I'm running out of ways to say how much I appreciate your videos, but this was another great one. I own a LOT of tea mugs, so I box up all but about 6 of them and store the extras in a closet. When I feel the urge to buy a new mug, I go and open the box of mugs I already own and switch out the mugs. Literally feels like I got "new" mugs because I've likely forgotten what was in there, and I didn't spend a thing. Haven't purchased a new mug in over 2 years.
When my children were in school they held an auction to get materials for new playground equipment as what they had was several generations old! All the children were to contribute furniture, expensive purchased gift baskets and services from local businesses. I volunteered to iron a weeks worth of dress shirts as our contribution! It was well received and cost only the the electricity to heat my iron for about an hour. My husband offered to help with construction along with other Dads. My children loved it when it snowed in the evening! I would wake them when the snow fell and my husband and I would pull them around the neighborhood on their sleds while everyone else was asleep! There were always a few lights on and they loved being the first to make a path in the snow! I made hot cocoa at home then tucked them into bed! It cost nothing but they all remember it!
I watch you every morning, as it motivates me to keep living frugally. It’s easier to resist temptation, knowing that others have successfully embarked on cutting expenses and growing their savings. Thanks for another great video!
Thank you so much! Consumer culture has programmed us to feel that we can't enjoy our lives unless we're spending money, but your wonderful suggestions gently remind us of the utter fallacy of that narrow outlook. There's great freedom in creating rich lives while living frugally. And enormous satisfaction, as well. ❤️❤️❤️
I totally agree that advertising and what I call fake sales are all out there to encourage people to spend money they really do not have. I have a friend I see about once a week and every time I see her she is busy telling me about what she has bought. It’s usually nothing very expensive but the amount she buys all adds up to a large amount over the years. The other thing she is also always telling me is how long she needs to work before she can retire but she just doesn’t see that her constant spending is keeping her at work longer.
@@patmartin9727 I have a friend like that, too. She hates her job and wishes she could retire, but rejects frugality as the path to accomplishing her retirement dream. I believe that she's addicted to retail therapy. Makes me sad.
When I was a child people visited each other and talked, drank lemonade or coffee and sat on the porch while the kids played games in the yard or rode bikes.. We would share different foods from each other’s homes. Going to the park to walk, play or flying kites, having picnics.
Yes I agree Jane. My home is not a Mansion but it's ours and I am so thankful to have it. I don't "keep up with the Jones." I love watching your videos because you and taught me so much about being frugal and I am proud of being so. At present time I and my husband, Mike, are diligently working of becoming debt free and we are are about a year of accomplishing our goal. God Bless you and Michael.
There is no sweeter feeling than knowing you owe nobody a penny piece. Once you achieve this get a good emergency fund in place and set up sinking funds for your irregular bills. This will be your safety net and stop you getting back into debt. The peace of mind of knowing you can live on nearly nothing, live out of the pantry and freezer when money is tight.
The most special times growing up as a kid in the 70th and 80th, were the friday evenings. All week long we were only allowed tondrink tapwater. But friday night we got a glass of orangejuice and a litte bowl of crisps. Or the times my siblings and I got to sit in the kitchen where our mom baked pancakes. We took turns to help her and we allowed to eat from our plates on our laps. Great memories that didn't cost much. I also loved the walks we had in the woods where she convinced us children, that fairies lived there. She was and is a great storyteller. Thank you for your great content (again)!
I've given up a lot of consumerism, I don't spend much money at all on entertainment, I buy 3 t shirts a year to get me through summer, it started around 6 years ago, on no spend years, I use up what I have I can't say I've missed eating out or using shopping as something of a leisure time activity, my lifestyle is frugal, I've spent years decluttering, streamlining and simplfying this has extended to my work life I work part time now I don't need to work fulltime because I'm not spending, I look after my grandchildren . The one luxury is my caravan in North Wales I bought it second hand about 14 years ago and its given us lots of happy family holidays and continues to do so. xx
In Canada we do something called a "Pot luck dinner" where guests all bring one dish and everyone eats together. It is fun and not a lot of work for the hostess. the hostess provides the drinks and the dishes and a tidied up house. Sometimes the entree. This also saves on childcare costs because everyone can bring their children.
