Just a tip store your pineapple on it's side not standing straight up...all of the sugar will be at the bottom of you store it standing up. When you lay it on it's side the sugar is evenly distributed.
Not quite the best method really. You're right about the sugar going to the bottom, but if you put it on it's side it'll just settle on the side. I keep all my fruit in a Ronco rotisserie oven with the heat set at 0 degrees. That way the sugar REALLY gets nicely distributed. Just a heads up! #setitandforgetit
You can also put the pineapple skins and brown sugar in water, put in a big jar, and let it ferment for a few days. It's called tepaché and it's amazing!
This is a very common practice in Latin American countries and I was going to suggest the same thing so that she didn't let the peel and cores go to waste.
@@magikvmc I am in the process of letting the tepache type mix turn to pineapple vinegar. I didn't have any brown sugar, so I used 1/2 unbleached cane sugar and 1/2 coconut sugar. Fingers crossed! OH! And I thought of this when I saw Stacy's inch or two of Braggs. While the pineapple skins will turn to vinegar on their own, using that last bit of ACV with the mother makes it move faster and more reliably.
Inspired to be more like you Stacey! No waste at all! I froze my grapes, cantaloupes in order not to lose them to decay as I formally did! I eat once per day, began to shop my own closet and have dedicated to no shopping for unneccessary items! I made my sanitary pads last month and laundered them like my grandma taught me! Too, I launder at night while electrical rates are lowest and put my beans in the crock pot, yummy! It feels good to walk more, blood sugar and depression down! You are helping me to stand on my own feet! Thank you! 😚
You are doing absolutely amazing. You've made choices that even I haven't made yet. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. You are doing awesome!
Sometimes when I need more counter space (I have about the same as you) I will take an oven rack out of the oven and put it across my sink. It gives me a place to set things out of my way - on top of the rack over the sink - while I am working.
I would be interested to see the actual 30 day meals prepared from your haul. My challenge would be variety of dishes. I want to challenge myself with a similar grocery budget but can’t imagine how you accomplish meal composition. Just daily snaps would help!
I was thinking the same thing! I'm working on meal planning/prepping so that I can get my grocery budget down to $100 to start (there's two of us)...I started by just eliminating the fast food...I'm doing very well with resisting the temptation to buy food from places, although it is very difficult!
Eliminating fast food is a massive first step. For me the biggest savings comes from cooking from scratch. With the exception of the Ramon noodles I recently purchased. I cook my foods from scratch which creates so much more food to enjoy. Thank you for watching and commenting.
true, true! I am also working on being more productive with my time! I can get into lazy mode really quickly...I have a daughter and she is the reason why I end up cooking most days...although she's 3 and becoming quite a picky eater, smh...I'm learning how to make more bulk foods that can be frozen and reheated and still taste good.
I am curious about that as well Stacey.. I always thought I can do no more than a weekly haul or else my veggies and fruit will go wasted, so seeing your video has made me uttery curious
A quick tip that you might enjoy....when I was a graduate student and on a strict budget I would buy a rotisserie for around $4 and cut some up to put in my ramen with some green onion and mushroom to spruce it up. I would also use it to add to salads and make sandwiches with it. I could use an entire chicken to incorporate to make meals for at least 4 days maybe more.
If you open the drawer your spices are in you can lay your cutting board on it. If it doesn't fit a smaller dollar store one or any board would give you more work space.
Since you are about to restock your seasonings and pantry, have you considered Dollar Tree? They often carry full sized versions of the spices I’ve seen you haul and use. The best part is that everything is $1.
The dollar tree seasoning are great.Ive changed my seasoning salt to the one I purchased from Dollar tree.The taste of that seasoning salt is much more flavorful.
You mentioned in your last video that you don't buy in bulk because you're alone and you don't want to let food expire. Dried beans have a shelf life of minimum a year - so you could actually buy your favorite beans (1-3 kinds) in bulk and maybe save a little extra 😉 Just an idea from another bean lover 😃 I'm currently eating all I have left in my kitchen to not have to go shopping for the rest of the month.
Have you considered growing your veggies and greens? If you’re in a small space you can plant near a window or if you have a balcony even better! you can plant vegetables in pots and big containers! It’s affordable and easy! Lettuce, spinach, tomato, bell peppers just to name a few! There’s a bunch of tutorials on TH-cam ☺️
I would love to do something like this. It's not the season for me to do that just yet but it will be in my future. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I'm really hoping to learn more about your grocery process. I think it's PHENOMENAL that your budget for the month is what I do for a week (although I do include toiletries in my budget too). I'm trying to get it down a lot more.
Thank you so much for letting me know. I am so grateful to be inspiring you to be ever present in your decisions. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I am excited for our local farmers market too - it opens today actually but alas we have plans out of town and won’t make it until next week. One of my favorite things to do with leftover foodstuff is to make a nice soup! Our grocery store sells the day before’s cold rotisserie chickens at a discount ($2-3), not sure if that’s something you’d be interested in. We salvage every bit of meat, the light parts go into meals but the dark meat makes excellent soups. It a great way to stretch the budget and get some xtra delicious meals. In lieu of a cold chicken, I’ve used your ramen noodle packets similarly! I’ve always found a whole packet of the seasoning to be too salty for my taste on just the noodles, so I’ll either just use half or turn the whole thing into a small soup, adding whatever I have leftover from the fridge for veggies and proteins. Those seasoning packets make a good broth base.
With the rotisserie chicken, you can also use the leftover bones to make homemade chicken broth. It's so good for you and you can control what goes into it so you know it's not processed.
Don't know if you dollar tree in your area. It good place to shop for home decor & starting DIY project for your new home. Congratulations & blessings on your new chapter .
Hi Stacey! I enjoy watching your channel. You motivate me to get a better handle on my life, the info that you share is much needed. Thank you for being so open. Maybe you could get one of those wheeled carts with the cutting board on top for additional counter space.
