NO SPEND JANUARY

[@kgparkhurst8525]

I use Libby to check out books from many different libraries throughout the state. I have over thirty on hold for my future reading. Never without a book and no high priced gas to pay. Last year I read 158 books.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Such a great resource. I have some holds too for some of the more popular books. Gives me something to look forward too.

[@alishaparr577]

Kindle has a lot of free editions of classic books I also pay for kindle unlimited, I basically have unlimited included romance novels. I do find the professionally read Kindle books expensive so I use the adaptive screen reader to read my books to me. It's fine once you get used to the computer voice.

[@LindaC616]

A few books entered the public domain this year, so there are a few more of those free books although Kendall makes them harder to find than they used to. I read in other languages, so Libby is not quite so helpful to me, but there's also hoopla.

[@renel7303]

​@@alishaparr577kindle makes a lot of books available for free even if you don't buy a subscription. Many KDP authors and publishers make their books free briefly when they are first published to get reviews. If I buy them at $0 they are permanent to my library.

[@spicycopper2436]

My local library uses Libby. I really enjoy their free audio books via Libby.

[@vickyanderson-md8sm]

I so appreciate your commitment to your channel even though you are working more hours. You always have such creative ideas for low-cost recipes!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 I'm glad you're enjoying my content!

[@margaretwhiting3073]

I have been using cannellini bean purée to make a comforting soup. I just cook garlic, onions and a bay leaf in water, then purée everything till smooth and creamy ( minus bay leaf!) If you use a little butter with the veggies it becomes a comforting velvet bowl of heaven. Dip your garlic toast in that! YUM!👨‍🍳

[@ArdentMichelle]

now that's what I'm talking about! Yum! 😋

[@Nanabanana464]

Wow that’s a great idea. 🎉 I have been roasting veg in the oven, then purée with broth. We have soup everyday…thanks for the recipe.

[@chrisharmon5453]

Do you drizzle a nice EVOL over the top when it’s done cause that would be really scrumptious too

[@vinnydabarber]

Michelle, you are not going to believe this, I made almost the exact same thing last Saturday as your first dish today! I used Kielbasa instead of ham and pasta instead of potatoes. Cooked everything the exact same way except boiled pasta and added it in with a little pasta water so it would absorb the caramelization So good!!!! And I already had the cabbage dish you made last week in the oven before I turned on my PC and saw your video! I'm going in to eat it now! Thanks for the great video

[@ArdentMichelle]

We are in sync 🧘‍♀️ Love this!

[@LibraryLizard]

I would love to see more non-traditional uses for beans. ❤

[@LindaC616]

An Italian restaurant nearby has an appetizer that is Italian bread toasted with white beans and tiny shrimp on top there's some kind of a sauce too. It's pretty much the only thing that's healthy in that please for me😅

[@821Farm]

White bean hummus is very easy

[@renel7303]

​@@821Farmand delicious! I love all beans.

[@justtee1259]

@@821Farmhello sounds delicious is it made with tahini like hummus?

[@821Farm]

@ yes exactly

[@gccheryl4038]

Had already decided on doing a no spend January too! How fortunate for me to have you posting this series, thank you A.M.! Love the cannellini beans and seeing your ideas. Libraries are an underused resource for me too, thanks for the reminder.

[@ChallengeYourWalletAarynLynn]

We love to use spam turkey for replacement for bacon in the morning we slice it thinly put it in the air fryer and it is so good with eggs! I grew up on spam and absolutely love it and now with all the flavors that are out it makes it that much better

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Michelle, A no spend January on food can be prudent. I finally bought the very last can of canneloni beans last week. It was the last one on the shelf. It wasn't cheap, but I have high hopes for it. I love reading and use my kindle a lot. I don't know what freebies they have for Washington state libraries. I should look into it. I had a great Christmas! I got to watch my grandkids open presents. And my daughter's sister-in-law went to the senior center thrift store and maybe other thrift stores and found some awesome one of a kind, but much loved presents for her family. She didn't spend very much either because they were from thrift stores. I hope this year is a wonderful year for you and your family.

