Stretching our money as far as we can. We answer your questions. Part One.

Part One: Questions! You had questions about frugality . So here is part one of a three part Q&A
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Travel
06:19 Gardening
12:28 Vehicles
16:39 Laundry
21:44 Electricity
26:59 Toiletries
32:26 Summary & Farewell
32:51 Dolly & Mary
Frugal Queen in France
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.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
KZbin Copyright Free
Epidemic Sound
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@gladyschandler6724]

Also, don't over wash your clothes. Wear 3-4 days air out in between.

[@juststoppingby390]

Yes I love doing that. In fact I will often take my clothes out of the wardrobe on the hangers and hang them in the lovely fresh air. So nice. Hubby wears a suit to work he alternates between two. So when he comes home I hang his suit outside in the fresh air for a couple of hours. Keeps it fresh and aired out. Then we can send them to the dry cleaner less often

[@Newry2000]

Air fryers are fantastic. Your temperature and time settings should always be reduced compared to an oven. You can get a conversion chart for cooking temperature and times on the internet.

[@sheila1013]

Yes I agree. So much unnecessary clothes washing done nowadays.

[@janetstonerook4552]

My clothes usually last a long time as I use mild detergents and cool water. And hang my more delicate items in the bathroom to dry. I always have a couple of old tired but sturdy items that I designate for wear when I do dirty jobs like gardening and outdoor work. I use much less cologne and scents esp. in warm weather as I am a "bug magnet" and get bitten so much!😮

[@kelleyspears1218]

For work clothes, I use a fabric refresher on them and hang them in a separate closet to air out. For casual clothes, depending on how they’re worn, I will hang them up and just rotate through them or wear them two days or so. For heavily dirty clothing (I volunteer at a dog shelter), they just go in the wash after worn.

[@healinginteriors]

I have sensitive skin too. I’ve found that the best thing for my face is using a straight oil as moisturizer. Coconut oil, apricot, grape seed. Sold in health food store or aisle for about $5 will last me 6-9 months. Super hydrating and I get loads of compliments on my skin.

[@denisescott3943]

Jane you are looking lovely. Your hair is perfect.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much I'm a stunner!

[@Hana-qk7gr]

Instead of fabric softener I use a bit of vinegar to soften the fabric and refresh the colours. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@ishani5290]

Me too.

[@robynclugston5441]

And me😊

[@kathrynlongstaff8298]

I am vinegar convert. I hate the overwhelming smells of fabric softeners. Only need a tiny amount. No strange residues or films building up.

[@meraldes]

I make a mix of 1/3 fabric softener and 2/3 vinegar works really good

[@gretelwhite8088]

Personally, I wouldn't plant Rhododendrons from hedging etc, they have become invasive such that many conservation projects first involve protracted periods of 'Rhody bashing' to get rid of them and let the native flora come through. Just a personal preference. Travelling, if it is a long way, I use my senior rail card, otherwise drive careully to get the most economical fuel consumption I can achieve, no flying for me either! The car is serviced regularly and, being in the UK, put through it's annual MoT (all covered in the budget). Friends and I hire a cottage for a week and self cater, much cheaper, and we have wide mouthed flasks for taking out left overs for picnics, so we can have hot food sometimes. Laundry - I use an eco liquid, which I buy in a 5l container when it is on sale. If I run out between times, then the refill shop near our head office is used. I have never had a dryer, the kitchen is too small, and I know they eat energy, so washing line or clothes rack it is. Hair care, shower etc, again, I get 5l containers and refill bottles, 5l lasts a very long time. I am lucky, and my skin thrives on neglect, so I have never used moisturiser or anything like that. My long, grey hair drip dries, the hairdrier is usually only used by visitors or in craft projects. (I really am a very lazy woman with regard to self-maintenance.) I know not everyone could get away with this, I am just glad I can!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Lots and lots of information there

[@tiffanypoppema9188]

Sometimes I listen to your videos while doing something else - thank you so much for speaking out loud the question you're addressing. It helps keep the flow of your video to make sense for me when I'm listening. Appreciate you!

[@carolined3058]

Traveltip : travel out of season. Gardentip: read before you start, observe your garden ( where does the wind and sun come from ) , learn about companion planting and start small.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for that

[@kathleensmith6200]

I had a major water leak in my kitchen, so had no oven for many months. My electric bill really went down in the cold months just from not using that one appliance. Over $100 a month, in fact. I was shocked. Now that the kitchen is back together, instead of the oven I mostly use a combo convection oven/air fryer/microwave that my son gave me because he had no room for it in his apartment.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those small appliances are so much more economical

[@susiex6669]

After watching many Japanese apartment videos in which many have no standard US style ovens, I stopped using my oven years ago, even for baking, and switched to using my toaster oven. It preheats faster and wastes less electricity because there is less space to heat and the heating element is much smaller.

