Save Money, Reject Consumer Culture.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Don't get taken for a ride by big business. You can go your own way.
Frugal Queen in France
We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
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I hate the way it can make me look at my home as if it is ugly because i worry what people think when they come over. It has taken a lot of work to stop myself from buying things to make my home pleasing for others. Becoming grateful for what I have and taking pride in my home has been so worth it ❤.
You have a caring and considerate personality which is beautiful
My life has been believing I visit an individual not their home. You enjoy and have for yourself not for other eyes :-) you sound like a wonderful human,
Concern and compassion for others ends where you are comfortable in your own home. It is your HOME. For me, I have an amazing assortment of equipment for quilting, including a 15 ft long arm quilting frame, and no furniture in my living room. I don't need it, and I do need the space for my equipment. My friends come over for lunch every Sunday, and I do have a lovely dining room, but if anyone cares to criticize my lack of furniture, they are welcome to leave at any time.
The other side of it, is that when I have guests, they are amazed at the artwork that I am creating and fascinated by the machinery that creates it. So it's a win all around, really.
I used to feel that way. But now in my mid 70s, I'm not trying to impress anyone with my hostessing skills. 😅 My friends and family love me as I am and my adult children are relieved that I am healthy and independent and have a lot of interests. Life is good and I am content.
Dont worry about it. If you ask people, they havent noticed the things you are concerned about.
We live in rural WV, in the USA. My husband works for a decent living, but we have four kids. I stay home and save us money by cooking most things from scratch, canning, taking care of the kids (instead of daycare), hanging the laundry, mending some clothing and stuffed animals, etc. and finding free entertainment. I'm a nurse, but we make enough to live, save, and invest in retirement, so we've decided the only reason for more money would be to buy more things, which aren't needed, so I'd much rather put my time and effort back into the home and family. I know it's a privilege to be able to do so, and I'm grateful for it.
I've talked to my brother about baking bread, and his response is, "you know you can just buy that, right?" 😂 Growing up my mom used to tell me, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and we'd just figure it out. I'd rather use and teach our children creativity.
You’re building a better life with your hands
I'm from WV too !! You must be my "twin" from another mother . LOL !!! I was also an RN, but chose to stay home to raise my family (4 children) and take be available to take care of my elderly parents. I think a lot of us West Virginian's have good common sense and values!! ps: Our children are now all grown , with 17 grandchildren, and my husband and I are now retired.
Your Mum sounds like mine. My brother and I ate the meals as they were presented and never anything in between. We still grew - He to 6’5”, me (a girl) 5’10”
@@luella2897 o wow! That's really cool. I bet I could learn a lot from you. Good job raising a wonderful family ❤️
❤
My daughters co workers are amazed that we both cook from scratch, they really can't be bothered to cook and bake, yet they constantly complain about not having any money, she cooks a full breakfast for the drivers and staff once a month on a portable grill. Before they use to order doughnuts so she offered to cook and the company pay for the supplies, everyone lines up for the food, I usually send in some dessert. Some of the drivers have never tasted real food cooked by a person not a fast food joint !!! it's sad really when you consider these people have children !
It’s a shame, they’re not doing themselves any good
Consumerism addicts suck other people in. New Car, New ‘Things’ I’m a recovering consumerism addict! Coffee come with me in a flask, food comes with me in a box.
It’s hard recovering, but trying my best.
I wish you well
Excellent advice! Your hair left down is beautiful!
Jane, your hair is so lovely down! Thank you for the video!
Consumerism causes so much anxiety and depression as well. We are raising five children on one income, I homeschool them and my husband is a nurse. The culture wants you to think your children need this or that or to go on this trip, what they need is love and time form their parents. 🧡 All these kids on phones and not spending time outside is very sad and will have lasting effects.
It does take a certain amount of courage to live against the grain, but it’s so worth it.
You’re giving your children a great future
We homeschooled our children & one huge benefit was that they were away from peer pressure. That was great. This comment was for the comment above, sorry.
@@marty9011 Yes, we started homeschooling during lockdowns and just kept going, and one HUGE unexpected benefit has been that my children aren't spending six hours a day having their clothes/appearance critiqued by their peers. (They do spend time with friends and at sports, but no one is expected to look perfect for that, thank goodness).
❤
Consumerism has caused problems in so many areas of life. I’m 80 and just completed my first “no buy” month! It feels so good that I’m going for another month!! Thanks for the encouraging videos reminding us that we don’t need all that stuff!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Jane and Mike. I rejected consumerism years ago. I wear no makeup or have any fancy regime to cleanse it face...soap and warm water is all you need, plus sunshine. I buy only what i need, and if food has more than 3 ingredients I leave it on the shelf. I feel fit and well and i take my dog for a long walk every day. Companies wouldn't get much profit from me 😂😂
Thanks for sharing!!
