Rising Food Prices - We seek out bargains for our budget. Two frugal shopping hauls.

To tackle inflated prices we seek out the bargains by getting up early to grab the best deals.
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalquee...
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Apple iMovie*

[@barbarahudson4727]

I love the law in France that no food can be thrown away! I sure wish we had that law here in the USA. I just watched the latest video from Frugal Jo and she also got two of those fruit and veg boxes from Lidl. She said the exact same thing you said about getting to the store early to get the best deals. I really enjoy all of your videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I saw Jo’s video too.

[@suematile9078]

We throw out so much in the US. I thought your November would be bleak, but you are showing what can be done with actively looking for bargains. Your life has so much abundance. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

As I said, we have to get creative

[@danawood8103]

I love that it’s illegal to throw food away where you live! I wish it was like that everywhere!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Start a campaign in your country

[@hollyjobitner3285]

I was very impressed that France doesn’t permit throwing away any food. That is something that the US should take to heart. Our stores don’t like to sell imperfect produce. What a shame. We eat many imperfect items from our garden and don’t bat an eye. We make a joke about who was in charge of this quality control! 💙

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I have seen so many dumpster diving videos from America, with dumpsters full of food being thrown away.

[@sandrabrown5970]

Did I hear correctly "it's illegal to throw food away in France" that's amazing if France can do it why can't the rest of the world. To throw food away when there are so many hungry people in our own countries is a sacrilege. Good on ya France ♥️🇦🇺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, it’s illegal, it has to be donated, or sold very cheaply. Most is donated. As you saw with the ground beef, some on short date is heavily discounted

[@sarahees891]

The French have the right mindset on this.

[@juttadestiny6810]

❤️💚🇦🇺

[@wendysusan-wo4pv]

Another excellent video. Thanks Jane and Mike. Our grocery prices in Canada are much higher. My husband and I are retired, so I am usually just buying for the 2 of us. I honestly don’t know how young families can afford to feed their children. As you suggested in another video, I have “ trimmed” my food budget by 10%, and I really have to search for bargains. I have lots of time to shop, so that makes it easier.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@kerryneylan7978]

I love the fact that in France food can't be thrown away. I bought my first Lidl box last week. I got four potatoes, three shallots and a handful of radishes, a lettuce, four plums, a punnet of grapes, an orange, a lemon, twelve satsumad four apples, three carrots and a swede all for £1.50.

[@sharronmahoney3945]

Hi Jane and Micheal.

[@ayela562]

Your home and property are so charming and picturesque. Every time you show the area you live in it inspires me and reminds me what is possible by being frugal and working towards our goals. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck with your goals

[@cathyeller5722]

Two different food companies came out recently saying they were having price increases from 10 percent (meat) and General Mills said there price increase beginning at the start of the new year would be up to 20 percent. General Mills makes lots of cereals and grain based products. We are putting out a bigger garden in the back yard this year. It was funny but the tomatoes that came up by themselves at the side of the house was the best producer's last year. I could tell someone had been in the garden, but couldn't tell who was picking my tomatoes until the little girl next door told me "hey nice lady ! you grow the best tomatoes". She didn't even know she was telling on herself. Guess, I'm going to have to grow lots extra next year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Funny but cute story

[@saundrajohnson1571]

🇺🇸 We actually call it ground beef. 🙂 Spinach and mushroom lasagne sounds amazing! I would love to see how you make it. Perhaps you would consider doing one video a week showing how you make something you’re cooking. 😉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@jackiec9285]

The pubic doesn’t get these markdowns. The food shelf picks up all nearly expired foods to donate to the needy. The bakery donates all their day old products to the Salvation Army soup kitchen. There is a terrific need for the food shelf here

[@kathywilson6118]

Absolutely love all your videos. I'm a 68 year old woman who found a cheap toilet paper trick. I bought a large flannel nightie from second hand shop, and cut it into small pieces. I use them as t. paper, rinse and they eventually go into laundry. For "number two," I first use a couple of squares of t.paper, then finish up with one of those cute fabric baby bottom cloths. They don't stain and they too are rinsed and put into the laundry eventually. I almost never have to buy tpaper anymore. I am single so it goes further. Still, it's not cheap to buy tpaper, is it. Keep up the wonderful work you're doing with your videos. You have taught this old dog lots of new tricks!☺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well done Kathy

[@phylissbrassey8431]

I have started making all my cleaning products and it is not only less expensive, it is healthier Love your videos!