I'm definitely considering that because le struggle is real lol. I truly love my new home so I'm excited to see how it all comes together. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
you can eat the pineapple core.. or freeze it and make it into a smoothie. if you have kale. you can save the stems and freeze them and use them as well. if you have left over broth, of any kind, pour the rest of it into ice cube trays and then you have your own broth cubes. and same with herbs. you can freeze your herbs and fresh spinach and kale.
Thank you so much for all the tips! I don't have a blender yet! But as soon as I get one I will absolutely start making smoothies! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Love your video. You can make pancakes with the self rising flour. Learning to make you own popcorn has so many more variables. I like popping mine in coconut oil and sprinkle it with garam masala. Thank you for the inspiration!
Unknown Self nothing hits like homemade popcorn! 😋 im a classic kosher salt n maaybe a lil butter kinda girl but its WAY better than the prepacked stuff any day!
Recently started watching your videos, and glad to see that despite life’s challenges, you are moving forward. You’re a smart young lady capable of doing great things. My prayers are with you that you will continue to grow! #RiseAbove #GoHigher #Soar
I love cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes and pineapple. I've watched your videos over the last couple days and when I go grocery shopping again, I'm going to try to buy like this
I found your channel about a week ago. I love your content! You have inspired me to start meal prepping again and cooking at home more. Even in this short time, it has been satisfying knowing exactly what's in my food, cooking more fresh vegetables, experimenting with different seasonings and methods of cooking. I discovered roasted chickpeas, which are delicious btw. Thank you for your videos!
I'd recommend using that grapeseed oil to lightly fry your onion rings, and then tossing them in a bit of lemon pepper seasoning while they're still hot! That might add the "kick" you're looking for. :)
I can recommend Grapeseed oil as a moisturizer, as part of salad dressing or for cooking (since it has a high smoke point). I love that you buy your dried food in bulk! I highly recommend you use some cloth bags or taking your jars, that way you dont have to deal with that plastic and keep yourself healthy! Recently discovered your channel and I'm loving it!! You're so positive and inspirational.
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I am going to go to the fabric store and make myself some bags for my bulk purchases. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
In the future, if you happen to buy fresh lemons or limes, be sure to zest them before cutting them. The zest will dry very quickly in room air on paper towel, screen or a kitchen towel. Then you can easily grind them and add some pepper and/or salt if you like. It's much cheaper and fresher tasting than buying the spice mix.
I'm getting ready to move out in a few weeks (for my first time, by myself so no roommates etc) so i'll need to be on a budget and these videos...whew girl came at the right time. You make eating on a budget do-able, while making it healthy and tasty! Super grateful that I found you today.
leah. Living on a budget is totally doable. Before you move decide what you want your money to do for you then build a budget around that priority. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I love seeing your grocery hauls. Thank you for being transparent and sharing. Soon it will just be my husband and I..... and we have been slowly restocking our pantry in preparation to start the Financial peace University program so your hauls help a lot with ideas and staples that are needed. Thank you sharing as always. -Tiana
I don't know how you feel about gardening but it is great especially for having things in the winter time that are normally out of season. Look for containers on the side of the road the size of buckets. It's OK if they have holes because the soil needs to drain anyway. Look around your house for containers that you can punch holes in, ask your friends/family etc. If you have access to nice soil/dirt for free use it ( IDK where you live), if you don't, buy some gardening soil and mix it in with your dirt. I grow stuff on my balcony. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onion, herbs, hot peppers, etc can all be grown rather easily. I suggest growing onions if nothing else. They can usually be grown year round with little maintenance. I use fresh herbs and I also dry them. You can chop up and freeze everything else except the cucumbers. Any excess tomatoes I skin, smash up and freeze. They are great to use for tomato based soup and sauces. I use excess vegetables to make my own stock as well. In the winter, it's great to take down a bag of peppers and onions already chopped and ready to go. I keep a freezer full of veggies all year round by growing stuff on my balcony. I never have to buy frozen veggies. You can reuse the dirt the following year. There is an initial investment with buying soil and seeds( or starter plants), but it pays for itself and then some. Since I am only feeding myself, I always have plenty of veggies by doing this.
Bonjour Stacey ! Frankly I would go crazy with 3 potatoes, 1pinaple, 2 cauliflower, some beans, a little kale for one month ! I need some cooking lesson to be able to prep. some meals for one month with so little. When you are all settled in, perhaps showing us what you make with those few items. Of course I did understand that getting spices and oil did cut on other spending. Good luck with the onion rings, hope they will turn out perfect next time. Stay positive and thank you for sharing with us.
Rosalind Hambleton Thank you oh so very much! I’m working on a video to show how the food lasts for a full month! But the short of it is I eat beans and rice and oatmeal every single day. The veggies and fruits are layering items for texture and flavor. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Stacey because you have a smaller kitchen area, perhaps you could consider attaching small baskets to the inside door of the kitchen cabinets to store your seasoning items.
Mia Ayiti I shall consider this. I’m not super into makeup and I appreciate a very simple makeup routine so maybe I’ll share more as my makeup routine rather than a makeup tutorial. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hey Stacey, I cut a pineapple every week for my smoothies. I have found the easiest way is to cut both ends off. Then stand it up vertically. Shave off all the outer peel with your knife starting from top to bottom and rotate it until it's all off. Leave pineapple vertical, place knife by the core and then cut the pineapple away from the core by pressing knife down.
In the caribbean we eat the core of the pineapple, it's just as nutritious and super sweet! You can also boil the skin and use that for making fresh juice. Keep up the great work!
How awesome. What a cool update. I am working on getting my budget down to this. I'm sure that when you do get settled into your new place, it will totally feel like home. Congratulations and keep up the progress!