I find supermarkets overwhelming these days.
The real food is disappearing and everything else is precut, precooked and packaged.
They're peddling poison
I grew up in the 70s, too and "childrens spa day" was a bubble bath and then your mom washing your hair at the kitchen sink. If it was a special occasion , she'd set it in rollers before bed. Most weeks though, after washing our hair and combing it out, we'd take turns parting each other's hair into sections, drying it, a touch of pomade for moisture and then braid it. My oh my, how times have changed.
I'm actually sad for today's youth. Their lives are overly complicated.
I am too
Stuff is a distraction. Too much stuff is a constant distraction. When in my early twenties I managed to find a cabin on a mountain to use/live in. No power, no tap with water, outhouse, woodstove, only access was to hike in. Nothing else. There and then I learned about what is needed. It changed my life in the best way possible!
Sounds great to me
Yes! Love this. I tell my kids that we had the water fountain and no snacks at school and they can not believe it. The easy, convenient, consumer life has made us lazy, fat, and lacking important skills. Very thought provoking-thank you.
Thanks Amy
I forgot about the water fountain. There was always that big bully kid who would jam there head in there and the rest had to wait. Then you got two gulps (if lucky) before the teacher shouted at you. Don't know whether to laugh or cry😂😭
For the folks who need to know what it is to sweat, and work, and live a basic life. I have a huge to do list for spring and am willing to generously share it...😅😅😅. I just came in from hanging my sheets outdoors, because today we are not raining or snowing, and lucky us, it's 38 degrees. We are having salad, with our chicken and a selection of vegetable from my canning jars. I am frustrated with dying my hair and having gray roots showing in 2 weeks. I paid $32 for a longer lasting dye kit, and my body's gray is winning out. They added some brown to my dye kit last month to help my auburn stay longer. Well in the mirror I am a brunette for the first time in my life. Nope! I was letting my ego make me dye my hair to it red orgins, and now that isn't working. I am done! My gray will grow out and that will be it. I will gladly cut away the brown, which isn't mine and be done. And yes Jane the pressures of commercialism, and convenience has taken over. We are frequently locked down upon by family due to choosing the hard life. Well guess what, we are the only ones not on anxiety/antidepressants, asthma meds,or cholesterol meds, nor are we pre-diabetic. We didn't get the 19 that most of our family did get. We don't get seasonal respiratory infections, nor the flu. We garden, can, dehydrate, freeze dry, and freeze our stores for off season. We shop sales and stock up for 6 months at a time to keep costs down. We split and stack our own firewood, and use 2 woodstoves for primary heating. On wet days outside if laundry is needed, I use indoor foldable racks to dry our laundry on. I only do laundry when it is a washer load. And I have a very efficient dishwasher, but I only run when full, usually twice a week. I cook large meals and we eat from them for a couple of days. We have no issues with leftovers and we plan meals around what we have on hand, and is needing to get used, by date. I never decide a menu, and then go shopping for it, whether in season or not. 90% of our groceries are bought seasonally, and more than 50% of that is reduced or clearance priced. We have lived this way for years. And now being retired on a fixed income, and continuing to do this, it allows us to save money for other things that we need and a few wants too. I feel wasteful when we eat out. I know that 70% of that meals cost is overhead. I would rather buy a nice cut of meat reduced and save it for a special meal in the future. We just got a special bottle of wine, 75% below cost, and we are putting it aside for our valentines meal.. whatever day we choose to celebrate 🍾 our love.
This video has made me laugh lots Jane. Ask mum for a biscuit before dinner unthinkable! I remember asking mum to buy Milky Ways because “they don’t fill you up” Mum’s reply was “then what’s the point”. Thank you for a great video that bought back lots of memories x
Love that!
Hi Jane. I remember Mum telling me that dinner was at 6pm when Dad came home. We had penny sweets once a week on payday, none if money was tight. I was having this conversation with my girls and Hubby at Christmas. I was asking at what point we started to believe we needed all this stuff, as we were queueing to buy another plastic box to store it in! I said how come we need more boxes every new year? We are now going through them all and clearing out the clutter we have been led to believe we needed over the years. I crave a simpler life.