[@lisaward3890]

Phyliss Bras... I agree with you. I have been making my own cleaning liquids out of simple ingredients. White vinegar,baking soda& liquefied dish soap is all I need for cleaning my home with. I keep white vinegar on hand anyway to make my own salad spritzer's and baking soda is used in baking. Baking soda in the sink followed by white vinegar splash makes a drain opener,be careful though it will foam up. I use white vinegar in a spray bottle to clean mirrors and window glass. It is pleasing to make one's own cleaners and keep the toxic smells at bay!

[@marypeterson1053]

Your veggie and fruit box was so lovely

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, it was

[@gladyschandler6724]

First thing in the morning at the Market is best not crowded and store is well stocked and a good selection of items.

[@KM-eb5xw]

Ooooh I bet your house smelled amazing when you made that clementine marmalade. Lovely video as always, thank you Jane and Michael 😁

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@rachelwalsh4378]

Lovely video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@shivakat2297]

Yes..we need those veggie boxes. Very good video..thank you.

[@michellenicholson740]

The marmalade looks delicious Jane I may have to have a go at making some myself thankyou for sharing xx

[@marie34K]

That box of veg and fruit was an incredible bargain .I knew you could have those kind of boxes, but 1€ is amazing.I’d love to get one box once in a while .I’d share with my son since I don’t have a freezer. But maybe they are hard to get here . I’ll try .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Lidl have a great anti gaspillage fridge too

[@kaylamorse769]

Your little blue car is adorable. I just love it! I have 4 kids so to fit all 6 of us I have to have a larger vehicle to fit everyone. I do miss the small car days. I know my gas budget does too!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kayla, Burt is very reliable too

[@marilys3549]

Another great video Jane. Your property is so lovely! I know how much work you and Mike have put in to it. I really love to see the creek and hear the lovely sounds it makes. Looking forward to your next video. God Bless

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@elizaC3024]

I have been able to get 12 pounds of ground beef for $2.49 a pound. They were clearanced, most likely because they were in 1.5 pound packages (I don't think that people could afford it). Now my freezer is full, so we have weeks before we need to shop again.

[@sue1577]

Mark downs in UK are usually after around 5pm .. Found out when your local supermarket does this..

[@heathertucker7056]

I loved this video and really impressed to hear that France has taken the initiative to ban food waste. It’s appalling when people are starving that the UK wastes so much food! I wish we had a Lidl near me, I would be up early for those bargains! I think you cook brilliantly to make the best with your purchases and it always looks so delicious! You are doing a fabulous job with these videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Heather, what a positive and kind comment, thanks for watching

[@howellshq1165]

I’ve only ever seen one of those boxes in our Lidl they go so fast you were so lucky!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@kootenayJAK]

Another great video Jane & Mike! I really look forward to each one you post.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@trudyvanniekerk6647]

Hi Jane. You are truely an inspiration and have such a positive mind set. All your tips and ideas are wonderful. Thank you 💖

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How kind, thanks very much

[@nicB7777]

I adore making marmalades and chutnies! Citrus marmalade is lovey to bake pork chops with =)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@ברכהה]

You have such a wonderful energy. So many tasks .well done.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@yhm7654]

I live in Illinois, USA, and volunteer at our local food pantry. Most grocery stores are giving us food which is getting past the expiration date and it’s our job to sort the good from the bad to put in the market which will be free to struggling families who are registered. There is a lot of spoiled fruits and vegetables that come in unfortunately, and I asked, when I first started volunteering, why we don’t send the over-ripe produce to the Zoo? They said the Zoo won’t accept it because the animals are on special diets and the “people” food isn’t healthy enough! What does that tell you about the quality of our food if it can’t even go to feed animals?!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh dear!