When I did travel, what made my life worth living was going home. My tip is to change the cushion covers with the seasons. They take very little space to store. My mother had winter and summer curtains too. It made the whole house feel different when she changed them. We children got that feeling of anticipation...It will soon be the school summer holidays and it would soon be Christmas. I now know the curtains were second hand or homemade and of considerable age, but they seemed new, bright and comforting.
Way before the pandemic I wanted to get more invoved in the life of my then village, so I ended up auditioning for the pantomime and volunteering at the local museum. Both were such nice ways to meet people, have fun, and feel like I was doing some good. I moved away from that village three and a half years ago, but I still go back and do those things because people there want me to! Another thing that has been really nice is inviting a friend who is a mother to young children to come stay for a little weekend break now and then, and I have been helping her with her sewing. She brings a project and I help walk her through it and fit it for her. She is growing much more confident in her skills, but we have a nice time as well. Helping others really does brighten everyone's day.
When my kids were young, to entertain them, in the summer we would visit the local school playground and pack a few sandwiches for and kool-aid and take an old sheet for a picnic. I usually packed raisins or bananas for a treat. We would go early before it got hot. They loved visiting playgrounds that they had never seen.😊😊
I love a good afternoon tea with my friends. We often go to each other's houses and sit down with tea & biscuits. So cheap, but thoroughly enjoyable. I 100% agree about the health advice here, especially mental health. Great video Jane, thanks for sharing.
I agree our mental health is very important. I feel mental health is improved by a change in our mindset. I live alone and am quiet happy doing that. I make sure I get out everyday unless the weather is really too bad, I usually go out in a morning and that sets the mood of my day.I may only go out for a walk or I may use some of the fun money I build into my budget to go and have a coffee either mon my own with my Book or a magazine for company or with a friend or I invite a friend over or visit her. I am grateful for what I have and I know that thanks to my frugal life style I have enough money to buy everything I need. It is so easy to sit at home getting more depressed telling myself how poor and deprived I am. Like your always telling use. If we have a home, cloths to wear and food to eat we are richer than half the world.
In out small area we have a bit of a barter system for skills going on. A few of the local widowers bring me their trousers to have the hems taken up, zippers replaced or buttons to be sewn onto shirts. I get paid in fresh caught fish that these gents have caught. My husband has a ride on mower. He mows the lawns of two of the homes nearby and the verge of five houses in the street. He or my son get to go out on neighbours boats to go fishing off the reef. Fruit and vegies, that are abundant at that time, go over the various fences. This adds to a sense of community engagement, and for everyones pantry having a bit of extra in them. It's good for all of us to know we care for each other and that everyone is keeping an eye on each other.
Amazing video Jane. The volunteering idea is excellent. My volunteering at the local food pantry has saved me as a single person living alone great people and there are occasionally leftovers that will go bad before the next Food Distribution so you can get leftover breads or other items. It is also a lot of fun
In our community the libraries have free programs about visiting other countries and also some how to programs. Like how to do simple sewing or how to start a small garden. All are free and will be helpful for everyone.
My mother was a good seamstress and quilter. She would take something old or something dated and make it into something different. A sheet turned into curtains or the backing on a quilt or sometimes part of the front. She liked quality materials. Large adult clothes sometime turned into children’s clothes. I loved the “ new dresses she made me”. We moved the furniture around a lot, sometimes some things to other rooms. We didn’t have anything fancy but mom made it a nice clean home with lots of love and laughter doing activities with he kids, playing, reading, cooking, baking, taking walks making ice cream . She was a great teacher, lots of patience for the little kids. We always had friends over.
your great video reminded me of our family mom, dad, my brother and me riding our bikes together on weekends. Great healthy fun that cost nothing, and created great memories. ❤ 🇨🇦
I live in Iowa in the US. One thing that is free to everybody is to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets. We've had some of the most beautiful sunsets lately which are breath taking. I find it comforting in my home when I appreciate having a nice bed and warm covers at night.
This might be my favorite video of yours. I wish there were more people like you in this world or that I could get my boyfriend to think more along these lines. Volunteering is a huge benefit to me to create community.
