Want To Save Money? Live Like The British. Live Like a Frugal Queen.

We tell you the very British things that can save you time & money.
Frugal Queen in France
Like the menu board & Budget Book? We have now started Amazon Affiliate Links its available here:
Kitchen Slate Board: amzn.to/2S2tWjW
Budget Book: amzn.to/3qISz2i
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/
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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*

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I must add I’ve done and continue to do most of these money saving things most of the time.

[@marielama8173]

This is how I grew up. My mom was widowed young and really managed well. Not eating out, hand me down clothes, baking our desserts, fresh vegetables from my grandma's garden (she had a farm ), having a small garden, canning, freezing food, garage sales, rummage sales, thrift store shopping, ...were all part of our wonderful lifestyle. I was and am blessed.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@janecopeland2306]

I worked in Leeds for a bit (from Canada) and was so surprised that all of my co-workers had shoe care kits in their desks. We would all come in in the morning, and shoes would come off, get wiped dry, any mud or debris removed, and if needed a bit of polish added. AND they took shoes to the cobbler to be resoled or reheeled. I'd NEVER heard such a thing. We can all learn something from more frugal cultures.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@reikachan2008]

In some areas they still do that. Unfortunately cobblers nowadays are more expensive to use, and less likely to be found as professions. It is really good especially for boots and leather shoes mostly,

[@mellibee100]

I am a Brit living in the US and have the space for a dryer, but about 15 years ago I challenged myself not to use it, after a year of realizing I didn't need it and was managing perfectly fine without it, I sold it. When the dishwasher broke, I didn't replace it and I don't have a microwave. It is very liberating to have less stuff to break and need fixing. Less is more!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good to hear that.

[@aNaturalist]

I like the way you're living!

[@alanbirkner1958]

We live near Chicago. When I grew up, it was normal for two kids to bathe together. My kids are in their 40's, we ate at home, they eat at home, too. I brought a sandwich for lunch at work for 25 years. My kids took lunch. My husband wouldn't do it. My kids got hand me downs, we passed things down, and my grandkids get second hand clothes. A deli (huge) sandwich here, is the size of four to six homemade sandwiches. When we eat in a restaurant, we have 3 to 4 meals from what we take home. I take a can of tuna, drain it, add 2 or 3 hard boiled eggs, some onion, some celery, and mayonnaise and we have sandwich filling for 4 to 6 sandwiches. Tina, Al's wife

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@cathyb3790]

When I was pregnant, I was house cleaning and a client had all the baby stuff I needed , bed , stroller , i traded my work for the necessities, she was kind enough to give me some extra things ,,,

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I was given everything as hand downs when I had my babies and I loved them all

[@eileencook6881]

I was raised by a widowed mother, she made all our breads, cookies, pies and meals. Our big treat was to go to fast food place and get a hamburger and fries- that was about once a month.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@loveconnection1118]

Aww your mother sounds wonderful. ❤️

[@jewelgaither1504]

Our current home had a dishwasher when we bought it. Our children, jokingly, asked why we waited to get a dishwasher until they were grown. I told them I gave birth to two dishwashers! Well, we all took turns washing dishes and I find it kind of relaxing to clean up the dishes. I do most of the things you mentioned. In fact, when we have our granddaughters here--ages 3 & 7--their favorite thing to do is go to the local park and pack a small cooler bag with their lunch, no matter how simple it is. After a good time playing on the playground, they're ready for a PBJ and fruit, with water to drink. Simple pleasures are truly the best!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those simple pleasures are wonderful

[@laurithomasson6979]

My dad used to say the same thing, except he had four dishwashers. I love handwashing dishes as to me it's very relaxing.

[@jacquiemoppett2391]

A soft roll roll is a bap, a crispy roll is a cob in the midlands.

[@bradc6199]

Dishwashers use less energy and water than handwashing.

[@pamplant3610]

I'm American and live extremely frugally. I live in an 8x24 5th wheel trailer full time. I always hand wash my dishes, hang my laundry on a line to dry, cook all my meals at home. I don't eat out. I bake my own bread and occasionally sweets. I drive about 25 miles per month because I don't go anywhere except to the grocery or run what few errands I have. I'm debt free and live entirely on the small amount I receive from social security. I'm 76 years old and still get hand-me-downs from my sister. Learned frugal ways from my mom who grew up during the Great Depression. Oh, I also was and reuse Ziploc freezer bags only buying new when the bags are no longer useable.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice to meet you, thanks for sharing

[@Shantelle6253]

Hiya, fulltimer here too! If you dont mind, Where (in general) do you have your rig parked to keep your miles so low? tyia

[@joycewilson6359]

Great video yall, Kentucky, USA here raised on a beef cattle farm here. We do all of the same things except public transportation. We don’t have busses or trains I live in avery rural area 5 miles from where I was raised. We didn’t have a water bill because we had to dig a well. We didn’t get city water here until I was a grown woman and used a washboard and a handmade wringer and always hung our clothes out. Mine were on the line today. In the winter I hang them from wooden beams so my woodstove dries them quickly. There are many of us Americans that do all of those things. I was taught to make yeast breads, dinner rolls, buns, cakes, cookies, pies, and other pastries is what we call rolls and sub rolls, hoagie rolls. I don’t buy cake mixes or any other type mixes. I raise a 11/4 acre garden each year and have herb and medicinal gardens as well as orchards, berries, grapes, nut trees, chickens, ducks, geese for down pillows I also make my own soaps, clothes, quilts, curtains etc. There aren’t many of us left who value the old ways and being frugal. I have been laughed at and teased by coworkers because of the way I have always lived. They also have 30-40 year mortgage payments, car payments, pay people to cut their grass with a credit card. I have no mortgage, own my home 800 square ft and 5 acres, barn, chicken coops, smokehouse, cellar, woodlot for our firewood ,no debt, no car payments. They can have their way but I prefer my own. I can also fish, hunt, trap, tan hides, make moccasins, brooms, salt and sugar cure and smoke my meat in the smokehouse. For toast eggs and bacon, bacon and tomato, sos hamburger in gravy poured over hot toast, grilled cheese, ham and cheese, bologna and cheese with a green onion, peanut butter and banana sandwich, tuna fish salad, chicken salad, egg salad we like sandwiches as my dad teased and called them samiches !! We aren’t so different after all and have many things in common. The wealthier people and some of those trying to keep up with the Jones’s don’t do these things.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@ksd3650]

British now living in the US. I love hanging washing outside, we don't own a dryer. I can't fathom why more people don't hang out their washing. It's the ultimate solar dryer! Especially in places that have sun 300+ days a year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love air dried clothes, they smell of sunshine

[@annebremer8011]

Some US home owner's associations fine residents for hanging clothes outside.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@annebremer8011 what a horrible lack of liberty and freedom!