[@kakelinga]

That produce box is a real deal! I am so glad that France makes throwing away food illegal. I wish the US would have the same policy. We throw away so much food in the US and we have children going to bed hungry. It doesn't make any sense. I really loved the fact that you showed us what you cooked with some of those bargains. I did not realize that turkeys are so expensive in France. Our local supermarket gives them away free with a rewards certificate each November. You get a rewards certificate for every $200 dollars you spend over time.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All meat is expensive here, that turkey was very cheap, a whole chicken here can be 15€

[@jenniferwang3489]

I was talking with my friend Sylvia the other day, and she was saying that things are gettign really bad in Oregon where she lives. We've both decided we're going to have to do more meatless meals in the future, no ifs, and or buts about it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@georgiawise8375]

Saludos Corn tortillas 🎉🎉🎉 go girl keep cooking

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you, I will

[@lisagarrison25315]

You always make me hungry with your food videos, as your meals look so delicious ! I really must try both the spinach and mushroom lasagna...and the marmalade ! Great bargains at the stores ! I love the fact that it's illegal to throw out produce in France. If that were law here in the States, it would definitely make a dent in the food insecurities that many of our citizens face. Great video ! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

As I’ve said to others, write to Lidl and Aldi and suggest they do something to stop waste

[@HomewithCheryl]

I would love your spinach mushroom Lasagne. Have you thought of foing an ebook cookbook. You have great food ideas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi, thanks, our recipes are freely available on our website

[@amy1412]

Fantastic video! I wish the US had veg boxes like France!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Be the change you want to see, write to the stores asking them to leave food they would throw away, somewhere for people to buy very cheaply

[@joycegonzales4994]

10% adds up. It’s like boiling a frog, turning up the heat up a bit at a time.they would never let us have produce, even marked down, that inexpensive here in US.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Do they ever reduce food prices at the end f the day on clearance?

[@joycegonzales4994]

They reduce things somewhat. I’ve found beef marked down 40% if it’s near its date. I buy some, because it can be frozen. We have a reduced price bread store, but that’s still about $1.75 a loaf. I like bought bread for sandwiches. We might find a small bag of bananas or some such marked down to $1.00 or so. Never a big box. They’d rather trash it first. Although some stores to donate to food pantries. So, we all just do the best we can, whatever country we’re in.

[@lisahirschlozano823]

I so wish that the United States had laws about wasting food. I know some chains here will actually lock up their dumpsters so that people won't go "dumpster diving" to find things that are still good. I will say though that that some Food Banks (for the needy) have deals with grocery stores to take things that are about to spoil.

[@stephaniekleppin7702]

Great bargain hunting! One of my strategies is to look online for the sneak peeks at what Aldi has on offer each week and then go early on Wednesday when these items are first on shelves because most sale items, once they are gone, will not be restocked. At another store I got a turkey for 39 cents a pound (whole turkey) even though I am not a fan of turkey. I do use the entire bird-liver and heart for my cats, legs and wings for bone broth and the breast for pot pies and sandwich meat. We make do with what is cost effective.

[@susanandersonn904]

Love the veggie box. I don't have anything like that here in the US.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Complain to Lidl or Aldi, they are German companies, they shouldn’t waste food.

[@laurahill4862]

Certainly not as much of a bargain, but we do misfit market for some produce

[@annblack8981]

👍👍👍👍👍 great Lidl bargain, I liked the sound of the spinach and mushroom lasagna.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s delicious

[@FaithTravelBucketList]

Amazing!! I wish we had the same in USA. So many people can't afford food here, especially healthy food like in your box. We have dumpster diving movement but it's illegal... it's a shame.

[@rhondacromer1474]

ty

[@NJ-xp4eb]

They decided not to do the vegetable boxes here but if you are super early depending on the day you can get meat, fish and poultry reduced to 90 cent. I got full checikens, mince meat, turkey steaks, pork steaks, enchiladas and other goodiies but they only have this every other day and it varies from store to store so you have to be an eagle eye.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I would be happy to get reduced priced meat

[@sarahees891]

That box of fruit and veg is amazing!