Thank you for a great video. Before all my friends emigrated, we used to get together and do a bring and share for lunch. for redecorating, I move things around the house from room to room, even furniture at times, so that it looks like a newly decorated room without spending money. And for a floral arrangement I go and pick some flowers from the garden, I even give home grown flowers to people for their birthdays, re-use a jam jar for the vase and tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar. I am driving a 5 year old car that is well looked after so that it will last a long time. My husband and I did all our own renovations on the house, before he got very ill. When my daughters were younger, they would sew their clothes, and now as adults still use the sewing machine for their children. I would also re-cover our lounge suite to make it look like brand new and sew my curtains. We also use our left overs to the last crumb.
I’ve decided not to travel abroad in 2022 due to pandemic (I’m an nurse and worked on covid unit) so I’ve decided to take an overnight trip away each month so I visit somewhere new for such a lower cost. I’m always looking for free activities there. I love this video- it has such good content.
In British Columbia, Canada, we have many free/frugal options. We have beaches, parks, lakes, waterfalls and mountain so swimming, hiking, kayaking/canoeing/biking/picnics, walk along the boardwalk or relax on the piers etc. are frugal activities Not only do we have a great transportation system but people can buy a city passports (Vancouver) for a reasonable price that gives discounts into attractions, events, restaurants etc. There are also local festivals, events, museums and art galleries that are free. I am glad you mentioned about giving because I live in an apartment complex in which people put items they no longer want in the laundry room. After a few days, before management throws out, I will take the leftover items in good condition and donate them to a charity. Great video
Jane, I stumbled upon your video while watching some videos about how other countries are being affected by the rising prices of everything. (I'm in Canada) I really enjoyed all that you shared and appreciate your upbeat attitude. I do think there is pressure to spend and to live up to some imaginary standard and I'm glad to see you "normalizing the mundane". If everyday were like a carnival it would lose its appeal. There is much happiness and joy to be found in everyday life.
Another beautiful video supporting us all! My girl friends and I have been hosting "cafe at home", we take it in turns hosting brunch instead of going out, it costs almost nothing to whip up a batch of scones, make a fruit plate for the children and pop on the kettle compared to a dinner out, and we all have just as much fun.
Although I live in CALIFORNIA there are many things that are free: Museum or once a month they are free, gardens, parks love to go to Libraries to read magazines sometimes they have free lectures, art exhibits.
Loved ones often gift me coffee mugs and gourmet coffees. That creates quite a stockpile of mugs. My little grandchildren delight seeing me on video chat sipping coffee from the HUGE mug they gave me this past Christmas! So I'm going to sort out some of older my non-gifted mugs to donate to make room.
I live in the U.S. but made a British friend, and she introduced me to afternoon tea, and I'm so glad! I have started having afternoon tea with my American friends, and for pennies I can open my home and get so much enjoyment with a friend. It's also safe. Thanks for the great video and suggestions!
I grew up without eating out, would have 1 day out a year and maybe a cheap holiday in Britain if lucky. Yes we survived but it was boring and depressing. I didn't know as a child that there was an interesting world out there. So I find going for a coffee with hubby is so important for our wellbeing.
Yes! We can be resilient! thank you for another great video📹👍. Its good to think about what we have, and what is still possible! it makes us so much more resilient💪
Hello everyone : my word for the year is compassion - for oneself and for others . Part of that for me is recognizing and enjoying who we are, what we have , and living sustainably . This time can feel very restrictive . The weather is good in my part of the world at the moment so to lessen the feeling of restriction we spend as much time outside as we can . I’ve found table cloths we haven’t used in years and using them makes us feel special . We’ve also been “ shopping “ our house . We always use the same towels - out of habit - so we scrounged up some towels we haven’t used in years and it feels like we have new towels ! I also wanted a new bedcover for our room , I went around the house and found a plain coverlet and matched flower pillow covers we had for years and never used - we created a garden feeling with what we have . Love these videos which remind me to be grateful for all we have. Thanks !
We have a nationwide organization in the US called the Buy Nothing Project where groups form in communities. The goal is to be “in community” in geographical areas where nothing is purchased or sold. We give freely as well as wish for items needed or desired. It has been one of the best groups of generous and caring people I have ever been a part of. Love your videos and look forward to them!
