I just LOVE how you get four meals out of that one chicken - and I think it would have been five if you made chicken soup out of that carcass! And, I don't consider the BK burgers and the popcorn fails - you had allowed $100 for groceries (food) and had only spent $70 - so to me - popcorn and burgers ARE food! You just spent $76 on food and STILL came out $24 ahead of your plan with NO fails!! You are SO motivating to me - thanks for all the ideas and congratulations on your VERY successful NO SPEND January!
Oh my! Lol! Not even at 300 subs. Wow! You & Paul have so much to be proud of. I had seen this before, but it's great to watch this video again! Still relevant in 2023.
Happy early birthday, Emmy! Loved your video. Paul could start the day with serving you breakfast in bed, play his guitar for you, take a walk together, watch your favorite movie together with popcorn, do your least favorite chore for you and arrange to have one of your friends or family cook dinner for you two to eat by candlelight. Instead of cake, serve ice cream with a candle! 🎂
Yes all fabulous ideas, maybe draw up a warm bath and light one of her favorite candles. A foot or back massage would be nice! Come on Paul, you can do this.
These are all great ideas for birthday gifts. I would add a relaxing massage or run a nice bath, add candles and maybe bubbles and then leave you to soak and enjoy. Hope you enjoy a wonderful birthday Emmy. Your chicken recipies all looked tasty and inviting. I live north of 49th parallel but your food dollars do not go as far as yours for certain.I purchased a 3.7 lb chicken for less than $12.78 two weeks ago. Potatoes were $3.97 for 5 lbs on sale this week and I can get 2 lbs of carrots and 2 lbs of onions for $5. You can see our food $$ don’t seem to cover the same territory yours do. I spread a 3 lb chicken 3-4 meals the same way you do and it does serve just my husband and myself. I use a lot of lentils, beans, rice and quinoa to extend our protein and vegetables as well as chickpeas. They are all less expensive food sources and I’ve learned to cook them with our root vegetables to make them savoury. Oatmeal and eggs and canned fish, like sardines and canned ham sandwich meat can be made into sandwiches or fish cakes. Grocery costs have increased dramatically in the past two years and are very challenging on a retired couple’s fixed income. We keep working at it.
This place is for Paul about Emma’s birthday. My husband of see to get up befor me and set up balloons, candles, cup of tea in a pretty cup and other hints in the house. Sometimes make breakfast ready for when he got me up. Sometimes a sweet note telling me f His love and a Bible verse on my tray. HOPe this helps!
When I wanted to go out to a restaurant with my daughter and her 2 small children for lunch, I ordered only one half chicken dinner. I asked for the salad. They brought soup and a bread basket with four small plates. The soup became my meal with a bread roll. I'm a senior. I divided the salad, with a little bit of lettuce on the two children's plates with 1/2 a bread roll buttered and the other 1/2 if the salad for my daughter with bread sticks and butter. When the chicken came. One child got a drumstick, baby got the wing broken like a little drumstick. My daughter got the breast. We were all happy and satisfied. We enjoyed that Hawaiian restaurant and the waitress was impressed. I know this site is about not going to restaurants but saving so much money eating frugally at home we were able to enjoy ourselves out for a special occasion. We drank water. I did give the waitress an appropriate tip for all four of us, not just 15% of the dinner. Nothing was left over to be thrown out the next day.
🤚Me too....no thrift stores for 8 weeks now. That's a big deal for me. It's actually freeing! I'm going no spend February also. The meals look great! Paul, you are a talented musician. A great birthday gift would be a personal musical 🎼 song. A card of all the events in life that stand out about Emmy that you love. And she said no spend for you....BUT your son could bring the cake😏
Look at all the joy you got from a two dollar purchase! I'd call that a win, not a fail! All the recipes look so good. Thanks for the ideas! Paul will find a creative way to celebrate your birthday, I'm sure!
I love the 4 meals from one chicken idea. I have my chicken and think I might get slices of chicken on a salad with bread on side. Another night make the barbecue chicken sandwiches. I may go Spanish and put chicken with yellow rice. You really got me thinking! Lol. I had a January fail. 😑 We are back in the office after a long winter break. When everyone said they were getting something from our favorite bakery, I said "yes!" It wasn't until it almost arrived that I remembered. I could have kicked myself! Well, I'll take the fail and do better.
That's what my husband says when I need to tell him something. "What did I do?" Thank you for all your support ideas and recipes. It has been a blessing for us to have support during our no spend journey. We are doing another month of no spend, maybe two. Love your channel
You two are adorable! I enjoy your channel. You have so many wonderful ideas and are always so positive and encouraging. Both the popcorn and burgers out could be counted as food and you would still be under your budget. I appreciate that you are being real with us. An idea for your birthday, if you bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it without the icing, it thaws really well and tastes fresh and that way you aren't making a cake on your own birthday. My Mom did it all the time growing up. Maybe you can decorate it together as an activity together. Or you could skip the cake all together and make ice cream sundaes.
Paul is so sweet, he wants to do something nice for you. Take her for a nice walk and read her one of her favorite books or poems. Then tell her how blessed you are to have her in your life, Happy Birthday!
I just learned something new. I had so much mayo needing using up and I was making turkey tettrazini and didn't have any sour cream. I tried mayo, cream of mushroom and milk. Put some peas in and paramesan on top. So good! Who knew?
create a music play list, you could do a charcuterie board for dinner, and a sweet charcutie board for dessert? Dont forget to sign up to free birthday meals too!
This demystified pot pies for me. I always thought this dish would be complicated. Another potential meat stretching recipe can join the rotation. Now to just get over my pie crust fear and I'll take the plunge. I make all kinds of dough but my pies and pasta are pitiful.
All that looked wonderful. I did the same recently with 2 rotisserie chicken that I bought on sale. I had 2 meals of dark meat, used 1 breast to make chicken salad, made stock, used some of the stock to make chicken corn soup that will last several meals (I love alone) and still have stock and chicken frozen so probably at least 2 more meals. I make meals and they last 2 to 3 servings for me. Nothing goes to waste. Thanks for inspiration!
I improved in January..not perfect HOWEVER..only did take-out 2xs instead of 4...No internet shopping except necessities..Hope to do better in Feb..Thanks for the inspiration..