[@JustClaireGrace]

Wow, all of that fruit and veg for 1 euro is amazing Jane! Glad to see you could still get the Quality Street over there, Chrsitmas wouldn't be the same without it! Great price on the baking paper Jane, I always find it so expensive in the regular supermarkets here.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Claire. We are going to do more bulk shopping in the future, it’s getting more expensive

[@marlyngeeding1877]

Really enjoyed this video. I save money also at the grocery store by going early in the morning when the stores open at 7am. I have mobility issues and use a quad cane, therefore going early not only helps with savings it also is less crowded and easier to get around. I also look at the bargain racks, and find wonderful deals. I also buy in bulk like you do and freeze extras. Family and friends made negative comments about why I invested money in a large stand up freezer since I am a widow with no children. I usually make 2 servings for my meals, for supper for two days. But I think I will try what you do, make a meal with 4 servings have meals for supper and lunch the next day. This way I can save more money. Your French cottage and yard is so beautiful, what a lot of hard labor you and Mike have spent on your stunning property. 😊😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing, I admire your determination and ingenuity.

[@happydodson6920]

So interesting to accompany you on those shopping trips - loved looking around on the drive, seeing the bargains you found, and understanding how beautifully you are using those products. We just ordered (in the USA) quite a few things online, primarily grains and flours, in a 20% off, free shipping, 3% cash back in an online rewards program, and 2% cash back with a credit card rewards program. Flours will go in the freezer, as will some of the grains as space allows. I’m not sure how long those will last, but hopefully a full year will pass before we need more. Your videos are beautifully made; I enjoy those visits with you very much.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching

[@mary-qc3rf]

hi, would love to know where you order flour....baking bread weekly

[@michellebird3120]

Fab video Jane and Mike 💚

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Michelle

[@harpermccarthy]

I think it is wonderful that food cannot be tossed in France. There is so much waste here in the US that it is just awful. You can often go dumpster diving and get amazing fruit and veggies for nothing. Stores claim that they send food to shelters but it is too much effort and they just toss it in the dumpster.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’ve watched the dumpster diving videos, the waste is incredible

[@elizabethhelen3326]

Another great video - you made so much from your box! I love these Lidl boxes… they’re a fun challenge. I just wish they were put out at regular times because you can never guarantee there will be one. I really admire your inventiveness- thank you for being such advocates of non-processed food 😊🇫🇷

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Elizabeth, I’m too stingy to buy ready made food, I’ll take the time and cook myself

[@alyssajenaway3781]

Wonderful tips! You have got me reviewing my grocery spending. I must say - I could just watch you drive around the French country side all day, beautiful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help and thanks for watching.

[@jeansmith3367]

Lovely vlog as ever. The veg box was brilliant, it really should be a crime to throw good food away, especially during these trying times. Getting festive with the Turkey and chocolates - but do you know what, I don't like Mars Bars! I don't know why - helps you work, rest and play apparently, according to the old advert!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

More Mars bars for me, we put them in the fridge and slice them, it makes them slow to eat and enjoy. Roll on Christmas

[@sandraashcroft9791]

Loved this vlog Jane! More of the same please! That was a bargain box and a half from Lidl and well worth an early start which would be a weekly trip from now on! I too love making marmalade. I have also made a clementine marmalade but the recipe used less sugar and was more like a compote which I used to enjoy more in the warmer months over Ice cream or natural yogurt. A bit like the corner yogurts in consistency. I also used to make a marmalade cake with some of my marmalade. Delicious with a cup of tea (Aldi red label) tea is great if you can buy it! I really enjoyed seeing what you made with the bargain box too! Fabulous value! Will look forward to see what you cooked with the turkey left overs at Christmas!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Sandra. It wasn’t a big turkey but still too big for both of us. I’ll make a big roast dinner two days in a row then pick the bones dry.