[@kelleyspears1218]

I got an air fryer to reheat leftovers, save energy, and do some light baking and it works great

[@Mamasimple]

Which appliance was it? Could you provide a link?

[@dumbbunnie123]

A shallow dish of beer gets rid of slugs. We get transplants from the local college s greenhouse. Buy seed packs with a friend...there's usually way more than you need so split the seeds with a friend. Save in a large container powdered egg shells dry and powder banana peels, dry out used tea bags, dry out coffee grounds mix well for an amazing top dressing for you garden plants. Grow comfrey...puree it with water and water your garden with it...fantastic free fertilizer.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tips

[@Meli_Mels]

I just volunteered to pick oranges from a neighbor's enormous tree. She's elderly and needed the help. I "needed" free citrus. We both benefitted .

[@dumbbunnie123]

@@Meli_Mels ...We do that too..A woman down the road has apple, pears, grapes,and figs...she called and asked of we would like to harvest these things and of course we jumped on the opportunity. All she wanted in return is a jar or two of jam or jelly...we felt so blessed!

[@lynjones2461]

Wow Jane you look fabulous with your hair down you look 10 years younger very flattering sweetie xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m the same person.

[@lynjones2461]

Sorry I didn't mean to offend !!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@lynjones2461 you didn't

[@stephenbaker95]

Becky here - I tried making my own laundry detergent, using various “recipes” I found online. It was not worth it. I found it left a residue on all the laundry after using for a certain period of time, and just didn’t get clean. Some people have good luck with it, but with our hard water here, it just didn’t work.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I've made soap, then laundry soap and liquid. It didn't save me a penny and it wasn't as good as commercial detergent that cost a fraction of the price

[@LaundryFaerie]

Agree wholeheartedly with this comment. The quality and hardness of your local water makes all the difference in the world. You really need a laundry detergent formulation that can handle hard water, and I haven't come across a homemade laundry detergent that does that well.

[@kaylamorse769]

I've found that with hard water, your best off with a liquid detergent. I've also found that I need to use a but more than I normally would to get the laundry clean because of the hard water. I like to use vinegar in place of fabric softner mainly because of the price.

[@aureliaglenn2220]

Many people would save money on laundry detergent by using the correct amount; most people use way too much detergent, which can cause problems in the long run, as well as waste money in the short term.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I unplug coffee maker and tea kettle after use

[@janetstonerook4552]

I don't unplug appliances or lamps I use regularly as it's a bother crawling back behind the furniture to turn them back on. But I do unplug things I don't use daily. You could also use one of those appliance outlet strips to make it easier to access.

[@jat6547]

I unplug everything

[@rebacarmack8335]

Hopefully if you are thinking about starting a garden you have started composting. Sure you can buy soil, etc, but frugal gardening is helped out immensely by composting. Something like sweet potatoes you can get plants from a grocery store potato, put in soil, in a pot or garden, then let it sprout- pick off the sprouts when they are 4-6 “ tall, put in a jar of water and let them start roots. Then u are ready to plant. Also, white or petite potatoes- I’ll let them start getting (eyes), then you can plant those as well. Keep piling on compost, dead leaves, pine needles etc to mound up, then let them grow. I love to experiment, my husband says every open spot, I’ve got something planted there!🤷‍♀️ Regarding laundry, it’s the agitation that cleans the clothes not particularly the detergent. A dash of detergent does give laundry a great smell. If you have hard water put a splash of vinegar in the wash or the rinse cycle.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Loads of information there

[@dawnmcfadden6670]

This year I am doing "regrow your groceries" by transplanting the end of green onions and planting seeds from mini peppers and cherry tomatoes in our container garden. We have a front load high efficiency washer and use an inexpensive powdered laundry detergent, just 2 tablespoons for a full load, less if clothing is very lightly soiled. The clothes come out clean and there's no excessive detergent build-up on the gasket of the washer.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@theaweavers8576]

I let vegetables or rice come to boil with a lid on the saucepan then switch off for 10 or 15mins then check if its cooked ..mostly it is!!