We crave it too
Hi Jane and Mike. I too grew up in the 70's and from that time to this, I'm convinced that consumerism has served to increase anxiety and depression fueled by forced competition with the "Jones's" People have lost self-confidence that no matter what they make or do, it's never enough. After all, who can be truly happy if nothing they do is ever good enough?
Profound and true
Totally agree! So succinctly put x
Loved your comment about wasing face with a flannel and sent on your way.😂
That was our spa treatment
As a child, we ate a handful of Cheerios as an afternoon snack😊. However I am elderly+ don’t drive, so a streaming service is great value for me if I can’t find an item at the grocery store. Items are delivered directly to my apartment door. I have a ride weekly to the market+ medical appointments though. I am careful to order only what I actually need, not what I want.
It’s a shame there are not more community services to include you in life beyond your door.
Buying convenience foods takes away the feeling of accomplishment too, doesn't it? I just made some scones for the first time this morning and if they are supposed to be light and fluffy (I've never eaten them before), then they were a success.
It’s really important for our mental well being that we make things for ourselves
At my stage of life, I value relationships over the pursuit of more stuff.
A line from the Beatles "And Your Bird Can Sing":
"When your prized possessions start to weigh you down, look in my direction, I'll be 'round."😊
Great advice. As I get older and am in the process of Swedish Death Cleaning I constantly ask myself why did I feel the need to buy some of the things I have? Shopping was my main form of entertainment but thankfully that ended a few years back. Now my entertainment is selling the stuff! Like your hair!
Good advice
This was a great video. I discovered yesterday while meeting with a group of women to make charity quilts and who have grandchildren that certain companies are selling lines of make up for children. I was shocked. I also remember growing up in England in the 50’s, 60’s your mum wetting a flannel and rubbing it around your face. If you got a dirty face when you were out, it was a bit of spit on a handkerchief. There were never snacks. If there were bananas around the were for pudding or dessert. Maybe once in a while a bag of (small bag) crisps for a treat depending on the occasion. I don’t understand why everyone runs around sipping coffee. My husband does but he always makes his coffee at home.
Great memories
You are so right! I cook from scratch 90 percent of the time, I am retired and have plenty of time. I was 13 in 1970 and boy you hit the nail on it's ;head in your description of what it was like back then. My mom raised 3 of us all on her own, many times working 2 jobs. So Extras were seldom.
Wonderful!
I would call myself a moderate minimalist. Since I am not trying to buy lots of items, whenever I go into a store there is a feeling of overload. Most of the time I am able to leave the store quickly rather than linger. That helps both to save time and money.
I feel the same way. I get the feeling of overload in stores and even in some of my friends homes. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Jane and Mike greetings from Scotland. I used to work in a charity shop until I took early retirement and what an eye opener that was. The amount of stuff (not just clothing ) that was donated with the tags still on it was staggering and it wasn't an affluent area. Connsumerism is a sickness that causes so many other diseases as people stress and worry to try to keep up with friends and peers. I've been guilty in the past of over consuming but since retirement I've turned my back on all the pressures society puts on us and I honestly have never been happier or more content.
Love your channel. ❤
Thanks Lynn. Not something seen or done here in France. Clothes in charity shops here are tatty and very worn, over priced and I won't buy them.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thats a shame because you can really get good bargains and on new stuff too. I love that your attitude to frugality is same as mine and I have still learned a lot from your videos . Have a great day 😊
Recently it was brought to my attention that the word “evil” spelled backwards is live… perhaps the true definition of living backwards is our current and growing state of consumerism. Thoughts to ponder. Thank you Jane and Mike for being authentic in life.
Thanks, there's nothing good about rampant capitalism
Whenever I see someone with loads of makeup, I wonder how they really feel about themselves. The most beautiful, inside and outside, people I know accept their appearance as who they are and are far more interested in worthwhile ideas and other people's needs.
It can be vanity, fashion, insecurity, social pressure but character is what makes people beautiful
I wonder how women see beyond those massive, thick, fake lashes!! They look like the Muppets to me!!
I don’t know how I managed to watch this whole video without pausing to post a comment actually, but I have to say, and most EMPHATICALLY that I am in 100% agreement with your entire content !!! I am 72, and have been frugal all my life …. because I could see the writing on the wall from being a child that mass consumerism is a path to nowhere, and here we are with finite resources on that ever downward spiral. We do all the things you and Mike do yourself, and are a zillion good benefits for it. In fact, the further through life I go, the more I am able to improve our lives by being REAL ! Congratulations to you both. I admire and applaud that you have said it straight. Thank you ❤
Thanks for your feedback
Consumerism, in my opinion, is much of what is wrong with the world. I do get tired of being the brunt of derogatory comments about how I don't have this or that, don't keep up with the latest fashions, and don't wear makeup, but I'm debt-free and most of those making comments are not! Sometimes I wish I could find some like-minded people to get together with face-to-face, but I'm mostly an introvert and enjoy online communities like your channel. Thank you for being practical. I relate to what you say.