An easy, no fail pie crust recipe: For single crust - 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 Tablespoons of milk and 1/4 cup cooking oil of choice. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, mix wet ingredients together and then add to the dry, mixing with a fork until combined to moisten flour. Pat with hands into a ball. Lay dough ball on a sheet of waxed paper and cover with a second sheet of waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough from the center out, turning the paper as you go. When rolled to the desired thickness, peel off one of the sheets of waxed paper, place the other sheet with the dough inverted onto the pie plate and gently peel the dough away from the waxed paper. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Fill with filling of your choice. Bake as you would any other pie. This recipe can be double easily. This is a very forgiving recipe and is hard to overwork it as with other recipes. I use it when my grandchildren help me make pie. And it's inexpensive! I hope this encourages you in your pie skills. Blessings.
Great variety of meals with one chicken! Inspiring ☺️ those 2 “fails” were still pretty frugal- I appreciate the honesty! Good luck to Paul on Emmy’s no spend birthday 🥳 we’re all rooting for you!
You two are precious! Love all the chicken 🐔 ideas! This month we were able to put 2,000 towards paying of a truck payment and it’s so rewarding! Paul draw her a hot bubble bath 🛀!
Happy Happy Birthday Emmy! Paul break out the guitar; she will love it. I too am pie crust challenged so I am with you; Pillsbury rolled crusts do the trick. I smile during your entire videos.
I made penne pasta last week with leftovers. I used 1 cup of chopped chicken, sauteed with onion and garlic and added flour and 1 cup of broth to make a roux, added 2 TBSP of cream cheese and a half a cup of parm. Mixed in the penne and topped with a little mozarella. It was yummy.
Hey Emmy and Paul, I really enjoyed today's video, that frugal 'fail' was too cute to pass up! I love pasta and all the meals looked delicious 😋 Happy Birthday Emmy 🎁🍰❤ Maybe if the weather isn't too cold, you could go for a walk somewhere beautiful and either take your favourite foods for a picnic even if you sit in the car or have all your favourites at home 😊 Just for the record I loved your pie crust, I'm slightly pie crust challenged too and I think it just gives it character and you're right it just adds to why we love you 🥰
A few years ago I read The Complete Tightwad Gazette and Amy Dacyczyn wrote about a frugal birthday party with a tightwad or frugal theme. You might use newspaper for a table covering gift wrap...mismatched leftover balloons from various holidays...previously lit candles...etc. If you want to go the serious route, consider making a homemade gift, baking a simple cake from a mix, having a simple dinner with a nice tablecloth and candles, maybe some soft music and a movie after. Another idea is to plan a "Pamper Emmy" birthday. She might enjoy a warm bath, time to do her nails and such, a nice long walk, a favorite warm (or cold) drink~~etc. Or~~maybe she'd like to chose an activity for the two of you (or other family, too) to do together like a cooking project, craft, etc. If she enjoys games or cards, that might be fun along with finger foods and her favorite dessert. Once, for my daughter's birthday, we had a clue themed birthday (she was into Nancy Drew books) and I put a card with a clue written on it inside various Nancy Drew books, for where we'd be going next throughout the day. You might do something similar with a scavenger hunt theme....visit a park, library, friend or family member, free museum, etc. Maybe end the day with homemade sundaes or banana splits. I hope you'll get some great ideas here and have a nice time on Emmy's special day. God bless!
Your meals looked delicious. I’m going to do the forward February. I wouldn’t consider them a fail. It’s life and good to treat yourself. Great job on January
Paul, pull out the grill and have a BBQ..yes it is cold , but Emmy will love you more with your added effort..do a couple of baked potatoes in the air fryer and top it off with a tossed salad..dessert is optional. Easy-peasy! And 🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMY❣⚘
New to your channel and jut love you guys, seems I've known you forever... thank you for sharing best practices... Great teachers of simplicity...that you again... makes me take a second look of my household budget. BLESSINGS to you both.
What a great videos. Love how you showed the chicken ideas. Your "fails" were awesome. Happy Birthday. Paul, write a poem, make a homemade card or coupons for different things you can do together all year long. You guys are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
My little wins I made homemade tomato soup this past weekend. I was like hmmm what am I going to do with the leftovers. I added some spices and tomato paste and made this yummy spagetti sauce. Spagetti for dinner last night. Lol. My family didn't even realize they thought it was a creamy red sauce I bought. They ate it right up.
I’ve been looking forward to this video! I have some cooked chicken in my freezer and now I have some ideas on how to use it. You are so resourceful. I bought a clearance popcorn tin as well and my children were thrilled! I save to store Christmas ornaments. Your videos are so inspiring and encouraging. Happy early birthday!
Hi I'm a new subscriber and I am glad to have found your channel I really enjoyed the video and your energy is enchanting and very positive and welcoming best wishes to you both 😊 hello 👋 from Florida
loved the recipes Emmy . Thank you . It’s amazing what you can do with one chicken . A very happy birthday Emmy . Hope you have a happy time with a no spend birthday . Maybe a romantic dinner cooked by Paul . Then watch your favourite movie or play a board game listening to your favourites recording artists .
It’s nice to see someone use a chicken to the max. I do that too and then make stock from the bones. I made some burgers with the thigh meat from a chicken this week. Haven’t had them yet but looking forward to them. I love your channel ❤️
You can still have the candle light for the birthday dinner! There’s still a pie crust left you can make some apple turnovers for desert and what if you made dinner together?
Paul. What about a picnic birthday? If not able to have one outside, how about having one inside? Sandwiches and other easy finger food, like veg and a dip. And if you still have treats from Christmas in the freezer, pull some of those out. Make a homemade card from the heart. If you can find any flowering plants (sometimes you can find some peeking through after a snow), make a bouquet. It's the thought and care that goes into a no-spend birthday celebration. Good luck💖
They all look great! Guessing a couple of those meals fed you two for at least two meals….bringing the total to 6 meals! Stock is a must….so glad you did that too! Make a soup and there are a couple more meals! Such a great way to use a whole chicken….a huge thank you for all you do! An early happy birthday too! I love the no spend birthday idea!!