Super video Stacey. You are so creative with your food choices - I love your style. We can and should stuff ourselves with fresh fruit and vegies - you are setting a great example. It's no wonder you look so healthy! All strength to you.. 😀
Stacy, I'm just seeing this video a year after you posted it, just want to say that you rock! You will go far following Dave's plan. Probably very few of us can eat on $50 a month but when I see couples or very small families with cram packed refrigerators and pantries, I know they are throwing away and wasting a lot of food. A spare and relatively bare pantry is the way to go. Also, you are a very pretty young lady and manage to look more glamorous with very "minimal" hair than most ladies with a lot of hair.
Hi Stacey- I recently found your channel and I have to say I love everything you've put out there! Notification has been turned on! Wishing you all the best in your journey financial as well as everything else. Please consider getting a PO box so we can send letters and/or gifts for your new apartment/kitchen! Much love. You got this!
I have that same cook book! I would love to see some videos using the book. It might have to wait until your food budget increases but that would be great!
Do you have a video on your beauty budget? I saw where you talked about doing your own hair, but that element of my budgeting is out of control right now. Could use some advice for sure! Love how honest you are on everything!
Hi Stacey! You can also boil the pineapple's skin with cinnamon, ginger and cloves and have a delicious juice after letting it rest in the fridge! Much love and good vibes!!
Hey Stacey, I just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it!! I am a college student who lives off-campus and your channel has been so helpful for me. I just wanted to give you some positive feedback to let you know that your awesome!
Great video & I believe you will find your space within your new space😘😘😘 btw...i LOVE pineapple!!!! The way my geographic tongue is set up, I'm in pain for hours. But the pain is so worth it🤔😐😁
I've really been enjoying your videos. Only found you last week and I really thought you were no older than 21 or 22. Maybe you should start including a skincare video as well. I do have a burning question and have never felt I could ask without provoking more questions or judgement. Once something (or a lot of ) things have gone to collections should I still pay them? It's all credit card dept. I heard there's no point because collection have bought your old dept and your just paying them. I want to fix my credit after this shameful place I got myself but not if it's not going to actually help me
I am paying the items I have in collections. They are not my top priority but they will get paid. This is a personal choice that I've made. My thoughts are I charged it, used it, and therefore I will pay for it. Everyone's circumstance is different. So, I say you have to go inside to determine whether or not you will repay a collection. Whatever you do decide, do it without shame. Shame will cause you to recreate the situation again and again until you learn the lesson. I hope that helps. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Buy a fireproof piece of wood to place over your cold stove for extra preps. I cook every two or three days, and I only eat When hungry. Brags is great vinegar, but I still buy apple cider vinegar for my food. Enjoy your haul.
Thanks for the video❣️ Good job shopping. I love the oriental favor ramen when I occasionally eat ramen. I add a few drops of Sriracha to mine. I LOVE pineapple and it's anti inflammatory as well.
The enzyme Bromelain in pineapple is a protein digesting enzyme. So besides being high in fiber, & vitamin C, the enzymes helps the body reduce inflation and also dissolves blood clots so if you have "thick" blood that clots too easy it can help you there. The enzymes help with digestion too so eating pineapple with foods that you have trouble digesting could be easier digested with pineapple in that meal. Pineapple is often used in marinades for chicken or seafood not only because it tastes good but because it tenderizes meats. Bromelain from pineapple is also used in many powdered meat tenderizers. Fun Fact: You cannot make jello that sets up with fresh pineapple because the enzymes dissolve the gelatin proteins so they can gel. 😂 so eat as much fresh pineapple as you can while it's in season. It's great for you and is a delightful treat to eat. It's natures candy and medicine all in one. So enjoy it 💜
Stacy, I am loving your new space!!! The kitchen is small but is super cute and bright!!! I was thinking it may be a good idea to put a giant cutting board on the stove for more counter space (when you're not using it of course). I often find amazing free stuff of Craig's List. Maybe you can find an old butcher block top or a small table top. You never know... Hope this helps! Thanks so much for sharing your videos. I love watching them and find them so inspiring.
Soulful Essence aromatherapy for meditation You are so very welcome! I’m looking for something like this! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hi Stacey!! I totally love your energy! Knowing you like flavors you may enjoy grinding peppercorns into black pepper it's so fresh and yummy!!!!! I grind up a bit for a week and store it in a bowl with lid. I just use my coffee bean grinder because I refused to buy a separate grinder. LoL Also, to expand your counter space place cutting boards on the stove burners for prep. Keep up the great work!!
Awesome. There is a you tube channel buzzfeednifty. The episode is called "add more counter space with this DIY stove top cover" it is great for small spaces
I can purchase 3 gallons of water for $1.17 at the grocery store. I take my own containers and refill weekly. Just a suggestion, it may save you a few dollars.
kelly dickie lol. I just remarked on the same thing in another comment Mine is 1.75 for 5 gallons ! Save the planet. Stop buying plastic water bottles. Yeah!
If you have a nice wide window ledge you can grow your own lettuce for example. Pack of seeds should be quite cheap and you can grow a lot of greens out of this one package (sow only a little bit from time to time to have fresh sustainable harvest running).
I made your budda bowls just like you do the and they were a hit!! I have never made them with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction, mine tend to have a Mexican flair, which we love!! Thxs❤🌹
Had to come back to your channel to see how to cut a pineapple. Brought one yesterday and did a horrible job cutting it. Only last me two days. :(. You have an awesome channel. Keep up the good works.
Get a board to cover the stovetop to get extra counter space to work on. You could pick up a a waste piece of counter to or board for free and attach a rope handle to assist getting it on an off the stovetop.
One suggestion is to get a water filter. I have a Brita pitcher and a reuseable thermos and save so much money bringing my own water to work and for trips.
I love farmers markets. I have been studying everything under the sun when it comes to growing hydroponic vegetables and herbs as well as aquaponics and soil compositions tailored or amended for specific needs of particular vegetables. I think you would find much pleasure and therapeutic benefits from even starting off growing your own herbs such as mint, basil, parsley etc. Lettuce , kale, and spinach are also some vegetables you could grow with ease to start off. These are easy to grow and require little sunlight so if you have any Windows that would be a good place to start. Also you can supplement the light with a flourescent bulb made for plants. There is a method called kratky for growing hydroponically and requires little effort.