Must laugh about 1970s water fountains because mononucleosis was spreading through my school when I was young, and it was determined that the students putting their mouths on the water fountain because the water pressure was so low was the likely cause. 😅
You always make me smile as this is how I grew up, too.
Thanks
I remember in the 90’s shopping at the mall and so much was all of a sudden available- alarms went off in my head that I couldn’t buy it all - had no room for it all and I shut down somewhat. My folks also died and we had to clean out their stuff. I knew I didn’t want to deal with stuff nor leave it for our sons.
Thanks
Back in my early 20s I was burgled and the thieves stole almost all my possessions and at that point I realised that 'stuff' was just an illusion of security. I'm now in my 70s but have often thought that if I ever met the thieves I would thanks them because since that day I have rejected consumerism and still do. I buy what I need and pay for quality over quantity. I wear clothes until they're rags and haven't worn a scrap of makeup in almost 40 years. I wear my hair long and haven't been to a hairdresser for 40 years either. Thanks for a thought provoking video once again. Have you ever walked into a shop and looked around you and asked yourself the question 'Who the heck buys all this rubbish?'
I often think that.
Consumerism has ruined us in many ways. The younger generations cannot cope with any kind of struggle because all they know is instant gratification. Love your videos!🤗💗
Lack of resilience is a huge problem
I agree, I believe that is why there are so many people in the US today dependent on anti depressants and other drugs as they can’t cope with real life’s ups and downs.
The meal deliveries my coworkers have are incredibly expensive. A girl last week paid $60.00 US for some mexican fast food to be dropped off. Another has her spouse bring her take out every work day. Both of these women have to work all the overtime they can get and still complain about their financial problems. I can't imagine living that way. I would much rather eat leftovers than have all that stress.
Bring a sandwich and an apple
We are starting early retirement this year. My number one problem is an Amazon shopping addiction 😂. I’ve deleted my account. And make a list for my husband to buy when we need things. Also, no more buying books. I use the library! Making our own bread and going to the Dollar Store for things like cards and wrapping g paper. Small steps but it makes me feel better 😊
You're making great progress
I agree completely with you. You and I are the same age, retired, out of debt, no mortgage, nothing. Like you, rarely wear makeup anymore...I feel like a clown when I do. Now it feels like I am fake and insecure when I do. I was a snob during my working years. Nothing but the best high-end clothes, cars, trips, makeup and home. What a waste of money. I felt I deserved it. Wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars. It didn't make me happy. My simple self-sufficient life makes me happy and healthier than I was in my 30's and 40's. Don't even get me started on Christmas. Why do people celebrate if they are not a Christian? Also, why exchange gifts at Christmas when it's not your birthday? I celebrate the birth of Christ, but why do we feel the pressure to give gifts to those who don't believe? Again, waste of money. Thank you for your channel. :)
Thanks for your reply
Consumerism is definitely ruining people's lives! Just this week I got a text message asking me to spend 298 dollars ( plus taxes on) on skin care in order to receive a few "free gifts". Being in my early 40s I do think about skin care etc and am tempted but you make so many valid points in your video! Unrealistic expectations of what we are "supposed to look like" are all around us and I see it with my students too. We live on an old homestead and are trying to make it work here is Eastern Canada but it is not easy. We had 32 chickens but lost nearly all of them to a weasel or mink. We hope to instill homesteaders values in our three young children's lives. ❤ Thank you for your videos, God bless you
That’s why we won’t have chickens, lots of pine martens here.
Spot on!! The snack industry is out of control. People are so worried about their weight, STOP SNACKING. And these over the top esthetic videos, or restocking videos with a dozen single use snack items beautifully stored in acrylic containers to make moms feel they need a pantry full of fancy snack items or their kids will suffer..... ugh!
Blimey! Those restocking ideas of endless packets of junk
my thoughts exactly. All that sugar, salt, fat and additives. And all that single use plastic!!
I know I can live without streaming services but what I decided to do is to cancel all of them except one and I rotate between them so I can watch the movies and shows that I want. The great thing is that once you cancel they send you offers and even free trials to rejoin. When I had 10+ streaming services I wasn't even able to use them all so one at a time works best for me.