Great idea to continue the no spend habit❤. My idea for Paul is, for example, to create a small heart-shaped flower bed for the lovely Emmy. And because it is still snowing where you are, draw the heart in the snow where the flower bed will be. And on the birthday Paul can cut out a heart with flowers and stick it on a cardboard. And this heart on cardboard, dear Paul, you put on a stick and put it in the snow heart. By the way, your fail is a win! Love you❤
Paul can cook you brunch and use gift cards to take you out for dinner. He can fix something in your house or look up a present on TH-cam or Pinterest to make as your present.
That’s really not a fail!! It made y’all so happy!! If you added those 2 things to your grocery because they were food!! Lol! Paul you can do it! Grill some type meat veggies or a salad on the side w/ toasted bread! For dessert open some fruit top with kool whip! Do a candle light meal with beverage in wine glasses! Top it off with serenading her with romantic music with the guitar.! You could do a cake mix cook then while it’s hot mix a box of jello and pour it on top . If you want you can add kool whip atop of that! Good Paul!!!!!
Thank you for the meals, all from one chicken! It’s amazing how much you can do with one chicken! Thanks for your tips and insights❤️popcorn tin was a real deal, and we love Disney too🙂 I love the Forward February, and I’m going to join you too! Paul use a gift card and bring home the take away food, use your linen napkins and candles❤️ the real gift is honoring Emmies wishes! And happiest of birthdays!!
Hi Paul & Emmy! I’m going back and watching some older videos and love this one. I am proud of myself because several days ago, I pulled two chicken breasts out of the freezer. I coated them with spices and cooked them to make blackened chicken. I live alone and those 2 chicken breasts made 8 meals for me! And that was even after sneaking some bites when they finished cooking because they smelled so good. First, I had several chicken caesar salads which are perfect for August weather. Then I used up a few tortillas I had in the freezer and made quesadillas. Finally, I had a packet of Lipton chicken noodle soup in the pantry - the kind with the extra noodles. I cooked that following package directions. Then I added a cup of homemade chicken stock, some carrots, celery & onions and some of the chicken breast diced up. I’ve only had one bowl of it with 1/2 grilled cheese sandwich and there’s enough for at least 2 more meals. With the cost of protein sources these days, using them in recipes that include other ingredients really extends your number of meals. I browned a pound of Italian sausage and used half for a big pot of dirty rice and the other half for some individual English muffin pizzas which I froze. I love having lots of quick choices in my freezer and it usually only takes 1/2 a day of cooking to create a bunch of meals.
You two are funny! Thanks for sharing the chicken recipes.... Paul you can do this no spend birthday! Emmie mentioned gift cards you have on hand.... or you can choose a recipe and do a trial run.... Happy upcoming Birthday Emmie (I hope I am spelling your name right).
Paul and Emmy.. Hello. Happy Tuesday, Happy February. This weather has been crazy here in LA (Lower Alabama).. In the teens, and today in the 60's.. Crazy.. And yep, I had a oops in our no spend January.. My husband and I only bought 3 gallons of milk and some ice cream this month, but I did go out to lunch with a co-worker last week.. Even with the lunch, we spent less than 60 dollars this month.. Wheww.. I didn't shop at any store or online.. Gonna roll this over into February.. Thank you for sharing everything with us.. May the Lord bless y'all with an abundance of Peace, Love and SunShine.. 🌺🌸🌺
I loved this video...so positive, so much energy, so many great ideas! Also, I turn 60 on the 6th, so, yeah, right there with you on the hoping for a no-spend bday! You guys did so well, brava! (Speaking of "brava" more recipes please!) Thanks for giving so much to the frugal community!
Emmy I bought a 2 pack of cornish hens at aldis for $4.00 and I cooked one up and got 4 meals from one cornish hen. I made soup and then I made creamed chicken over toast and the chicken and pasta and then chicken salad sandwich. Not bad for such a small bird.
You have inspired me to clean out my fridge.😊 I found some blueberries that needed to be used and added them to basic blueberry muffin mix this morning - yum! I realized I had two of the grandkid’s lunchables - they’re having them for lunch today. Took two bags of grapes out, washed them, put in bowl ready to eat in the fridge (family always eats them better that way). Just found y’all on TH-cam- really enjoy watching and getting new ideas on ways to save - also enjoy the cooking/recipes. 👍
I love the popcorn tin...I call that a FIND for $1.99! I love the no-spend birthday idea. Maybe you could give Paul cooking lessons/tips, like how to make cupcakes, an easy one-dish chicken recipe etc.... Once he has some basic skills, he can add new tricks! Stay safe and warm 💜
After you boil the bones and get all the meat off, put them in the oven. Dry them until they're brittle. Then grind them up in the blender and make bone meal for your garden.
Another great video. Does Paul know how to cook bacon and eggs? He could make you breakfast for your birthday dinner and he could make pancake or waffle and put fruit and whipped cream in a smiley face on it. He could start the day with coffee brought to you in bed. He could write you a song for your birthday or a love letter. He could also get you something from your local buy nothing group that you would like or if his mom has a family heirloom she’s ready to part with he could give you something like that.
You got this Paul! Can you cook breakfast? Make her a birthday breakfast. See if there is a frozen lasagna or something in the freezer. Chop up veggies for a salad and that’s dinner. WATCH some TH-cam videos and get ideas.
You two are so cute! Paul, you are going to be fine! You married an amazing Lady that is quite easy to make happy. That’s the great thing about you both! Paul, what about a Disney Movie date night, like at the theater, but at home? Popcorn, favorite beverage and some candy of her liking (maybe in the freezer stash of candy?). Can you learn her favorite Disney song on your guitar and serenade her? What woman wouldn’t love that! Blessings to you both ❤️
Paul - my son is a musician too and I can’t tell you how special it is for someone we love to play a special tune that I loved on the trumpet. 2.) Also- a special heartfelt card which details a memory or just some words that will mean the world for a wife. 3.) Paul watch “imagineers” on the Disney Channel which is an amazing documentary of how Walt created Disneyland then goes on for a few more episodes with Disney world- if you don’t have it get the Disney channel, they have free trials use a new email. Hope those help- but seeing how much you love each other on your channel- your constant sweet comments to Emi- she already knows your presence and love are the most priceless presents. I know that’s how it is with me and my sweet hubby too of 28 years ❤️. Happy Birthday Emi!!