[@adoptedscot]

@@annebremer8011 Given the way the world climate is going they will have to change their tune. I’ve never owned a dryer and line dry and live in Scotland. If we can do it here so can other places.

[@laurithomasson6979]

Some HOAs don't allow it. It makes no sense as hanging is the most efficient way.

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

I don't know if you've ever been to the US, but most of the things you're describing as British are the way I was brought up and lived most of my life. My family has always done things for ourselves, picnicked, carpooled, eat at home, bought second-hand, etc. We still do. And did on our last, recent trip to England. We've been in big homes and small homes in England, ate sandwiches of all kinds and sizes, same as home (except for beans 0n toast, only our niece loves those!. But beans were certainly part of our diet. ) There are many many Americans who live as you do in the UK, not all, but many. The one advantage the UK has is the availability of public transportation. We use it when we can and always do in the UK. It's improving, but the US has a lot of catching up to do in this area.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@sparkythims4362]

Ditto

[@meganchristensen3378]

Same here! My dad was a preacher in parishes in Eastern Ohio, which isn't the most affluent part of America. So he wasn't paid much. Thankfully, church parishoners would give us hand-me-down clothes, mom would take us garage-sale shopping, where my sister and I would get toys, we would shop in thrift stores and budget stores (like Big Lots). We would grow a small garden, and parishoners would give us vegetables and fruit from their own gardens. We've always taken lunches to school/work, and mom made sure that we knew how to cook/bake and how to do some simple repairs on clothes. We also wouldn't run the tap when washing dishes, or brushing our teeth, and we were scolded about electricity use, as the church would own the parsonage and pay for utilities. Mom and Dad wanted us to be the best stewards that would could be and so we were reminded to turn off lamps, put a sweater on as the heater was turned down in winter, turn off the water, etc. Didn't realize I was British this whole time! ;) (Oh! I forgot! Mom and Dad had side-hustles before it became en vogue! Dad got his CPA license and did taxes for preachers in the area as preacher taxes are WEIRD, and Mom would take us around on trash day and we would find pieces of furniture out for the trash that we would repair, repaint, etc. and then sell... I still do that to this day and have made $300 this summer!)

[@mirmcnabb]

Totally agree on all fronts and really hope eventually we get on the public transportation bandwagon! Only in the cities, really, unfortunately.

[@jorasparents]

Agreed ... I do wonder though if more young people are doing a lot of the convenience things that weren't available when some of us were growing up.

[@lindamcconnell1653]

I' m a canadian living in Quebec. My mum would do exactly the same things you are mentionning. I remember her scraping the last of the butter from the wrapping, leaving the oven door open to heat the kitchen when the cooking was done, drying clothes on the line outside, etc.. I am now finding myself doing the same things. Electricity is still affordable in Quebec, but I don't use my dishwasher, turn off lights, Keep the thermostat at 68F, etc... It resulted in a credit of $60.00 for the month of september and $6.00 less a month for the next year. Every bit counts.. Bless you Jane for reminding us that we are still in control and can make changes that will affect our lives in a positive way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Linda

[@kathleens4252]

I loved this video. A walk back in time to my childhood in the northeast part of the United States. My mother was the youngest of 11 children of vegetable farmers. She did many of the things you spoke about. She cooked from scratch, we always ate at home, line dried our clothes outside unless it was freezing cold, or snowing/raining, washed our car in the driveway, grew vegetables in the garden, my dad repaired everything etc. Us kids learned to work hard, value what we had, be resourceful and be grateful because that’s what my parents emulated. Times are so different now. When I asked one of my sons recently what he had done that day he said he washed his car and I thought to myself .. no, you took your car to a car wash and sat on a bench waiting while someone else washed your car!!! I’ve hung my clothes for years now and have found myself reverting back to many thrifty habits of old and loving not only the challenge of it, but the great feeling of accomplishment it gives me. These hard times will surely separate the resourceful from those who don’t know how to answer the call of a challenge. I am only one quarter English, but I’ve always loved everything British.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@toviedineen1557]

ALL of these strategies happened in our house when I was a kid in Australia (50 yrs ago) which shows how strong the British culture remained. These are such joyful memories for me. Thank you 🥰 xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Still common in UK now

[@susanbell4528]

I’m sending everyone greetings from SW France

[@elainearchbold259]

Hi Susan, Elaine from uk

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hello and thanks for watching

[@empresslifeinlondon6926]

Love to you from London.

[@anniegreen4205]

I love beans, tuna, cheese, marmite, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, etc, on toast. There are so many things. One kitchen I had was so small I could reach the sink, cooker and washing machine just by turning round in a circle with my arms open wide. Only one person fitted at a time. 🤷‍♀️ And I've always had a clothes horse. I always had a dish washer, he was called 'husband'.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I loved my tiny kitchen at thrift cottage, I loved the cosiness of our tiny house

[@anniegreen4205]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance ❤

[@happycook6737]

Love your dishwasher model name "husband". Seems it will do a better job than the dishwasher model: child

[@paolamura3497]

😂😂😂

[@debannas4567]

I love the smell of clothes dried outside!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They smell of sunshine, or autumn or a frosty morning

[@adelegould6972]

Also, as a Brit I've never understood why other countries decorate their homes at Easter, thanks giving, Halloween. I watch KZbin videos of American homes that treat these celebrations like Christmas. It just seems so expensive to decorate all year round. I love putting up the tree for Christmas and a few window lights. I'm not sure we will be using the window lights this Christmas with all the cost of living increases x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I think it’s charming but it must be expensive

[@judithvallembois2744]

It is not only an expense but is time consuming to put up, take down and store the decorations. Looks nice but too much trouble for most holidays.