Do you have charity shops? Ours sell 10 DVDs for 5€ so we watch movies then give them away
Consumerism makes our life different. Some things better, some worse and that can depend on whether you have money to participate in it or not. I’m glad we have more choice now and that my kids have more choices than I did growing up. Some of those choices (like having a mobile phone) provide us some peace of mind in a world that is so different from the work I was a child in.
Your best comment was ‘it’s up to us whether we participate and what pieces of consumerism we participate in’. Like personal finance, consumerism is our personal choice.
Loving the jumpers you’ve been wearing lately - esp the red one.
Thanks
Absolutely agree. We should all be choosing the alternative. For us, the biggest problem issue is that consumerism is destroying the planet as well as our lives.
I recently read where someone was embracing less consumerism by buying only 3 garments a month! Geez that might be my garment purchases for the whole year. Last year I bought 2 new bras, a pair of shoes, 2 pair of socks, and one shirt. I sew my own clothes.
My main expense for the garden this year will be 3 yards of compost delivered so I can grow more vegetables. One friend said I was compulsive because I do so much. Oh well, it suits me. I watch your channel because it validates my fears of spending money I will need later. We have a Ponzi scheme going but the younger generation isn’t providing the necessary children to feed the system. Not going to end well for anyone
Thanks for your reply
To answer your query, consumerism has not only not improved our lives, it has made them considerably worse.
I saw a headline for an article today about what is "in" for 2024 for home decor and didn't bother looking at it as what I have is perfectly sufficient for my needs. Consumerism definitely hasn't made our lives better, it has just lead to more and more waste going to landfill. You look so glamorous with your hair down Jane!
Consumerism is a snowball, i totally agree with everything you say, some people haven't woke up yet.
You give great advice in all of your videos...but this is the best one of all. I don't know how anyone can believe that debt and poverty is "easy".
So true!
When I was in primary school we were given milk and an apple at recess. If it was summer upwards of 40degrees we were given a sunny boy ice block. All supplied by the school. After school a tablespoon of Miloor a piece of fruit for our snack and then dinner at 5.30pm. This was in the 50s and early 60s. I wear make up everyday because I like it not to impress and I get dressed in something nice also. We stay home most days working around our home 🏡. My husband cooks because he loves too and I have baking days where I make pies etc for our freezer. Thankyou Jane . I also believe love what you have and be content. Don't ever compare you life to others as each is unique. ❤
Thanks Freda
Yes to real food and real food. Snacks are mostly overly processed and empty calories. No make here either, Jane. It is just an extra expense. Children's spa days? I haven't had one nor want one. We do not have streaming services either.
These posts on Facebook on going to the store for milk and returing home with $200 worth of things were an eye opener too ...
Thank you for your beautiful video, Jane!
Thanks Luba
I subscribe to one music service, my choice of music at home and in the car with no adverts, no presenters and no news reports so I enjoy it. I do not have a television,. I do not stream films, t.v. or sports.
Thanks
Your 1 service is exactly what frugality is & is admirable. Cutting out what means the least to u, so u can have what is meaningful to u.
I love yr enthusiasm for having what brings u pleasure!
I like to think I have one foot in nature and the other in progress that would be good for our family. I believe in doing all I can to save money.. canning freezing and hanging my clothes inside the home and outside. I don’t like getting wrapped up into too much media, unless it’s sites that I learn from. You and Mike are very good and blunt.. I like this very much!❤
Thanks for sharing!
KS here. I gave up consumerism years ago. I'm over 70, and spend time doing sewing, canning, etc. although I'm slowing down on that canning, and my produce comes from local markets now. I have worn makeup (foundation) once in January. I have no processed food or cleaners in my house. That has allowed me to live comfortably on very little. I agree with you, keep educating the public.
Thanks so much
I was born in 1954. Consumerism after the war did make lives better. At least for awhile. So many new and exciting things came the market. For the most people purchased things because they needed them not for the sake of buying. Then came easy credit. Then the recessions of the 70s where both parents worked. The corporations feed on giving us convenience, Then came the malls for our kids to hang out in. . It was a time of consumeristic frenzy. It has taken a good 45 years for the reversal but it is happening. You and Mike are a good examples . We look at our purchases in a whole new way.now.
You are so right! Thank you for these reminders! I live in the USA
You are so welcome!
You are so right: capitalism/consumerism has caused many problems. People come first, not things.Thanks for the reminder Jane and Mike!
Very true
My husband grew up getting almost whatever he wanted, and now he sees frivolous things that he thinks I might enjoy and asks me if I "need" them. I dont even want them, let alone need them! Our house is already full of junk that he "needed" before we got married. 🙄 He's finally getting better about not buying everything he wants, but it hasn't been easy teaching him about frugality and saving up for things we genuinely need and want.
