. So I say it’s normal too! Thanks to your mom for joining! Loved this video!

[@erinkaufman6363]

Water! Maybe milk with dinner but definitely water as the staple. Oj is a luxury item!

[@tomlangley3570]

What a great video. Best one I’ve seen. Your childhood reminds me so much of mine and explains why we are frugal now. 🤗 Michelle in Australia

[@anaalves3658]

As a kid I remember going to stay at my aunt's house, she lives close to the beach, with lots of cousins. It was such fun, I also remember spending hours on the beach gathering limpets and my uncle cooking them up on a camping stove, so delicious 😋😋😋😋. I loved water parks as a kid, we would take all of our own food and drinks with us, so we only paid the entrance fee and we were there the whole day!!!!👍☺️

[@Midwestmomvolunteer365]

Smiled from ear to ear watching this video. Have been wondering how your mom is lately, it was so nice to see her and you and Speedy of course. Have to admit, I got teared up at the end.

[@MrsPink64]

I was just thinking it would be nice to see your Mom back on here! 💕💕💕🙏🏻

[@cherlaneharris100]

I like fruit cake and minced meat pie. When I was growing up my mom used to make both. I still like them. I'm sixty, so it could be a back-in-the-day thing.

[@southernroots2229]

I grew up in and around Houston Texas, and my parents used to take me PONCHO’s Mexican buffet too, lol. And that restaurant was in business for so many years that even after I grew up and had kids, I used to take my kids there and celebrate birthdays and get them a piñata. I am not sure if there’s even one ponchos restaurant even left anymore. There were four of us kids and my parents were very frugal too.😂😂😂

[@123gristmiller]

My grandmother made her own fruit cakes and pies from home made mince meat. To me.... That was an intrinsic part of the Christmas celebrations. I buy it every year, just in memory of her and her wonderful table..... And sit down and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea.

[@CrystalLopezTx]

I grew up in the Dallas area and Panchos was a real treat as a kid!!

[@melissataulbee2048]

Sounds like my house growing up. We had Milk water and iced tea sweetened with honey

[@debmoloney2431]

Grandma is brilliant! So much fun!

[@chantellecunningham8899]

It's so fun watching you and your mom together! Keep 'em coming!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@chantellecunningham8899]

@@FrugalFitMom so welcome!! We are committed to getting to be debt free so I appreciate the frugal tips!

[@shelbyjm7234]

You just took me down memory lane! I was an administrative assistant (glorified cashier) for Panchos in Baton Rouge for many years. Loved their buffet. Thanks for sharing!!

[@theblackeyedpeawithtams701]

That’s funny about the Denny’s comment…I did the exact same thing except it was shoneys all you can eat breakfast so our 3 small kids were told..fill up because we are not buying food on the park I also don’t sched each child their backpack plus daddy and I one filled with fro.en yogurt, chips, frozen bottled water, dress bars, peanut butter crackers etc so when they whined that they were hungry they knew to open up the backpack. We would buy them one treat while there ;) Fun memories ❤

[@theblackeyedpeawithtams701]

I meant I also filled each child’s backpack 30:07

[@karenmiller955]

I bought a Helix based on your recommendation. By far the best mattress I've ever slept on. And I'm 67 so I know what I'm talking about lol. Best purchase ever!!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Great to hear!

[@BeckyValkyrie]

That was so wholesome and inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@kimharris9194]

You two are the absolute cutest ❤😂

[@marihawkes-vail4605]

so sweet and funny! and my husband love his mince meat pies!!!

[@sarap6862]

That was wonderful!! Enjoyed hearing your mom talk about how she was raised and how they raised y’all.

[@maritzakincaid4303]

HA!! We lived down the street from Poncho's and have spent many, many an hour stuffing my face with enchiladas and sopapillas! Funny thing is that my mom didn't care for their food so my sister and I would pool our pennies and ride our bikes there. Thanks for the memories! 🤗

[@gholzem]

As the oldest of 6 we would do buffet restaurants and my dad would lie about our ages when it was 12 and under free. And I was tall for my age.