[@melissai4798]

I love your videos Jane and michael!! I listen to them from their playlists, one after another while I’m working around the house, you both are an inspiration and give so much encouragement to the community of frugality! God bless you both ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@bradlafferty]

I learn a lot from Huw Richards about gardening. He also has a new book about gardening coming out.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

He's super

[@kellielambert2184]

Your answer to the travel question was spot on. If like me, travel is your thing then build it into your budget. Money goes to my travel account every pay fortnight and this money is never used for anything but travel. Also, make savings elsewhere that will allow you travel. I don’t buy takeaway coffee and pack my lunch everyday. I used to buy a coffee and lunch each day and was shocked at how much I was spending. I do eat out, get my hair done etc but again this is all budgeted for. However, my biggest tip is to use a credit card wisely. Each year I have enough points to pay for my flight to wherever I happen to be going, but you must be disciplined and pay it off in full each month. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s brilliant and perfectly explains why people are frugal…..so they can choose how to spend their money

[@momof2momof2]

For traveling, especially by air, buy your ticket far in advance. When I went from where I live in the US to the England, Scotland and Paris, I bought my ticket 6 months in advance. By the time the trip was coming up to go, the price had doubled. I fly first class when I can, but going abroad, I fly Business class. We stay in hotels that offer breakfast. So when have a big breakfast, a coffee break somewhere in the afternoon, then a good dinner in the evening .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip

[@patmartin9727]

I treat greasy stains with washing up liquid prior to washing the garment. I too only use half the recommended amount of most laundry and cleaning products and also toiletries.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@lynnhensley4326]

Yes, a friend's dad, who is retired from P&G, says to use 1/2 the suggested amount. I do this and pretreat stains.

[@Barb495]

I keep a large thick towel in the dryer and run the dryer for 30 mins instead of an hour that towel helps to absorb water and the clothes dry so fast 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@jat6547]

✋ Ssame here

[@gladyschandler6724]

I use dryer balls or sheets for fabric softener

[@juliemoore6957]

I love CeraVe skin products too!

[@nadineabbott]

Hi Jane I have heard from a friend that had her HE front loader machine serviced she was told people use way to much liquid . Should be about 1-2 Tablespoons. So I cut back to about 1 Tablespoon. Also I use white vinegar 1/2 cup for fabric softener. It works well. We moved to Newfoundland Canada almost 2 years ago. I asked the power company if they reduced rates for non peak hours. They said they don’t have that. I can tell you one thing that bugs me is when I go out walking is how many people leave their outdoor, porch lights on. Day and night. I don’t get it. So wasteful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Nadine. All our European laundry liquid is low foam and designed for front loading machines. I'm assuming your laundry liquid is designed specifically for top loading machines that use more water.

[@nadineabbott]

Our HE is High Efficiency and I have a front load machine. This is my second one but I think when it needs replacing I might go back to a top load. The front load you have to dry after use. It can get kind of funky smelling over time. Also I do put a little bleach and run it through a Tub Clean setting that helps with the smell. But my husband worries about putting bleach in our Septic Field. The only thing I like about front load is I can wash larger items like Duvets as there is no agitator.

[@lovechangesus]

When I empty my washer, I immediately put in a tablespoon of washing powder. That dries out any moisture until the next load and the powder is already in and waiting for me to pop in the next load.

[@oliviafox6745]

One resource we have in the states is the master gardener program. These are volunteer experienced gardeners you can ask questions of at set times. They have helped me numerous times as they are local, know what grows there and how best to take care of your plants.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice

[@lynnhensley4326]

You must be from the USA. We have this program in North Carolina.

[@tohappy2h8]

I’m fortunate to have lovely neighbor 2 doors down who is a master gardener. She blesses the whole neighborhood with free advice ❤

[@robynclarke5274]

Instead of using a dryer when it rains we put an expandable clothes line on the patio. I put shirts, dresses and pants on hangers which allows the clothes to dry with a good shape and no peg marks.

[@mjrdedhed]

I use a coin operated car wash about every 3 weeks. For 5.00 I can wash and vacuum my small car; I just need to work fast before the time runs out!😂 Between washes I remove loose dirt with a microfiber duster from the Dollar Tree. I also use the free squeegee and windows solution when I stop for gas. My car always has a good, basic clean appearance.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's a super saving tip

[@blueiris6813]

For beginner gardeners, basil, tomato and many other plants can be propagated from cuttings, so you can get many plants for the price of one start. Many kitchen scraps will regrow leaves (onions, carrots, lettuce, garlic, and many others). Mulching soil with straw, leaves, grass clippings, will inhibit weed seed germination and keep the water in the soil.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice tips

[@SavingMeSlowly]

I think you meant Huw Richards on YT for gardening. Fruit bushes like raspberries and blackcurrants are an excellent start because once planted you have fruit for life and can take cutting for more plants. Fruit bushes will produce fruit every year - they are not dependent like trees on blossom which some years is destroyed by bad spring weather. Same with rhubarb. If you like herbs you can become self sufficient very easily from just a small pot from the supermarket - you can divide the plants and pot them up. Re laundry liquid, Prepper Princess did an excellent video on this. If you look at how little detergent there actually is in a laundry pod, you will see that you need to use very little compared to what it says on the bottle. You can probably halve what you normally use.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tips