Hello, I love your videos and that you show how to budget and cook for 1 person. I have not come across any other videos that are focused on just 1 person. I have for years just modified recipes I wanted to try. I saw a DIY Video on TH-cam that might work for creating more counter space for you. The person created a wood box that fits over the stove, making more counter and can be used as a cutting board also. I have also seen similar solutions on QVC and online. Be blessed!
Stacey Flowers you are welcome. I do not know how to share a video but I found the video so I copied the link to the video. th-cam.com/play/PLywFfJOqHdR_-Aivc0FbW6KyVwmOey6-c.html
Stacey Flowers I live in an apartment and here is a video that made my storage of spices and other kitchen items better and it utilizes a drawer for the spices. She talks specifically about the spice storage @ the 3 min mark. I found the same jars at Target for $3 for set of 4. I also found same jars at Dollar General with the shaker insert in them for $1 each (If you have Dollar General). th-cam.com/video/VQN1361TX9g/w-d-xo.html
Grapeseed oil is what you want to use to fry things (everything) lol! Olive Oil is ok to use sometimes; however, that's really food for salads, dressings, stuff like that. But Grapeseed oil is BOMB!
The core of the pineapple is my favorite, hope you didnt throw it away. :) Also i saw a lot of people suggest dollar tree for you, itd be a good place to get some basic spoons, forks, and basic kitchen utensils for you.
Sorry to bother but would you ever publish a monthly list of dishes of what you eat? I mainly eat chicken broth, onions and canned chicken and for a month that still goes over $90. I would love to know what kind of meals you are making. Thank you.
I can put something together. TBH it’s literally beans and rice every day. But I understand it Helps to see thing written down or visually so I’ll create something soon.
Just a tip store your pineapple on it's side not standing straight up...all of the sugar will be at the bottom of you store it standing up. When you lay it on it's side the sugar is evenly distributed.
Latoya Johns cool
Will do! Thank you oh so very much!
That's a good tip! I will use that one too.
Not quite the best method really. You're right about the sugar going to the bottom, but if you put it on it's side it'll just settle on the side. I keep all my fruit in a Ronco rotisserie oven with the heat set at 0 degrees. That way the sugar REALLY gets nicely distributed. Just a heads up! #setitandforgetit
I saw a woman from Uganda on yt boil the pineapple skins in water, let it cool and had pineapple infused water. I tried it and I'm hooked!
I will definitely do that next time.
You can also put the pineapple skins and brown sugar in water, put in a big jar, and let it ferment for a few days. It's called tepaché and it's amazing!
Courtney Brown yes we did this in Belize as well!
This is a very common practice in Latin American countries and I was going to suggest the same thing so that she didn't let the peel and cores go to waste.
@@magikvmc I am in the process of letting the tepache type mix turn to pineapple vinegar. I didn't have any brown sugar, so I used 1/2 unbleached cane sugar and 1/2 coconut sugar. Fingers crossed! OH! And I thought of this when I saw Stacy's inch or two of Braggs. While the pineapple skins will turn to vinegar on their own, using that last bit of ACV with the mother makes it move faster and more reliably.
I have been going to the Indian market in my area to buy my beans, and spices you get more for your money.
Thank you for the suggestion!
Inspired to be more like you Stacey! No waste at all! I froze my grapes, cantaloupes in order not to lose them to decay as I formally did! I eat once per day, began to shop my own closet and have dedicated to no shopping for unneccessary items! I made my sanitary pads last month and laundered them like my grandma taught me! Too, I launder at night while electrical rates are lowest and put my beans in the crock pot, yummy! It feels good to walk more, blood sugar and depression down! You are helping me to stand on my own feet! Thank you! 😚
You are doing absolutely amazing. You've made choices that even I haven't made yet. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. You are doing awesome!
Sometimes when I need more counter space (I have about the same as you) I will take an oven rack out of the oven and put it across my sink. It gives me a place to set things out of my way - on top of the rack over the sink - while I am working.
Thank you so much for the suggestion.
I would be interested to see the actual 30 day meals prepared from your haul. My challenge would be variety of dishes. I want to challenge myself with a similar grocery budget but can’t imagine how you accomplish meal composition. Just daily snaps would help!
I was thinking the same thing! I'm working on meal planning/prepping so that I can get my grocery budget down to $100 to start (there's two of us)...I started by just eliminating the fast food...I'm doing very well with resisting the temptation to buy food from places, although it is very difficult!
I am working on a video for that now. It's actually challenging to capture but I'll do my very best.
Eliminating fast food is a massive first step. For me the biggest savings comes from cooking from scratch. With the exception of the Ramon noodles I recently purchased. I cook my foods from scratch which creates so much more food to enjoy. Thank you for watching and commenting.
true, true! I am also working on being more productive with my time! I can get into lazy mode really quickly...I have a daughter and she is the reason why I end up cooking most days...although she's 3 and becoming quite a picky eater, smh...I'm learning how to make more bulk foods that can be frozen and reheated and still taste good.
I am curious about that as well Stacey.. I always thought I can do no more than a weekly haul or else my veggies and fruit will go wasted, so seeing your video has made me uttery curious
Grapeseed oil is excellent as a moisturiser on body and scalp. I suffer from psoriasis and swear by it.
I will try it as a moisturizer. Thank you.
A quick tip that you might enjoy....when I was a graduate student and on a strict budget I would buy a rotisserie for around $4 and cut some up to put in my ramen with some green onion and mushroom to spruce it up. I would also use it to add to salads and make sandwiches with it. I could use an entire chicken to incorporate to make meals for at least 4 days maybe more.
I will try this! Thank you for the suggestion.
If you open the drawer your spices are in you can lay your cutting board on it. If it doesn't fit a smaller dollar store one or any board would give you more work space.
True but my drawers are not that sturdy to support putting in any weight or chopping on it. Thank you for the suggestion.
