I'M FINDING THE BEST CHEAP EATS

[@LibraryLizard]

For a cheap fast food breakfast, Hardee’s “Breakfast Platter” is $5.99 where I live. It’s 2 scrambled eggs, hash rounds, a biscuit and gravy, and bacon or sausage. For me, it’s more than I can eat in one meal, so I usually save the biscuit and use it for a sandwich later in the day. Before everyone tells me how bad fast food is…I eat this maybe twice a year when I’m out-of-town or for some reason am not at home and didn’t pack anything, so calm down. 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 this made me laugh. That DOES sound like a great deal. We don't have Hardees here but I bet I might be able to find something similar at Dennys or another place. I'll have to do some checking.

[@LAactor]

@@ArdentMichelle there's a gif of an irate lady from a video in someone else's car telling the woman in the back to calm down Karen when she's really the karen, I think you're laughing when you think of her, if not, find it!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

​@ArdentMichelle Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are owned by the same people. There is a little bit of difference in the menus, but not much.

[@beejean9826]

Hello I respectfully declare it really is not polite to use the name Karen like a cursed slamming word .... And no my name is not Karen but it is a popular name of many a lovely ladies for those of us in our 50s, 60s , 70s, 80s and 90th decade of life . And no I don't want to here why it's being thrown around... Let's act like civilized people who have self control ❤

[@LAactor]

@@beejean9826 Uhh no, respectfully you don't know what you're talking about about. The video is literally of the woman SAYING the phrase calm down Karen so it's contextually accurate to call the woman what she is calling others.

[@Stephanie-ew8lw]

We always took our kids to Costco for the $1.50 hot dog and drink deal before a movie. That way we could skip buying candy!😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

very smart 👍

[@Trjlal]

Totally gonna copy this brilliant idea!!

[@judithmartel6046]

Now that's SMART!

[@chrisharmon5453]

The nice thing about a lot of these premade options is that while they can be a little pricey, you can as you showed us find ones that are discounted and also I find I often can stretch those items for a meal and a snack at least or sometimes two meals. Especially if I’m driving and not doing a lot. Thank you for showing us a healthy option.😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah I was thinking that this would be a good option for travelers. Glad you like this one! Thanks for letting me know! 😁

[@Suebearish]

Sprouts was less than McDonald's and far healthier

[@Suebearish]

You could eat from Sprouts full time so inexpensively

[@maggiedolly123]

Hey! I enjoyed this video, even though I rarely eat out. I wanted to share something that is a summer staple for me. Toast slices of crusty bread (sourdough, etc.) spread with mayo, top with thick slices of “homegrown” or the best tomato you can find, sprinkle with salt and enjoy! I am lucky enough to have a garden, so we eat this two or three times a week, starting in July. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree....garden grown tomatoes are the best! Such a refreshing summer sandwich!

[@Martha-vx8bj]

Yum, I love a fresh tomato sandwich (mayo, s & p). Those are the ONLY time I don't mind a drippy sandwich.

[@beckyw9000]

That was so sweet that you had a lunch date with your son. ❤️. I have a Sprouts close to me. I will have to try that deli bread. For a treat I used to get a cup of their hot soup. But it was not cheap, it was a splurge but at least it was a splurge with a lot of nutrition.

[@jccastle3452]

I love this new series. Thank you so much for doing the research for us. 🤩 Our local Wendy's here in Prescott AZ has a 5.00 box with a cute little bacon cheeseburger, fries, 4 chicken nuggets and a drink or small frosty.

[@LindaC616]

Frosty is an upgrade for the biggie bag. But you can also get chicken instead of a burger

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great deal! 👍 I noticed that McDonald's just came out with a $5 meal also. Their earnings were down because people stopped going, so they had to bring back a value meal. 😂 Is the Wendy's item a kids meal? I have nothing against eating a kids meal by the way.

