I ATTEMPTED TO EAT FOR A WEEK ON $5 | FRUGAL MEALS

It's been awhile since my video where I accepted the challenge to eat for a week on $5. Can I still do it? See how I do in this extreme grocery budget challenge where I eat frugal meals to try to stay in budget
#frugalmeals
#extremegrocerybudgetchallenge
#groceryhaulonabudget
#grocerybudgetchallenge
#extremegrocerybudget
#extremegrocerybudgetchallenge
#affordablefood
Check out my son's channel to see the budget friendly ramen he came up with
Foodie Justin - Delicious recipe made with ramen noodles
Spicy Garlic Ramen
• Spicy Garlic Instant R...
Bean Enchiladas
• THESE ARE THE BEST CHE...
I ate for a week on $5
• BUDGET CHALLENGE: TO E...
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INGREDIENTS
OATMEAL 0.52
pinto beans 0.46
romeros 18 corn tortillas walmart 0.98
eggs 1.25
spaghetti 0.88
zucchini 0.4
green onion 0.33
apple .69 per pound 0.35
carrot 0.09
jalapeno small one 0.07
tomatillos 0.11
rice 0.79
tofu 1.29
total 7.52
spices and hot sauce 0.3
total budget 7.82
MENU
BREAKFASTS
2 2 egg frittata with green onions and spaghetti
1 oatmeal with slices of apple
1 set of oatmeal bites
1 oatmeal brulee
1 breakfast taquitos with 2 eggs and 3 shells
1 huevos rancheros with 1 egg and 1/4 c black beans 2 shells
LUNCHES
1 buddha bowl with 3/4 c beans tofu, sliced jalapeno, 2 tortills shells (chips) grilled green onions
1 buddha bowl with tofu and 3/4 cup rice and shredded carrot 1/2 cup beans
1 bean taquitos with beans 3 shells
1 2 bean enchiladas w/ 3/4 cup rice and half cup beans AND 2 SHELLS
1 tofu chicken tortilla soup with dry noodles and green onions and chicken tortilla strips
1 fried rice with soft tofu and 1 cup rice part carrot
1 garlic spaghetti with red pepper flakes
DINNERS
1 buddha bowl with 1 cup rice tofu egg black beans jalapeno 1/2 c beans
1 2 enchiladas with 3/4 cup rice WITH 2 SHELLS
1 egg fried rice with 1 egg and 1 cup rice and tiny amount carrot
1 pinto bean taquitos 3 shells
1 Spaghetti with zucchini, garlic salt and red pepper flakes
1 bowl with beans tortillas tofu, egg and onion
1 garlic spaghetti with red pepper flakes side of zucchini chips
To contact me, send emails to:
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15333 Culver Drive Suite 340 #546
Irvine, CA 92604

[@estherhurst4741]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much Esther 😁 🥰 I appreciate the donation

[@offtomilan]

Wow, how do you do that? Is there a set up to give donations?! Never seen that b4

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@offtomilan Hi Cameron. 😁 When you are signed in on KZbin, there should be a thanks button near the like and dislikes button. If you press it , it opens up to allow you to give a super thanks donation.

[@rachelhero3413]

If you mash tofu and add chili powder, tomato bouillon,some beans and jalapeño it makes an amazing taco/enchilada/taquito filling

[@ArdentMichelle]

I bet that's delicious. 😋 I'll definitely try this! Thanks for the idea.

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

Do you roast the jalapeno or use it raw?

[@margauxv25]

I have never heard of tomato bouillon, just chicken or beef, I'll look for it

[@dostagirl9551]

@@margauxv25 you can usually find it in the Hispanic section of the grocery store. I think Goya makes one that is pretty readily available at most markets.

[@annzamora6943]

I buy knorr brand

[@shawnphilips1246]

Your plating is beautiful. The extra thought behind those little pops just make the food so pretty.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😊

[@shirleylangton7967]

Living in Canada, I am not as familiar with cooking Mexican-style dishes. You have given me some ideas for exciting recipes and they are all inexpensive. For a senior on pension, this is very helpful!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Shirley 😁 So glad you like the Mexican food I've been making. It's a most delicious low budget cuisine. 😋I'm about to drop another video with a dish that you might like as well. Hope you enjoy. Let me know how your experimentation with these new dishes go!