You’ve got the bear necessities, the simple bear necessities!
LOL and I am so grateful! thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Eli Marshall lol i play that song for my son
Since you are about to restock your seasonings and pantry, have you considered Dollar Tree? They often carry full sized versions of the spices I’ve seen you haul and use. The best part is that everything is $1.
Thank you so much for letting me know. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Stacey Flowers thank you for showing strength and grace in tough times. You rock! I appreciate your example.
Love dollar store Iv seen dried bags of beans in them near me in Boston Massachusetts
The dollar tree seasoning are great.Ive changed my seasoning salt to the one I purchased from Dollar tree.The taste of that seasoning salt is much more flavorful.
You mentioned in your last video that you don't buy in bulk because you're alone and you don't want to let food expire. Dried beans have a shelf life of minimum a year - so you could actually buy your favorite beans (1-3 kinds) in bulk and maybe save a little extra 😉 Just an idea from another bean lover 😃 I'm currently eating all I have left in my kitchen to not have to go shopping for the rest of the month.
Thanks for letting me know about the beans. I also really enjoy the experience of grocery shopping. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Check out a few prepping videos. Dry beans last a whole lot longer than a year! Also, cooking from scratch allows you to eat a wider variety of foods.
Have you considered growing your veggies and greens? If you’re in a small space you can plant near a window or if you have a balcony even better! you can plant vegetables in pots and big containers! It’s affordable and easy! Lettuce, spinach, tomato, bell peppers just to name a few! There’s a bunch of tutorials on TH-cam ☺️
I would love to do something like this. It's not the season for me to do that just yet but it will be in my future. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I love love love how honest and transparent you are. It's refreshing to see nowadays :)
Thank you. I'm so happy to be a refreshing video in your timeline. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I'm really hoping to learn more about your grocery process. I think it's PHENOMENAL that your budget for the month is what I do for a week (although I do include toiletries in my budget too). I'm trying to get it down a lot more.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. A lean grocery budget is mostly about cooking from scratch!
Stacey Flowers that makes sense. I've prepped some black beans and rice this week (froze them in little baggies like you) 😁💟
Reorganizing my kitchen and I wasn't happy with the way my seasonings were in the cabinet... NOW IM GONNA PUT THEM IN A DRAWER! YES YES! Thank you !
You are so very very welcome.
Love you Stacey...you are awesome to watch. You inspire me to not be wasteful and be ever present in my decisions. I look forward to every video.
Thank you so much for letting me know. I am so grateful to be inspiring you to be ever present in your decisions. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
boil the pineapple skins to make a delicious drink.
Will do! Thank you.
I am excited for our local farmers market too - it opens today actually but alas we have plans out of town and won’t make it until next week. One of my favorite things to do with leftover foodstuff is to make a nice soup! Our grocery store sells the day before’s cold rotisserie chickens at a discount ($2-3), not sure if that’s something you’d be interested in. We salvage every bit of meat, the light parts go into meals but the dark meat makes excellent soups. It a great way to stretch the budget and get some xtra delicious meals. In lieu of a cold chicken, I’ve used your ramen noodle packets similarly! I’ve always found a whole packet of the seasoning to be too salty for my taste on just the noodles, so I’ll either just use half or turn the whole thing into a small soup, adding whatever I have leftover from the fridge for veggies and proteins. Those seasoning packets make a good broth base.
With the rotisserie chicken, you can also use the leftover bones to make homemade chicken broth. It's so good for you and you can control what goes into it so you know it's not processed.
Don't know if you dollar tree in your area. It good place to shop for home decor & starting DIY project for your new home. Congratulations & blessings on your new chapter .
Thank you. I won't be decorating for a few months but I appreciate the suggestion.
I love watching your videos! They get me going when I feel like I cannot anymore. Thank you so much for being such a great human being!
Apollo You are so very welcome! Thank you for the compliment. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Hi Stacey! I enjoy watching your channel. You motivate me to get a better handle on my life, the info that you share is much needed. Thank you for being so open. Maybe you could get one of those wheeled carts with the cutting board on top for additional counter space.
I'm definitely considering that because le struggle is real lol. I truly love my new home so I'm excited to see how it all comes together. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
you can eat the pineapple core.. or freeze it and make it into a smoothie. if you have kale. you can save the stems and freeze them and use them as well. if you have left over broth, of any kind, pour the rest of it into ice cube trays and then you have your own broth cubes. and same with herbs. you can freeze your herbs and fresh spinach and kale.
Thank you so much for all the tips! I don't have a blender yet! But as soon as I get one I will absolutely start making smoothies! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Love your video.
You can make pancakes with the self rising flour.
Learning to make you own popcorn has so many more variables.
I like popping mine in coconut oil and sprinkle it with garam masala. Thank you for the inspiration!
Unknown Self nothing hits like homemade popcorn! 😋 im a classic kosher salt n maaybe a lil butter kinda girl but its WAY better than the prepacked stuff any day!
Recently started watching your videos, and glad to see that despite life’s challenges, you are moving forward. You’re a smart young lady capable of doing great things. My prayers are with you that you will continue to grow! #RiseAbove #GoHigher #Soar
I love cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes and pineapple. I've watched your videos over the last couple days and when I go grocery shopping again, I'm going to try to buy like this
It's so good. It takes a while to get used to cooking from scratch but once you find your flavors your good to go!
I found your channel about a week ago. I love your content! You have inspired me to start meal prepping again and cooking at home more. Even in this short time, it has been satisfying knowing exactly what's in my food, cooking more fresh vegetables, experimenting with different seasonings and methods of cooking. I discovered roasted chickpeas, which are delicious btw. Thank you for your videos!
Yes, I'm waiting for the farmers markets to open also. Great selection, right from local farmers and the prices are so low, you could feed an army!
I'm so excited about my farmers market opening. I can not wait!