[@LindaC616]

@@ArdentMichelle not really. It is a small fry, four nuggets, a (in my opinion) slightly smaller version of the chicken sandwich or the junior cheeseburger plus a drink, which is huge. You won't be hungry after you eat it

[@marlenearocho3680]

​@@LindaC616. ours has a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a drink. I save the chicken nuggets for later. Cut them up in small pieces and put on top of a salad. 😊

[@LindaC616]

@@marlenearocho3680 yes, I usually get the grilled chicken sandwich. I remember when I was with a couple of students from abroad. One from Venezuela one from Chile. I had not been in the habit of fast food for years at that point, but we had gone on a hike and then done some shopping for them and they wanted to go to Wendy's because their budget could handle it. When we walked in, we were all shocked to see four dollars. They asked me if that was the correct price. I said I would have to ask because I wasn't familiar with it. I looked at the one from Chile who was a nurse, and I said "this is why we're all fat". That weekend, we went to a movie theater and she wanted us to take her photo with a bucket of popcorn and a half gallon of soda. I looked at her and said "again, this is why we're all fat" 🤣

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

The park and lake look beautiful!

[@annettegregson5381]

Kudos to Sprouts for not raising prices on the sandwich special. We’ve been getting the sandwich special for years. I didn’t know hummus was available. Half a sandwich from Sprouts is enough for me, so it’s like getting 2 meals. In Seal Beach, Hennessy’s on Main Street has the smash burger special on Thursdays for $6 including fries. CPK has a small pizza and beer special M-F from 3-6 pm for $9. The McDonalds app has 50% off Happy Meals, so with tax it’s only about $2.63. I get milk as my drink and I save the toys for trick-or-treaters.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm taking notes 😂 these are great deals!

[@ariella1357]

Sabra hummus is truly the best, especially the red bell peppers one, my family’s favorite!

[@leannloomis8761]

The sandwiches look yummy. What a pretty day. I enjoy your video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@michellefitz4287]

I could never get tired of shopping at Sprouts! Lots of healthy options and variety. Really enjoyed the video.

[@spicychickpea97]

I love the new series! The music you used in this video was really nice

[@estherhurst4741]

What a beautiful park! I’m envious. 😀

[@kathyclarke6327]

I like how they wrap the meat Individually, seems like it doesn’t get dried out and nasty that way. I’m sure the real reason was portion control but I like it

[@ArdentMichelle]

I had thought the same thing when I saw that.

[@hayleymccall904]

Love love love this new series! ❤ thanks so much Michelle for all your efforts!

[@shelzp7272]

What a lovely day you had and I’m looking forward to the rest of the places you share with us. ✔️

[@muttersmenu2422]

Good selection of food 😊in the park. Enjoy weekend with the family 👍

[@WorldOfWonder66]

Thank you so much. I would love to see more videos like this. I had no idea there were still cheap food out there that is prepared and ready to go

[@kippytx]

How interesting!! I loved this.

[@maryegerton6848]

Excellent 😊 I enjoyed this!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@LB-dz4gh]

I raised two boys on my own and I became very good at finding deals on eating out because that was a treat for us. I would totally recommend getting some fast food apps on your phone because it gives some great savings. I also signed up on all the websites for restaurants you like because they send deals too. If you like going to the theater, many of them have good prices on Tuesdays.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MarciaL-r1v]

I love Sprouts for all kinds of reasons, they have very good fresh produce and sales, the sandwiches are delicious and generous in size. Your park is gorgeous!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah... I love that place. It's so peaceful.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

This is a great idea. Places you can eat for $5.00 or less. Just went online to look in my general area and there are several places that have $5.00 meals. Or you could always order a child’s meal. I do when I’m hungry, but not wanting a full meal. I will have to check out the sandwiches at sprouts.

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

I just realized I forgot to comment on this video last week when I watched it oh my goodness so many delicious recipes and ideas thank you for sharing Michelle I really love this video just like all your other videos great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜

[@StephanieMazzon-s3k]

Loved this. I never shop at sprouts. Going to check it out now.