Hi Paul and Emmy….I loved all the recipes you made, the cooking is my favorite part of your videos! I’m going to try that pasta dish. Paul I know you can come up with some fun and frugal ideas for Emmy’s birthday 🥳 Emmy you can help Paul make your cake and dinner. ❤️
Hi Emmy - I love wings too! LOL. It’s been so fun no/low spending with you. I have some outings planned in February, but will continue to low spend otherwise. Enjoy your birthday week! 🎉
Emmy is right. There are a lot of cooking videos for the beginner. How about a candlelight dinner prepared by Chef Paul followed with some guitar music?😊 Whatever it is, I am sure it will be special. He may have to barter some snow shoveling for cooking lessons😊
Hello from Ohio 😊 I too have a birthday in a few days and My husband always makes my dinner. Although he is cooking challenged, lol He will cook on the grill ( a oven broiler works in a pinch) . This year bbq baby back ribs, boxed Mac and cheese, canned baked baked beans, a glass of wine and the kids will bring the dessert. (Freezer and pantry items).. It will be delicious 😋, and it will be made with love ❤. IMO Better than any restaurant. So Paul you can do this. Enjoy 😉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 and God Bless
Paul why don't you make a short video on why you love Emmy. I'm sure there will be so much to say about your beautiful lady and throw in a few old stories and a couple of photos. You two are amazing together ❤ Love from Scotland x
Paul: make a nice bath with candles and play your guitar to your wife! or play her relaxing, favorite type music (for her birthday) :) Spend nice close, quiet time with her and let her relax...and use the gift cards, etc. :) There are a ton of things that you can do for her that doesn't involve money.....take it from me...a nice massage or just a nice candle-lit bath! Nice! Very loving and enjoyable! :) Enjoy each other on her birthday! Blessings to you both and Happy Birthday, Emmy! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)
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I love watching this lady and her videos. I love her cheery attitude.. watching her always brings such joy.
Debbie what a lovely comment! Thanks so very much!
I just LOVE how you get four meals out of that one chicken - and I think it would have been five if you made chicken soup out of that carcass! And, I don't consider the BK burgers and the popcorn fails - you had allowed $100 for groceries (food) and had only spent $70 - so to me - popcorn and burgers ARE food! You just spent $76 on food and STILL came out $24 ahead of your plan with NO fails!! You are SO motivating to me - thanks for all the ideas and congratulations on your VERY successful NO SPEND January!
Thanks so much for the encouragement! So appreciated!
Rewatching your videos. So much happened in this year. Still here and still loving your frugal living.😊
Thank so very much!
Oh my! Lol! Not even at 300 subs. Wow! You & Paul have so much to be proud of. I had seen this before, but it's great to watch this video again! Still relevant in 2023.
You're the best! Honestly, we appreciate you so much, Chris!
I’m dying with Paul’s response 😂😂😂 “I can’t make a cake” you two are so cute! you got this Paul!
No spend birthday idea: guitar + Paul = music 😉 🎸🎼
I agree! Thanks!
Happy early birthday, Emmy! Loved your video. Paul could start the day with serving you breakfast in bed, play his guitar for you, take a walk together, watch your favorite movie together with popcorn, do your least favorite chore for you and arrange to have one of your friends or family cook dinner for you two to eat by candlelight. Instead of cake, serve ice cream with a candle! 🎂
Love that! Great ideas Deborah!
Yes all fabulous ideas, maybe draw up a warm bath and light one of her favorite candles. A foot or back massage would be nice! Come on Paul, you can do this.
These are all great ideas for birthday gifts. I would add a relaxing massage or run a nice bath, add candles and maybe bubbles and then leave you to soak and enjoy. Hope you enjoy a wonderful birthday Emmy.
Your chicken recipies all looked tasty and inviting.
I live north of 49th parallel but your food dollars do not go as far as yours for certain.I purchased a 3.7 lb chicken for less than $12.78 two weeks ago. Potatoes were $3.97 for 5 lbs on sale this week and I can get 2 lbs of carrots and 2 lbs of onions for $5. You can see our food $$ don’t seem to cover the same territory yours do. I spread a 3 lb chicken 3-4 meals the same way you do and it does serve just my husband and myself. I use a lot of lentils, beans, rice and quinoa to extend our protein and vegetables as well as chickpeas. They are all less expensive food sources and I’ve learned to cook them with our root vegetables to make them savoury. Oatmeal and eggs and canned fish, like sardines and canned ham sandwich meat can be made into sandwiches or fish cakes.
Grocery costs have increased dramatically in the past two years and are very challenging on a retired couple’s fixed income. We keep working at it.
This place is for Paul about Emma’s birthday.
My husband of see to get up befor me and set up balloons, candles, cup of tea in a pretty cup and other hints in the house. Sometimes make breakfast ready for when he got me up. Sometimes a sweet note telling me f His love and a Bible verse on my tray. HOPe this helps!
When I wanted to go out to a restaurant with my daughter and her 2 small children for lunch, I ordered only one half chicken dinner. I asked for the salad. They brought soup and a bread basket with four small plates. The soup became my meal with a bread roll. I'm a senior. I divided the salad, with a little bit of lettuce on the two children's plates with 1/2 a bread roll buttered and the other 1/2 if the salad for my daughter with bread sticks and butter. When the chicken came. One child got a drumstick, baby got the wing broken like a little drumstick. My daughter got the breast. We were all happy and satisfied. We enjoyed that Hawaiian restaurant and the waitress was impressed. I know this site is about not going to restaurants but saving so much money eating frugally at home we were able to enjoy ourselves out for a special occasion. We drank water. I did give the waitress an appropriate tip for all four of us, not just 15% of the dinner. Nothing was left over to be thrown out the next day.
That is extremely creative! Just to be clear, we do eat out occasionally. Usually on vacation or as a special treat at home.
🤚Me too....no thrift stores for 8 weeks now. That's a big deal for me.
It's actually freeing!
I'm going no spend February also.