Thanks
We have freeview tv and i enjoy youtube, people telling you about their lives through vlogs like yours.
Thanks Elaine
Very true Jane. Consumerism is out of control! I don’t use food, or supermarket delivery services. I want to pick my own food off the shelves. No streaming services either. We find dvds at charity shops for pennies.
It’s making us as humans fat, and lazy, and as you say, manufacturers don’t care. They just want your money. Thanks to you and Mike for thought provoking video🇬🇧
Thanks for sharing
We have never had streaming services or cable of any kind.
We do have a dvd player and a library card. That seems to suffice. Or we read or talk the evening away.
Our beauty regime as a kid was to go outside in the fresh air and muck around in the lake or the dirt. Not much has changed for me - lol
Thanks for your reply
No, it has created a false need and covet desires within all people. Jealousy abounds and disrespect results replacing envy with trust and a greedy outlook toward others. Let us learn to love and respect one another and not continue to desire what is presented as the ultimate need which once achieved is not desirable not what you thought you wanted.
Thanks for your feedback
UGH consumerism. Your points in all areas are so valid. My husband an I are simple people. No buying coffee out and about for us or the like. I do however shop online a lot for the things I need. I HATE shopping in stores....if I can't be in and out in a hurry I steer clear lol. So tired of the superficial lifestyles of keeping up with the Jones' If people only knew the freedom when you are debt free.
Thanks for watching
A friend told me there is a added tip at Restaurant s on top of the tip that people can voluntarily give , I personally think it is rude to expect people to pay extra 😮 for service that it is expected.
I thrift pretty must everything ,,and feel Great that I am recycling .
We need to “keep it simple “ and not fall for the guilt that business dump on us …
We are getting pampered too much ,then we can’t solve a problem because everything is at our finger tips .Great Video Jane Thanks again ❤🎉
Thanks Cathy
Absolutely spot on Jane. I watch some of my grandkids...not all..but some are on the consumerism merry-go-round and I fear when they fall off it will be devastating for them financially. Keep speaking the truth. You are much appreciated!
You’re right it is devastating
Consumerism and the false marketing spiels that drive rampant consumption are a never-ending thief to those who seek external validation. I am so grateful to have grown up in a household for whom authenticity, kindness and character was of far more priority than consumption. My parent's both grew up during the second world war, life was challenging and hard work and working together overcame a lack of resources and/or money. Entertainment was homegrown and no one needed to be sophisticated to be valued. Thank you for your brilliant messages. ❤ from Australia 🦘
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
Well said! My sentiments exactly Jane. I like antiques in my home, but am trying to find them on Craigslist or other creative ways. Some shops are so expensive! You have hit all of your points head on I totally agree.
Great idea!
You made me think of the Scottish show "Still Game". One of the long-running gags on the show is the little electric space heater in the one retiree's apartment. When he is feeling extravagant, he turns the heat up the entire "3 bars". 😂
I love that show
@@FrugalQueeninFrance It's a classic 👌
❤ I do like some convenient things like curb side pickups. Once in a while I have to order something very specific from a specific store and I like having the ability to order online and do curbside pickup just so I don't have to go in and be tempted to purchase something else while I'm there. It saves me time and money! I do have a streaming service that I got for only $5 month and I take it out of my entertainment budget. I have been battling cancer for the last year and unfortunately some days I'm so sick I can't do anything but sit and watch tv or do word searches. I go out whenever I'm feeling good and walk or just dabble in the garden but the days I'm not feeling quite up to par TV helps me not think about feeling bad. Otherwise we already do pretty much everything else you mentioned EXCEPT that ice bath thing. NOPE! NOT HAPPENING! We live in the north east part of the USA and its cold enough that if i want to get cold I'll go to the chicken coop without my jacket on for my challenge LOL 😂.
Prayers and peace to all out there! God bless!!
Thanks so much
Hi Jane and Mike we to live in France, south West.
In a small hamlet in the middle of country side.
There’s no bus, no corner shop, no take a ways
I buy all the basic food in bulk as if we do run out of anything we do without that’s just the way it is.
We garden, read books, watch bit of Telly ( mostly in the winter )
I’ve begun doodling, drawing, ect.
We enjoy our lives more and more without consummation.XX
You have a great life
Oh, can't wait to watch this one!