[@lisablack9634]

This will be a nice series.I used to live near Sprouts and didn't know they offered sandwiches.

[@michellefitz4287]

My parents lived in the Irvine Ca Woodbridge community by the South &North lakes for over 20 years. It’s a beautiful place all year round! Really enjoyed the video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I LOVE that neighborhood. So peaceful. Glad you like this!

[@moonstoneway2694]

Great ideas! My best cheap lunch was a delicious pizza slice for $1.25 at DeLaurenti food & wine store in Pike Place Market when I was an office worker in downtown Seattle. That was 10 years ago so probably more than that now.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that was a great deal even 10 years ago!

[@shelzp7272]

@moonstone Now that’s cool! Getting to see Pike Place every day and get an inexpensive lunch!

[@janetmiles6402]

I am looking forward to another episode of this series. There is a Sprouts market nearby where I live. I didn't know about the $5.00 deal--I have tried their sandwiches before and they are yummy😊. The IKEA is 45 minutes away, but I will give it a go for the plant and veggie dogs. I have tried most of their menu and have enjoyed it as well. Your research is much appreciated. Be well.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed this video! Thanks for letting me know 😁

[@Martha-vx8bj]

Very interesting topic. I will try finding meals like that in my little corner of the world. My friends and I who are mostly on budgets and are older widows or singles like to get out of our homes as a small group and mingle. I love humus but have never had it on a sandwich so I'm trying that soon! Thank you for the ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 glad you like this video! I don't often go out because I'm trying to save money, but I like that by finding these deals I can sometimes go out and try these new places....plus it feels like an adventure.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

I really enjoyed this video! I pop into Sprouts weekly on the hunt for clearance veggies and meats. I didn't know about their $5 sandwich deal, so thanks for sharing this!

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Publix has a five dollar shrimp cocktail box. 10-12 nice sized shrimp and a cup of cocktail sauce. Made fresh daily and very tasty.

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow...that's a great deal! We don't have Publix on the west coast but this is fabulous info for those near a Publix. I think our match to Publix is Whole Foods. Wondering if they ever have any deals. I haven't really seen any so far but I should research on Google.

[@charlottekearn5185]

I like Sprouts too, it's pretty close to me, all the good stores are pretty much nearby. Sprouts can be expensive on most things but they do have good deals and pretty healthy stuff. I'm going to WinCo in a bit so maybe I will swing by sprouts and see what they have going on. The parking is a pain because there are many stores in the same area. Have a super week Michelle. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Another viewer just said that they have an amazing sandwich deal at Winco and I had no idea! I've never had that. Have to check that out. Happy shopping!

[@michaelanngarcia4012]

Please do more this was eye opening

[@betteryourlife865]

Costco is also a good one to go to for a cheap lunch. Also keeping fast food receipts can sometimes get you a good deal.

[@steveg3981]

Great idea for a series. Sprouts looks like a winner given the selections. Lots of choice. It was interesting to see the sub divisions near by which appeared to be the affluent set. Maybe that's why they are well heeled spending on cheap meals? As for hot dogs they are questionable from a heath point of view. they are the ultimate in processed food which are apparently prone to cancer and heart problems. Please do more research . Love your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 the hot dogs I ate were made out of lentils and kale and other natural ingredients. I don't eat meat hot dogs. I'm so glad you are enjoying my channel 😁 Have a great week!

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Thank you , I have never been to IKA , I would like to try the veggie hot dog. Sadly we don't have a Sprouts here in Cincinnati Ohio. I enjoy you videos very much and I love you showing your city. God bless you and your family🙏❤🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 Maybe you can check out reddit and see where to get some cheap eats in your city. It's so much fun to be able to explore and find new places while saving some money.

[@georgiawise8375]

Yes ikea great veg dog combo....walk that dog off. Great weekend for indoor walking.