[@emilyloveslp]

As a feeding therapist (speech-language pathologist) I just have to give kudos for the consideration regarding your viewers with dysphagia. I literally had to go back in the video to make sure I heard you correctly! 👏

[@ArdentMichelle]

I get attached to my viewers 🥰🥰 and I'm always thinking of them when I make these recipes. Everyone has different issues they are dealing with and some take the time to tell me about them. Thanks for commenting and for watching my video 😁

[@mwahl1686]

Same! ❤

[@sarahlacoma2087]

Clinical dietitian here, ditto to what my SLP colleague said!

[@nancyd9304]

You are an absolute genius in the kitchen!! All the dishes you put together for such a small amount of money is astounding. It all looked so tasty! I am not a fan of tofu but I am strangely craving it. 😊 Great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the nice complement 😁🥰 Glad you like my budget videos! Thanks for watching.

[@beesvoyage1833]

When gas prices went up I started shopping close to home. I saw your budget video challenges and started shopping at Walmart (after shopping at Whole Foods and Publix for years I’ve found such great prices here). I love your $2 a day video and started making the tostada almost everyday for lunch (with the addition of cheese and avocado). 😋 Could you please do another video challenge like that? Maybe $3 a day or a $25 a week challenge? I love all of the suggestions. I don’t hardly ever eat meat so these recipes are right up my alley. Thanks so much!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh wow. I love that tostada salad. 😋 I'm so glad you found that recipe useful. I haven't had that in awhile. I too could eat it every day! Yes absolutely, I would love to do a challenge around $21-25 per week. I'll schedule it in. Thanks for watching!

[@NayNayL0820]

I loved this video as well. I would love to see another one as well.

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

It's so nice to see someone who isn't vegetarian singing tofu's praises! It's so delicious and inexpensive, what an underrated food. ⬜

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed. 👍

[@ErisstheGoddessofmanhwas]

Non vegetarian eat tofu too .

[@veggielovinaccountant]

Thank you for using tofu! I feel like it gets such a bad rap but is very tasty if cooked properly. You should do a normal like $25 a week challenge next. You always think outside the box and I enjoy seeing what you will come up with.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think I'm doing a "What I Eat In A Day" kind of video because so many people have asked what I normally eat. I'll consider doing a $25 a week. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@wendoxia]

@@ArdentMichelle that’ll be fun!

[@randaray24]

Yes, if you can do all of this for $8, what can you do with $15 or $20? I waste wayyyy too much money on groceries and need to cut back in order to accommodate the new amounts on my utility bills. Even Aldi prices have gone through the roof.

[@cheriemonami]

I also appreciate how you model how important it is to know the prices of my common items so I can buy at the store with the lowest price.

[@luisasfiat]

I love how pretty you present each meal.For $8 and lots of protein, great job!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@latishacampbell5764]

I thought my son and I were doing great on a $50 a week budget (ours does include household items as well). But this is next level. Fortunately for us we can get eggs for free. My sons mentor has chickens. 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Latisha. 😁 I think $50 a week is good for two people. This video was an extreme grocery budget challenge and is only meant for emergencies when funds are low. It's not possible to get all of the nutrients needed in this extreme of a budget. Unfortunately, some people do have to survive on $5 a week ☹️ glad you liked my video. Thanks so much for watching and for commenting.

[@sherimetschan961]

I've watched a couple of your videos before but I just subscribed. I read all of the comments and people have great comments and I really liked that you responded to almost everyone even trying to be aware of people's health conditions and trying to accommodate them. It takes alot of time to do the videos and comment. It is appreciated!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Sheri 😁 I appreciate the complement. You are right, it does take a lot of time to respond to all the comments, but I love conversing with my viewers. 🥰 It makes this process so much more enjoyable! Have a great week 😁

[@shastablankenmyer1931]

I love that you had fresh fruit and veggies while still keeping the cost low. Very creative and informational.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked my video 😁👩‍🍳

[@misslany5970]

A tip with the beans I make the whole bag of beans leave a bowl in the fridge to use for the next 3 days and the other beans I put it in several zip lock bags and freeze them. Whenever you want beans you just take it from the freezer and boil them not a difference at all 👌

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great tip!

[@ericachitwood9303]

your ideas look delish. I love these videos because one of my biggest take-a-ways is how little of an item one actually needs of ingredients to make food tasty. Look how far that single jalapeno took you. Just goes to show us how out of touch our portions have become. Keep on cookin. Love your videos.