The meals look great!
Paul, you are a talented musician. A great birthday gift would be a personal musical 🎼 song. A card of all the events in life that stand out about Emmy that you love. And she said no spend for you....BUT your son could bring the cake😏
Ahhhh great idea R N!
Look at all the joy you got from a two dollar purchase! I'd call that a win, not a fail! All the recipes look so good. Thanks for the ideas! Paul will find a creative way to celebrate your birthday, I'm sure!
I know he will too! Thank you!
This tin was not a fail. We use those for Christmas cookies 🍪
I love the 4 meals from one chicken idea. I have my chicken and think I might get slices of chicken on a salad with bread on side. Another night make the barbecue chicken sandwiches. I may go Spanish and put chicken with yellow rice. You really got me thinking! Lol. I had a January fail. 😑 We are back in the office after a long winter break. When everyone said they were getting something from our favorite bakery, I said "yes!" It wasn't until it almost arrived that I remembered. I could have kicked myself! Well, I'll take the fail and do better.
Not a fail at all...just a teeny tiny setback lol!
The popcorn was a grocery item and a loss leader AND you were still within budget! The tin was a gift from God! 😉 Love you guys!
Amen!!
Yes, it was a gift from God! Thank you!
That's what my husband says when I need to tell him something. "What did I do?" Thank you for all your support ideas and recipes. It has been a blessing for us to have support during our no spend journey. We are doing another month of no spend, maybe two. Love your channel
YAY!! We are going Forward with February so we will be there with you!
Paul could write you a song for your birthday! 🙂
I do a crustless pot pie.Instead of crust I use homemade biscuits on top
Sounds good!
You two are adorable! I enjoy your channel. You have so many wonderful ideas and are always so positive and encouraging. Both the popcorn and burgers out could be counted as food and you would still be under your budget. I appreciate that you are being real with us.
An idea for your birthday, if you bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it without the icing, it thaws really well and tastes fresh and that way you aren't making a cake on your own birthday. My Mom did it all the time growing up. Maybe you can decorate it together as an activity together. Or you could skip the cake all together and make ice cream sundaes.
Oh wow...great idea to bake and freeze the cake actually! Thank you!
Emmy you make my heart happy. I am taking a chicken out of the freezer to thaw. Happy Birthday.
Oh Jan! Thank you!
Paul is so sweet, he wants to do something nice for you. Take her for a nice walk and read her one of her favorite books or poems. Then tell her how blessed you are to have her in your life, Happy Birthday!
Thank you!! Stay tuned to see what we did in Todays video!
LOL!!!! 😂. That popcorn is food and you were under your food budget!!!!
Exactly! Thanks!!
I just learned something new. I had so much mayo needing using up and I was making turkey tettrazini and didn't have any sour cream. I tried mayo, cream of mushroom and milk. Put some peas in and paramesan on top. So good! Who knew?
I love that! So creative!
create a music play list, you could do a charcuterie board for dinner, and a sweet charcutie board for dessert? Dont forget to sign up to free birthday meals too!
Thanks for the idea! I love charcuterie boards!
The crispy edges and the crimping on the chicken pot pie just prove that it's home-made and baked with love!
That looks SO GOOD!
Dixie cracks me up. She sounds just like our dog when food is being prepared and she voices her desire for a bite. Two smart girls!
Forever proud of you!
Oh thanks so much Lillian!
OMG those recipes looked AMAZING ! Paul you could still pack a cheese , fruit type picnic in the car & go bird watching !
Great idea Kim!! Thanks!
Hi, alicia skokie Illinois, I going to try to make chicken pot pie. I have idea for your birthday Paul could sing your favorite song to you.
LOVED the 4 different meals from one chicken! And look forward to hearing about your no-spend birthday. :)
Thanks so very much!
This demystified pot pies for me. I always thought this dish would be complicated. Another potential meat stretching recipe can join the rotation. Now to just get over my pie crust fear and I'll take the plunge. I make all kinds of dough but my pies and pasta are pitiful.
Me too LOL! I am not alone!
I struggled a bit towards the end however will continue with this in February too! Thank you for your support and guidance
Good for you...Forward February is on!!
All that looked wonderful. I did the same recently with 2 rotisserie chicken that I bought on sale. I had 2 meals of dark meat, used 1 breast to make chicken salad, made stock, used some of the stock to make chicken corn soup that will last several meals (I love alone) and still have stock and chicken frozen so probably at least 2 more meals. I make meals and they last 2 to 3 servings for me. Nothing goes to waste. Thanks for inspiration!
Ruth so smart and economical!
I improved in January..not perfect HOWEVER..only did take-out 2xs instead of 4...No internet shopping except necessities..Hope to do better in Feb..Thanks for the inspiration..
Great job! Seriously, focus on the positives!!
Paul you could do an exchange, ask a family member or a friend to make dinner or a cake 🎂 for you and do something for them .No spend 😀
That's a great idea Linda! Thanks!
I’m new to your channel.
Love every thing I’ve watched.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much! Welcome!
A candlelight dinner, At home
An easy, no fail pie crust recipe: For single crust - 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 Tablespoons of milk and 1/4 cup cooking oil of choice. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, mix wet ingredients together and then add to the dry, mixing with a fork until combined to moisten flour. Pat with hands into a ball. Lay dough ball on a sheet of waxed paper and cover with a second sheet of waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough from the center out, turning the paper as you go. When rolled to the desired thickness, peel off one of the sheets of waxed paper, place the other sheet with the dough inverted onto the pie plate and gently peel the dough away from the waxed paper. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Fill with filling of your choice. Bake as you would any other pie. This recipe can be double easily. This is a very forgiving recipe and is hard to overwork it as with other recipes. I use it when my grandchildren help me make pie. And it's inexpensive! I hope this encourages you in your pie skills. Blessings.
Sounds easy...not sure why I have such trouble with pie crusts LOL!
Great variety of meals with one chicken! Inspiring ☺️ those 2 “fails” were still pretty frugal- I appreciate the honesty! Good luck to Paul on Emmy’s no spend birthday 🥳 we’re all rooting for you!
LOL! I'm rooting for him too!