[@motivatedmindful1976]

In Kansas, so it may be different in other areas, but Taco Bell has a breakfast burrito and coffee. I chose black beans and potatoes in my burrito. It does come with egg but you might be able to ask them not to if you don’t like egg. $3.80 and with a senior discount $3.40

[@ArdentMichelle]

I definitely want to try this! 👍

[@shirleyclarke4867]

I'm definitely going to try this. I live 30 mins from Taco Bell but sometimes I go to town early and want breakfast! Thanks for sharing!

[@donnamarsh3474]

Big sandwich! Nice!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Kudos 👩‍🍳 Michelle. Love the new series. Cheap eats and loved the walk to the park. Sprouts looks amazing. Great sized sandwiches a good deal for the price. That would be 2 meals for me.I live in New England and cheap eats are becoming more common. Fast food places having meal deals for $5 to $7. Hummus ❤ I lobe it!!! I use it instead of mayo. I used it as an ingredient in salad dressing. More places are offering deals for seniors and some are taking SNAP. I used SNAP recently at a hot dog place. It was a nice change but economically it is of course less at the market. I buy expensive hot dogs 🌭. I am going try the veggie dog. Do you know a brand similar at the market. IKEA is too far for me to go their lunch. Everything fun to shop at is 😆. Such is living in a rural area. Have a good week 💟

[@ArdentMichelle]

I actually don't know anything similar to that veggie dog on the market. 🤔 It's very special in that it was made out of lentils and kale and other healthy stuff. If I see something I'll let you know though.

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

Thats a huge sandwich! Wish I had a Sprouts in Buffalo, NY. Love your channel Michelle!

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks so much! 💜 you might check at your local grocery stores too. I know I found some sandwiches at Ralphs but they weren't quite as good of a deal...still not bad though.

[@Caitlin1928]

Arby's typically has some good deals. I've also noticed that fast food places seem to have separate online only deals a lot nowadays. I also love when I get coupons for fast food places in the mail. Walmart deli also has some great options.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing this!

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

Great series. I am waiting for weather to be cooler to take our Sprouts sandwiches to Riverwalk (park & water)! Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

that sounds like a fun day! 😁 I can't wait for Fall.

[@connieblack5276]

Throughly enjoyed this and reading the comments for additional information . Checking out sprouts and Ikea for sure. I buy the sub sandwiches at winco they are stuffed with meat and cheeses and grab the free condiments to go with them. I cut them in thirds wrap them up and put them in the freezer and take them out the night before. I add mayo and mustard packet and lettuce and it makes a huge sandwich. The whole thing is less than 5.00 and feeds us 3 lunches.

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh my gosh, I've been there so many times and didn't even know that they sell sub sandwiches. Thank you so much for sharing this! 😁

[@momof2momof2]

Sprout's sandwiches are very good. I like their pre made chicken caesar wrap. I can only eat half in one sitting. We enjoy eating at IKEA, I really like their veggie dog and plant based hot dog, and their lemon sparkling water. It's delicious and so cheap !. The food in their upstairs restaurant is very good too. I used to live in San Diego, and have been to Irvine several times. It's a very nice area 🥰💐💗✝🇺🇲

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't eaten in the upstairs restaurant yet. I'm making a mental note to try the lemon sparkling water. Thanks for sharing!

[@patriciatzai]

Sometimes that deli sandwich bread just hits different. $5 for a relatively healthy lunch isn't bad at all.

[@Suebearish]

Please do part two for some other ideas

[@jenniferherrington]

Boars Head meats are the best out there. I love their roast beef on French bread or Italian bread slices from a loaf from a store bakery (such as Smith's or Walmart). I also added mayonnaise and a few Trappey's jalapenos to it. Yum!

[@midlifeandnailingit6342]

What a healthy, great deal at Sprouts!