[@lindajacquot5391]

I make it known what scents I like and I usually receive them as gifts for Christmas or my birthday. I don't recall the last time I bought perfume for myself, and I wear it often. Tons of good tips in this video! Thanks, Jane and Mike!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@user-tm5kc8oq4y]

BRILLIANT!! Cannot wait for other videos, the information is so informative as always. Thank you so much, Jane Mike and Puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure

[@pamplant3610]

A good place to find free large containers is your local garden center or nurseries. A lot of contractors will take the pots that large plants, trees, or bushes come in and take them back to where the plants were purchased. In turn, to get rid of those pots, the nursery or garden center will gladly give them away, as many as you need. All you need is potting soil and plant. My whole garden is done this way. Last year I got two huge bag type containers that will be perfect for planting potatoes this year. Good luck with your hunting 😊.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@gladyschandler6724]

Wash when you have a full load. Don't use dryer for delicate like bras, hand to dry. I always use permanent press, and if still a little damp air dry.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Also, use washer after 6 p.m. also the dishwasher

[@gladyschandler6724]

Now that I have Medicare Advantage in U.S. you get an allowance of $50.00 a quarter for Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, vitamins...

[@pamplant3610]

​@@gladyschandler6724I don't own a dryer, never had one and I'm 77 y/o. I hang my laundry outside in the spring, summer, and fall. Inside on a drying rack in the winter because we're I live we get a lot of snow. Not only does it save on elect bill, but clothes last longer. A dryer is a convince I don't need as is a dishwasher.

[@RhondaLorch]

I’m a knitter so I always have bits of leftover wool. I have made many sets of dryer balls using scraps and they are amazing to use for a short cycle in the dryer to soften air dried clothes. Very economical as well.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's a great idea!

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

Does the fibre content of the yarn matter? Does it have to 100 percent wool?

[@RhondaLorch]

@@clairekuchel-klassen7103 Yes it has to be 100% wool, not super washed wool, or it won’t felt together and stay in a ball. there is a great video tutorial on a channel called ‘10 rows a day’.

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

Thanks for the clarification

[@gladyschandler6724]

Look for coupons for oil changes. Also, ask for a senior discount (10%).

[@vw418]

I used a Groupon just today. It saved me $20

[@anntaylor4247]

Hardly any senior discounts in the UK.

[@barbaraattwood2744]

I take cuttings and pot on herbs from the supermarket. I have a lovely flat leaved parsley in a pot outside that was from the supermarket. I just potted it on and it carried on growing. I take cuttings from basil and then pot on the remaining plant so have a constant supply. I currently have spring onions in water on the kitchen window sill which are producing roots so they will be potted up soon. Anything is worth a try with nothing to lose.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@kateheads887]

I use a bar of soap rather than a body wash now, it’s cheaper and better for the environment than the plastic bottles. I air dry my hair for about half an hour before using the hairdryer, less heat to dry my hair out too. As a quilter I have an iron with an auto shutoff, I will turn the temperature down though so thank you for that. Some great tips here. Oh, and off topic I’m having a no/low spend quilting year. So far I’ve only bought a half meter for a binding and a bobbin of thread. I can only buy what I really need, that is if I can’t finish a project without it. I will make six or more quilts this year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kate

[@debbiegnagey2095]

Another great video!

[@bluebird2416]

Thank you Jane and Mike!We enjoyed traveling on a budget, (from the USA), in Europe with Rick Steves' Europe Through the Backdoor travel books. Never disappointed.

[@user-db1nu2nv3j]

Thank you great ideas 😊

[@marypeterson1053]

Thank you again

[@teresaearl5688]

Great tips, enjoy your videos whilst relaxing between shifts ❤

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@happydodson6920]

Very good information, thanks!

[@jillchapman286]

My brother used to work in a bacon packaging plant. They would start up the line and insert the bacon in a name brand package (here in the US, Oscar Meyer or Hormel) and finish that up. Then insert the store brand (say Kroger or Safeway) packages and package the exact same bacon. So I always buy store brand - unless I find one I really don't like.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Exactly!

[@gladyschandler6724]

Thank you, Jane, for all those great tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@gladyschandler6724]

I buy store brand Sephora for foundation, lipstick, blush... for less than 1/2 prices of luxury brands.

[@littlehouseontherock]

I use a washing powder. I buy a big box when it's on offer and I add a pack of soda crystals as a booster and mix it well. It works much better and lasts me around 8-10 months for a family of 4.