[@stephanierest1764]

When I was younger and we would go to Disney or universal instead of paying for food at the park we would do the return stamp. We would go to the car and my mom would pack a cooler for making subs. A couple of Publix French bread and she would make subs as big as we wanted. We had drinks and chips and we were stuffed by the time we went back in. I wouldn't change it.

[@kitten7278]

Such a great video and important reminders. A lot of people can probably use some of these right about now! :)

[@valj3841]

Is that Speedy? He looks like a lamb. So cute! Plus some darn good tips.

[@dw5593]

Your mom AND Speedy in one video...what a treat!

[@rangerlove7]

Half hour video with your mom? Great way to start a Monday! Hi Speedy 😊

[@FrugalFitMom]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@manuelaeder6387]

Love long videos.

[@rangerlove7]

@@FrugalFitMom I did! I love when y'all reminisce about your childhood

[@crybebebunny]

@Renee Horne alot our my childhood came to mind. If I happen to go to DL I am of those who the park opens and I am the last family out of the park.

[@amyhellerford9422]

We didn't go out to eat either. We rarely went out & did anything lol !

[@kaybonette]

If people don't know Wendy's sells frosty tags that cost $2 each. Everytime you go to Wendy's and buy anything (my husband and I get the $5 bag and get the double stack, fries, drink and 4 chicken nuggets) then we get a small frosty for free for the whole year. I love the peppermint and hubby likes chocolate frosty. You attach the tags to your keys and never lose them. Peppermint has been replaced with vanilla for a time but I think they vary the flavors but they always have chocolate.

[@pamjohnson2168]

I loved this one with your mom! ❤

[@ivettewoods3733]

So happy see you both this morning!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@rld1278]

Yep, hand me down and thrifted clothes, milk, water, and Kool aid, no fancy cereals but we had shredded wheat, Cheerios, oatmeal, cream of wheat, Chex cereals, rice crispies. Captain crunch was like a once a year treat. Dinner out once a year at refund time to red lobster. Family vacations to visit family out of state, later on a campsite all summer. The occasional trip to Cedar point with a cooler full of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks picnic style at the car. That's just how you did it in our years growing up mid 60's thru the 80's.

[@AWordofHope]

I drive a 15yo Dodge Caliber, 124k miles but I have had regular maintenance all 15 years. The ac no longer works but I have no car payment and $47/mo car insurance. I have no new furniture except my moms lift chair. Everything I have is hand me downs even my bed. I can't afford new mattress and box springs so I bought a good 4inch mattress topper this past year. I'm trying to stretch my pay and mom's social security just to pay basic living costs and her caretaker while I work. Not an easy life by no means but it is what it is. 😂I will take the vanilla frosty over fruitcake any day!

[@peggymims6341]

I loved this video of you with your mom! It really brought back some of my childhood memories from back in the 50's and 60's! ❤️

[@heatherthomas7821]

Those are great frugal tips. I also grew up going camping for vacation and not eating out much. That was back when there weren't fast food restaurants everywhere, and we ate at many Mom and Pop restaurants along the way. We always had water with our meals and my parents had coffee later. I remember when McDonald's used to give you a free ice cream if you brought in your report card with A's or B's. Thanks for this video.

[@mausue1]

Oh wow, My family went to Ponhcos in El Paso, Texas when I was a kid.

[@orangemarigold4594]

Loved this....Thank you both!!!

[@rebeccakirk6189]

I’m British, and Christmas isn’t Christmas without mince pies and cake crammed full of dried fruit ( homemade of course) Love watching you with your Mum x

[@cookshackcuisinista]

Yes I think the Americans forget all of the British heritage with regards to the mincemeat pies! It is more common in the Canadian household at Christmastime (especially if your father came from the East coast of Canada) than in the American household!

[@jlw7189]

I'm American (60 yrs) and my grandmother always made mincemeat! Homemade with a brandy sauce. Fruitcakes weren't homemade though. Usually storebought. New traditions have taken over in the US at Christmas, chocolate things and more pumpkin pie.