[@patpeters6331]

So true!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Erica. 😁 I agree. I meant to put a little portion of the jalapeño in the beans when they were cooking. Would have added great flavor, but I forgot. When you have too many ingredients you forget to use what you have to it's fullest. Thanks for watching!

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

Regarding our portion sizes and how they are so distorted-I took a look at McDonald's portion sizes from when they first were franchised? Talk about eye opening! And very few Americans were obese. Portion sizes have really become massive, like the obesity problem.

[@deniseb7370]

Yes! I always overestimate how much I really need!

[@Lee-fb4oj]

So true and we have to remember if there are food shortages in the future and people ask us for food how much better it will be to hand out plates of food that are portioned for one instead of giving away full packages❣️

[@allyrooh3628]

I really look forward to your videos. You make me a better cook. Isn't it amazing how far a carrot and 45c worth of green onions can go when you pay attention. These dishes are beautiful as usual. Thanks for helping so many that are struggling right now. These recipes give back dignity and hope when people are struggling. Speaking from experience, when you feel you can't afford to eat, you tend to get in the rut of spaghetti, oatmeal, bananas and repeat. Eating beautiful tasty food should never be a luxury. I'm enjoying your sons channel! Looking forward to your next video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe..thanks so much for supporting us both. 😁🥰 . I'm so glad that my videos help you with your own cooking. 👩‍🍳 This is the best kind of complement. Hope you are having a restful and enjoyable holiday weekend!

[@danidelyon7093]

Yes, she makes us better cooks!!!

[@joycef8443]

Love these ideas. I am the “quartermaster” of our church’ s little pantry and try to come up with different items to stock that are easy to prepare and not too costly for folks to donate. THANK YOU

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this video 😁

[@melann4065]

Hard to believe this is an extreme budget challenge. Everything looked delicious. Well done and thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank YOU for watching! 😁👩‍🍳

[@stephaniewhitehead2881]

These are great suggestions. Would love to see you do one for diabetics and others who must eat lower carb meals. I love everything you cooked, but my blood sugar would be through the roof because of the carbs. Keep the videos coming!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh gosh that would be hard. High protein and low carb vegetables would be considerably more. 🤔 I may have to think about this. Glad you like my videos!

[@maddieb.4282]

@@ArdentMichelle maybe you could do a low carb diet for $20 or $30 a week! Even that is considerably less than I spend on food now so I would absolutely love to see that even if it’s not $5 a week!!

[@Purple0fairy0bunny]

Yes doing low carb and high protein for under 30 a week would be amazing!!!!

[@John_Chiasson]

I just found you (this video appeared under a video about computing and I watched this first) and I also vote for the low carb, higher protein (and fat) version. I've sorted out a lot of health issues using keto and fasting - including reversing Type 2 Diabetes. Btw, most people need about 60 grams of protein in a day (the formula is based on your weight) which shows you just how out of touch our diets are when half that is considered a high amount. Even if you can't do the requested diet for some cheap arbitrary amount, I'd still love to see what you can do to step up our menu and see how far you can stretch our budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@John_Chiasson Hi John 😁 I'll see what I can come up with in the near future.

[@hillaryellis5007]

Thank you so much for considering my comment as inspiration for this video. As always I absolutely loved it! You do such an amazing job and I always take away many ideas each time. Food is getting so expensive and I love that you put content out that helps so many. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was hoping you would see this video! 😁Glad you liked it. It's definitely not easy to have high protein but I think it is much better than the last video. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@helenshack2838]

Hey Michelle …. you did an amazing job with this 5$ challenge for the week But I have to assume that anyone that has to adhere to such a strict budget like this , is for sure experiencing food insecurity. They must absolutely reach out to all the available resources like food pantries , food banks , churches and anywhere else that helps the community subsidize their food intake. This would be so stressful to shop , cook and eat this way for most people. Greetings from Toronto, Canada💌 🍁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Helen. Someone with this budget would definitely need additional support from community programs. Thanks for the complement and for watching my video 😁

[@laurent3415]

I have been in this position before and didn't qualify for assistance. The resources that are out there need to get better at understanding that one can be food insecure at a higher income than the current limit if the cost of the area is higher. People in the position I was in usually get told to "just move" to where it's cheaper to live.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@laurent3415 This is so true and also resources are not available in all areas.

[@laurent3415]

@@ArdentMichelle Free nutrition, meal planning, and cooking classes need to be included with food assistance programs. This would help needy people to be able to stretch a tight budget as far as possible while maintaining health.