[@cindiblazer8621]

Wonderful suggestions. Bravo Jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@moniquecm1144]

❤️❤️thank you love ❤️❤️knowing how hard life is in these days ❤️❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@jgrady9553]

For gardeners: check your local garden club for Spring plant sales- you'll find varieties suited to your area, knowledgeable sellers and good prices. Here in the U.S. you can get free trees through the Arbor Day foundation, and low-cost trees and shrubs through many county Soil and Water offices (usually native varieties)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for that

[@englishlearningexpert3595]

Oh wow! My question came up! Thanks. I’ll use my name next time. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. Some great tips there. Can't get over the hairdryer. 😳 What a big difference reducing makes then. As for holidays, since Covid, I haven't flown anywhere and right now, don't feel inclined to do so. My friend and I have been on coach holidays, which have cost us very little. Bearing in mind the cost of fuel and hotels these days, we couldn't have done it for less by driving. We also take our own wine which has saved us even more. 😃 As for the dupes, yes there are many good ones around. I rarely buy the brand names now. Like you, I find Liddl's Cien range very good, as well as their perfumes which are so like the originals. I'm back using the Aldi Lacura hot cloth cleanser, which comes boxed with the muslin cloth and lasts me around 3 months. At £2.99, it's a lot less expensive than the original and over time I've collected a good number of the cloths. Thanks to you both for another great video. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I miss lacuna

[@Meli_Mels]

A few other ways to travel on a budget: 1) Stay with friends when possible. I even say ask your friends about relatives that may live in the area you wish to visit. There's no harm in asking! Then be sure to reciprocate when they want to visit your city 2) Look for housing in university/college dormitories. Often they rent out dorms during summer months 3) This one takes planning, but explore Study Abroad opportunities through local colleges/universities. Perhaps its your alma mater. Perhaps you live in a college town and can connect with their travel programs Perhaps its through a class for adult learners. I know of several through a nearby Community Technical College that are open to adult learners. 4) Look into group travel through your church/synagogue or perhaps community service clubs in your community like Rotary or the Lions Clubs. Often they have travel opportunities and include a service learning element in the trip.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice tips

[@juststoppingby390]

Our Lidl in Spain had the most gorgeous compost last year. It was marked to half price by June first so 4 euro for a huge bag and it was lovely quality. I bought Thier seeds the organic ones.they were fab. The ones on like a ribbon are awful extremely low to zero germination. But the organic ones are super high yield. The patty pan and the bush beans are worth the 1.49 euro as every seed germinated

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You've got the warmth and light for growing too

[@belindacopson2390]

Great tips about personal care. Being low maintenance in this respect is a money saver! I don't buy fragrances any more but I do like nice scented lotions/hand cream and use those daily. I look out for old/discontinued stock on ebay/in charity shops etc for bargain prices and sometimes ask for hand creams for birthday/Christmas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice tips

[@mimitadigre4103]

Wonderful vlog as usual and you look lovely Jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-es2iz6wh8l]

Thanks again both for your channel. Loved Wednesday's Q&A vlog. Looking forward to part 2.. You really do help me think outside the box when it comes to money saving ideas 👏👏👏🥰🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Out tonight at 5pm CET and part 3 on Sunday

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@tracyaf6084]

Oh my gosh! I was excited at the first topic, but then thrilled that you took my question about starting a garden 😊 Thank you! I think I may start with some fruit bushes this year like you suggested since we have such nice weather here in California. Then I’m going to binge watch the other KZbinr you suggested 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

I really enjoyed this one... especially the segment about toiletries/beauty products! I have started using coconut oil as a moisturizer for my hair when I get out of the shower. I too have naturally gray hair (in a pixie cut) and find that I need extra moisture. I run a little dab through my wet hair.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@user-zl4rr1ic7w]

I keep quality olive oil in a plastic squirt bottle in the shower. I use the oil on my skin while still wet before getting out of the shower. I have not noticed any oil residue on the towels. Your skin must be wet for this to work. 😊 Judy

[@juststoppingby390]

Great tips for reducing electricity costs tha ks for taking my question. I neever thought of how much things surge at. Ive moved to a stove too kettle too. Xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for asking. Happy to share

[@Meli_Mels]

11:28 jane, i pull up saplings from my workplace landscaping. Especially from the native gardens.

[@maryettabeck1967]

With low water washers if you soak clothes over night dirt breaks down then you can use less time wash cycle. From 60 min heavy to gentle 20min. Clothes cleaner because time to break down body and deoderant 9n man nade fabric.