You two are precious! Love all the chicken 🐔 ideas! This month we were able to put 2,000 towards paying of a truck payment and it’s so rewarding! Paul draw her a hot bubble bath 🛀!
YES!!!! So wonderful! Good for you!!
With a foot massage!!
“It got in my cart” 🤣🤣🤣 awe, Dixie begging, so cute…..Paul, you can do this….if can you grill (or fry) a steak, bake a potato and steam veggies….bam!
Love it Carolyn! I have full confidence in him lol!
Happy Happy Birthday Emmy! Paul break out the guitar; she will love it. I too am pie crust challenged so I am with you; Pillsbury rolled crusts do the trick. I smile during your entire videos.
What a kind thing to say Sherry thank you...we smile back!
I made penne pasta last week with leftovers. I used 1 cup of chopped chicken, sauteed with onion and garlic and added flour and 1 cup of broth to make a roux, added 2 TBSP of cream cheese and a half a cup of parm. Mixed in the penne and topped with a little mozarella. It was yummy.
Oh wow that sounds so yummy!
Hey Emmy and Paul, I really enjoyed today's video, that frugal 'fail' was too cute to pass up! I love pasta and all the meals looked delicious 😋 Happy Birthday Emmy 🎁🍰❤ Maybe if the weather isn't too cold, you could go for a walk somewhere beautiful and either take your favourite foods for a picnic even if you sit in the car or have all your favourites at home 😊 Just for the record I loved your pie crust, I'm slightly pie crust challenged too and I think it just gives it character and you're right it just adds to why we love you 🥰
LOL, it did give it character for sure!! Thanks Bex! Some really great ideas!
A few years ago I read The Complete Tightwad Gazette and Amy Dacyczyn wrote about a frugal birthday party with a tightwad or frugal theme. You might use newspaper for a table covering gift wrap...mismatched leftover balloons from various holidays...previously lit candles...etc. If you want to go the serious route, consider making a homemade gift, baking a simple cake from a mix, having a simple dinner with a nice tablecloth and candles, maybe some soft music and a movie after. Another idea is to plan a "Pamper Emmy" birthday. She might enjoy a warm bath, time to do her nails and such, a nice long walk, a favorite warm (or cold) drink~~etc. Or~~maybe she'd like to chose an activity for the two of you (or other family, too) to do together like a cooking project, craft, etc. If she enjoys games or cards, that might be fun along with finger foods and her favorite dessert. Once, for my daughter's birthday, we had a clue themed birthday (she was into Nancy Drew books) and I put a card with a clue written on it inside various Nancy Drew books, for where we'd be going next throughout the day. You might do something similar with a scavenger hunt theme....visit a park, library, friend or family member, free museum, etc. Maybe end the day with homemade sundaes or banana splits. I hope you'll get some great ideas here and have a nice time on Emmy's special day. God bless!
Great ideas!! Thanks so very much! God Bless!
Your meals looked delicious. I’m going to do the forward February. I wouldn’t consider them a fail. It’s life and good to treat yourself. Great job on January
Good morning 🌞 I live in New Jersey that was a crazy Nor’easter. So was so cold. Can’t be very good for the heating bill, ugh 😩
Good morning! Ugh you're right!
Paul, pull out the grill and have a BBQ..yes it is cold , but Emmy will love you more with your added effort..do a couple of baked potatoes in the air fryer and top it off with a tossed salad..dessert is optional. Easy-peasy! And 🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMY❣⚘
Love BBQ!! Thanks!
Emmy, your Paul is a very sweet, loving and gentle husband. Thank you for the meal recipe😀
You are so welcome! Thank you!
New to your channel and jut love you guys, seems I've known you forever... thank you for sharing best practices... Great teachers of simplicity...that you again... makes me take a second look of my household budget. BLESSINGS to you both.
Yay! Melinda we are so happy you found us as well! Thank you so much for being here!
What a great videos. Love how you showed the chicken ideas. Your "fails" were awesome. Happy Birthday. Paul, write a poem, make a homemade card or coupons for different things you can do together all year long. You guys are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much!
My little wins
I made homemade tomato soup this past weekend. I was like hmmm what am I going to do with the leftovers. I added some spices and tomato paste and made this yummy spagetti sauce. Spagetti for dinner last night. Lol.
My family didn't even realize they thought it was a creamy red sauce I bought. They ate it right up.
Super smart! So creative!
I feel like I'm watching friends do a cooking show, and I love it. TY from Ontario 🇨🇦
Thank you so very much!
Well Ritzi & I saved 600 during Our low spend...Love 💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡 the chicken 🐔 ideas
Oh Wow!!! Wanda that is amazing! Great job!!
I love how positive you are! And realistic. It is very inspiring! 💖 From Australia!
Thank you so much Tammy!!
Your tin for $2.00 was great. Reusable and the popcorn was a good snack. Make a lunch and sit in front of the fireplace and have a picnic.
Sounds lovely!
Oh that splendid Disney popcorn tin was an absolute necessity!!! It’s adorable and you will enjoy it for decades to come ❤
LOL! Thank you!
I’ve been looking forward to this video! I have some cooked chicken in my freezer and now I have some ideas on how to use it. You are so resourceful. I bought a clearance popcorn tin as well and my children were thrilled! I save to store Christmas ornaments. Your videos are so inspiring and encouraging. Happy early birthday!
Thank you for the kind words!!
Hi I'm a new subscriber and I am glad to have found your channel I really enjoyed the video and your energy is enchanting and very positive and welcoming best wishes to you both 😊 hello 👋 from Florida
Welcome! So happy you joined us! Thank you!
Absolutely loved the food tips on utilizing a whole chicken to the fullest. Love your channel. Bless you both.
Thanks so much! Bless you as well!
loved the recipes Emmy . Thank you . It’s amazing what you can do with one chicken . A very happy birthday Emmy . Hope you have a happy time with a no spend birthday . Maybe a romantic dinner cooked by Paul . Then watch your favourite movie or play a board game listening to your favourites recording artists .
Sounds wonderful Mary!
This is how my grandmothers and mother cooked. Easy and they used everything up. Love it!
Love that! Thanks for sharing!