[@htas6888]

@@laurent3415 In the area I live there are many food pantries that give food no questions asked. I hope there is some in your area too. I am retired and comfortable for the time being but I always watch to learn and want to know what is available to the community.

[@kelleyhoppock6171]

I just researched this.I work for Dillons which is a division of Kroger here in Kansas. We don't have a WinCo here and we don't have bulk bins in our store. I could replicate this menu for $12.89 before my discount. There would be more of the grains and beans leftover but not sure how much. It would only be ,$.76 less with my discount. Good job.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. 😁 If buying larger quantities then you would want to count the amount of what was used. It's interesting to hear prices from other parts of the country. Thank you for sharing!

[@annmallozzi681]

Have you ever tried sprouting? You could get some mung beans and sprout them in less than a week and use them in a stir fry. They are easy to sprout and very inexpensive.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sprouting is on my bucket list. Not sure why I haven't yet. Thanks for the reminder. 😁

[@cassandrapatterson7338]

Thank you for making budget meals with actual delicious meals I would eat. Most videos I see contain so much pre processed foods or cream soups and seeing yours is so refreshing. Thanks for such quality content!!!!!! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my videos! 😁 I might occasionally have to use processed foods but I do prefer whole foods and use them as much as possible. Thank YOU for watching!

[@foodiejustin557]

Yay shes back again with another great video!

[@okiebrown6201]

Going to check out your site next Mr foodie 😁

[@susans9491]

Your videos are great, too! I see a little similarity but you each definitely have your own style!

[@foodiejustin557]

@@okiebrown6201 Thank you. I hope you enjoy the recipes 😁

[@foodiejustin557]

@@susans9491 Thanks! I get most of the good qualities from her

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@foodiejustin557 awe....that's so nice. 💜

[@1corinthians138]

It's so cool to see someone cooking affordably and practically for one person. I've seen plenty of videos where a family of 12 is eating for $0.35 per serving because of extreme couponing and bulk discounts. But this is such a cool way to eat a variety of foods with a small stash of ingredients as a solo eater.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Katie 😁 Glad you like my videos. The ones where I create a menu for just myself are definitely my favorites. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@tiredapplestar]

Great video! Tofu is such an under rated food! I think a lot of people try it without seasoning/cooking it properly, or grab the wrong king for a recipe. I usually tell people to think of tofu in they same way you would think of flour. No one complains that they don’t like flour (unless they have issues with gluten). No one expects flour to taste delicious out of the bag. It’s the same for tofu!

[@ArdentMichelle]

So true 👍

[@CoffeePlease.]

I’m watching this because I need to maximize my grocery budget. I’m just so shaken by the comment shown at the beginning of the video, from the person who only had $3-4/wk for food, that it’s difficult to concentrate. I hope there are recourses to help people in that dire situation and, also, this has motivated me to find local food banks that I can contribute too as well. Please seek help when and if you need it, fellow humans. I just can’t imagine trying to exist with such little means to nourish oneself.

[@joniletlow]

My husband and I only eat 2x a day to stretch our food budget. This video helps me think of more ways to stretch it and not skip supper.

[@orangechicken1517]

Looks great! TFS. I’ve been using tofu a lot lately and while looking for recipes, I found out that if you freeze it before use it gives it a more meat like texture and makes it more absorbent of flavors and sauces.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes absolutely you are right 👍. I used to always freeze my tofu first, it definitely changes the texture and makes it more chewy! Glad you like my video! Thanks for watching! 😁

[@friend757]

I love watching your videos to see how creative you are. You plate your meals to perfection.

[@ArdentMichelle]

🤗 It's nice to be appreciated. Thank you so much!

[@ravenbrown7053]

Such terrific ideas! Thank you! ☺❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@cynthiadies9055]

I am ASTOUNDED at how well you did for the $7.82. I shop mostly at WinCo and also walk back and forth comparing bulk and packaged prices. Lol. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 It pays to comparison shop even within the same store 😂

[@midlifeandnailingit6342]

I am so in awe of you. I have really been trying to challenge myself to use everything in my fridge and waste less. I was ok about it before, but have been more mindful about it in the last year.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah we all need to. For me, it's hard to keep the purchases down. Having this channel helps me a lot!