[@samanthahaynes8740]

Another great video Jane so far one of my favourite frugal you tubers please keep the videos coming !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, you’re so kind, thanks for watching

[@barbarabruce7648]

Frugal Jo sent me here! A way I save money in Australia is with packaging. I save useful packaging such as the plastic bags our sunflower kernels come in. They are zip lock bags so are great for dividing up popcorn, corn chips etc for school lunches. I save Lebanese bread bags for storing puff pastry sheets in the freezer. Any foil, clingwrap, paper bags that I get food in gets saved and reused throughout the year. My most fun thing to do is wrap all of my kids lunches in uncharacteristic packaging. Eg. Homemade cake slice in a rolled oats bag. Pretzels in a goji berry ziplock bag. I even wrapped my son's sandwich in a Peppa Pig pasta bag. The kids say their friends always wait to see what comes out of their packets and have a good laugh.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s great fun

[@AK-gh6cp]

Quality Street is one of my Christmas treats too. The tins always appear here in Canada in time for Christmas. :)

[@jessieelliott3157]

What a great law that France has re throwing out food. I want Australia to take this on. My daughter works in a fruit and veg shop. She regularly brings home cheap or free produce that was going to be thrown out. She says there are regular customers who come in daily looking for reduced produce. Some big supermarkets in Australia have a section where they sell what they call "the odd bunch" where you can buy fruit and veg that is a weird shape, too big or small for general sale. The odd bunch produce are sold cheaper as a way of reducing food waste.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You could start Jessie, ask the supermarket to have a too good to throw section/box by the till or fridge

[@patmartin9727]

These are called wonky fruit or veg here in the UK

[@juliethorn869]

Lovely video Jane especially loved the drive and that sunrise was just gorgeous! Here in the US, people are afraid of shortages (people have bought and hoarded paper products since last year) which has lead to some shelves being completely empty. Then we have the whole supply chain issue. I don't know what percentage items have went up, but it is noticeable. I am glad you made the point that even 10% may not seem like a lot, but when you start adding it up over time as well as other prices going up like gas. Both my husband and I commute to work at least 60 miles each day, so we are really worried about how high gas prices will go up. It all starts to add up and living wages are not keeping up. I appreciate each video you and Mike produce and share. They are both informative and charming. Like many others have mentioned below, the US should take note and not allow food waste. Where I live the smaller businesses will often donate to local homeless shelters any food that may be expiring soon which is a start. If you ask, some grocery stores (Kroger) will discount an item if that item is within a day or two of expiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Julie. If everyone in America who was concerned about food waste wrote to the supermarkets and persisted with their criticisms then change would happen.

[@cyclingonplants7444]

Wow Jane - you did really well getting those early bird bargains at Lidl. That veggie/fruit box for one Euro was a steal! Love it! Mmmm marmalade!! I will make my own next time I see a bag of citrus on offer like that. I used to live in a different city where nobody liked organic produce and it would get heavily discounted. I ate a lot of fruit back then and it was wonderful. I need to do more snooping around my local stores to see if I can get some bargains too. We always buy some After Eights and some Terry's Chocolate orange at Christmas. I always had a thing for Quality Street :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All those chocolates are brilliant at Christmas, we need a treat then

[@mimitadigre4103]

Great haul and so glad you were able to get a turkey !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, in time for Christmas

[@yukofreeman4483]

Jane this is a wonderful video,I need to also say I really enjoy the background music you put in all your videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting

[@bamaprepper]

thanks👍😀❤️👋👍

[@ruthfeatherstone7925]

We save money and time by rarely peeling fruit or vegetables. When trimming rolled pastry we keep all the trimmings and make them into savoury bites by spreading vegemite on top and dusting lightly with sesame seeds and cook at 180C for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great

[@marjoriemcmillan982]

Great bargains, and I love how you make your money stretch.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We do try, thanks.

[@alisonbutler6743]

What an amazing Lidl haul, and you have maximised it's use. Frugal Jo suggested using up old/dry oranges for marmalade, and I made some, it really was perfectly edible. Great price for your After 8 too, I think they are more expensive than that in UK - I bet you keep the Quality Street tin for Christmas cake next year!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The quality st are super chocolates and different from the French ones.