You GO Girl! Happiness really does come from inside. It gets expressed in how we live regardless of our $. As you explain, there are ways to do it but takes a little effort and research. It is more than worth it
What an incredibly positive video, thank you. Your upbeat voice and smile really help lift things in what can otherwise be dark times where it is so easy to slip into feeling sorry for yourself. I wanted to echo your comments about volunteering. I moved to an area and left friends behind, and often felt rather isolated. I had volunteered in primary school when my son was smaller and picked it up again here. I got to meet a lot of parents at the school gates, chatting to adults again was really uplifting, not to mention the positivity from seeing a child learn something new or being thanked by a teacher for making a difference. I plan to start up again when my health improves as I have realised lately that there was something missing and my positivity was starting to slide. I am also making the effort to get outside more, sometimes for a walk or just standing in the sun with a cup of coffee (today, between showers!). I have found that making and giving cakes is not only a great way of making new friends but also provides an excuse for a chat with neighbours.
Loved the message in this video. So inspiring. My husband and I had afternoon tea at our neighbour's home this afternoon. Tea served in china and fresh home baked cookies. It was lovely! :)
In Debt and forced to be frugal, but I am having fun with it! I think I prefer to live the frugal life, we are using the food pantry to help us with food, love your videos by the way!🙏❤👍😊
The frugal ways you learn during your journey to become debt free will allow you to continue on the frugal path and build up an emergency fund, sinking funds and then a nice little saving pot for your future life.
Got given 9 old car tires from a friend that sales car tires I painted them with some old paint mixed 3 new colours painted 3 of each stacked them and planted them with free plants looking good, I love your frugal food ideas to save money Bx uk
I am 53 single my children are adult thank for the point of good mental health and voluntary work good ideas I need to socialise feel bit isolated thank you
Every school holidays I take my kids to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Art Gallery in Sydney where we live. We bring our own lunch but we usually buy a treat. An icecream for the kids and a coffee for me. It is a lovely day out and costs peanuts or nothing at all. By the way the gardens are different as the seasons change. We have our favourite art and look forward to the new exhibitions. And then we stroll around Sydney harbour for a walk. We are so lucky.
Jane, I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I find myself watching my favorites over and over again. They really help me stay sane in these tough times. I also love seeing your home, it comforts me for some reason. Thank you to you and Michael.
I have made red lentil "pancakes" from watching most of your videos. It is very interesting and informative in your life in France. You are definitely right in your approach to saving. Save as much as you can while you are still working. Because when you are fully retired - money goes out faster than it comes in. Mike's building skills are fabulous. All the work is much harder than people realize at least in my experience.
Great video .So much fun free things to do with children .You named so many great things .Older children so things like board games , nail care party at home , learning to sew together , book clubs with friends and family ,arts & crafts together or with friends Things to make your home more homey is fresh flowers from your garden ,making new pot holders and dish towels to go with each season , add family photos around the house and change them out each season, lighting a candle makes home so much better, gardening is very good for mental health and fun to see your flowers and veggies growing .So many great things to do at home without spending any money or very little Another great idea is sending friends and family cards and short notes to help keep in touch with other .I exchange post cards with friends all over the world and hang them up to enjoy since we can't travel at this time Thank u for your great video
Greetings from Georgia in the USA. Thank you so much for sharing such great videos. You always get me back on track if I feel myself back sliding. I love being home and always have. It’s the center of our lives and we always try to make it as cozy and welcoming as possible. Your ideas thoughts and tips are always on point for the frugal homemaker. Keep up the good work. I know this is very time consuming for you and your husband, so thanks ever so much. You and your home are lovely!
My word and focus for 2022 is contentment. A big help with this for me has been volunteer roles at my library and with Quilts of Valor making cards to accompany their quilt awards. Seeing smiling faces makes the world so much better.
Thank you for your ideas. I volunteer by reading stories on Zoom to people who cant socialise because of their health it's my way of giving and it is free. I love to feed the birds early in the day in the garden and if my spirits need lifting I often take metal polish and cloths and polish just one thing from inside the house and make it sparkly while sitting outside.