[@npflaum]

I've been checking out ebooks from the library for ages. In addition to not having to wait for the library to be open, I am no longer restricted to just the large-print books. I just set my reader to the largest text setting and get any book that is available. It's great! I hope you are having a good new year so far.

[@monicam4738]

We had a lot of sweet potatoes out of our garden this year as well as bell peppers. If you've never tried sweet potatoes in a stir fry, you should. I add onions and ground turkey, garlic salt, pepper and it is a fabulous combination. I would love to see a video featuring sweet potatoes.

[@Pamzollman]

I used to use Libby all the time. Then I discovered Hoopla. I use them both, but I probably use Hoopla a little more. Both are through your library card. Libby allows you to check out a book for 7 days (but I think that your local library determines this), and Hoopla for 21 days. Both are great!

[@LindaC616]

Yes, I currently have one checked out for 2 weeks which is what my library allows

[@821Farm]

I love Libby via my local library Recently introduced my husband to this he’s now plowing through audio books like crazy Off the murder and mayhem tv shows yay!! I love sewing and knitting while I’m listening to Audio books Gardening cleaning and cooking

[@jb6712]

My parents called a (MOST WELCOME!!) halt to spending anything on christmas about 30 years ago. It was the beginning of wonderful freedom from all that nonsense spending on things nobody else wants but has to pretend they're excited about.

[@ArdentMichelle]

kudos to your parents! So much unnecessary spending!

[@LindaC616]

Happy new year, Michelle!

[@estherhurst4741]

Thanks so much for all your hard work, Michelle! That soup looks really good. I’m def gonna try using the cannelloni beans in some recipes. I have a can at home. Have a great week, CA friend! 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank YOU for always showing up and watching my videos and for the support! 💜 Happy New Year friend 🥳 Hope you enjoy the soup! 🍲

[@rachael6927]

I've used blended cannellini beans in soup before to give it that creamy quality but never thought about doing that as a pasta sauce! Love that idea, I will try it very soon! Maybe with some shredded cabbage like I've seen you do with spaghetti before :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think you're on to something! 😊

[@kellyjohnson3617]

What a great idea to use the bean sauce to make an Alfredo style sauce. I’m gonna try it

[@jerrieanderson2245]

I am going to try the bean sauce for the pasta! Thank you for the recipe.

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Happy New year Michelle. I'm pretty obsessed with the canellini beans myself! I bought the better than boullion from Amazon so I'm all set. Like you I can't wait to establish a routine again. 👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

😁 Happy New Year! 🥳

[@lexicuryk4414]

The bean sauce sounds really good... maybe a variation for a mac & cheese ...im on a no spend for Jan-March

[@reniedavisson8532]

I am looking forward to all of your January videos!!!

[@trosa223]

Thanks for the video. My Italian grandmother used to make cannoli beans with olive oil and garlic. Most times served until fish or meat. Dad eats that side dish as a snack. Friend makes her tuna fish sandwich with mashed cannelloni beans, and also puts them in her smoothies in the morning

[@rebekahhansen1112]

I made a make do with what you have alfredo type sauce . Margarine sautéed a few crushed saltine crackers with plain powdered coffee creamer adding water to make a white sauce had a few packets of parmsean and some garlic powder . Boiled some spaghetti noodles sprinkled with black pepper and one more parm. Packet. Was staying at a motel with a kitchenette. At home i made it again but with powdered milk . It was actually pretty good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow! That's a great idea to use what's on hand!

[@dweinerface2619]

absolutly will be tring the cannellini bean hack, more vitamins, less fat always a good thing. happy new year.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy New Year! 🥳

[@meloi661]

Libby and Overdrive are great sources for free books. So many free options!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'll have to check Overdrive out! Thank you! 😊

[@zenbrarian3693]

I worked as a Youth librarian for a lot of years and love when people promote libraries-especially when it’s one of my favorite KZbinrs. 💕 Your library offers the Hoopla app, too. It has audiobooks, graphic novels, tv series and more! The company I work for now sells your library (and many other libraries : ) Playaways and Wonderbooks. Thank you!