It’s nice to see someone use a chicken to the max. I do that too and then make stock from the bones. I made some burgers with the thigh meat from a chicken this week. Haven’t had them yet but looking forward to them. I love your channel ❤️
You can still have the candle light for the birthday dinner! There’s still a pie crust left you can make some apple turnovers for desert and what if you made dinner together?
Thanks so very much!! Appreciate that!
Paul. What about a picnic birthday? If not able to have one outside, how about having one inside? Sandwiches and other easy finger food, like veg and a dip. And if you still have treats from Christmas in the freezer, pull some of those out. Make a homemade card from the heart. If you can find any flowering plants (sometimes you can find some peeking through after a snow), make a bouquet. It's the thought and care that goes into a no-spend birthday celebration. Good luck💖
Sounds lovely Kay, thanks!
They all look great! Guessing a couple of those meals fed you two for at least two meals….bringing the total to 6 meals! Stock is a must….so glad you did that too! Make a soup and there are a couple more meals! Such a great way to use a whole chicken….a huge thank you for all you do! An early happy birthday too! I love the no spend birthday idea!!
Thanks so very much Ruth!!
Great idea to continue the no spend habit❤. My idea for Paul is, for example, to create a small heart-shaped flower bed for the lovely Emmy. And because it is still snowing where you are, draw the heart in the snow where the flower bed will be. And on the birthday Paul can cut out a heart with flowers and stick it on a cardboard. And this heart on cardboard, dear Paul, you put on a stick and put it in the snow heart. By the way, your fail is a win! Love you❤
SO creative and enchanting Sabrina! What a lovely idea! It would bring a bit of warmth into this cold weather! Love right back!
@@FrugalMoneySaver ❤❤❤
That is the most beautiful color on you. I want that sweater. Where did you purchase that?
LOL...Goodwill
Paul can cook you brunch and use gift cards to take you out for dinner. He can fix something in your house or look up a present on TH-cam or Pinterest to make as your present.
Thanks Virginia!
That’s really not a fail!! It made y’all so happy!! If you added those 2 things to your grocery because they were food!! Lol! Paul you can do it! Grill some type meat veggies or a salad on the side w/ toasted bread! For dessert open some fruit top with kool whip! Do a candle light meal with beverage in wine glasses! Top it off with serenading her with romantic music with the guitar.! You could do a cake mix cook then while it’s hot mix a box of jello and pour it on top . If you want you can add kool whip atop of that! Good Paul!!!!!
Great ideas! A cake is in the making right now!!
Those meals were fabulous and YES I got a good giggle it you with the pie crust! 🤣 you entertained us.
Thanks Granny!!
Fantastic simple recipes!!!! This is my style of cooking!!!!
Glad you like them! Thanks so much!
Thank you for the meals, all from one chicken! It’s amazing how much you can do with one chicken! Thanks for your tips and insights❤️popcorn tin was a real deal, and we love Disney too🙂 I love the Forward February, and I’m going to join you too! Paul use a gift card and bring home the take away food, use your linen napkins and candles❤️ the real gift is honoring Emmies wishes! And happiest of birthdays!!
Thanks so much Jo! Great ideas!
Hi Paul & Emmy! I’m going back and watching some older videos and love this one. I am proud of myself because several days ago, I pulled two chicken breasts out of the freezer. I coated them with spices and cooked them to make blackened chicken. I live alone and those 2 chicken breasts made 8 meals for me! And that was even after sneaking some bites when they finished cooking because they smelled so good. First, I had several chicken caesar salads which are perfect for August weather. Then I used up a few tortillas I had in the freezer and made quesadillas. Finally, I had a packet of Lipton chicken noodle soup in the pantry - the kind with the extra noodles. I cooked that following package directions. Then I added a cup of homemade chicken stock, some carrots, celery & onions and some of the chicken breast diced up. I’ve only had one bowl of it with 1/2 grilled cheese sandwich and there’s enough for at least 2 more meals. With the cost of protein sources these days, using them in recipes that include other ingredients really extends your number of meals. I browned a pound of Italian sausage and used half for a big pot of dirty rice and the other half for some individual English muffin pizzas which I froze. I love having lots of quick choices in my freezer and it usually only takes 1/2 a day of cooking to create a bunch of meals.
Love this so much! Lori, great job!
You two are funny! Thanks for sharing the chicken recipes.... Paul you can do this no spend birthday! Emmie mentioned gift cards you have on hand.... or you can choose a recipe and do a trial run.... Happy upcoming Birthday Emmie (I hope I am spelling your name right).
Thanks so much! It's actually Emmy but I answer to pretty much anything LOL!
Paul and Emmy.. Hello. Happy Tuesday, Happy February. This weather has been crazy here in LA (Lower Alabama).. In the teens, and today in the 60's.. Crazy.. And yep, I had a oops in our no spend January.. My husband and I only bought 3 gallons of milk and some ice cream this month, but I did go out to lunch with a co-worker last week.. Even with the lunch, we spent less than 60 dollars this month.. Wheww.. I didn't shop at any store or online.. Gonna roll this over into February.. Thank you for sharing everything with us.. May the Lord bless y'all with an abundance of Peace, Love and SunShine.. 🌺🌸🌺
Oh you did absolutely fantastic Shelia!! Great job!!
I loved this video...so positive, so much energy, so many great ideas! Also, I turn 60 on the 6th, so, yeah, right there with you on the hoping for a no-spend bday! You guys did so well, brava! (Speaking of "brava" more recipes please!) Thanks for giving so much to the frugal community!
Thanks so very much for the kind words!!
Please do more videos like this. Showing us how to make 4 meals from 1 item
Sounds great!
This is a really good video! I like watching stuff like this!
Awesome, thank you!
Just love your enthusiasm!😘
Oh thanks Vickie!
Popcorn is a lovely winner. Burger for 2 with coupons winner. You have to have fun and live a little. Hats off!!!
I agree Maike!
Emmy I bought a 2 pack of cornish hens at aldis for $4.00 and I cooked one up and got 4 meals from one cornish hen. I made soup and then I made creamed chicken over toast and the chicken and pasta and then chicken salad sandwich. Not bad for such a small bird.
YES!!! Good for you Peggy!
Love your channel and tips and no fear-mongering!