[@calciferscloset]

I read through the comments on your videos and you have such a great community here ☺️ I loveee tofu so these are some great ideas! Always look forward to your videos, especially the budget ones. Thank you Michelle!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗 I agree. I think we have an awesome community. I'm glad you enjoy my videos. 😁👩‍🍳 Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@forgivenandredeemed9460]

You never disappoint! These meals were so clever and look delicious! You are one of my favorite KZbinrs...thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm honored to be one of your favorite KZbinrs. Thanks so much 🥰 I'm glad you liked the meals I came up with.

[@effiecross2008]

It is always so amazing to me how much you can do with so little! Thank you so much for all the work that must go into these types of videos. I'm sure you are helping many people!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁🥰 Thanks for appreciating me. I hope my video is helpful to people. Have a good weekend!

[@frugallifehappywife3993]

How creative and beautiful your dishes are! I’m very impressed with what you came up with!! Delish

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you thought so 😁🥰 I appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching!

[@danidelyon7093]

Another great video with colorful tasty easy frugal-few-items fun recipes!!! 😍 While the ads play thru, I read the comments. Love your channel!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Dani 😁🥰 I appreciate the comment and thank you for watching my new video!

[@pennyrasnake1401]

Thank you! You really inspire me to realize I can eat creatively and with much smaller portions. I know I overeat or worse waste foods. You show how to plan and plate so well.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much for the nice complement. It makes me so happy that you enjoy my videos 😁🥰

[@JosephSchmidtfan]

So glad that you included a frittata among your budget dishes. We can learn so many creative ways to incorporate leftovers from other food cultures. I also use leftover rice or risotto in frittatas, frozen peas and another favourite is grated zucchini (salt the grated zucchini first to remove excess water).

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you, and I couldn't agree with you more (about learning from other cultures). I haven't tried leftover rice in a frittata before, but I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@NayNayL0820]

I have been watching your channel for quite a while now. I think I've watched every video you have made! You make all your food look so yummy. Even on a tiny budget. You are such a great inspiration to me.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😊

[@kayleedebose8488]

Girl you are killin It with these extreme budget meals! I’m amazed at how you can make such creative delicious meals with so few ingredients! Can’t wait to see more!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe....thanks Kaylee. 😁🥰 I appreciate that. Glad you like my videos!

[@karenmiernicki9981]

I loved the first $5 a week video and I loved this one too. You are a true survivor!!! Congratulations!!! I always feel invigorated when watching and learning from your recipes. Best regards from Montreal, QC, Canada

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like these extreme budget videos! 😁

[@susans9491]

Thanks for sharing another great inspiring video! Loved the ideas, especially the bean enchiladas and the tortilla soup. The grilled zucchini caught my interest, too - I wore out my George Forman grill but this finally gives me the nudge I needed to replace it. You made some amazing meals for so very little spent!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah I LOVE my George Foreman. 💜 I wanted to try the zucchini in different ways....but the grilled zucchini was the best. Plain grilled vegetables are so delicious. I don't eat them often enough. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. 😁

[@lindsaymarie4416]

I'm genuinely shocked what you pulled off. I never would have thought to buy food how you did. When it said $5, I was like, what is she going to get? 2-3 things? But wow. And the food looked amazing. I've watched other channels that do similar videos and sometimes it's straight up junk they make. This is truly helpful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I appreciate the complement. 😁🥰 I'm so glad you liked my video!

[@teeadvocate]

Brilliant ideas, I love how you care about presenting in an aesthetically pleasing way, in addition to being budget-conscious and filling.💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁I love making a nice presentation. Budget food doesn't have to look cheap. Thanks so much for watching

[@jake_from_statefarm7209]

I've never thought to freeze rice! That's brilliant! My husband and I buy the 20-25 lb bags of jasmine rice at Wal-Mart (or wherever we can find it cheapest) and it usually lasts us for about a year. Sometimes it would be so convenient not to have to cook just a single cup of it ever time we want some. I'll look into freezing it for sure!

[@ArdentMichelle]

It definitely makes life so much easier. I got the idea from Trader Joe's frozen rice. It's so handy to just pop in the microwave when you don't have time to cook. Glad this video was helpful. Thanks so much for watching!

[@KJ-jq9pq]

Reheat frozen rice in the microwave with just the tiniest dribble, of water over top. Comes out just like fresh cooked.

[@saraherber1887]

Really solid ideas as always. I appreciate your well orchestrated demonstrations.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@ninajohnson6578]

You are a fun inspiration! Thank you for everything you show us❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe ....🥰 Thank you so much. You are so welcome 😁👩‍🍳 Thank you for watching!