[@laurithomasson6979]

@@judithvallembois2744 I have a pumpkin with a light that was my son's, we put it in the window for fall. I also have a stuffed scarecrow that was his that also goes in a window. For Christmas we have a small tree, lights and fake pine around the banister and hutch. We do have some outside lights but only one string around the porch. That's the extent of our decorating, because I'm lazy about it. With the exception of some new lights every few years the majority of our decorations are over 20 years old. Because they still work and I'm too cheap to buy more. I'm American and I don't understand all of the decorating, I know people at Christmas that have huge trees in every room!

[@marielama8173]

I often pick up decorations at garage sales very inexpensively. Once you have a set of decorations for a holiday, you are set.

[@nataliebutler]

LED fairy lights can be more cost effective than normal lighting. I'm with you on the decor. My home has two 'seasons', Christmas and not Christmas. I like the put the decorations up at the start of December and take them down at the end of January, which is actually quite traditional. That way I get to enjoy them through the darkest month when a bit of sparkle is needed the most.

[@paulineclarke5388]

Buck rarebit , poached egg covered in cheese sauce, lovely , also remember being bathed in the kitchen sink , your neighbours were auntie and uncle and collecting worms for your neighbours to take fishing , the windows being frozen inside in the winter and going to the shop to buy broken biscuits, oh the memories 😥

[@theclumsyprepper]

Oh the broken biscuits. We loved them as kids.

[@TermiteVideo]

Oh broken biscuits! I used to wake up with thick patterned ice on my windows

[@helenhartley6904]

People wonder how we afford overseas holidays because they see us living frugally and assume we don't have discretionary money. We addressed the big things first to save $ like paying off a smaller house, no debt, solar power, retirement savings, and recently got rid of our second car and a trailer. We also do all the everyday frugal things you listed. So we put $ aside for emergencies and bills, plus we save extra for our holidays! It's definitely our frugal choices that provide some latitude for other choices. Cheers Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@pamelawalton1255]

Lol you are describing home life exactly how it is, It's called a barmcake in the North I love cheese on toast or almond butter and bananas bacon or egg , I eat bread everyday it's a way to fill up, I love a chip butty it's comfort food or a fish finger butty, when we we're little we had whatever was in on a butty brown sauce, jam , sugar although I never had that, one of things I've adopted from the french is I make coffee from a cafetiere it's part of my little me time ritual.we never go out to coffeeshops or takeaways everything is made from scratch.

[@helenwilkins4337]

I’m sure you know that sharing baths is where the phrase “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”. During Victorian times baths were shared in order of age. So the baby was always bathed last. Super video yesterday again Jane xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s fun bit of history, but mucky but fun.

[@alex31p]

I grew up on a dairy farm in the 1950s and 60s in Wisconsin. We did every one of those items except public transport as there was none. To this day I still do the laundry, dishes, food, sandwiches, cloths etc. the same way. It saves money but is also rewarding self-sufficiency and a practical assist to the environment.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The Brits still do those things

[@stitcheswellwithvodka3534]

I wish I lived somewhere that had good public transport. Sometimes I want to go somewhere but don't feel like driving lol

[@FrugalForty]

I’m in the US but I love a good sandwich! Not a meat bomb- a slice or two of meat, maybe a bit of cheese, a thin layer of Mayo or mustard. With a few potato chips (crisps) on the side and maybe a pickle if I’ve got it, that’s a meal for me! My grandma (British heritage) always made us creamed tuna on toast, with peas. SO delicious. Now that I’m grown and I make it myself, I realize how far you can stretch that! Makes a load with just one can of tuna. For washing, my washer and dryer is in our basement in a second bath. I take out all denim and hang it on hangers on the curtain rod. Also shake out all towels so the drier doesn’t have to work so hard to get them uncrumpled. Those things cut my drying time in half. Working from home has saved me a TON of money on fuel.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@jackleentoop7693]

Put a dry towel or a microfibres towel in with your wet towels and they will dry quicker.

[@FrugalForty]

@@jackleentoop7693 no kidding!

[@FrugalForty]

@@jackleentoop7693 I will have to try that-thanks!

[@judymcpheron5955]

And nothing store bought or bakery made can beat the deliciousness of home cooked and baked! 💖❤💖

[@Deedeevenice]

So true- lemon drizzle cake- staple ingredients! How easy is it?

[@hillcountrycottage]

I LOVE the British and I LOVE your mid week money chats!!! 💕👍😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much, we’re a lovely nation.

[@anns8893]

We grew up here in America doing the same things and continue doing them. I grew up in a very small house 🏠 around 900 Sq ft with 5 people living in it no heat or air conditioning in Central Florida. Temperatures would get above 100 degrees we would go outside and play under a shade tree drinking water and sometimes kool-aid or lemonade. Everything piece of clothing was hung up on the clothes line. Many people here where I live still hang up laundry. We do same things here in America. Most people don't but we keep it Simple. We(my husband and I) lived in a 1207 square foot home and sold that and now live in a 904 square foot house in the country in Middle Tennessee. We bought a Used but in the box new wood stove off of Facebook Market place this summer will be using in the winter here. Price for Electric has gone up over $80.00 for us last month. Not sure what this month will be. I've turned off everything that are phantom drainers in our house for last 3 months and bill got higher. We have Mini Split Heat pump system for house like in Europe and Japan. I have a health condition that if I get to hot I could pass out so on hot days I have to run it. Even though your British and we are American we have done and still do same things. Have a Blessed Day!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We are the same, there’s more that unites and we’re only divided by the ocean

[@angelikig.7172]

Hello from beautiful Greece 🇬🇷 My eldest daughter and the second are two and a half years apart😊 The good clothes and shoes of the 1st daughter,before they wore out,I put them away so that the little one could wear them more everyday… I have saved a lot of money that was used elsewhere.. After a few years I gave the opportunity to a friend of mine to choose and get for free ,what she wanted for her daughter 😊 I am very glad that I do that ,to save me and my friend a lot of money.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Angeliki , I’ve missed you in the live chats

[@mellibee100]

One of my favorite sandwiches I used to buy at a sandwich shop in Knightsbridge is peanut butter, celery & banana :). It's SOOOO good!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@gladyschandler6724]

When I was in the office I bought my breakfast, lunch & snacks and tea. Coffee was provided by the company.