Thanks so much Michael!
We love you and Paul. What a wonderful inspiration you have been to us! Thank you!
That blesses us so much to hear that...thank you!
You have inspired me to clean out my fridge.😊 I found some blueberries that needed to be used and added them to basic blueberry muffin mix this morning - yum! I realized I had two of the grandkid’s lunchables - they’re having them for lunch today. Took two bags of grapes out, washed them, put in bowl ready to eat in the fridge (family always eats them better that way). Just found y’all on TH-cam- really enjoy watching and getting new ideas on ways to save - also enjoy the cooking/recipes. 👍
Welcome Betty! So glad you found us! Thank you for being here!
I love the popcorn tin...I call that a FIND for $1.99! I love the no-spend birthday idea. Maybe you could give Paul cooking lessons/tips, like how to make cupcakes, an easy one-dish chicken recipe etc.... Once he has some basic skills, he can add new tricks! Stay safe and warm 💜
He can cook, he just pretends he can't lol!
My husband does the same !😄
After you boil the bones and get all the meat off, put them in the oven. Dry them until they're brittle. Then grind them up in the blender and make bone meal for your garden.
I didn't know that!
Another great video. Does Paul know how to cook bacon and eggs? He could make you breakfast for your birthday dinner and he could make pancake or waffle and put fruit and whipped cream in a smiley face on it. He could start the day with coffee brought to you in bed. He could write you a song for your birthday or a love letter. He could also get you something from your local buy nothing group that you would like or if his mom has a family heirloom she’s ready to part with he could give you something like that.
Some really nice ideas Cindy! Thanks so much!
That’s a beautiful bird Emmy. Those meals 😋look wonderful.
Thanks so much Avondale!
You got this Paul! Can you cook breakfast? Make her a birthday breakfast. See if there is a frozen lasagna or something in the freezer. Chop up veggies for a salad and that’s dinner. WATCH some TH-cam videos and get ideas.
He will do great Granny I'm sure!
You two are so cute! Paul, you are going to be fine! You married an amazing Lady that is quite easy to make happy. That’s the great thing about you both!
Paul, what about a Disney Movie date night, like at the theater, but at home? Popcorn, favorite beverage and some candy of her liking (maybe in the freezer stash of candy?). Can you learn her favorite Disney song on your guitar and serenade her? What woman wouldn’t love that!
Blessings to you both ❤️
Love the Disney movie idea! Thanks Mary!
Hubby picks up the keys to our new place today.same building,different unit.
Great news Rochelle!
I wore the same black bike shorts all this summer with different blouses and no one noticed!!!!!
Exactly!
I failed my low spend January so I have to try again this February. I ordered pizza 1 day and burger 1 day. Let move forward to February.
You didn't fail! Yes, Forward February here we come!
Happy birthday Emmy.
Congratulations on the successful no spend January.
Thanks so much Rhonda!
Paul - my son is a musician too and I can’t tell you how special it is for someone we love to play a special tune that I loved on the trumpet. 2.) Also- a special heartfelt card which details a memory or just some words that will mean the world for a wife. 3.) Paul watch “imagineers” on the Disney Channel which is an amazing documentary of how Walt created Disneyland then goes on for a few more episodes with Disney world- if you don’t have it get the Disney channel, they have free trials use a new email. Hope those help- but seeing how much you love each other on your channel- your constant sweet comments to Emi- she already knows your presence and love are the most priceless presents. I know that’s how it is with me and my sweet hubby too of 28 years ❤️. Happy Birthday Emi!!
Annie thank you for such a beautiful comment! I will share with Paul for sure!
Hi Paul and Emmy….I loved all the recipes you made, the cooking is my favorite part of your videos! I’m going to try that pasta dish. Paul I know you can come up with some fun and frugal ideas for Emmy’s birthday 🥳 Emmy you can help Paul make your cake and dinner. ❤️
I was REALLY hoping not to have to cook that day...but we'll see LOL!
Hi Emmy - I love wings too! LOL. It’s been so fun no/low spending with you. I have some outings planned in February, but will continue to low spend otherwise. Enjoy your birthday week! 🎉
Thanks so much Jennifer!
Thank you for the recipes!
I don't think I'd call the tin of popcorn a fail - it had popcorn in it to snack on! Sounds good! 😊
Exactly Sara!
Emmy is right. There are a lot of cooking videos for the beginner. How about a candlelight dinner prepared by Chef Paul followed with some guitar music?😊 Whatever it is, I am sure it will be special. He may have to barter some snow shoveling for cooking lessons😊
LOL!! Love that Gail!
Hello from Ohio 😊
I too have a birthday in a few days and My husband always makes my dinner.
Although he is cooking challenged, lol
He will cook on the grill ( a oven broiler works in a pinch) . This year bbq baby back ribs, boxed Mac and cheese, canned baked baked beans, a glass of wine and the kids will bring the dessert. (Freezer and pantry items).. It will be delicious 😋, and it will be made with love ❤. IMO Better than any restaurant. So Paul you can do this. Enjoy 😉
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 and God Bless
Sounds absolutely perfect! Happy early birthday and God bless!
Paul why don't you make a short video on why you love Emmy. I'm sure there will be so much to say about your beautiful lady and throw in a few old stories and a couple of photos. You two are amazing together ❤
Love from Scotland x
Oh that is such a sweet idea! Thank you!
You enjoyed last year when Paul made you a birthday dinner.
Don't forget birthday freebies!
Awesome frugal and delicious looking recipes.,❤️
Long as I don't have to cook Sheryl...lol! Thanks for being here my friend!
@@FrugalMoneySaver Having a ME day like Paul had on his bday is always nice! I know your son and family will celebrate you too...
Paul: make a nice bath with candles and play your guitar to your wife! or play her relaxing, favorite type music (for her birthday) :) Spend nice close, quiet time with her and let her relax...and use the gift cards, etc. :) There are a ton of things that you can do for her that doesn't involve money.....take it from me...a nice massage or just a nice candle-lit bath! Nice! Very loving and enjoyable! :) Enjoy each other on her birthday! Blessings to you both and Happy Birthday, Emmy! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)
Thanks so much Dawn!