[@nmnativenurse6965]

Wow! Great variety! So many of these challenge videos are the same food for most of the week. I really appreciate that you think outside the box to develop different entrees! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. 😁Glad you appreciate my creations.

[@jeanineruby]

these are really great meal ideas - thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@mommam.6101]

We had a blended family of six daughters and I still cook huge meals, even though it's only me. I'm going to try to learn from you to just take a little dab of this and little dab of that. I made some soup about 4 days ago and I'm sick to death of it. I tried freezing things but my freezer is old and they seem to get freezer burn or ice crystals. I used to love to squirrel money away in a savings account and watch it grow. It's harder now on social security. I'm going to make a game of following your ideas for food and think of it the same way, a challenge. Then maybe I will be able to put some money in my savings account. I'm saving money for my old age, and I'm only 82. Your channel is now my favorite! And your voice is so soothing. Sometimes I'll watch the show then take my device to bed and listen to them because after I've watched your cooking your voice will help me sleep.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe...that makes me so happy that my videos relax you enough to help you sleep. 😁I too have some videos that I listen to while I'm trying to go to sleep. If I don't, my mind seems to just keep going and thinking of all the things I need to do. I understand what you are talking about when you say you got sick of the soup. I find that I only want to eat meals two or three times. Twice is ideal. I like to have a little variety so that I'm always looking forward to the meal. Hopefully you will pick up a few tips and this will help you to sock away a little more money. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a line. 😁

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Thank you, Michelle, this was excellent! I’m going to start incorporating more beans into our diet for sure!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this. Hope you try the huevos rancheros dish. It's so simple...but delicious! Thanks for watching! 😁

[@quinn7214]

Thank you so much for using tofu rather than meat! Eating meat is against our spiritual beliefs and it's difficult to find many budgeters like you who will show not only that tofu isn't some taboo thing, but how to cook it properly. My family has been hit hard by a lot of financial things this year and this video is wonderful inspiration!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much Quinn. 😁 👩‍🍳 I'm so glad my videos have been helpful.

[@ErisstheGoddessofmanhwas]

Rhe problem is that sometimes people don't think .I mean you can put tofu in many foods instead of meat. It's your choice.

[@susanjane4784]

It's so nice to have you back. I missed your calm matter-of-fact videos in such turbulent times.

[@ArdentMichelle]

These budget challenges take me a little longer to create and edit. ☹️ Thanks so much for the nice complement. I'm glad you find my videos calming.

[@rebekahwhitford]

You are so incredibly creative! You’re an asset for people who need to eat on such an extreme budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Gosh....thank you so much for this very nice complement 😁🥰 That's so nice of you to say.

[@starcoelho1597]

AMAZING! I Love all your creative recipes!😃

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you liked them! 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@TheLali79]

Need these videos more than ever. Thank you for all of the great ideas

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 🥰👩‍🍳 Glad you like my videos.

[@susanparslow3753]

You are impressive, I watched the other $5 challenge also and the meals you make are great. I could not even come close with your ideas and meals. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I enjoy the creative process. Glad you liked the food I came up with. 😁

[@kathy1138]

Great video! The meals you create and the perfect presentation are amazing!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you think so! 😁 I appreciate the complement. 🥰👩‍🍳

[@marijkevandeneijnden8971]

girl you are gift to the world!! Tnx so much! Sending love from the Netherlands

[@patpeters6331]

That soup looked really delicious. I really enjoy a good homemade soup. Definitely going to try the oatmeal bites. Your cobbler is awesome so I think these will be another hit. 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Pat are you the one that said you took my cobbler camping? I've been thinking about that ever since..... plus I miss camping! 😂

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle Yes I am. I make your cobbler all the time. It's my go to dessert. 😋

[@terrivelazquez4974]

Where can I find this cobbler recipe? 😄

[@patpeters6331]

@@terrivelazquez4974Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXNqKCAndNkeMU

[@sharonlynn3358]

I cant wait to try these recipes 😋 The tofu in the soy and brown sugar looked amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked them 😁 The soy and brown sugar carmelizes to make a nice coating for the tofu. Hope you enjoy!

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again So right after subscribing this more current one popped up and is also amazing! You are full of creative and tasty ideas for unreal cost. Really happy to have found your channel! Many thx!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. 😁 I try to mix up my videos, going from extreme budget challenges to a little higher budgets, but I'm always trying to make good food on a budget. Thanks for watching.