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Me too? I kept s box of oatmeal, a jar of peanut butter and snack breads for a late afternoon sack. In the morning, I would grab a yogurt and a frozen lunch entree and a piece of fruit. I would drink company-provided coffee in the morning and water after that

[@bria2596]

Chipped beef and gravy on toast; a smear of cream cheese, fresh sprouts, and a mix of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapeno on toast, the list could go on for a long time, couldn't it! My family history includes many of the things you mentioned, and I only recently found out we are about 90% from the British Isles ~ traditions do not die out; I hand wash dishes, line dry clothes, grow things, do my own cleaning, sewing, and repairs, cook, walk in the fresh air, and celebrate all of the small things that bring joy. Thanks for reminding me of these things.

[@annebremer8011]

We Americans do this. We call it SOS;sh-t on a shingle. I believe that is a WW2 Army term. I love it. I hang my clothes but have a dryer. Like you both, we have one car by choice. We eat most meals at home. We heat primarily by wood. Solar energy. I am not good about bringing food out with us, but I am inspired to do better. Two years ago we downsized to a much smaller home. Thanks for your well-planned and informative videos.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Bri.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Anne

[@Meli_Mels]

I love hand-me-downs!!!! Friends threw us a baby shower, but besides those gifts, I don't think our kiddo had anything NEW until about 6yo. His crib, stroller (pram), bibs, toys. bottles - everything was received from cousins, friends, and neighbors. I loved it!!! Then when he outgrew them, I was glad to pass on to the next momma and daddy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's superb

[@greetjejorna157]

In the Netherlands most of us use clotheslines, make our own lunches, bike to work or school. We are thrifty people too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good to hear

[@jackleentoop7693]

I’m half Dutch and half English living in Australia, so I understand being frugal from both sides. My Dutch father hated any sort of waste, so did my English Nanna.

[@nynkeinkerijager4013]

So nice to hear that the Brittisch have learned to be frugal from their Dutch neighbours, the inventers of Frugality😉😁 most of the things the Dutch do as well and I know the Germans and Finnish and Scandinavions do too. Except beans on toast. That is very, very Brittish! And yes, Dutch nurses also have to pay for parking as the hospital. Love our public transport, when they are not on strike. We call lift sharing carpooling.

[@user-hk2su1op8k]

This is how all of my family was raised- it’s a very good way to live.

[@flatlandah52]

American here…I must have some British DNA because I’ve always done these things… except for public transportation because I live out in the country. I don’t decorate much for different holidays, because then I’ll have to take them down and pack them away! One of my least favorite things to do. 😉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@LoriSkees]

Fellow American here and I agree with you! My neighborhood is between two corn fields so no public transportation for me either. 😊

[@kellielambert2184]

A friend of mine moved to France three years ago and always tells me that the French are money savvy and do not waste money unnecessarily. Very little food wastage, fast fashion is not a thing, they buy quality over quantity. When she first moved there she was amazed at how little takeaway is available and nobody gets a takeaway coffee.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No takeaway where I live, no takeaway coffee.

[@Sypeth]

I think it’s a thing only in French city centers. I don’t know of anybody that just grab a coffee on their way, when we go somewhere to have a coffee, we sit down and enjoy the experience. However I’m afraid fast fashion is a thing in France, not to the extend of other countries though and it’s frowned upon by many French people.

[@valgalloway6914]

So many of these things I can no longer do!! It's a shock when you find how much you have to spend on cleaner, gardener etc. as you get older. Mind you, I never have cleaned my own outside windows. I'm lucky to live in a terrace (of 8 houses) where my neighbours help keep my home warm/cool depending on the time of year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Val

[@lj2070]

In belfast I lived in a terraced home with a cement back yard, when I married an aussie and flew away. Australia's standard houses are massive, my standard basic home at the moment is 3 bed, with seperate bathroom and seperate laundry, front and back gardens and most houses are standalone, and all on one level

[@lin90210]

Back in school during home economics class one of the first things we learnt to cook was Victoria sponge :)

[@Taco-Mama]

Oh, and how can I forget... sliced, fresh tomatoes from the garden on buttered bread or toast (actually breakfast this morning). Most of the ideas you talked about are what I was raised on with a single mom who had to be frugal by necessity. And, many are things I see myself going back to. Thanks for the reminder, Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Many Brits and this Brit still do these, in my case to save money but for some it’s necessity

[@preppernut]

Tomatoes with onions on rye bread is an evening staple as soon as our tomatoes are ripe. When the season is over, we do not buy tomatoes because they are expensive and taste horrible.

[@PianoJules]

What a great video. We do and have done all these things but I have noticed younger people aren’t anywhere as thrifty in the UK. American traditions and life style are creeping in. Supermarkets are full of pumpkins in October, and younger friends think we are strange because we don’t have a dishwasher or tumble dryer. My husband is my dishwasher and the washing goes outside on a the line and comes in to air or finish drying on a clothes horse, in front of our wood burning stove. Our house is very small, a kitchen diner, lounge, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and cloakroom, we use every inch of space. We also have a driveway for a car and a 6x4’ garden shed, which is my husband’s workshop. I do look forward to your videos, take care, stay strong and let’s hope the world’s problems begin to ease soon.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love pumpkin….roasted or in soup

[@PianoJules]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance So do I. I tried roasting the seeds once but that was a complete failure.