[@ireneroy8820]

Potato 🥔 ham soup would be awesome to make with these ingredients

[@LAactor]

Do you have a bench scraper? I think if you're particular about your cooking tools you'll have to love that. For scooping and pushing food from one thing to another. Since you loved your stir fry spatula so much. I don't feel like the vacay garlic bread was from Staters. The bag was like greener and more fancy.. (for anyone reading who doesn't know Stater Bros is a local socal regional grocer)..

[@mltbkr]

Everything looks so yummmy I always look forward to your videos. I gotta get some cannilini beans....I love soups!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my video! Thanks for watching! 😁

[@teresitap5778]

I haven't bought a Kindle book in forever, my library hooks me up.😊I do donate to the library 1-2x a year since I save $$$ on books.❤

[@FrugalFun3]

I decided to do a no spend/ low spend January! I think I might set a budget for my family of three to $20 or $30 a week. We love fresh produce, milks and eggs. I’m not sure we could go without!

[@spicychickpea97]

Luckily where I live now the library is a less than 10 minute walk away, but when I lived further away from it getting ebooks from the library was a godsend, it was so nice being able to instantly get ebooks to read on my kindle

[@user-mu1nn5xh8k]

If you get a chance to go into Los Angeles near one of their libraries, anyone in California can get a library card there. They have several wonderful services including Libby. They also have hoopla and kanopy. Hoopla has books movies and comics/manga. The good thing about them is you don't have to go on a waiting list there's not a set number of copies. They also have what they call binge passes where you can access apps for a week such as the Hallmark channel, and kids channels and other learning type channels. Kanopy is movies. I would suggest a fun day out. Take the Metrolink to Union station walk to the library, which is an interesting building to see in itself. Get your library card have some lunch.😊

[@margaretwhiting3073]

I have hoopla and Libby, but now I’m going to add kanopy, thanks!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow. Shocked by this resource. I'll definitely be checking this out. Thank you so much! 😊

[@user-bo1rj2xu2s]

Every library in the States have these services. They also provide museum passes to their members....a real treat! I'm always puzzled why so few people know about them. Public libraries do a terrible job marketing themselves.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@user-bo1rj2xu2s omg I had no idea they also gave out museum passes. That's incredible. So much free entertainment! Thanks for sharing this. I have to share this in the next video! and I agree...they don't market this enough.

[@LindaC616]

​@@user-bo1rj2xu2sI don't think mine does the museum passes, although the other services that you talk about are available. I know that they offer some discounts to local tourist attractions.

[@CathieG]

I’ll have to try that white sauce! 🤩😍🥰

[@thaliahelene]

Online books and magazines are the best. I really love the Internet Archive, which has libraries from so many states and countries, music and all kinds of stuff. I love looking through all the old newspapers from the 1800s, and the old radio programs. It’s free to join.

[@spicycopper2436]

Thank you for mentioning Internet Archive. I just signed up. I am excited.

[@thaliahelene]

@@spicycopper2436 There is content there to entertain you for many lifetimes. Enjoy! Many items from the Folkscanonomy categories (many different ones) can be downloaded in pdf or other formats outright, not just borrowed. You can read nearly everything in your browser without special software, on your computer, phone or whatever. Don’t forget to take advantage of the lists and favorites functions to keep track of titles you want to revisit later. And you can screenshot directly from borrowed titles as well, for instance from cookbooks or crochet instructions as I often do. Have fun!

[@naty1012]

Happy New Year ! 🎉 Great start to the new year

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy new year!!

[@user-bo1rj2xu2s]

I'm going to try the pasta bean sauce. Great idea!

[@nancyculp6968]

Ardent, you probably already know about these two dishes: Punttanesca sauce, Vodka sauce, homemade marinara, garlic & olive oil sauce and Carbonara are just a few to try out that are not expensive and you might already have all the ingredients.

[@ambreewilliams6585]

Great video! My library has the same programs, but also has a way to check out videos too. My library subscribes to Kanopy, which has all kinds of videos and movies you can check out. All you need is your library card and an account in good standing. I use chickpeas when I make cream of chicken soup...it's been a while since I've made it, but I would always puree chickpeas along with chicken stock, almond milk and spices. Usually it would be around Thanksgiving when I'd use it to make cream gravy and to add to the dressing. I had a recipe for 'cream of anything' soup and I modified it for the chickpeas. Very tasty from what I can remember...😋😋😋

[@chellesoup]

I too prefer a thinner sauce. I’m fascinated by the bean Alfredo. This is going on my to try list for this month!