[@sallyapplegate4591]

Good to know!!!!! Thx!😊

[@sydneydoran2063]

Harris teeter has 5 dollar sushi on fridays! I dont think there are harris teeters on the west coast but if theres any sister stores near you they could have the same deal!

[@auntiepam5649]

Great series!

[@allyrooh3628]

The Too Good To Go app is expanding in our area. It’s a cheap way to try local places. Basically the value is about 3x what you pay since it’s foods that didn’t get purchased that day or are short dated. Whole Foods just added a prepared foods box for $6.99. I’m anxious to try it. The bread you purchased looked amazing. I want to try to make something similar, but it’s been in the high 90’s still. 🥵 hope you have a fantastic week!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I downloaded the app earlier today. I only saw a few restaurants in my area, but I'll keep an eye on it. I would love to try the Whole Foods stuff. I'm not doing much cooking these days either. Only a few more weeks of this heat.

[@CathieG]

Great series Michelle! 🤩 I go to Del Taco and get their 8 Layer Veggie burrito for $4.49 all the time. 🌯 😍

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like del tacos value burrito for $1....well, it used to be. 😂 Haven't been there in awhile. I'll have to try the 8 layer. 😋

[@amyc2349]

Heading to sprouts its a about 45 mins away and I've never been to one. Your video is making me want to check it out.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've always kind of avoided Sprouts because I can get cheaper produce and other items elsewhere, but that was a mistake. I should have spent more time exploring. If you go, I hope you enjoy! There might be other grocery store deals nearer you also. I guess there are some others that do sandwiches too, but I think this was the best deal in my area.

[@marcibarton9437]

We have $5 sushi deals in Wednesdays at our local Neiner grocery store in the Midwest. It’s a great deal.

[@ambreewilliams6585]

I love Sprouts!!! Those $3+ markdown sandwiches and wraps are delicious! I always check for markdowns on their organic grassfed beef - they have really good deals on their meat when you can catch it!

[@ArdentMichelle]

good to know! 👍

[@teresitap5778]

We look for markdowns in the prepared food section all the time. I recently ordered a kids quesadilla from Chipotle because I wasn't too hungry & it was pretty good & the right size. Think it was $6

[@wendoxia]

I love the veggie dogs at IKEA, but you have to spring for the extra cabbage and onions which I think take it up to $1.40 or something? Those dogs are delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah unfortunately they were out of cabbage this day.

[@Suebearish]

We don't have a Sprouts here. Hopefully. We have been to the one in Nashville

[@emilyann342]

We have a local, family run grocery store that does "Cheep Chicken Mondays" and you get an 8pc of fried or baked chicken, 2 family sides and a 4ct bag of Hawaiian rolls. We'll grab that for the kids some days

[@ArdentMichelle]

My sons would love that. I think that some of the grocery store deals are sleepers...meaning not everyone knows about them.

[@LAactor]

Oh wow thanks for showing me that Ikea. I hadn't known the remodeled!! I swear they redid the solar awning carports and the whole front area as well as inside. Don't feel overwhelmed because there are secret doors that look employee only but anyone can use it to cut through to not have to follow the hamster path. They have to do that for fire code and safety to evac. I used to love the holiday and midsommer smorgasbord but they have gotten up in price but used to be a good holiday deal for me because I don't have holiday parties. there is usually an elevator shortcut to go upstairs vs the escalator. It's so handicapped people don't have to go far. It's not the main elevator at the entrance. Depends on layout. I would always find the back staircase to the restaurant and it would be so fast in and out. I never liked their hot dogs but maybe they have changed them.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I meant to mention about the solar panels. I love that they did that.

[@LAactor]

@@ArdentMichelle it's like we're in tune with each other! Do you have ESPN too? 🤪

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Now I have to make a tomato sandwich!😂 jonesing❤

[@misacruzader]

It's true that Sprouts isn't a TRUE sourdough, but it hits the spot. I used to work at a place that was two doors down from Sprouts and I'd always stop there before work. I did splurge on cheese, but skipped the combo!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I preferred the multigrain bread. That was better in my opinion. I loved this deal! I'll definitely get it again!