[@paulasimson4939]

Canadian here - grew up with beans on toast and spaghetti on toast - sometimes mixed together! I still east tuna or salmon on open faced toast and love it. Mind you, my grandmother was English, so maybe that's where it came from.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Of course, I forgot tinned spaghetti on toast

[@dorothyc7395]

I remember my mum drying the washing infront of the fire on a clothes horse when she couldn't dry it outside. Then she'd iron it and then put everything in the airing cupboard to air off. We couldn't wear anything that wasn't aired... My favourite sandwich growing up was a crisp sandwich. Just bread and butter with plain crisps 😋

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We had the same upbringing

[@kathybreton4570]

What is an airing cupboard?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@kathybreton4570 What is a British airing cupboard? Definition of airing cupboard British. : a heated cupboard in which sheets, towels, clothes, etc., are kept warm and dry.

[@juliethartwell4525]

I’ve done all these things, and passed on to my now adult children. I’ve never had a dishwasher or drier, so what you’ve never had you don’t miss. Taking lunch to work is another lifelong habit, and then I had to smile when remembering Luncheon Vouchers commonly issued by employers in the 70’s as a (very small) contribution towards employees’ daily lunches!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Julie, we still do the same

[@twinkletoes8099]

Oh yes! I used to spend mine filling up the freezer each month, I took my own lunches to work then and still do today, saves me a fortune each month. Leftovers are known as my lunch-overs .

[@feanorian21maglor38]

I had a friend who worked at the post office in the 80s and they had an amazingly subsidised canteen. He never cooked because he's get a hot meal and dessert for next to nothing every week day- if I recall for as little as 60p. I was at university then and a hot canteen meal was at least £4 to £5.

[@kathyharmon2093]

At 65 still working as a nurse in a retirement home, our meals are free at work 😊

[@smalltowngirl6681]

The reason a lot of people live in large homes is because back in the 1970s the government started regulating the size of home you could build and it had to be at least 1,000 or 1200 square feet in most places.

[@frankprit3320]

Great video!!! here in the US, when i grew up back in the 1970's we did a lot of those things and then something happened in the 80's ( everybody caught affluenza) and stopped doing them. they did call the 1980's the era of decadence in the US. they were right. Thanks again.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Just because we have money, doesn’t mean we have to spend it

[@annebremer8011]

Excellent point re affluenzq.

[@CarolinaZ501]

Dear Frank, "affluenza', what a briljant expression! Ahh, if only antibiotics would work against this serious yet common ailment!;)

[@happycook6737]

Caught Affluenza--- 🤣 That's hilarious and true.

[@hfnoskin8458]

Lovely video.My Dad used to cycle to work and as a child of about 5 or six I would sit on the crossbar. I was dropped off at school every day. Favourite lunch is tomato soup with toasted cheese sandwich.

[@happycook6737]

Mmm love that lunch. I use an online Campbell's tomato soup clone recipe that tastes better than the canned soup. Tons cheaper too as it uses tomato paste from a can. I started using the recipe living overseas because couldn't get Campbell's brand.

[@momma2ski]

American here, please don't assume that the folks on the internet are all of us... the description of what being "British" entails you've described my American experience. After all, if you take care of your penny's your dollars will take care of themselves.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@frentbow]

This explanation makes me feel better about not having things. No keeping up with the Jones's in our house! Play this vid to your kids when they feel hard done by like mine did growing up, especially the hand me down school uniform my youngest complained about. Remember buying a size too big to grow into to make them last even longer. They have their own careers now and a better understanding of the cost of living.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@heather333]

I shared a bath with my sister as a young child. I don't share bath water now, but I do save shower water collected in the bath to use to fill the toilet cistern! Nothing wrong with hand-me-downs, or second hand clothes from charity shops. Home cooked meals were and still are normal. Never use take aways. I used to take a packed lunch to work. I'm not a great baker, but I use ready made pastry to make fruit turn-overs... Fried egg, bacon, cheese in a bap with butter 😋 😋 Beans on toast with butter, topped with cheese and Worcestershire sauce - grilled.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@nikki27ish]

We love beans on toast, garlic mushrooms on toast are great too. It's a bread roll where I live. We use a clothes horse to dry clothes if it is raining, we do have a slimline dishwasher but rarely use it. I know some people in the USA have converted their garages to studio apartments and rent them out to generate income.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very sensible renting the garage

[@alisonhooton89]

Love the video Jane and Mike....Had scrambled egg on toast for lunch today 😋.....also love sliced banana on toast Bread roll is called a barm cake in my part of the world and you can't beat a sausage or bacon barm. I have a couple of maidens to dry my clothes and small ones that fit over my radiators which are good for underwear. I had a visitor recently from Brazil who wanted to do a typically British thing so we had a car picnic in the pouring rain at a beauty spot near me and she loved it .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All sounds lovely thanks for sharing

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I must have some British in me! I know I'm Scottish and Irish. Everything you mentioned sounds exactly familiar to me. I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, which were initially and primarily settled by Brits. In certain areas, there's a faint British accent in the dialect. When I was young and first out of my community, people thought I was British. It was just the normal dialect in my home town. Anyway, I had no idea I grew up in such a British way! We did have larger houses. That was because every home we lived in there were DIY home expansions. My dad at least doubled the space in the house every place we lived. My grandparents were the generation of immigrants in my family. All came to America with basically nothing. So they had to live extremely frugally...which they passed on to their children, who lived the same way and passed it down to my generation. From there, it's been passed down to 2 more generations. It's in our bones, so to speak. I don't know how to live un-frugally! I could learn and adapt if I needed to, though! 😁 This was a very interesting video, which I enjoyed thoroughly! Thanks for posting it!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for sharing

[@LoriSkees]

I’m American and I do most of those things. I don’t decorate for Halloween but I like to put a fall wreath on our door, and the same for spring/Easter. I dry our clothes on a drying rack and hang things on a rod in our small laundry room. I cook every night and plan my menus each week. We do all of our yard work and we take care of our vegetable garden as well. I have friends who hire someone to clean their house but I actually enjoy cleaning and besides, no one does it better than I do!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great money saving

[@Syuhada88]

I love this video. I am quite surprise to hear that British people are quite frugal. I am from Malaysia, and many of these habits are a part of our culture as well, except for the bread and bath situation. But for us, everthing goes with rice. A large plate of rice with 1 fried egg, and some sweet soy sauce is everybody's favourite frugal meal or lazy meal. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@happycook6737]

Do you put kecap manis on that rice plate or is it something else? I want to try it.