[@jeansmith3367]

Loved this - good tips. You do surprise me about not flying - I thought you jetted between France and the UK - I hate flying too. You have really lovely hair, I have been a bit of a brand snob but now I will try other, much cheaper products, as long as my hair is clean I'm not bothered! If I'm not going anywhere, I just leave it to dry

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, the UK and mainland Europe is linked by drive on drive off ferries that are commonly used. It’s too small a distance for flight.

[@iriswelch3553]

My dermatologist recommend Cerave. The moisturizers are great too!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good to know!

[@lisadawson2652]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@kaylamorse769]

Cerave products are phenomenal! I have very sensitive skin as well and I've found that that brand works best for me.

[@mysustainabilityjourney9321]

Instead of ironing, hang up your laundry, it airs,dries and looks good enough to wear. Fibres look fluffier too and you keep the colour for longer

[@katherinerichardson1767]

I love the information about washing one's hair---I usually don't use much of the shampoo but using baby shampoo makes sense when you have gray hair. I use my conditioner the way you mentioned because I found my scalp would get very oily in only a few days. Thanks for sharing!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@TheJoPaXXXX]

Lidl Cien are supercheap and supergood!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Agreed

[@robinkline5600]

Plant asparagus root starts once and you will have a asparagus patch that will produce for many more years. I cut my husband's hair to save money. Also I make my own laundry soap with Zote soap. I add some oxyclean to the load of wash along with the homemade liquid soap. If you have hard water, add some baking soda to the rinse cycle. My local grocery outlet sells concentrated dish liquid in a gallon jug (it's comparable to the Dawn brand) for $6.00. I just pour it into a small bottle for the kitchen counter.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tips

[@grainneocarroll6427]

We also self cater a lot for holidays. I save up in advance and bring a few proper kitchen tools with me to enjoy proper cooking. I bring enough for a few meals from my cupboards and my freezer, and treats I already have. But often you can get nice local delicacies or traditional foods cheaply where we are visiting - and I have sinking funds for that. I don’t go into debt for holidays. We enjoy a lot of walks and bring picnics when out and about, and it’s also a good time to bring a few things from the games cupboard (cards, s jigsaw, and a couple of boardgames) for evenings.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

What a perfect holiday

[@julieemig432]

Very interesting

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you think so!

[@yellowbirch2498]

Laundry: wear aprons for cooking and cleaning; get outdoor overalls and Wellington boots for the children for Autumn, Winter and Spring; also keep old dark t-shirts and throw them on the kids for dinner (even if they wear bibs, food still seems to go everywhere). Electricity: turn off appliances when not in use - we realised our dryer cost us 50p per day, even when we weren't using it, just because it was on at the plug! Also, when cooking, use lids for saucepans - you can cook at a lower temperature by conserving heat; steam or use just enough water to cover your vegetables. Also, combine cooking appliances - you can start something off in the cooker and finish it in a slow cooker. Finally, use a basin to soak cutlery or plates, etc, it cuts down on the amount of washing up liquid you need and also how long you have the tap running as most of the food has already soaked off 😮

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice

[@shanimcculloch123]

Gardening tips: see if your local library or community centre/hub has a 'seed bank' that you can access seeds from, most are free or small donation and most of the seeds that are available are crops that are suited to grow well in the climate of your area/state. Do a internet search and consider learning about garden planting and seed sowing according to the moon phase which relates to gravitation/growth of plants it helps with crops prouducing an abundance over bolting or not growing well at all. Example: root vegetables crops such as carrots and radishes will do well when sown during full moon phase. Consider starting a tiger worm farm/composting system if your council/district/area allows them not only do the help take care of any kitchen waste and create beautiful compost that can be used in your garden in the future

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tips

[@andreaskokandich6454]

Being in Texas we cook on a grill and solar oven

[@jod3433]

Save yourselves load of money by ‘cutting open’ all toiletry plastic tubes. You will be amazed by how much product remains in the tube when it appears otherwise ‘empty’ I easily get another 1-3 weeks more product ( depending on the use) from an otherwise empty tube. Supermarket compost - have been disappointed in the past couple of growing seasons, finding stones and plastic in the compost. Very important to check the NPK in compost. To germinate my seeds I use the previous seasons tomatoes grow bags, seedlings need very little nutrients to germinate. If getting less expensive compost check the NPK for what you are growing on and add either in slow release granulated formula or liquid fertiliser. I make my own liquid fertiliser, one with singling needles and another with dock leaves. Tomatoes grow bags are often very good value and surprise surprise the compost inside can be used for many different crops because most crops that produce a flower that then set to form a fruit have the same needs. Thanks Jane & Mike

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s such great advice

[@sjchan3199]