I happily do sewing, repairs and adjustments, for people in our village. I never charge for this, I enjoy helping. It does always seem to be elderly chaps with ripped trousers or, my nemesis, ZIPS!!!
One good thing we can do is give of our time freely..I babysit for my son and his wife and their friends children once a month free of charge so they can have a date night. Sometimes they just visit at one another's home...other times they go out..not paying a babysitter enables them to have a nicer time.
agree so much with your advices. We get so much of a more simple life. The simple moments with a cup of tea or coffee with family and friends, a walk in the park, a pic nic. I enjoy morning walks in the park and take pictures of flowers, plants, insects and look for information about them. Learn about nature. Also i practice chi kung and is very good to do it in the park, alone or with other. And also at home.
A great perspective and a really positive video. , i have many happy memories of doing free activities with my children. I love the library, walking, singing, drawing, and other activities and they can all be done on a no spend basis. Volunteering is great too.
Thanks for another great video 😁 with 2 small children we have frugal days out visit neighbouring towns and country parks, we take a picnic, explore and find new and exciting parks for them to play on, we do this year round whatever the weather (in UK). It costs us the price of fuel to get there (and occasionally parking) and the children and us have a lovely time in each other’s company!
Thank you for normalizing these times and reminding us that the best things in life really are free or almost. In a way, the pandemic was a rehearsal - in Canada we’ve just begun to open up again. Looking forward to the next one.
Oh thank you, thank you for all the things you said about behaviors you'd like to normalize!!! I wholeheartedly agree. Contentment lies in this way of thinking!!!
Thank you for sharing this. It was exactly what I needed to hear and think about. My spirits are lifted already. You transmit so much hope and positivity.
So many thoughts that are similar to what my husband & I have. Our group of friends have been meeting at local parks and bringing our lunches for an afternoon of conversation. We discovered our church has a lovely outdoor chapel in it's woods built by a local scout. It has a large firepit with free wood to have a cozy fire and chat!
My home is my nest. When I have a stressful day flying (I'm a flight attendant) I'm looking forward to sitting on my 15 year old $25 thrift store sofa with a nice book and a tea next to me.
re mental health - plants always give joy, a bird table outside the window or for those with no land a few bird seeds on a window sill, for the children you can make paper kites, cardboard boxes become dolls houses or dens bubbels can be made with wshing up liquid and an old piece of wire and then theres free cycle where you can pick up so much for free, furniture can be rejuvenated with left over paint, material or scraps of paper for decoupage. they can then be kept for your own house or sold on .
We are fortunate in owning our home, it gives contentment and security. I volunteer at our local hospital and love challenging myself to be more frugal too. 3.5 years retired and loving the simple life.
So true, Jane. You usually say the things I'd be saying if I had a TH-cam channel. Today, it was verbatim...completely and totally. So, I guess I should say thank you for speaking for me. No matter how much or how little I have at any one time, I'm very thankful for it, content with it and look for all the ways to use it to maintain my happiness, joy, peace, calm and contentment. It can always be worse, so we always have a reason to be thankful and joyous. Each if us always have something we can share others. I'm do glad you share your insights and wisdom with us. God bless you, dear! 😊
I buy a plushie or two at the thrift shop (Twenty-five cents each.) For my dogs and cats. We get hours of play time out of it! We go for walkies (Weather permitting) And I let the dogs sniff and lead the walk.
If you really need a change regarding your bedding/curtains etc. If there in good condition and have a few years life in them. Try Colour Dies by Coloron (I think that's the make) the washing machine ones work really well. Just make sure you follow the instructions!!!!!