[@Syuhada88]

@@happycook6737 some on the rice and some on the egg. But indonesia's kecap manis is a little bit different than our malaysia's kicap manis, ours is a little bit thinner and a bit salty and sweet. Indonesia's kecap manis is thicker and sweeter. I love both, especially with a some sambal. 😋😋

[@lynnmerrill6698]

In the US we are being encouraged to use our dishwashers since they use very little water and we are in a drought conditions in many areas. I run mine about once a week or less since I live alone.

[@craftedseasonswithshaz1188]

Great video. Bed time was sheets and blankets, old air force coat on top if it got too cold. My bed was by the window and we used to write our names in the ice on the inside when we woke up. Sardines on toast for tea after school or corned beef with mash and salad cream. Baked bean sandwiches. Cornflakes for breakfast. I wore my sister's hand me downs. I got her old toys and scooter. We had picnics in our local park, jam sandwiches. Bath on Sunday night one a week! Mum got in first as she liked it piping hot, then dad, then me and my sister each end together. Strip wash every day in the morning. Washing in a twin tub on Saturday hung Washing on the line. Sometimes the washing stood up on its own as it was frozen, we bought it in and put it on a clothes horse bt the coal fire. I haven't used my tumble dryer for a year now and do use the dishwasher as we only put it on two or three times a week saving water and fuel by not using the boiler washing up two or three times a day. Air fryer saves cooking time and not heating a big oven and pressure cooking saves energy too. I dry my clothes in the garage on a clothes horse when it rainy. I put boiled water in a flask when I make a drink, I save the boiling water for next time. Thanks for bringing back so many childhood memories. Really enjoy watching. Xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I don’t use my dish washer every day either, energy is so expensive.

[@chrisl418]

I've never bought a lunch out this past year. If I don't have time to make something I bring dry oatmeal and add water and microwave it at work in the break room. The container is a tall Tupperware that doesn't let the oatmeal boil over. A banana chopped up with my spoon into the oatmeal fills me up just fine and costs very little.

[@Taco-Mama]

I'm not British, but baked beans (or canned/tinned pork and beans) on soft white bread was a favorite growing up in the US. Another low-cost meal for my mother was creamed eggs over toast. Hmm, good. And, then there's a little bit of sausage in a cream gravy over biscuits.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Delicious, thanks for sharing

[@clmierau]

I remember doing a lot of the things you mentioned when I was growing up. We didn't have a bathroom in the beginning, we had a galvanized tub that we set up in the kitchen and filled it with water boiled on the stove and the cleanest child washed first, the dirtiest last then the tub was dumped out the back door. We always packed a lunch when we went somewhere. Since getting older, having an education these practices have gone out the window but I am so glad that I have these memories to utilize these practices, practices the younger ones don't have. Thank you for the video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We still do most of those thing except we shower now

[@allisonspeer6837]

Appreciate the suggestions and insight into British Life. I do many of these things already and of course some are not possible living out in Rural America. Our new Version of Eating Out is actually eating out... yes picnicking. We really can't afford the gas and the expensive of dining out so if we do a little day trip I make sure to bring along plenty of food and drinks. My van is a Mini-Camper and I can even cook food in it. So we just find a nice venue, a lake or park, and open up the side doors and back hatch and have our own picnic. It's actually quite fun. Just today we went exploring several covered bridges as well as stopping a Lake and fish hatchery. The only expense was the gas for the van.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@churchofpos2279]

My British Grandma would make stewed tomatoes on toast. Yummy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love tinned tomatoes on toast

[@Meli_Mels]

I love all of these tips. I'm American, but I grew up in a thrifty family and we did many of these things. I'm not sure I knew we were being "deprived" because everyone lived much the same way.. Hand-me-downs were customary and we looked forward to getting bags of clothes from neighbors or folks from our church community. 1 bath for boys and another bath for me + my sisters. I remember being sad when my momma told me that I was too old and should take a bath solo. Ha! Then somewhere around 9/10 yo, I realized that toast was my favorite snack. Ha! I'm pretty sure we ate it because it was cheaper way to fill bellies, but a slice of toast w/ butter and jam or butter and sprinkled with sugar, or just a wedge of cheese. Its yummy and will get you through until dinner.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for sharing

[@imagenethompson7249]

I live in an apartment that does not have a laundromat or laundry hook up. So to save money I bought a portable washing machine that is made for campers or tiny houses to wash my laundry and then I just hang it up to dry. Saves so much money by not going to the expensive laundromat.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good idea

[@michalaharesnape5434]

Mushrooms on toast is delicious. I’m British and agree with everything you’ve said here, apart from the pumpkins at Halloween? I have four ‘clothes maidens’ and they’re all being used right now, there’s no way I’m using my dryer with the energy price rises right now. We also do everything ourselves around the house and garden, it saves us money and keeps us fit! Thanks Jane, I love your videos, you feel like an old friend to me now!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I think pumpkins for decorating is a pity, they need eating

[@michalaharesnape5434]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I know what you mean, I’m going to try and keep some of the flesh this year so I can make pumpkin cupcakes. It does seem wasteful now that I think about it!

[@nataliebutler]

Pumpkins as decoration is very American. It's not a traditionally British thing.

[@theclumsyprepper]

Fried mushrooms with a bit of kale, garlic and tiny bit of soy sauce is perfect with toast.

[@akhiker2495]

I need the recipe for mushrooms on toast! Never heard of it.