I have even less counter space in my kitchen. I keep a cutting board on half of my stove to give me more space when I need it
Thank you so much for the suggestion. This is my plan as well. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I love pineapple too! You can soak your cores in white balsamic and then have a pineapple balsamic for your kale!
Will do. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
hi stacey i just wanted to let you know that you can boil the pineapple skin in some water and add sugar to it to make a delicious pineapple drink .
I was going to suggest the same :) You can also add hibiscus leaves or regular tea to improve the flavor
Interesting! I usually use it when making veggie stock but I'm gonna try this
Jacqueline Le please do its very delicious. You can also do this with orange or lime skin to make a delicious orange or lime tea
thank you.
your welcome
I'd recommend using that grapeseed oil to lightly fry your onion rings, and then tossing them in a bit of lemon pepper seasoning while they're still hot! That might add the "kick" you're looking for. :)
I'll try it! Thank you so much!
Your videos make my spirit smile.
Thank you. Your comment makes my heart smile.
Stacey Flowers You're very welcome❤
I can recommend Grapeseed oil as a moisturizer, as part of salad dressing or for cooking (since it has a high smoke point). I love that you buy your dried food in bulk! I highly recommend you use some cloth bags or taking your jars, that way you dont have to deal with that plastic and keep yourself healthy! Recently discovered your channel and I'm loving it!! You're so positive and inspirational.
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I am going to go to the fabric store and make myself some bags for my bulk purchases. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
In the future, if you happen to buy fresh lemons or limes, be sure to zest them before cutting them. The zest will dry very quickly in room air on paper towel, screen or a kitchen towel. Then you can easily grind them and add some pepper and/or salt if you like. It's much cheaper and fresher tasting than buying the spice mix.
Thank you for the suggestion.
I'm getting ready to move out in a few weeks (for my first time, by myself so no roommates etc) so i'll need to be on a budget and these videos...whew girl came at the right time. You make eating on a budget do-able, while making it healthy and tasty! Super grateful that I found you today.
leah. Living on a budget is totally doable. Before you move decide what you want your money to do for you then build a budget around that priority. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I love seeing your grocery hauls. Thank you for being transparent and sharing. Soon it will just be my husband and I..... and we have been slowly restocking our pantry in preparation to start the Financial peace University program so your hauls help a lot with ideas and staples that are needed. Thank you sharing as always.
-Tiana
Thank you so much for letting me know my work is serving you.
I don't know how you feel about gardening but it is great especially for having things in the winter time that are normally out of season. Look for containers on the side of the road the size of buckets. It's OK if they have holes because the soil needs to drain anyway. Look around your house for containers that you can punch holes in, ask your friends/family etc. If you have access to nice soil/dirt for free use it ( IDK where you live), if you don't, buy some gardening soil and mix it in with your dirt. I grow stuff on my balcony. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onion, herbs, hot peppers, etc can all be grown rather easily. I suggest growing onions if nothing else. They can usually be grown year round with little maintenance. I use fresh herbs and I also dry them. You can chop up and freeze everything else except the cucumbers. Any excess tomatoes I skin, smash up and freeze. They are great to use for tomato based soup and sauces. I use excess vegetables to make my own stock as well. In the winter, it's great to take down a bag of peppers and onions already chopped and ready to go. I keep a freezer full of veggies all year round by growing stuff on my balcony. I never have to buy frozen veggies. You can reuse the dirt the following year. There is an initial investment with buying soil and seeds( or starter plants), but it pays for itself and then some. Since I am only feeding myself, I always have plenty of veggies by doing this.
I just started watching your videos last night and I am loving you and your content! PS- you are GORGEOUS!
thank you so much!
So proud of you Stacey!!! Keeping it real and on Budget. (And healthy!!👍👍👍👍👍) sending u prayers and good wishes🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Bonjour Stacey ! Frankly I would go crazy with 3 potatoes, 1pinaple, 2 cauliflower, some beans, a little kale for one month ! I need some cooking lesson to be able to prep. some meals for one month with so little. When you are all settled in, perhaps showing us what you make with those few items. Of course I did understand that getting spices and oil did cut on other spending. Good luck with the onion rings, hope they will turn out perfect next time. Stay positive and thank you for sharing with us.
Rosalind Hambleton Thank you oh so very much! I’m working on a video to show how the food lasts for a full month! But the short of it is I eat beans and rice and oatmeal every single day. The veggies and fruits are layering items for texture and flavor. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I've been eating pineapple like crazy lately. At least every week, it gives me so much life lol. It's so delicious!
So so so so good! I almost ate the whole pineapple in one sitting. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Thanks you for sharing your haul!! These videos are helping me make better choices!!
So happy to inspire you to make better choices. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Stacey because you have a smaller kitchen area, perhaps you could consider attaching small baskets to the inside door of the kitchen cabinets to store your seasoning items.
L Taylor thats a wonderful suggestion! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on your new apartment and company! 🎉🎉Inspirational 😇😇😇😇😇
thank you so much!
I love your makeup! You always look radiant, warm, and natural. Please do a makeup tutorial.
Mia Ayiti I shall consider this. I’m not super into makeup and I appreciate a very simple makeup routine so maybe I’ll share more as my makeup routine rather than a makeup tutorial. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hey Stacey, I cut a pineapple every week for my smoothies. I have found the easiest way is to cut both ends off. Then stand it up vertically. Shave off all the outer peel with your knife starting from top to bottom and rotate it until it's all off. Leave pineapple vertical, place knife by the core and then cut the pineapple away from the core by pressing knife down.
Thanks so much for the suggestion. Thank you for watching and commenting.
In the caribbean we eat the core of the pineapple, it's just as nutritious and super sweet! You can also boil the skin and use that for making fresh juice. Keep up the great work!
How awesome. What a cool update. I am working on getting my budget down to this. I'm sure that when you do get settled into your new place, it will totally feel like home. Congratulations and keep up the progress!
thank you oh so very much! It feels so good here in my new place. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
You can get some of those pantry items and seasonings from the Dollar Tree.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Super video Stacey. You are so creative with your food choices - I love your style. We can and should stuff ourselves with fresh fruit and vegies - you are setting a great example. It's no wonder you look so healthy! All strength to you.. 😀
Thank you oh so very much!!! Thank you for watching and commenting.