[@cherryknott7233]

Loved the video, Christine; great to see you sharing tips & memories with your mom. Rebecca Kit I grew up in Utah with my British parents and it wasn't Christmas in our family without mince pies & rich fruit cake covered in marzipan & royal icing; and like you they were all homemade by my mom.

[@sharonpalmer8844]

I’m British too and Christmas is NOT Christmas without minced pies and fruit Christmas cake. It’s as popular in the UK as Pumpkin pie in the USA …… not something we ever eat as a nation. We’re such similar nations but totally different at the same time. Lovely video with your mom too. Happy new year to you all xx

[@lynnkavanagh7361]

My mom made fruitcake every year at Christmas. Everyone said it was so delicious. The reason they said that was because, once the fruitcake was baked & cooled, she poured whiskey (I think that’s what it was, it was some kind of alcohol anyway). It sat on the counter for about a week, covered with a tea towel, & every day she’d pour more on it. I think that was the draw! Lol! My husband grew up in a family of 11 kids. His father was the only one who liked mince meat pie, so every Thanksgiving she would make a small one for Jack. He’s the only person I’ve known who liked mince meat pie.

[@DH-ku6qg]

Really enjoyed this with your mom!!!

[@Rohvannyn]

I am eating all the fruitcake. My folks mane it so well!

[@Fawn62312]

I love your mom. And a vanilla frosty....... 😜 We need more of your mom!!!!!

[@taylmis]

Lol Pancho’s. My parents used coupons at Pancho’s when we were young. So even more frugal. So funny!

[@betterlivingonabudget]

The pic of your mom and Craig - she looked so incredibly happy it made me smile!! It's not easy loving a frugal man, unless you're a frugal woman, lol. Clearly, your dad is the reason why your so good at making bread, nobody wants to eat plain 'ol sandwich bread if they don't have to, lol. My favorite part was hearing your mom say she feels she did a good job raising you, and she clearly means it when she said how proud she is of you!!

[@jillg7018]

Me! I love the vanilla frosty. 😝

[@rachelmckenna6383]

Thank you Christine & your Mum too. Lovely to see you both with Speedy x x Love me a fruitcake and mince pie at Christmas, UK viewer here

[@windybryant3442]

Panchos ohhh the sopapiahs and later the tummy aches!! Black Eyed Pea in Arlington, TX- went there last week. Loved this video with the blasts from the past!

[@patriciamcintire]

O my goodness,hope you feel better Christine, your mom is so funny,I see where you get it 🤪

[@susanhauck7423]

Loved this video! Great teaching mom!

[@bonniestieben]

This was wonderful. Do yourself a favor and get more videos of your mom. One day you will fall back on these when you miss her. Please listen to me on that...... Get lots of videos of parents! Your momma is a delight. Cute as all get out!

[@lindashipley5293]

I was flipping and saw you 2. And stopped as I didn't know you had a sister online! It was almost over. Then. I found out ts. Your mom. A grandmother of. 6? Wow. You will look young forever.. Does she have a channel too? Great show. ZI will go back and watch all!!!!

[@pancakespandemonium]

Oooh…The Black Eyed Pea! Seriously as a Texas Native you’re hitting all my childhood memories! 😍

[@Littlemink]

I love your mummy so much! 🥰

[@tanyafulton583]

I really miss the Black EyePea Restaurant. So good!

[@sunowl5301]

When my daughter was under 2, we would ride the bus around for fun. She rode free and loved it. I would doze in the seat while she marvelled at the sights. $2 for an afternoon of fun/rest!

[@alldaymusiclover107]

Love it!

[@karielancon3723]

Oh my gosh!!! I ALSO ONLY ate out at ponchos until I was a teenager! Wild….

[@TheIslandBathProducts]

Sounds like Rebatching the old soaps. Save all the small pieces, warm it up in a crock pot with some water, mix well then pour it into a mold of some sort. Makes really nice soap. Nicer than when you started especially if you substitute milk for the water.