[@PlanetRumi]

I’ve seen you create incredible meals for basically pennies and holidays on an extreme budget. Can you do a birthday party challenge? My son’s 7th birthday is coming up and I would love to see what type of birthday party you are able to create for $20 or less

[@ArdentMichelle]

I would love to if I had more time!

[@LAactor]

Just told ma about this sando yesterday or so! Super fresh bread is THE best>> Mayo and tomato sandos ARE the signature summer lunch of the south! But they like Dukes vs our Best Foods.

[@ArdentMichelle]

funny...my son was just talking about Dukes and saying he wants to try it.

[@LAactor]

@@ArdentMichelle I think it's sweeter but not as sweet as the Japanese mayo Kewpie. Is the Vegan mayo by best foods? I'm particularly particular about my mayo. Aldi's is gross. Don't love Miracle Whip. Kewpie seems over hyped to me but people love it.. Didn't like a long ago version by Best Foods vegan. Seemed less creamy. But let me know what it was you used. I might try it.

[@wendoxia]

Michelle, my friend made a double veggie dog by ordering two veggie dogs with onions and putting both dogs in one bun and it made a fantastic meal!,,

[@chellesoup]

I’ve only been inside IKEA once as it’s quite a distance away. Now I’m sad that I’m so far away from cheap eats! I do however love Sprouts so I’m going to try the sandwich deal next weekend. Thanks for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hopefully next time you're in that area you can check out IKEA. Hope you enjoy the sandwich deal! 😁

[@LindaC616]

Ok! Cheap eats near me-- a supermarket 1/2 hr away, Market Basket, makes the best spanakopita. It wrighs about 1/2 lb, and costs $3. By itself, its not a huge lunch, but ok. With something on the side, perfect!

[@ArdentMichelle]

that sounds yummy! I'm going to be keeping my eye out for more of these deals.

[@wendoxia]

I have seen sushi deals at sprouts I’m not remembering it was five dollars but there was definitely some half-price sushi and some sushi specials and sprouts has very good sushi

[@charlottekearn5185]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow...thank you so much for the support. 💜 🌸🌼

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

If I could eat normal bread I could get a 9oz turkey lunch meat container and a dollar bag of bread, and a Roma tomato and some free mustard packets; lots of sammies for $5.

[@sameoldsteph]

I love Sprouts! And yes, the one near me has $5 sushi rolls every Wednesday. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

then mine must too since we are practically neighbors! I'll have to let the guys know this because they LOVE sushi!

[@sameoldsteph]

@@ArdentMichelle Haha yes! We have taken advantage of it on numerous occasions, basically the only sushi I've had lately. We love sushi too, but as you know it's gotten SO expensive!

[@nancyculp6968]

A lot of times if you get the app of a fast food place for the first time they will reward you automatically with a free meal, dessert or drink. I took out a Zaxbys and received an entire meal with a drink for free! So try this in your research. Also, MCDonalds has free fries on Friday. You have to buy something that cost a dollar to get them. I would suggest buying a drink or small order of chicken nuggets. This way you can bring your choice of bread or bun from home loaded with whatever you like and just place the nuggets on your choice ( bread or bun). Then if you do not want to have to carry mayo or any other condiments just go pick up couple of packets of each and use theirs. You could also use the chicken nuggets to use to make sweet & Sour or pineapple chicken. Cook rice night before, stir fry vegetables place on top of rice and take containers of sweet & sour sauce on side to pour over after you add the chicken nuggets. Then bring a cup of ramen soup( kind you heat in the container) to help fill you up even more. This is just for some of us that forget our lunch or are running too late to fix something. Plus, Burger King has a meatless option for burgers.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love all of these ideas! These are brilliant! 💡 I didn't know they had free fries on Friday. I don't see them in the App. Wondering if it's only for new app downloads 🤔

[@Suebearish]

The sandwiches at sprouts are huge. 2 people could easily share

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

We like avocado on Dave 21 grain bead with pomegranate seeds!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yum! 😋 I like Dave's bread too!