[@tillykelp9744]

Terrific video, Jane! I love the idea that by law, food cannot be discarded. My best effort to reduce waste and costs is to use up everything I buy. These days I shop for price and quality and then do the menu. There is not much competition between supermarkets so I go to fresh food markets and the smaller Asian food barns. I price check and compare everything whenever I can. To give an idea of saving potentials, bananas at the supermarkets are AUD $3.50 and $0.99 at the open markets. Bell peppers were $11.00/kg at supermarkets and $3.45 at the market. And the list goes on. We save heaps putting in a little time and effort.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

There’s no right or wrong way to shop, the best way is the one that suits you.

[@heart_of_silver]

I love seeing your frugal French shopping trips. And it’s vicariously fun to see the bargains you scored!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We did get some bargains

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Love the law that grocery stores cannot throw food away. As much as you enjoy birds I’m surprised you don’t have a few chickens. You did great on the haul!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have too many predators here, pine martens, weasels, and foxes plus the hen house, fencing and food are a huge investment as well as 12€ a hen. I have done the sums.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I am always looking for great deals. This is wonderful.

[@uzmabibi4385]

Love the tiles on your kitchen wall😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@susanwebster9218]

One of my favorite videos! I'd love your marmalade recipe. It looks delicious.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’ll make some more some time

[@chantalmartinson2043]

Jane I am conflicted about " antigaspillage " law, I saw a video in Paris were peoples were dumpster diving from different food store looking for food and finding it I personally think its a great idea but maybe not applicable all over France ?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is law, those stores should be outed!

[@teatimewithdollyandthrifty2895]

Wow, I wished our country the US didn't throw food away. You got some really great bargains.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, no food should go in a dumpster

[@dawnmorandin541]

Frugal Jo also got 2 great boxes of vegetables 😀 I'm so jealous of you both.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We did well

[@bridgetryan6936]

Great seeing life in france

[@mgh4400]

Hi Jane, nice video as usually, my Y ask you how you make your clementine marmelade/jam ? 😋😋😋 Greetings from Belgium

[@barbaracarbone4658]

Awesome video. You truly found some great discounts!! .. Mary was sleeping because there was nothing for her. Lol.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They always get a small chunk of chicken each

[@pamelacourtney8998]

Loved this video. Countryside drive, bargains and scrumptious looking food. Stew and marmalade made my mouth water. I love Mars bars but haven't seen them in the USA for years. They were my favorite. Blessings to all.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Mars bars are lovely, I’m going to make cakes with chocolate, using Mars bars, some are hidden too

[@erinlavigne6644]

You two are so wonderful! Love your recipes!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Erin

[@bex438]

You did an amazing job with that Lidl bargain box! And the marmalade looked really good 😋

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Bex. They are a great deal.

[@mariannewesten3638]

What doesn't get expensive before Christmas? And the prices are already are high enough! Like you,I always Look in the Corner where the Produkts are, That are reduced.you save a Lot Off money.when a store is closed at sunday. Go Shop on monday.there are many Produkts cheaper. But Sometimes,Like you,you must be early. Well,you've Got a lot off nice bargains there👍. Have a nice sunday evening👋

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Agreed, get there at 9.30 at the latest

[@beckyann8502]

Great ideas always! I am finding the price of fresh vegetables going sky high. Head lettuce 3.99!! It's crazy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing and that’s expensive

[@dreamofskye7400]

Hi jane,, thank you for allowing us to visit your lovely home virtually and sharing your life with us. Could you maybe make a video about which vegetables you blanche before freezing and which ones you just throw in the freezer directly. When I google it, it seems like you have to blanche everything. But the way you talk about it seems that you don’t blanche everything. Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I never Blanche anything, thanks for watching

[@valgalloway6914]