Another great video Jane and Mike . I have been doing all of those things for a few years , I think you get to a point in your life when your mental health should come first , now my children are teenagers I need to think about myself just a bit more and as I’m used to having a low income on and off over the years I’m well equipped to deal with what life throws at me and I’ve learnt not to waste money and lots of free things to do in my free time ! A dog walk in the forest ( we have many here in Norfolk)with a friend then a flask of coffee after in the parking area . Coffee and cake at each other’s houses . I love to read and do word searches . I also sew and I’m planning a patchwork quilted picnic blanket ,inspired by you Jane , in time for a free Jazz (concert) picnic early July , I’m sure it’ll be very amateurish compared to yours but it’ll match the picnic hamper I was given last year that I cleaned , varnished and lined out . So I’m excited to complete it and for the free concert !Gardening and veg growing on a shoestring is also my forte and it feeds us too . As far as my girls are concerned one is 20 so has her own life and my 16 year old works at the local boarding kennel and has her friends round for fire pit gatherings marshmallows and hotdogs very cheap . She also goes out to the city with her own money but If I have some Club card vouchers I get her vouchers for pizza . Sleepovers are the normal thing but with covid they have been less . Sadly our teens have got used to the virtual world of FaceTime and the online gaming community but I try to limit that .
Thank you! So many really useful ideas! I visit people in hospital and it is so vital for all of us: sharing our lives. This takes a small amount of time. The care aides/nursing staff, who have been working in extremely difficult situations for two years also appreciate the extra “help.”
I'm running out of ways to say how much I appreciate your videos, but this was another great one. I own a LOT of tea mugs, so I box up all but about 6 of them and store the extras in a closet. When I feel the urge to buy a new mug, I go and open the box of mugs I already own and switch out the mugs. Literally feels like I got "new" mugs because I've likely forgotten what was in there, and I didn't spend a thing. Haven't purchased a new mug in over 2 years.
That’s terrific! I do that with towels and bedding. I box it up and get it out a year later, it’s like I’ve got new stuff again
Smart thinking
Love this 💕
Clever
Shop your house!
Feeding the birds and squirrels give me joy.
The birds give me joy too
My sister used to take her extra cups and mugs and fill them with pretend flowers them take them to old folks homes as gifts.
When my children were in school they held an auction to get materials for new playground equipment as what they had was several generations old! All the children were to contribute furniture, expensive purchased gift baskets and services from local businesses. I volunteered to iron a weeks worth of dress shirts as our contribution! It was well received and cost only the the electricity to heat my iron for about an hour. My husband offered to help with construction along with other Dads. My children loved it when it snowed in the evening! I would wake them when the snow fell and my husband and I would pull them around the neighborhood on their sleds while everyone else was asleep! There were always a few lights on and they loved being the first to make a path in the snow! I made hot cocoa at home then tucked them into bed! It cost nothing but they all remember it!
Thanks and that goes to show that you can give even if you have no money,
I watch you every morning, as it motivates me to keep living frugally. It’s easier to resist temptation, knowing that others have successfully embarked on cutting expenses and growing their savings.
Thanks for another great video!
Thanks so much
Thank you so much! Consumer culture has programmed us to feel that we can't enjoy our lives unless we're spending money, but your wonderful suggestions gently remind us of the utter fallacy of that narrow outlook. There's great freedom in creating rich lives while living frugally. And enormous satisfaction, as well. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Sharon, I find that advertising to be iniquitous and it damages the very core values of our communities.
I totally agree that advertising and what I call fake sales are all out there to encourage people to spend money they really do not have. I have a friend I see about once a week and every time I see her she is busy telling me about what she has bought. It’s usually nothing very expensive but the amount she buys all adds up to a large amount over the years. The other thing she is also always telling me is how long she needs to work before she can retire but she just doesn’t see that her constant spending is keeping her at work longer.
@@patmartin9727 I have a friend like that, too. She hates her job and wishes she could retire, but rejects frugality as the path to accomplishing her retirement dream. I believe that she's addicted to retail therapy. Makes me sad.
When I was a child people visited each other and talked, drank lemonade or coffee and sat on the porch while the kids played games in the yard or rode bikes.. We would share different foods from each other’s homes. Going to the park to walk, play or flying kites, having picnics.
Yes I agree Jane. My home is not a Mansion but it's ours and I am so thankful to have it. I don't "keep up with the Jones." I love watching your videos because you and taught me so much about being frugal and I am proud of being so. At present time I and my husband, Mike, are diligently working of becoming debt free and we are are about a year of accomplishing our goal. God Bless you and Michael.