[@pacificnorthwestgirl2725]

Thanks for the video, some good ideas. I like how you use the inspiration of the meals to create your own at home later. I like doing that too, definitely hard to do with certain ethnic foods never tasting the same though as in a restaurant. At the 8:37 mark it looks like bread floating, hope nobody fed the ducks bread as it's really harmful to them causing malnourishment, it's harmful to geese as well causing them angel wing.

[@thelisaofmonalisa4829]

We don't have a Sprouts near us, I'll try to keep this in mind though when we're traveling. One cheap option is using the "Too Good to Go" which gives you discounts on food that would otherwise be tossed. Often doughnuts and etc, we used this when we were in Winnipeg. Don't forget Costco hotdogs/pizza.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great ideas! 👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

I wonder how too good to go would work for people that don't eat meat since it's a surprise bag. I just downloaded the app.

[@thelisaofmonalisa4829]

@@ArdentMichelle some of the restaurants are vegan or vegetarian

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@thelisaofmonalisa4829 I'll keep checking the app. I only see a few restaurants right now.

[@danneyandroid0391]

Thanks for this! Loving the idea! Next time take your tripod so we can "meet" you and your son(s) enjoying your finds!

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's never going to happen 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm glad you like my video! 😁

[@danneyandroid0391]

@@ArdentMichelle 🥲

[@DeterminedDIYer]

The closest sprouts to me is in Oklahoma lol. I live in Ohio. But I will try the multi grain bread with hummus mayo lettuce and tomato :) I used to stop at ikea after work on my way home to go to the food court or hotdog counter when i was hungry and didn't want to cook. it was so much cheaper than stopping at a fast food place. it's too far now.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...I agree. 👍 I need to swing by there more often.

[@pek5117]

Lots of good deals. Food is a lot cheaper there than here in Sydney.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah we have some great deals if you look for them.

[@LaurenSmith-tb6ye]

Another place to eat healthy inexpensive food is hospitals. Who knew?! Yes, I love this series!

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a GREAT idea! Glad you're enjoying this series!

[@lindawilson290]

Hi, AM, If you sign up for a rewards card at IKEA (I'm not sure of its proper name), you can get an additional 5% off not only their furniture and furnishings, but it also works in the Food Court (plus free coffee, if memory serves)! Hey, every little bit helps. Also, when you order something from McDonald's (no judgment, please), be sure to ask for a receipt. Fill out the indicated survey and you will get a "reward" code good for (most recently) a BOGO on any sandwich. I typically get two McChicken sandwiches, which range from $1.69 to $1.89 each in my (Midwest) area. With bottled water in my car, it's lunch for under two bucks! Plus, it'll generate another receipt and, thus, another survey.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much for sharing this. 😁 These are great tips. I love McDonald's. First of all, I rarely ever drink soft drinks anymore but when I do, I want a coke from McDonalds. Plus they still have the best fries around, especially when you request for them to be "fresh". My sons taught me that one. 😂

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

The plant dog is huge

[@ArdentMichelle]

It really was! I was quite satisfied with those 2 hot dogs!

[@thelullinthestorm]

Did you do a cost breakdown for your homemade version of the sprouts sandwich? $5 is great for a no effort meal so still a great find but with the whole loaf costing barely above that I’m betting your home version was really cheap

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't but it's definitely much cheaper.

[@meloshea7895]

Almost all of my meals are a meal deal. One meal will usually last 2 -3 meals for me. I normally eat smaller but more frequent servings...every 3-4 hours.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like eating that way too...although I find it harder to do with my new work schedule.