Stacy, I'm just seeing this video a year after you posted it, just want to say that you rock! You will go far following Dave's plan. Probably very few of us can eat on $50 a month but when I see couples or very small families with cram packed refrigerators and pantries, I know they are throwing away and wasting a lot of food. A spare and relatively bare pantry is the way to go.
Also, you are a very pretty young lady and manage to look more glamorous with very "minimal" hair than most ladies with a lot of hair.
Hi Stacey- I recently found your channel and I have to say I love everything you've put out there! Notification has been turned on! Wishing you all the best in your journey financial as well as everything else. Please consider getting a PO box so we can send letters and/or gifts for your new apartment/kitchen! Much love. You got this!
You can ship items to 1364 E. 53rd Street Chicago, IL 60615 Thank you so much for watching and commenting. This is not my home address.
I love your channel. It’s inspirational and real!
thank you oh so very much!
I have found, when a pineapple is very ripe, the core becomes soft, sweet and edible.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I have that same cook book! I would love to see some videos using the book. It might have to wait until your food budget increases but that would be great!
I LOVE pineapples so much too LOL. You look very healthy, great skin!
Thank you!
Do you have a video on your beauty budget? I saw where you talked about doing your own hair, but that element of my budgeting is out of control right now. Could use some advice for sure! Love how honest you are on everything!
I don't have a video on my beauty budget. But in my budget, I usually gave myself about $50 a month. Hope that helps!
It does! Thank you for responding!
Hi Stacey! You can also boil the pineapple's skin with cinnamon, ginger and cloves and have a delicious juice after letting it rest in the fridge! Much love and good vibes!!
Ana Paula Guerra I have so many plans to do this next time! So many people suggested this! Thank you oh so much for watching and commenting.
Stacey, you are awesome... Tyfs
Nancy martin THANK YOU OH DO VERY MUCH!
Your little pineapple dance was so cute :)
:) I love good food.
I totally love your channel! I'm thinking about changing my diet and my name is Stacy too!!lol
Nice to meet you Stacy! Food choice is everything! I enjoy my lean grocery haul. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hey Stacey, I just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it!! I am a college student who lives off-campus and your channel has been so helpful for me. I just wanted to give you some positive feedback to let you know that your awesome!
Great video & I believe you will find your space within your new space😘😘😘 btw...i LOVE pineapple!!!! The way my geographic tongue is set up, I'm in pain for hours. But the pain is so worth it🤔😐😁
It feels so good to be home. Thank you oh so very much for supporting my work.
I've really been enjoying your videos. Only found you last week and I really thought you were no older than 21 or 22. Maybe you should start including a skincare video as well. I do have a burning question and have never felt I could ask without provoking more questions or judgement. Once something (or a lot of ) things have gone to collections should I still pay them? It's all credit card dept. I heard there's no point because collection have bought your old dept and your just paying them. I want to fix my credit after this shameful place I got myself but not if it's not going to actually help me
I am paying the items I have in collections. They are not my top priority but they will get paid. This is a personal choice that I've made. My thoughts are I charged it, used it, and therefore I will pay for it. Everyone's circumstance is different. So, I say you have to go inside to determine whether or not you will repay a collection. Whatever you do decide, do it without shame. Shame will cause you to recreate the situation again and again until you learn the lesson. I hope that helps. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I love your videos, especially the budget grocery shopping-it is so inspiring!
P.S. you definitely said it was a 2008 grocery haul 😆
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
LOL... I did, didn't I. My mistake. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
You are so intelligent and gorgeous! I'm glad I found you channel, I'm praying for you on your journey!
Buy a fireproof piece of wood to place over your cold stove for extra preps. I cook every two or three days, and I only eat
When hungry. Brags is great vinegar, but I still buy apple cider vinegar for my food.
Enjoy your haul.
Thank you oh so very much!
Thanks for the video❣️ Good job shopping. I love the oriental favor ramen when I occasionally eat ramen. I add a few drops of Sriracha to mine.
I LOVE pineapple and it's anti inflammatory as well.
I didn't know that! Its amazing how I naturally love anti-inflammatory foods. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
The enzyme Bromelain in pineapple is a protein digesting enzyme. So besides being high in fiber, & vitamin C, the enzymes helps the body reduce inflation and also dissolves blood clots so if you have "thick" blood that clots too easy it can help you there.
The enzymes help with digestion too so eating pineapple with foods that you have trouble digesting could be easier digested with pineapple in that meal. Pineapple is often used in marinades for chicken or seafood not only because it tastes good but because it tenderizes meats. Bromelain from pineapple is also used in many powdered meat tenderizers. Fun Fact: You cannot make jello that sets up with fresh pineapple because the enzymes dissolve the gelatin proteins so they can gel. 😂 so eat as much fresh pineapple as you can while it's in season. It's great for you and is a delightful treat to eat. It's natures candy and medicine all in one. So enjoy it 💜
if you want to get more out of your budge as far as your fruit beans and seasonings are concerned try petes fresh market just a suggestion
Thank you for the suggestion. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Stacy, I am loving your new space!!! The kitchen is small but is super cute and bright!!! I was thinking it may be a good idea to put a giant cutting board on the stove for more counter space (when you're not using it of course). I often find amazing free stuff of Craig's List. Maybe you can find an old butcher block top or a small table top. You never know... Hope this helps! Thanks so much for sharing your videos. I love watching them and find them so inspiring.
Soulful Essence aromatherapy for meditation You are so very welcome! I’m looking for something like this! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hi Stacey!! I totally love your energy! Knowing you like flavors you may enjoy grinding peppercorns into black pepper it's so fresh and yummy!!!!! I grind up a bit for a week and store it in a bowl with lid. I just use my coffee bean grinder because I refused to buy a separate grinder. LoL Also, to expand your counter space place cutting boards on the stove burners for prep. Keep up the great work!!