[@marteenathomas4317]

Such a fantastic video Jane and Mike, I listened to you on my way home from work in the car. I kept saying ‘yes we do’ to everything you said. 😄

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Marteena

[@leederham4811]

Hello Jane and Michael I've watched your Channel since you lived in Cornwall!! I absolutely love it, I can remember your small house. Every thing you've said in this video I've done!! As for the sandwiches, we use to have sugar sandwiches and as for the toast, banana on toast. When we were growing up in the 60's times were tough we didn't have a motto as in 'make do and mend' being frugal was the norm. I loved the UK in the past prior to what is going on now. Please keep up the good work, your videos are a bit of nostalgia, I mean that in the nicest way. Much love to you both xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@patmartin9727]

Wow Jane what a great video. I do all the things you mentioned. I love beans on toast of cheese and onion on toast. I also love a nice bit of pate on toast( home made of course). I love my little house, easy to follow, quick to clean, cheap to maintain and run. Cosy and easy/cheap to heat in winter. Proud to be British and live the British way of life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m proud too

[@beverlyzulauf8940]

Oh My Goodness... I'm from the USA and can relate to SO MUCH of what you say in your videos... 💖

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@ruthadams2413]

I enjoy your vlogs very much. I recently found your channel and have been binge watching the older ones. I live on the East Coast of the US and found this vlog different. I am a 67 year old retired widow. I outright own a bigger home, more than I need but to stay close to my family I cannot afford to move since the housing market is crazy here, and even the smallest of houses cost a fortune since many people are looking to downsize. I have 1/4 acre property that I maintain on my own. I have a nice size vegetable garden where I grow as much as I can for myself. I do most of the maintenance myself but do need to hire out when I do not have the physical strength or knowledge to do the task. I dry my clothes, when possible, on an outdoor clothes line, I have one like yours and just a straight one under cover. I also have an Amish style round hanging one as well as 2 folding racks. I will admit I use a dishwasher, I also have my car washed but infrequently since it is garaged. The area where I live is nice to walk for exercise but not to get around to the stores, family etc. I do take the train if I am going into the city. I know what you said was generalizations about average US households but there are more and more who cannot afford to live that way. Thanks for your prospective

[@ruthhill5311]

So many of your shared ideas have been a part of our lives raising a family here in northern Midwest US. One that comes to mind is that clothes were definitely passed down to the next child. I am thrilled my adult children pass on the clothes as well down the line with their young families.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s great, thanks for sharing

[@gladyschandler6724]

I didn't have handy downs. But in CALIFORNIA there are used children stores where I would shop for my son's clothes.

[@lyndagray173]

Absolutely loved this video. It is so true of us British. A close horse is a must. I still open all my windows early on a winter morning. I was bought up in a victorian house and was always told a house needs to breathe. We always walk everywhere

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I open windows at night so it’s fresh in the morning, we think alike

[@janetwoodrow7214]

I live in South Africa and have realized that the UK roots - 2 generations ago - are well and truly alive still in my life and in the lives of my children

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Janet

[@dumbbunnie123]

It's common in my home ,to take gravy left over from a roast beef or chicken etc and have a meal with the gravy over toast. Very much a comfort food for me. I'm 67 years old and was raised by depression era parents so frugality was the norm in our home!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yummy

[@missmerrily4830]

Jane I had to smile when you mentioned that anything can go into a sandwich, as mum was a huge proponent of leftovers sandwiches when I was a child in the 50s and 60s. Chip butties are a favourite of mine but mum trumped that by making what was my favourite sandwich for years. In early summer she'd slice leftover new potatoes, (the ultimate being the Jersey Royal)', added shredded spring onion and a goodly glug of salad cream. This went between two slices of buttered bread and was seasoned with freshly ground pepper and a very little salt. (Mmm... I think I might be moved to try one again... )🤣 And for toast? Some fried halved tomatoes, well seasoned with salt and pepper. I still love those! Again well buttered toast is essential. And I'm about to reap the benefits of tiny apartment living. (I downsized a few years ago). My one bedroomed home doesn't need heating in winter! Using a slow cooker for a couple of hours and I'm having to open a window on most occasions. And of course I wash up by hand. Some most enjoyable reminders that we can all start save small amounts and end up saving quite a lot!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@happycook6737]

What's a chippie butty? Is that a French fry sandwich? What else goes on it? I want to try it at home. We love the baked beans over baked potato!

[@Pixie650]

I live in England and never have takeaways…I lived in France and my next door neighbour knew how to stretch a Franc! She also tracked every single cent she spent! No waste whatsoever!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@kittyjenkins6750]

You make me proud to be a frugal Brit. PS Fried egg on toast and marmite 🙂

[@rachaelhearn6957]

This video is spot on. Being British I do all these things everyday. It's a bread roll here in Cambridgeshire and a clothes airer. I have 4 airers and 3 are in use at the moment because it's been raining the last few days. Great video as always Jane. 🇬🇧 God save the Queen!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rachael, wave that flag

[@annebremer8011]

I love HM. God bless her.

[@alegna4132]

3 driers here Jane- used outside and inside all the time. Also known in our family by other names in past like clothes horse or clothes maiden. Rarely use tumble drier if we can help it. Washing up bowl in sink although now have a dishwasher since kitchen refit last year but sometimes simpler and quicker to wash up. My American sister in law finds it amusing to use the bowl - she had never seen/used one herself. Today finds me stewing apples from our cooking apple tree for crumbles and also made a Devon apple cake - old recipe from Cranks cook book- never fails. Slow cooker pot of beef chilli on the go and a quiche currently in oven for dinner. Phew - need a sit down now. Have a good weekend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well done Alegna and thanks for sharing

[@patmartin9727]

Moving to my small apartment is the best thing I ever did. Halved the bills, half the work to keep up to it. Wish I had done it years ago.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Pat. I’m glad it worked out for you.