[@cardcrazy09]

Amazing meals! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@vonlipi]

Thank you for all the great suggestions!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Of course 😁🥰

[@naomiwebb2937]

Wow you are amazing!! These meals look delicious. Can't wait to try. Simple is best for value and health. I'm so impressed and getting so many great ideas. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos! Thanks for watching 🥰👩‍🍳

[@jamiecee4960]

Lots of great ideas. They all looked really good. Love these challenges.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁👩‍🍳

[@sallyalter6003]

What a marvelous achievement. Everything looked delicious. Thank y ou.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm glad you liked the food I made 😁

[@GeckoHiker]

Your videos are a treat to watch with the frugal ideas and pretty plates. Stretching our dollars can be a fun challenge as long it isn't to the point of deprivation. I just like to reduce waste and eat tasty food. Tonight I used up some extra elbow macaroni made for a cold salad. It was the basis of a thrifty meal. Sautéed onions & garlic in olive oil, added cold macaroni and singed it a bit. Sprinkled parmesan cheese, added a bit of water and the last dollops of sour cream and sprinkled sunflower seeds and chopped scallions on top. Served it with leftover broccoli. It wasn't fussy and we liked it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the complement 😁 The meal you made sounds like one I would like to eat. The best meals are created like this. 👩‍🍳

[@theresaduffy8222]

I can’t believe how good you are at this!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Theresa 😁🥰 I appreciate the comment.

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

Winner, winner tofu dinner! Your ideas always motivate and inspire me especially in these inflationary times, thank you for sharing the wealth. Just call you the Food Whisperer!

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 Hi Lyla. I figured you would like the tofu and vegetarian options. Hope you are having a relaxing holiday weekend. 😁

[@suefleming]

You have just about the best channel on how to save money on food! I really really appreciate all the recipes and your soothing soft voice .... I am definitely a fan!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Suzanne 😁 I'm so glad you are enjoying my content. Yay! 😊

[@jccastle3452]

I love how creative you are with your meal ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊 I appreciate the complement.

[@juliescheidler7763]

Wow, so creative, I'm amazed at what you do with food!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@alisummers7984]

Excellent video!! Thanks for showing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Ali 😁 Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching and hope you have a great weekend full of lots of good eats 😋👩‍🍳

[@charletteprzybylski3417]

Excellent frugal and tasty dishes!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁👩‍🍳 Thank you for watching my video!

[@amandaballard971]

I look forward to ur videos. Ur.so creative. I've learned quite a few things from watching u. I've been along since the beginning... great channel

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes you have. 😁 I appreciate your support

[@CFord-wu3in]

You're incredibly creative! Loved this video! We need as many ways as possible to stretch our food dollars these days!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊 Glad you liked my video.

[@loricandyboo3249]

You are a blessing to so many💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe...thanks so much!

[@channabrennon2017]

This was brillaint!! Thank you!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁

[@kendrahurst541]

I love this video, the food all looked delicious and beautiful as always. I really appreciate that you did one of these with less baking, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, so a lot of these recipes were more doable for me. That tomatillo sauce looked so tasty!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Kendra 😊 Glad you liked this video. Sorry to hear you have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I bet dealing with those health issues really sap the energy out of you. I know when I'm tired, I don't feel like cooking. However, I always feel like eating. 😂 Have a great weekend! 😁

[@gailmoreta]

You are AMAZING as always. Thank you...

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁🥰

[@Suzy12678]

Love love love these videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my video 😁👩‍🍳 Thanks for watching!

[@pattiraithel5412]

Every meal looks delicious and easy. Will be trying a few.

[@luisasfiat]

So excited 😆

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you look forward to my videos! 😁

[@user-mc3ci6wu9y]

Brilliant ideas!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊

[@Magziesfuntime]

A few tips. If you want flour but could only get oats you can turn most oats into oat flour in a blender or food processor. Note: you can make rice flour about the same way. If you are not a big fan of beans you can mush some of them and refried beans which will freeze well if portioned out right. You can take your jalapenos and do pickling hack to make them pickled jalapenos. That way you can prep them at the start of they week. Always use whole peppercorn and a peppermill. They cost a bit more in the short term but whole peppercorns have allot of uses including pickling and the like.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tips 👍Thanks so much.

[@mishmishstudio]

Your creativity is amazing! You're truly inspiring

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁🥰 You are so kind!