ChiTown Made So many amazing suggestions! I shall try them all! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Awesome. There is a you tube channel buzzfeednifty. The episode is called "add more counter space with this DIY stove top cover" it is great for small spaces
I will look for it! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Hi Stacy, I loved your grocery haul. You are so sweet, Thank you for sharing.
debora mitchell Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I can purchase 3 gallons of water for $1.17 at the grocery store. I take my own containers and refill weekly. Just a suggestion, it may save you a few dollars.
kelly dickie lol. I just remarked on the same thing in another comment
Mine is 1.75 for 5 gallons ! Save the planet. Stop buying plastic water bottles. Yeah!
I have a britta water filter in my future now that I have a faucet that will hold the device. Thank you so much for watching.
Even better!!
Wow! $50 for the month! Amazing!
I just found your videos. I absolutely love them! I definitely Subscribed! 😊
One thought for more prep space is a stovetop cutting board!! I’ve seen them purchased for campers where the bottom is somehow clipped to the burner!
If you have a nice wide window ledge you can grow your own lettuce for example. Pack of seeds should be quite cheap and you can grow a lot of greens out of this one package (sow only a little bit from time to time to have fresh sustainable harvest running).
Anna Vahter I’m going to start with herbs and then work my way up to veggies. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Nice to see you made room for 🍉 fruit!
I love pineapples! I'm so happy they are in abundance at all the stores! Thank you for watching and commenting.
I made your budda bowls just like you do the and they were a hit!! I have never made them with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction, mine tend to have a Mexican flair, which we love!! Thxs❤🌹
Senya Gwynn I AM SO HAPPY you enjoyed my Buddha bowls!!!! So so happy you gaining food ideas from my work! Thank you for watching and commenting!
So dope. I learned alot. Thanks for this video!
Had to come back to your channel to see how to cut a pineapple. Brought one yesterday and did a horrible job cutting it. Only last me two days. :(. You have an awesome channel. Keep up the good works.
Get a board to cover the stovetop to get extra counter space to work on. You could pick up a a waste piece of counter to or board for free and attach a rope handle to assist getting it on an off the stovetop.
YES, love the grocery hauls!!!!
I'm so glad you are enjoying my grocery haul. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Pineapples are so underrated. When I can't get them fresh...I do use the unsweeten can stuff.
ZOMGOODNESS they are so delicious!!!
One suggestion is to get a water filter. I have a Brita pitcher and a reuseable thermos and save so much money bringing my own water to work and for trips.
Sandy Prater That’s my plan for the new place!!!! Thank you so much for the watching and commenting!
Hi Stacey, you had me at Dave Ramsey! 😄
Love him. So wise. So helpful. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
I love farmers markets. I have been studying everything under the sun when it comes to growing hydroponic vegetables and herbs as well as aquaponics and soil compositions tailored or amended for specific needs of particular vegetables. I think you would find much pleasure and therapeutic benefits from even starting off growing your own herbs such as mint, basil, parsley etc. Lettuce , kale, and spinach are also some vegetables you could grow with ease to start off. These are easy to grow and require little sunlight so if you have any Windows that would be a good place to start. Also you can supplement the light with a flourescent bulb made for plants. There is a method called kratky for growing hydroponically and requires little effort.
I add a few mint leaves to the pineapple it makes the pineapple taste next level 👍🏾
Thank you for the suggestion.
If you're near a Big Lots, bay leaves are $1.
thank you for the suggestion.
I love your videos!!! So inspiring and also very relatable.
Thank you oh so very much!
Hello, I love your videos and that you show how to budget and cook for 1 person. I have not come across any other videos that are focused on just 1 person. I have for years just modified recipes I wanted to try. I saw a DIY Video on TH-cam that might work for creating more counter space for you. The person created a wood box that fits over the stove, making more counter and can be used as a cutting board also. I have also seen similar solutions on QVC and online. Be blessed!
msdrknlvly Thank you so much! I’m definitely experimenting now with different counter space extenders! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Stacey Flowers you are welcome. I do not know how to share a video but I found the video so I copied the link to the video. th-cam.com/play/PLywFfJOqHdR_-Aivc0FbW6KyVwmOey6-c.html
Stacey Flowers I live in an apartment and here is a video that made my storage of spices and other kitchen items better and it utilizes a drawer for the spices. She talks specifically about the spice storage @ the 3 min mark. I found the same jars at Target for $3 for set of 4. I also found same jars at Dollar General with the shaker insert in them for $1 each (If you have Dollar General). th-cam.com/video/VQN1361TX9g/w-d-xo.html
Grapeseed oil is what you want to use to fry things (everything) lol! Olive Oil is ok to use sometimes; however, that's really food for salads, dressings, stuff like that. But Grapeseed oil is BOMB!
queenwithlocs Thanks so much! I didn’t know! I’ll try to fry something soon! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Do you have a sprouts near you? If so try them very affordable and nice like whole foods. Also ❤ your energy. Great haul!
Thank you oh so very much!
The core of the pineapple is my favorite, hope you didnt throw it away. :) Also i saw a lot of people suggest dollar tree for you, itd be a good place to get some basic spoons, forks, and basic kitchen utensils for you.
I just found your channel (& subscribed) and have to say....you rock the short hair look girl! I honestly think you are gorgeous with no hair!!!
Dollar Tree carries spices and such. They carry organic sometimes, too
I love mixing Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, with some cold water, in the morning, for a nice, healthy energy boost!!😃😊☺
I enjoy that also. thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Sorry to bother but would you ever publish a monthly list of dishes of what you eat? I mainly eat chicken broth, onions and canned chicken and for a month that still goes over $90. I would love to know what kind of meals you are making. Thank you.
I can put something together. TBH it’s literally beans and rice every day. But I understand it Helps to see thing written down or visually so I’ll create something soon.