I hate consumerism but find that I have been partaking in it especially around the holidays. Now that the holidays are over we are back to basics. I have recently had back surgery and am recuperating from that. I want to make sourdough and other types of homemade bread. Jane your hair is lovely worn down. Thank you for your beautiful videos.
Thanks for watching
Love your videos. I grew up in the 70’s, ‘what’s for dinner mum?’ was answered with ‘air pie and a run round’ 😅. We try to live as frugally as possible and try to instil the same in our boys (not easy) x
Thanks for sharing!!
I was laughing so much at your out the door with a marmite sandwich quote…. I came home from school to bread and butter and a chivers jelly pot in the 70’s as my main meal was at lunch…. Or an orange sliced between bread and butter….. which is actually delish and was my pregnancy craving. Strange how much healthier we were tho! 😂😂😂😂
I actually have a picture of my Mum washing my face when we were camping, when I was about three years old. You can clearly see I was not happy with that wet cloth on my face while my Mum was laughing. The only beauty routine I had when I was a child was at Christmas when my Mum did my hair in pokey rollers with pokey picks so I could have nice curls in the morning. It was a horrible sleep.
Still great memories
I hated those rollers, it felt like my mom was trying to stab the pick through my head.
@@laurithomasson6979 torture lol
My mum had a set of heated rollers in the 70s and she would curl my hair for the occasional birthday party ( where we came home with a slice of cake and not a themed birthday bag in sight). The snacking culture has led to an enormous increase in roadside verge littering which is so upsetting. Simple life for me - well said Jane.
That was great thanks for the tips !!!
Glad it was helpful!
I smiled when you mentioned your mother. She sounds just like mine. We never had crisps etc. food was home cooked, plentiful and delicious. Cans of Coke etc? Never. I don’t remember ever feeling hungry and mealtime was family time. Even now I would never buy pastry and always think of Mother teaching me and chatting at the same time. Happy memories. (Is there anything as disgusting as packet stuffing?). Thanks for reminding us of mindful living. X
Thank you for watching and commenting
It has not made life better.
I miss kindness and trust.
A world of caring about others and their wellbeing is missed by me.
When I leave my home, I truly try to be in my best behavior to be kind and show compassion and caring to others that my path encounters.
Consumerism encourages one to only think of oneself. I like a village concept where everyone participates and cultivates all things.
We agree with each other
We rarely eat out I cook whole food from scratch my home decor would be considered outdated but I don’t really care about others opinions I like it and am quite happy . This was a great video 😊
Thanks for sharing!! Our house is purposefully old fashioned
I feel sorry for young people today. My generation (X) had a proper childhood with innocence. I feel like that's gone today.
Thanks
It depends which hat I am wearing.. Its good for the society, consumerism brings in the money, from keeping people in the workforce, to the taxes that benefit you in the other end. For the consumer spending money on things they dont need, or even buying rubbish on line from the other side of the world, no. I try to shop responsibly, if I can afford it. Preferably I can find what I need second hand. Still doing the max 5 items of clothing challenge per year. I normally dont buy so much anyway. And again pre-loved is "allowed". Good for the environment and good for the wallet 🙂
The money always goes up, neither sideways or around. Those handing over money are in slavery to consumerism.
You look very pretty with your hair down. I believe consumerism has made us all lazy. Sometimes we do need delivery services for the disabled and the elderly. My husband and I are both elderly. He is disabled but I am still strong so I do shopping on my own. But I know that someday I will have to use Delivery services when I no longer able to shop for myself
I think consumerism just stresses us out
Yes Jane!!! I COMPLETELY agree!
Thank you, Jane! The consumerism frenzy doesn’t seem to have a limit does it. In 2007 my personal economy crashed. Left an abusive relationship with my 3 children and a suitcase. We were extremely fortunate that my parents could take us in. I’ve cleaned houses since to support us although all 3 children are married and doing well. It was a hard lesson but killed consumerism for me. It has taught us all so many valuable lessons that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’ve always had a garden but this year I’m doing a deep dive lol. Produce can be shared but the physical and mental benefits are why I’m doing it. Thank you for holding me accountable. Cheers, Janina from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
It was good honest work, I cleaned holiday caravans when we needed the money
💖💖💖
Comparison and consumerism are the two things to avoid..I could go on at length but don't feel the need..I learnt many years ago to be happy with my own space and not to compare my circumstances along other people's goals..😁💕
Great point!
Hello! Your words are so true, some of ud expect things to be done for us today..some have lost the ability to research, plan, create and wait. The generation growing up now are expected to be less well off financially than us and their parents. There is a challenge to them to learn, be ingenious and they could really do with seeing your channel in years to come!