[@marypettinari2214]

Just wanted to share with you that I went to Walmart (I'm in Miami Florida and we don't have Winco here) to try the $10 food challenge for 1 person for a week. Although I haven't made the meals yet I'm confident that I was able to get enough food for myself for a week. For $10.71 I got: 2lb bag of brown rice, 1lb bag of pinto beans, 16oz box of whole grain pasta, 1 large can of crushed Tomatoes, 1 loaf of 100% whole wheat bread, 1 dozen large eggs, 1 16oz pkg of mini carrots. 2 ears corn on the cob, and 2 bananas. I figured that I have a bunch of powdered spices and such that I would forgo getting onions and so on. NOW..... If I just had your mad prep and cooking skills I could prepare a feast. Any ideas would be very welcome.n

[@ArdentMichelle]

YAY! 😁So excited you are trying the $10 challenge and that you were able to get some decent prices on items in your area. Not sure what kind of pasta you got, but I'm seeing a minestrone soup there, some egg sandwiches, egg salad if you have mayo, some stir fry rice, pasta with tomatoes would be delicious. If you got spaghetti, you could even fry it the way I did for that soup. Yum....I think you have a lot to work with here. Good luck! And thanks so much for sharing 🥰👩‍🍳

[@marypettinari2214]

@@ArdentMichelle I got whole grain pasta and a 32oz can of crushed Tomatoes. Thanks. I do have a lot of condiments and dry seasonings.

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

Nice! This had my attention the ENTIRE video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked my video 😁👩‍🍳

[@catladyjai1113]

This was amazing. Giving me lots of ideas. My husband and I are wanting to save and create a budget so we will definitely incorporate some of these ideas... now we just have to get the kids on board lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. 😁 If you create delicious foods they'll be on board.

[@deniseodaniels7356]

wonderful recipes and ideas. thank u.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Most welcome 😊

[@deniseodaniels7356]

i am gonna binge watch. great videos!!

[@WilletteB]

Great job, Michelle! Inflation has hit all of us. I'm so thankful I filled my pantry early in the pandemic and most everything is still edible. You make beautiful tasty looking meals. Still trying to follow you every chance I get. Blessings!🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Willette and thanks for stopping by. 🥰I love hearing from you. Glad you liked this video. You were smart to stock up when the pandemic started. I've been stocking up some during the past 2 months, with mostly beans, rice, pasta, that sort of thing. Hope you have a great rest of your week 😁

[@nylenyap3933]

Wonderful video! Thank you ❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@vanadee1618]

I love what you do; but, this is so sad and such a truth for so many. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed it is heartbreaking. Thank you for the kind words.

[@sonyavincent7450]

I consider myself a good cook but you're next level! I'm getting so many ideas from your videos. Tysm and love from New Zealand 🇳🇿 💓

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there Sonya 😁 Nice to have you joining me from New Zealand! Glad you are getting some ideas from my videos. How expensive is food where you are? Seems like I remember someone saying it was expensive but I'm not 100% sure.

[@sonyavincent7450]

@@ArdentMichelle it's getting worse and worse here. We can get some things cheap, like in season bell peppers $2 a pound ($4 per kg here!) And avocados at a country produce store near me 10 for $6. Also rice and pasta similar to you, or at least cheap by any normal standard. But most of our prices are bad. The cheapest whole chicken I can get is $7.50 for frozen. Cooked supermarket chickens are about $13. Eggs are about $5 a dozen for cage, $8 a dozen for free range. The cheapest tinned tomatoes I can get are $1.19. Not 33 cents! Ground beef is $6 to $9 a pound depending on fat content. We can't get tortillas for 3 cents each! All flat breads are really expensive as they are a specialty item. The standard sliced loaf I buy is about $3.29. However I can still apply your principles and reduce my costs!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@sonyavincent7450 Sounds like you have some items that beat our prices but most are higher. 💰Glad you find my videos helpful. That makes me so happy! 🥰I can tell you are budget conscious. I'm surprised you remember that I can get the tortillas for .03 each 😁 Once you start memorizing the best prices, it makes it easy to keep to the budget in future grocery trips. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@baf814]

Still, unbelievable! You are amazing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow, thank you! 😁🥰

[@Dreaming_Mimi]

I love the simplicity of these meals. I don’t like to cook with ingredients I can’t spell. Lol😂. Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like these meals. 😁Thanks for letting me know. I definitely understand what you're saying about not wanting to cook with ingredients you can't spell. 😂