[@annmich4593]

❤

[@tinashort9098]

I wish I lived closer to these stores!! I’m about 3 hrs from the closer Sprouts!! Those sandwiches were giant for the price!! Happy Sunday Michelle!! I managed to get a package of Brie cheese for $2 at Food Lion, which I’ve never had or used so I’m online trying to find a simple way to use it!! Any ideas anybody??

[@LindaC616]

Wow! It's good baked inside crescent dough. Sometimes, if I'm alone on a holiday, I bake that and pick at it with grapes all day

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree with the crescent dough idea and also would be great on any crusty bread along with some jam or jelly. Also good with dates. 😁

[@LindaC616]

@@tinashort9098 such a deal! Especially considering brie might be extinct soon!

[@pek5117]

Omg making me wait 6 mins for the upload...😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's because I'm late today....been editing since 4:30am 😂

[@pek5117]

@@ArdentMichelle sure it'll be great.

[@alanbirkner1958]

Hi, I'm near O'Hare airport. A friend and I share the Wendy's $5 bag. We get an extra free drink because I'm 74 and she's 78. We also get kids meals at Steak and Shake. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArdentMichelle]

I used to get the kids meals at McDonald's until they changed it and stopped giving a small size fry. I. love that you're able to share it with your friend.

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Blessings 💞😔 yummy 🤤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you

[@LindaC616]

Wow, the only place I'm eating for less than $5 is Taco Bell (which I'd be happy with)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do love Taco Bell! 💜 I think they are officially the BEST fast food place.

[@LindaC616]

@@ArdentMichelle it's the only one I ever crave. Anything else is a "resuelve", as we call it, which means there's nothing better around, may as well

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

I want to put avocado on your sandwich ❤

[@susantaulli6580]

No Sprouts or IKEA anywhere near me.

[@LindaC616]

I've an ikea 45 min away 😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

Maybe other stores have some great deals near you. I'm finding that the more I look, the more I'm finding.

[@sheenamaclean8324]

So much plastic in that Sprouts store 😢 There seems to be quite a few different spellings for hummus as in the UK we spell it HOUMOUS.

[@LaLayla99]

*sigh* I wish we had a Sprouts and an IKEA near us. I have to drive 2hrs away... 🫤

[@ArdentMichelle]

did you look around to see who has the deals in your area?

[@nancyculp6968]

A lot of times if you get the app of a fast food place for the first time they will reward you automatically with a free meal, dessert or drink. I took out a Zaxbys and received an entire meal with a drink for free! So try this in your research. Also, MCDonalds has free fries on Friday. You have to buy something that cost a dollar to get them. I would suggest buying a drink or small order of chicken nuggets. This way you can bring your choice of bread or bun from home loaded with whatever you like and just place the nuggets on your choice ( bread or bun). Then if you do not want to have to carry mayo or any other condiments just go pick up couple of packets of each and use theirs. You could also use the chicken nuggets to use to make sweet & Sour or pineapple chicken. Cook rice night before, stir fry vegetables place on top of rice and take containers of sweet & sour sauce on side to pour over after you add the chicken nuggets. Then bring a cup of ramen soup( kind you heat in the container) to help fill you up even more. This is just for some of us that forget our lunch or are running too late to fix something. Plus, Burger King has a meatless option for burgers. Also I was sent notice in my news feed that Dominos was running a special for a carry out large pizza for $6.99. Just sometimes we just can’t make something cheaper at home or if we are a good distance away from our home and we are hungry. Also, to keep cost down order water…then use a water enhancer or use the restaurants lemon juice packets or squeeze some lemon into your water and add a sweetener. You now have lemonade! Better than spending $2.00-3.00 a glass for adult and kids drinks. I always try to pick out a place that has carry out or where I eat inside , but when they call my order I go to counter to pick up my meal. Again this is only when I am about an hour to two hours away from home.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree, the costs really add up on buying drinks. It's great to have takeout options for times when you're not up for cooking.

[@Dee-ps3um]

❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