[@deborahlewis3954]

I’m in the USA, and just loved this video! I do most of what the Brits do, but not all. This was very interesting, thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for sharing

[@lindsayfrost6726]

Loved the video. Fish fingers and chip buttys are my go to quick meal. I love scrambled egg or mushrooms on toast.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Fish finger buggies are lovely

[@jillboyd6598]

I think decorating for holidays other than Christmas in the US is a relatively new and not practiced by all. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I remember Christmas trees and stockings hung but little else. Halloween was limited to trick or treating for kids in homemade costumes. Easter was an egg hunt on Saturday and a small toy on Easter morning and a new dress for church at the most. I know of one person in my life who "decorates for fall," although I see all the fall decor in the shops.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@gregsgirl23au]

Great video Jane 😊 we do all of these things. In Australia we hang out our washing or use clothes airers. Also we have "stuff on toast" using leftovers. Tonight we're having leftover chicken stir fry on toast. My husband introduced me to it and we live it. Sometimes we joke we should open a cafe called "stuff on toast" 😊we wonder if people would like it!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@Deedeevenice]

I would! I love surprises- as long as it’s vegetarian!

[@jennil7797]

We have hand me down of school uniform in my grandson's school. You take in a couple of items your child has outgrown and take home the next size up of the same items. People tend to hand in all their year 6 children's uniform on the "own clothes" days at the end of the summer term as the kids are about to move on to high school. Those 11 to 12 year old size clothes keep the pot boiling, being handed to the next year down, ready for the start of the next term in September. Almost all the families take part. It is not a matter of income alone, but teaching the kids about waste and world resources. For me, scrambled eggs on toast, canned sardines on toast, Novell on toast. Yes, I like toast!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great lesson for the children to share too

[@jennil7797]

Oops, for Novell, read Bovril..... The Kindle is on a mission to change what I say again!

[@alycemaloney2982]

I'm not British, but I often eat avacado dip on toast as a meal when I come home from working and am tired. It gives me enough energy to get thru the evening chores until bedtime. I live alone, so I don't cook much for just myself.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching

[@karenaustin7088]

Hi Jane I’m watching your blogs going through and really enjoying them,I’m very British and proud of our our way of life,love our sandwiches ,a roll is just called a brea roll,work is always a topic of conversation what you have in your lunch box,yes always have a washing up bowl,clothes dried on line your spot on

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Karen

[@mariasinclair9718]

Praise God for these ideas May God bless us all with better ways to save. 🙏 Amen sister

[@mirjamboleij3668]

These are all very common things in The Netherlands too! Except the meal in a sandwich…. Might have to give that one a try.

[@joannereynolds69]

This made me smile 😊 I am British and I do the majority of the things you talked about. I’m originally from Birmingham - we call it a cob!!! My favourite things on toast include cheese, Tomato and onion grilled 😊 and scrambled eggs on toast - fish finger sandwiches are delicious too!!! I dry my washing on the line when it’s dry and in the airing cupboard on wet days. One thing I would add to your list - is we have smaller cars which are cheaper to run and maintain - great video Jayne 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes we have small cars

[@tracypeel6424]

Yes. We always had an airing cupboard where the boiler is kept and shelves for the laundry to be put. It was always toasty warm as only a long cupboard size.

[@monicac9207]

Hello. I am impressed with the British money saving lifestyle information. Thank you. I was wondering if you had noticed habits, practises the French use to save money? As well have you incorporated any into your brilliant world?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Their left wing politics is their greatest money savings. Great state pension, affordable childcare, socialized medical care and medicine, 35 hour working week and 6 weeks paid holidays

[@elainearchbold259]

Thanks for another interesting video. It brings back alot of memories when my children were small. Bath time, home cooking , picnics at the seaside.Ireally enjoyed my tlme then. Thanks for reminding me x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Families still do it

[@realtorkathleenoconnell35]

My Mum was raised in Birmingham and my Father born and raised in Cork Ireland. They did EVERYTHING you mentioned and I was raised that way too even though my parents came to America in 1939. Hand-Me-Downs??? Oh yes! My Mum had 2 sisters and the Hand-Me-Downs were passed back and forth to all their kids (my cousins) Beans on Toast? Many Dinners over the years that's what we had with a side salad.....and Chip Butty? Oh yes, I LOVE them. People here in America think its strange but whatever! When we lived in Cork Ireland from when I was 10 till 18 we had a "Utility Room" and that's where the washing machine was..no dryer it all got hung on "the line" When the weather was bad the clothes horse was set up in the bathtub.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing, we still live like that.

[@missmakoti9702]

Belgian here, we also do the things you mentioned. I think most people do these things, except the younger generation maybe. The only thing I always find strange when watching British TV programs about families or British KZbin'ers that have children that they cook twice in the evening. The children get a completely different meal than the parents... and no the children are not babies or small toddlers. Maybe this is a new thing, not something you did when your children were younger. But I find this so weird, it doubles the shopping and the energy expenses, not forgetting the physical energy it takes you to cook twice. After work, cooking 1 meal will do 😂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Not all families spoil their children, most can’t afford to do that.

[@joannereynolds69]

We certainly don’t do that in our house - although there are 2 options - take it or leave it!!!! 😂😂

[@karinuytterhoeven2878]

Ooh fijn! Hier ook eentje van België! 😊😉

[@m4ryland30]

I honestly don’t know anyone who has the time or the inclination to make two meals 😂

[@happycook6737]

My mother did this because she wanted us kids in bed by 7pm. We ate at 5pm, bathed at 6pm. In bed lights out at 7pm. She and my dad ate at 7pm. On weekends we all ate together at 5pm.

[@marynienhouse6143]

Well said! Many of us have lived this way in the USA as well. Funny though, many people look at us like we have 3 eyes, but we are doing us! So much peace with this type of living. It’s rewarding! Thank you Mike and Jane for some common sense in a crazy world ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Mary,

[@sandipeiffer4973]

It’s so funny that most ALL of these things used to be normal in the US too. I don’t know what happened. Of course, we still do most all of it ourselves… yard work, pressure washing, cooking, baking, hand me downs… Ride sharing used to be a thing in the US (now my husband works virtually from home, so no ride needed). We don’t eat everything on a sandwich, but there is hamburger gravy over toast, sausage gravy over toast, and even creamed tuna over toast… mostly in the southern US. I also learned to wash dishes in the right order, in the sink, with no dishwasher. With 4 kids, I did end up with a dishwasher. Sorry, can’t do EVERYTHING!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@gladyschandler6724]

My friend would to a picnic in the parking lot before a concert. We brought food & wine