I dilute my laundry wash down by 1/2 and put in 1/2 the recommended amount using a dosing ball. I also use vinegar and water fabric conditioner as even the sensitive fabric conditioners cause havoc witb my skin. Weleda products as pricey but worth it and i research the pricrs to get best deals. Tesco had the cocoa butter on sale buy 1 get one free and i stocked up. As regards the garden, my house is about 35yrs old the previous owners never dug it over, theres one every small section that you can dig 3-4 inches down the rest is impossible. Think raised beds amd pots the way to go i foung gardeners world site hss lots of tips advice and videos to help. Also try your library they can order books in for you. Great video and lots of great info.thanks.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your helpful advice

[@jinnemee7327]

Soaking your laundry will help with stains so you can wash on a lower temperature. Don’t use pods for laundry or dishwasher, it’s way too much soap. Unplug devices when not in use, like tech gadgets. Even when on stand-by they draw energy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good tips

[@user-ww1jk7gu8i]

I am definitely going to invest in a clothes drying rack.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We love ours

[@theaweavers8576]

Also no fabric conditioner ..dont miss it ...washing line dried ..not much detergent used ..no probs...clothes and towels soft!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@farmerwife8412]

We have sensitive skin and react to many detergents, soaps etc.. I buy ones we can use when they are half price. I never pay full price for those more expensive items. I also use much less detergent than they recommend. I have to use a stronger one for the greasy mechanics who live here. 😅 The fragrance of many detergents also stirs up my asthma. Even when i smell it on other people's clothing i can start coughing. So do be careful what we wear as our fragrances and perfumes can make others quite sick.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh dear you are in a bad way

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I've grown plants from seed without a greenhouse. It's much easier with one, but it's not absolutely necessary. A packet of seeds is much less expensive than plants. When I've grown good tomatoes one year, or good cucumbers, or good anything, I save the seeds for planting the next year. I've taken cuttings from rose bushes and forsythia plants. Iris can be divided. Almost every plant can be reproduced fairly easily. I go one step further to save money on laundry. When I open a bottle of detergent, I pour out half into the container I just emptied. Then I fill both bottles the rest of the way up with water, so I start out with washing detergent diluted by half. Then I measure out less than the bottle says. This comes from an article I read decades ago (early '80's) named the halfs and the half nots. After dividing by half the first time and it's still an effective cleaner, half the amount again . If it still cleans well, half the last amount again. Keep doing this until you find the least amount of detergent that still works well and stick with that. It's amazing how little soap is actually needed. I do this with all liquid soaps, cleansers, shampoos, dish washing liquid, etc. It makes a huge difference in saving money. Once I made a medium sized bottle of dish washing liquid last 6 years. I thought that was tremendous... until I met someone who'd made one last 7 years!!! That's stupendous in my estimation!!!! With cakes of soap, I used to save the slivers and warm them up under hot water till they were somewhat malleable. I'd reshape them into a little container that turned them back into the shape of a bar of soap. It took several slivers until a bar of soap was reformed. Any little container will do... like the small metal container some breath mints come in. I used to be a travel nurse. I expected the electricity bill would go down while I wasn't home using it. It didn't, so the next time I went on assignment, I unplugged a lot of things, like the TV and VCR (it was that long ago). The next bill was reduced by 76%! I got so excited that I unplugged EVERYTHING else...all except the stove and refrigerator. The next bill was down an additional 11%!! I thought I'd unplug the stove if I didn't have to pull it away from the wall to unplug it and then replug it in to use it. I realized the breaker box was on the wall right beside the stove. So I turned it off at the fuse box when I wasn't cooking, turned it on to cook and turned it off again as soon as I stopped cooking something. I didn't calculate the savings for that, but the electricity bill went down again.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You might live somewhere warm? We have night frost until May and you need a propagator and/or a heated green house here with heated seed trays to get seeds to germinate. Places like Portugal has spring already and their seeds are in the ground. We can't plant anything outside until May

[@kimberlypower7567]

Hi Jane, What a wonderful video as always! I was recently looking through Facebook and something popped up about France grocery stores giving food to the food banks instead of throwing things away. It got me to wondering exactly how this works in the UK and France. Are there food banks/food stamps?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The foodbanks in France give people a week's groceries, fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables plus dairy bread and bread. Supermarkets are not allowed to throw food away and have to give it to foodbanks.