I use my small slow cooker about once each week. Usually for a chicken casserole (with leeks this week) and, although it's less than 2 litres, it easily makes enough for 2 meals. The second portion may get frozen but often goes into the fridge and I have it next day. Needing just 3 minutes in the microwave it's an effortless meal - and so much nicer than any supermarket Ready Meal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely, those ready meals are enough for a small child too!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

It is fabulous that throwing food away is illegal. It should be, especially for big corporations. I try to think more about what I am cooking to avoid wastage and keeping some spare space in the freezer for when I want to stash something in there. Hard to believe but lamb is getting very expensive in Australia. It is now somewhere around four times the price I was paying not that many years ago. Thank you for the video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is a shame, with the amount of sheep, it should be cheaper

[@juttadestiny6810]

I wish we had that law in Australia too💚🇦🇺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for commenting

[@janenewley6539]

Do Lidl do the veg boxes in the uk? I’ve never seen them and usually go there about 9.30am🤓

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, they are £1.50 in the UK

[@marymcdonagh8957]

I live in Northern Ireland - which is CNN part of the UK and have never heard of or seen these bargain veg boxes in Lidl here. What a fantastic idea.

[@flvl5448]

Thank you!

[@donatellag635]

I had to check which are the rules here and there is an app that you also have in France: "too good to go", it shows you places around you that sell at cheaper prices.I haven t used It yet. Only once I was lucky to find a box of veggies at €2 in my discout store but, like you said, you have to go early. My plan recently Is to buy dry food and toilestries once a month and then veggies once a week at a discount greengrocer.I spend less like this instead of going every week to the discount store.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@angelahazel3966]

Hello Jane and Micheal thank you for this wonderful money saving video I like bed the idea of making clementine marmalade looks delicious your ideas are so helpful to me so a big thank you bless you both

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks it was so orangey

[@carolanne7755]

As always a great video, loved it. I live in australia and the prices have really gone up. I only buy as I need things. Unless it is something i regularly use on special, like you the freezer is a god sent.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is, we est, like the chicken you saw, meat that’s on offer.

[@dorothyc7395]

I can't believe you got all that fruit & veg. for 1€ - well done !!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They are often in those anti waste boxes, there’s around 6 every day

[@lisahaffner3337]

Great deals especially in the fruit and veg box. I had a $600 grocery budget this month and actually have $8 left. Thank goodness there is only 2 days left. Your food looks delicious

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Lisa, food prices are rising

[@rachelmolina3995]

What does your water bill cover? Ours pays for all the pipe troubles up to our property line. We are on a community water system.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our water company maintains all its pipes, obviously they build into the bill the profit they put back into the infrastructure

[@elizabethjones3367]

I want to know how you made that delicious marmalade!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I googled clementine marmalade, lots of tips there.

[@Jennheartsqs]

Great deals you got! I am eating more meatless meals to stretch my meat. Also, I chat with the managers of the meat department in my store to find out when they mark down meat and then I make sure I'm there right at that time so I can get first crack at anything they might be marking down.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip there

[@patrice3603]

Wow you really got some bargains this week! I can’t believe how expensive that turkey was. We just celebrated Thanksgiving here in the USA and I was fortunate enough to get frozen turkeys for $.33 a pound. I bought 2 of them that weighed 23+ pounds each. I cut the breast, legs and wings off one turkey and roasted them for our Thanksgiving dinner. I will pressure can the remaining meat on that carcass as well as the entire other turkey. A few weeks ago I bought a 14 pound turkey from a different store for $.87 pound. I cut that one up and pressure canned it. Those jars are so handy for quick meals plus for adding to my dog’s food. I will make bone broth from the carcasses. Then after the meat has been removed from the bones, I will roast the bones to dry them out completely. The bones will then get pulverized to make bonemeal for my garden. I would love it if you would share your marmalade recipe. I have a couple of bags of fresh oranges and I’m not going to get them eaten before they start to go bad.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi - you can not compare European meat and agricultural standards against anything from other countries. We have higher welfare and hygiene standards, higher wage costs from farm workers to supermarket workers. There’s farming and animal rearing practices that are illegal in the European Union.