[@Smudgemom2003]

Library….I believe in some areas of the country, libraries even supply home equipment you can ‘check out’…like saws, drills, garden equipment.

[@LindaC616]

I think mine has been doing that lately. The library for the city I live in is downtown and has challenging parking or construction on the roads sometimes, so I often pick up books at the library from the next town over. They're all part of the state system so it's okay, they're only a mile from my house, and they have much more accessible parking. I think they were checking out fishing poles this summer in addition to other fun things

[@maryegerton6848]

Hi Michelle❤ Hope you had a great Holiday season. 😊 I am doing a no spend challenge for the next full year, except for food and bills. I also started a sinking fund and an emergency fund for myself. So I look forward to all you have to offer. Happy Sunday ☮️💟

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😊 That's pretty much my story too, except I'm working on funding my 2025 Roth contribution. My emergency fund is a little more than it needs to be so I'll transfer part of it into my Roth but I still have a ways to go.

[@laura-id5nd]

I'm not very familiar with on line reading options. Thanks for talking about them.

[@MarciaL-r1v]

I buy those ham steaks at least one to two times a month for big batches of potato soup, filling, delicious and economical for cold weather dinner. My library has an app callled Hoopla that I use for my books…it takes awhile for new releases to be offered though.

[@LindaC616]

Mine has both Libby and hoopla, but I read books in other languages, so the selection is not great

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

The library is really a fantastic place❤. I also want to read more this year and joined a reading challenge, to diversify my reading. I love a good crime novel or even better spy thrillers😅. But now I will try out some different genres. Like romantasy, wich I'm terrified of😂. I will absolutely use the library. I don't have a no spend January but a low spend at least. Christmas got really expensive! Totally within what we could afford, but still it will be good to keep January cheap. It's also a fun challenge. (At least when it's optional, I've had times in my life when I've been completely without money and that was not a fun challenge..). Your food looked yummie as always!

[@ArdentMichelle]

same here...my favorite genre is non-fiction, so I'm trying to introduce some fiction into my mix....a much needed literary escape.

[@ArdentMichelle]

like a vacation, but without the cost 😂

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

@@ArdentMichelle yes! I hate travel but I love to learn about other places and cultures! Books is the perfect solution!

[@kippytx]

Great way to start New Year!!😊

[@janapinson8665]

Thanks for the ideas Michelle! I’m looking forward to trying the beans this way

[@saraherber1887]

I am loving the Jimmy K. Sauce.

[@moonstoneway2694]

Thanks for the reminder about freebies from the library. Happy 2025!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome! 😊 I'm planning for a frugal 2025!

[@Karol_25]

These look great. I typically like a thinner sauce when eating pasta.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😊

[@christina3111]

Nice

[@JUSLUKING]

Welcome back hope your holidays were joyful looking forward to follow you in your journey for 2025

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@tinashort9098]

I’ve got so much stuff built up in my freezer!!! I’m trying extremely hard to go through some of it. It’s hard to do when I’m only cooking for me. My son is here maybe 2 times a week but eats mostly breakfast. I miss cooking for my family!! Everybody stays so busy now. I was cooking a couple of meals a week for a friend and her elderly granny but I wrecked my Jeep right before Christmas and have been healing from 3 broken ribs, a broken bone in my butt cheek and have no car!!! The ham dish looked so good!!! I love fried ham!!!!! I hope the new year treats you well Michelle❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! You too! 💜

[@kj7653]

Lolol. I thought the ham you added to the potatoes and corn was a lot less than what you had orginally fried up. I figured that you were saving half of it for another dish.

[@hello-vs4me]

Great video

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@LindaC616]

Funny that you mentioned the Apple tv. I scanned quickly through on Friday to see what shows were on that I wanted to see. Took me a minute to get logged in because I did not realize that I did indeed on an Apple device, which is my fitbit. My laptop is an hp, my Kindle Fire won't allow at Apple TV on it, and my phone is an android. But I was able to get in on my smart tv, and watched both seasons of "shrinking". I'm going to consider flower moon for tonight, but I feel like I've had enough tv. East Coast storms made my internet a little bit wonky, so yesterday and today, the watching was sometimes interrupted with buffering

[@Smudgemom2003]

When the ham frying >popped

[@Angela27red]

Try making potatoes and onion and then put rosemary in it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'll try that!