[@angieprice7206]

If you are planting fruit trees, just before you place your tree in the hole, toss in a few meat bones. Your dogs will not be impressed, but your trees will have slow-release bone meal for years.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip

[@user-qw8bb1iu1w]

I save potato cucumber peels. Also pea outer cover. Cut them into small pieces. And when i plant new flowers saplings i put the peels at the bottom of the pot. The peels decay releasing nutrients for the plant. So less fertilizer from market is needed. The plants grow well and look healthy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Super tips

[@user-qw8bb1iu1w]

​@@FrugalQueeninFrancethank you

[@lisawhite2487]

I am vegan. I have very sensitive skin. I use a brand called Ceramedx for face lotion and wash. It is actually the body lotion and body wash and I use it on my face. it is very gentle! I tried many kinds before finding it. I highly recommend. it is very affordable, about $10 each, here in the US

[@mimi1o8]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll try it, I’m vegan with sensitive skin too .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@christinewright9273]

I ask for nice soaps and toiletries for Christmas and birthdays ,that way I have to buy very little , I buy Aldi powder detergent and mix it with water in a dosing ball with some fabric conditioner and put it straight into the drum that way the drawer stays clean, the powder lasts for ages ! I too have sensitive skin and use the simple range which is not expensive but I saw a more expensive branded product for half price so bought it, I had an awful reaction to it my face was swollen, red and cracked and I ended up on steroids and anti histamines so I am sticking to my old brand , i was obviously " not worth it " :(

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks. 😊

[@mariannewesten3638]

Hello Jane, The mild Babyshampoo - is it from Lidl?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That mild shampoo is the cheapest shampoo in le clerc

[@lin90210]

Rachel should look at off peak travel tickets. November was way cheaper than a peak ticket to Asia for my family and I......Easter and Christmas is a no no....school holidays are expensive too

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Super tip

[@jodieupton4000]

You look so radiant. May I ask if you dye your hair? I usually have highlights, twice a year to try to make the grey hairs less obvious but it's so expensive uet at 47 not sure if i want to go grey. Your hair is a lovely colour.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I don't dye my hair. Thanks for watching

[@LaundryFaerie]

A travel hack: you know how shopping loss leaders at the grocery store and then cooking meals based on those loss-leader ingredients is the cheapest way to eat? The same goes for travel. If you're willing to be adventurous and flexible about where you'd like to go, shop the loss-leader flights at places like Skyscanner (or your local rail system) and base your travel plans around those cheap transportation sales. Doing this means you get to see a part of the world you're curious about but might not have picked on your own, for a super low price. Have a real adventure!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for that

[@clairedemuth4369]

Some oil change companies have "Ladies' Days," which is nice, if you're a lady. Traveling is very important to me, so my husband and I have a sinking fund for it. We don't always have enough money to go to the coolest destination, but you can always find interesting places to go nearby, if you look. I like to eat local foods and specialties when I travel, so I usually eat out as much as I can afford to, but I bring all of my own snacks and as much to drink as I can for the trip. This works especially well on car trips, because then you don't have to stop and get drinks or snacks at gas stations, and you don't have to buy your morning tea or any drinks when you're touring the city. I do bring food for the travel days, like sandwiches to eat in the car or on the plane. Eating at airports is so expensive, so that saves a lot. Taking an empty reusable water bottle helps with airport drink prices. I also do lots of research on the restaurants where I plan to eat so that I can pick ones that will give me a good meal within my budget and work within my gluten restrictions. I even have backup restaurants in case something happens with the first ones so that I know I won't end up at a restaurant that will break my budget. It's surprising how much there is to do for free when traveling. I look for things that aren't the big tourist traps, because those are always expensive, or budget for the ones that I really want to do. I plan out how much each excursion I want to take will cost, and how much my meal budget is, because I have overspent in the past when I didnt plan for everything. My husband likes souvenirs, so we even plan for that. But we also have a buffer in our budget, because things happen. This year we will most likely be unable to take a vacation due to health reasons, so we are saving the money we had planned and adding it to next year's budget, which will mean we can go somewhere a little bit further away.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great ideas

[@gladyschandler6724]

I use breeze sheets, 60 sheets, no fragrance, and no plastic.

[@mariannewesten3638]

That is great for Nature👍. But unfortunely Not for you're wallet..

[@ksewald91]

We pretty much wear our clothes until they wear out and make rags out of cotton items. I buy small appliances at thrift store when ever possible. Looking to replace my wedding gift blender (50 years old) after it died and my Crock-Pot that i dropped recently.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great

[@adoptedscot]

I use the Milton Lloyd perfume dupes and find they smell like the “real thing” at a 10th or less of the price. Obviously don’t last as long but you can be liberal with the spray. No end of people ask me what I’m wearing and I just say a dupe.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love it, people compliment my perfume too and I proudly say Lidl

[@susanday3478]

Eco balls for laundry are good

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good tip

[@vicki900]

Maybe do your hair on a different day when the prices are less or just air dry

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I normally use the solar battery.

[@theaweavers8576]

Dont use your car if you can walk or cycle to local shops libaries and keep fit no need for gym memberships 😎