There is no sweeter feeling than knowing you owe nobody a penny piece. Once you achieve this get a good emergency fund in place and set up sinking funds for your irregular bills. This will be your safety net and stop you getting back into debt. The peace of mind of knowing you can live on nearly nothing, live out of the pantry and freezer when money is tight.
The most special times growing up as a kid in the 70th and 80th, were the friday evenings. All week long we were only allowed tondrink tapwater. But friday night we got a glass of orangejuice and a litte bowl of crisps. Or the times my siblings and I got to sit in the kitchen where our mom baked pancakes. We took turns to help her and we allowed to eat from our plates on our laps. Great memories that didn't cost much. I also loved the walks we had in the woods where she convinced us children, that fairies lived there. She was and is a great storyteller. Thank you for your great content (again)!
Those memories are precious. I’ve got wonderful memories of gardening with my parents and blackberry picking,
That’s lovely!
I've given up a lot of consumerism, I don't spend much money at all on entertainment, I buy 3 t shirts a year to get me through summer, it started around 6 years ago, on no spend years, I use up what I have I can't say I've missed eating out or using shopping as something of a leisure time activity, my lifestyle is frugal, I've spent years decluttering, streamlining and simplfying this has extended to my work life I work part time now I don't need to work fulltime because I'm not spending, I look after my grandchildren . The one luxury is my caravan in North Wales I bought it second hand about 14 years ago and its given us lots of happy family holidays and continues to do so. xx
In Canada we do something called a "Pot luck dinner" where guests all bring one dish and everyone eats together. It is fun and not a lot of work for the hostess. the hostess provides the drinks and the dishes and a tidied up house. Sometimes the entree. This also saves on childcare costs because everyone can bring their children.
That’s great fun
When I did travel, what made my life worth living was going home.
My tip is to change the cushion covers with the seasons. They take very little space to store.
My mother had winter and summer curtains too. It made the whole house feel different when she changed them. We children got that feeling of anticipation...It will soon be the school summer holidays and it would soon be Christmas.
I now know the curtains were second hand or homemade and of considerable age, but they seemed new, bright and comforting.
Great tips there and thanks for sharing
Way before the pandemic I wanted to get more invoved in the life of my then village, so I ended up auditioning for the pantomime and volunteering at the local museum. Both were such nice ways to meet people, have fun, and feel like I was doing some good. I moved away from that village three and a half years ago, but I still go back and do those things because people there want me to!
Another thing that has been really nice is inviting a friend who is a mother to young children to come stay for a little weekend break now and then, and I have been helping her with her sewing. She brings a project and I help walk her through it and fit it for her. She is growing much more confident in her skills, but we have a nice time as well. Helping others really does brighten everyone's day.
When my kids were young, to entertain them, in the summer we would visit the local school playground and pack a few sandwiches for and kool-aid and take an old sheet for a picnic. I usually packed raisins or bananas for a treat. We would go early before it got hot. They loved visiting playgrounds that they had never seen.😊😊
I love a good afternoon tea with my friends. We often go to each other's houses and sit down with tea & biscuits. So cheap, but thoroughly enjoyable. I 100% agree about the health advice here, especially mental health. Great video Jane, thanks for sharing.
It’s getting more difficult to get so we’ve got to do what we can to look after our mental well being, thanks for watching
I agree our mental health is very important. I feel mental health is improved by a change in our mindset. I live alone and am quiet happy doing that. I make sure I get out everyday unless the weather is really too bad, I usually go out in a morning and that sets the mood of my day.I may only go out for a walk or I may use some of the fun money I build into my budget to go and have a coffee either mon my own with my Book or a magazine for company or with a friend or I invite a friend over or visit her. I am grateful for what I have and I know that thanks to my frugal life style I have enough money to buy everything I need. It is so easy to sit at home getting more depressed telling myself how poor and deprived I am. Like your always telling use. If we have a home, cloths to wear and food to eat we are richer than half the world.
In out small area we have a bit of a barter system for skills going on. A few of the local widowers bring me their trousers to have the hems taken up, zippers replaced or buttons to be sewn onto shirts. I get paid in fresh caught fish that these gents have caught. My husband has a ride on mower. He mows the lawns of two of the homes nearby and the verge of five houses in the street. He or my son get to go out on neighbours boats to go fishing off the reef. Fruit and vegies, that are abundant at that time, go over the various fences. This adds to a sense of community engagement, and for everyones pantry having a bit of extra in them. It's good for all of us to know we care for each other and that everyone is keeping an eye on each other.