[@lyndagalitz3321]

Hi How do you see the various prices of items on your computer. You are my favorite chef !!❤

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

i spent too much money last month plus I moved. My savings took a hit in the last part of thr year due to being out on FMLA. My daughter was in the hospital for 2 months battling a rare disease so no pay. its beem rough. I made homemade brocolli, cheese and ham (left over) soup served with left over biscuits from breakfast. We're getting a cold front this week. Anywho, i went through my freezer and literally took inventory to see what I can make this month. My one daughter loves the soup, but my other daughter is a super picky eater. She just had the ham, some sliced cheese and biscuits. So no extra cooking. Not looking foward to paying out my medical deductable this month either. I kno we are going to pay as daughter is still going through trearment...uggh... I wonder if my picky eater would like this.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Good morning Michelle. I laughed when I saw the No Spend January, you're too late for me. I have already been to Costco and Trader Joe's 😂😂and it's only the 5th of January. Lucky for me that Costco and Trader Joe's are directly across the street from one another. I've been meaning to ask you about the song on your videos, who sings that? Why do I have the feeling that's you ? Just curious. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

This is going to be a very frugal month for me and hopefully 2025. I have some big financial goals. That being said, Trader Joes sounds fun!! 😂 Nope not me singing. 😂 It's called Lean on You by Wildflowers featuring Christine Smit. www.epidemicsound.com/track/ErlLr0DwyM/

[@charlottekearn5185]

​@@ArdentMichelleOh ok, thanks for the singers name. Your voice is so smooth and calming and that song kinda makes me feel the same way. I wish you the best on your goals for the New Year. See you next Sunday

[@hello-vs4me]

We only buy stuff on sale

[@FayeOliver-gd9pz]

Faye happy New year

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy New Year! 🥳

[@pek5117]

WOOO

[@ArdentMichelle]

Good morning! 😁

[@DebbieM1140]

❤

[@renel7303]

I'm not spending much this month but not because of Christmas. Because some of the promises and intentions of the incoming President might make a lot of stuff expensive. So only buying necessities.

[@catherineciferni1145]

Some libraries at least on the East coast,off free passes ro local museums.

[@CourtneyTaylor10001]

You stated you want to make a healthier version of the Alfredo sauce that you buy, but have you actually read the ingredients on the back of the jar of parm cheese? It’s beyond toxic! You are better off buying the block of cheese and shredding it up yourself. Just food for thought.

[@MimiNwabuokuMD]

Food for thought ( I see what you did there!)! I find that it’s so much more cost effective to spring $6 to $10 for a chunk of Parmagiano Reggiano at Whole Foods. I double wrap it in parchment paper , then into the freezer it goes until required to “judze” up a plate. 🍝🍚🥙🍲

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do prefer block cheese but haven't considered the other kind bad for you. What are the bad ingredients?

[@kimhelms3669]

I use the Libby app to read books on my kindle and down load audiobooks on my phone. I listen to books while I drive, cook and clean!

[@nancyculp6968]

Was just going to say, a lot of people have to find different ways to make a dish out of other ingredients, because of things like IBS and being lactose intolerant…It sucks, but sometimes it might work. I too like using the wedge of Parmesan and save the rind for seasoning my sauces. Though, the shaker kind of cheese was all my mother used back in the day. So far I am still alive! 😂

[@arthrodea]

I assume she is referring to powdered cellulose that’s added to typical Kraft Parmesan cheese in a green shaker. It’s not really toxic but it is filler meant to keep cheese from clumping. If you buy the 4c brand next to it on the shelf there us no filler, only pure cheese. Or you can just buy the block of cheese, of course.

[@dzprincessinusa2254]

Happy New year🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy new year 🥳

[@hello-vs4me]

You too

[@reneejenks769]

Happy new year 🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy new year to you too! 🎉