Thanks for leaving a reply
Wise words 👏🏻
Thanks
👍👍👍
Another example. People buy softener that smells chemical, is a danger for their skin, bad in sewage and for the natur, expensive, only for the feeling of soft towels. And then buy massage brushes to make their skin shiny ( a "hard" towel would have the same effect).
People buy fully automatic coffee makers ( dont know the correct word) for nearly 1300€, instead of a filter a flask and kettle ( with two flakes you can also tee for the hole day) for less then 100€.
Great video and content as always Jane and Mike.
Blessings from Bavaria Germany
The snacking comment made me laugh, we didn't have snacks and, like your experience, my mum would glance at her watch and remind me that she'd cooked /was cooking dinner and I was expected to eat it and didn't need filling up beforehand! I make several loads of bread a week, as well as occasional cakes and biscuits. I have a growing teen son and he knows where my baking is stored, plus there's always a big tub of yogurt in the fridge and fruit and veg. I do, however, wear make-up, but it's a very quick 5 minutes in the morning /if going out. I have suffered from serious body image problems/eating issues in the past, and it's just something I feel more comfortable doing. I am a minimalist in my routines. Not sure about whether consumerism has made lives better; I see it as yet another way to divide an already pressured society into haves and have nots, to increase the burden of guilt on those already struggling, but that's probably a very simplistic view. It is something I feel very strongly about.
Thanks Corrine
It’s funny that you say don’t bother with snacks. My 5yo son goes to school in Australia and this year it is required to send a fruit snack which they call crunch and sip, recess snack and lunch! I can’t get fruit under $5 per kilo here and having to supply fresh things 5 days per week is a struggle that I can’t get around! I’ve just found a local supplier that offer an ugly fruit box for $45 for a 12kilo box. This might be a way forward if that will stretch the fortnight.
If they require anything, they should provide it!!
Well said my friend ❤I laugh at the many young people who have 20 pulse make up items that they put on their face they will do a make up tutorial on how to do a natural makeup look 😂😂now how silly is that they also will use under eye patches they feel like they are pampering themselves most of these young people are not even 25 years old I will be 50 toward the end of May and I have never put on an under eye patch for one thing I’m afraid of what is in it to be putting so close to my eye 😂😂or they all will use the term self care 😂😂😂😂in my day it was always known as personal hygiene which must be done daily 🤷🏽♀️I don’t know maybe I shouldn’t laugh about it because a lot of people are truly influenced by these things
They are suckers to consumerism
Great video
Thanks!
Love your hair. Very beautiful. Great video. Love real living. Making, creating with hands, mind and body. Use the whole body. Rejection of fake is beautiful.
Well said!
Hi, I really enjoy your posts. Consumerism drives so many parts of our lives. The poorer I've gotten, the more I realize all the money I spent on unnecessary things. It is forcing me to pay close attention to everything I spend. I've re-evaluated where I want to spend my time, also. I quit a full-time job because it was hurting my health. It has given me time to focus on my grown children's very real needs. Hope I can get things squared away and find a job soon.
Good luck Chris
Consumerism makes people feel bad about themselves. Period. I was ok with it because I worked, we live in an upper middle class suburb, and we could afford the “extras” for out kids. After I became disabled, I realized how shallow that lifestyle is. I feel i have more authentic relationships now, if way less money and personal autonomy. My family relationships are healthier. Thank you for your channel. 💜
Thank you for watching
You are on fire today!!!!! Loved it!
😊 thank you
I Love this!! soooo True!! Sher.
Thank you
Jane, I love your new hairdo. You look 20 years younger. Congrats to a new transformation. You don't need to spend a lot of money to look good . DIY is a frugal way to cut and color hair. That's what I do all the time. We are in the same boat. Keep up your good content on youtube. You're an inspiration to us.
I’m the same person, my face is the same.
You’re voicing what I’ve been thinking about this week. The media talks about our toxic culture. But I say we don’t have to participate in it. So many things are available to us now and we need to choose what is best for ourselves not what others tell us we need. Where are people’s free will to do what is best for them. I reject the things of society I feel are toxic and choose what nurtures me instead. Jane you are always the voice of reason.
Thanks so much
Consumerism has definitely made our lives worse. I have used Vaseline for years at night around my eyes and lips to moisturize. I use a simple cleanser and don’t bother moisturizing unless I add a sunscreen. My fussy skin won’t tolerate those products. I do pay for Britbox and PBS because I’d never see my favorite British shows otherwise.
Thanks for sharing!!
Best talk ever, Jane!!!!!
Thank you