When my dad used to go fishing, he'd give some away and always get more back than he gave in garden produce or wine or gifts
Thanks for encouraging and sharing real life, real ideas, making life beautiful with what you have.
You are so welcome!
Amazing video Jane. The volunteering idea is excellent. My volunteering at the local food pantry has saved me as a single person living alone great people and there are occasionally leftovers that will go bad before the next Food Distribution so you can get leftover breads or other items. It is also a lot of fun
It is great fun, it’s gets you out, with other people and feeds your soul too
In our community the libraries have free programs about visiting other countries and also some how to programs. Like how to do simple sewing or how to start a small garden. All are free and will be helpful for everyone.
That’s superb.
My mother was a good seamstress and quilter. She would take something old or something dated and make it into something different. A sheet turned into curtains or the backing on a quilt or sometimes part of the front. She liked quality materials. Large adult clothes sometime turned into children’s clothes. I loved the “ new dresses she made me”. We moved the furniture around a lot, sometimes some things to other rooms. We didn’t have anything fancy but mom made it a nice clean home with lots of love and laughter doing activities with he kids, playing, reading, cooking, baking, taking walks making ice cream . She was a great teacher, lots of patience for the little kids. We always had friends over.
Thanks for sharing your story of your experiences
If only there was a 'love' button! Excellent video as always
Oh thanks so much
your great video reminded me of our family mom, dad, my brother and me riding our bikes together on weekends. Great healthy fun that cost nothing, and created great memories. ❤ 🇨🇦
Thanks so much
I live in Iowa in the US. One thing that is free to everybody is to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets. We've had some of the most beautiful sunsets lately which are breath taking. I find it comforting in my home when I appreciate having a nice bed and warm covers at night.
This might be my favorite video of yours. I wish there were more people like you in this world or that I could get my boyfriend to think more along these lines. Volunteering is a huge benefit to me to create community.
Thank you for a great video. Before all my friends emigrated, we used to get together and do a bring and share for lunch.
for redecorating, I move things around the house from room to room, even furniture at times, so that it looks like a newly decorated room without spending money. And for a floral arrangement I go and pick some flowers from the garden, I even give home grown flowers to people for their birthdays, re-use a jam jar for the vase and tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar.
I am driving a 5 year old car that is well looked after so that it will last a long time. My husband and I did all our own renovations on the house, before he got very ill.
When my daughters were younger, they would sew their clothes, and now as adults still use the sewing machine for their children. I would also re-cover our lounge suite to make it look like brand new and sew my curtains. We also use our left overs to the last crumb.
Thanks for sharing Ivana
Just another great Video Jane.
I Love to be at Home. It's HOME.There are the people That I Love,there are my hobbys.
Thanks Marianne
I’ve decided not to travel abroad in 2022 due to pandemic (I’m an nurse and worked on covid unit) so I’ve decided to take an overnight trip away each month so I visit somewhere new for such a lower cost. I’m always looking for free activities there. I love this video- it has such good content.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for working on the COVID unit. We all appreciate your hard work.
@@eringigi7096 yes, thank you!
“I want to normalize the mundane.” Brava, thank you Jane! Like you are reading my mind!! Love your channel. This was an extra fabulous video. 💜
Thanks for the feedback
Gosh, the older i become and the more expensive healthcare gets in the USA, the more I appreciate the wisdom of that old adage, "health is wealth."
In British Columbia, Canada, we have many free/frugal options. We have beaches, parks, lakes, waterfalls and mountain so swimming, hiking, kayaking/canoeing/biking/picnics, walk along the boardwalk or relax on the piers etc. are frugal activities Not only do we have a great transportation system but people can buy a city passports (Vancouver) for a reasonable price that gives discounts into attractions, events, restaurants etc. There are also local festivals, events, museums and art galleries that are free. I am glad you mentioned about giving because I live in an apartment complex in which people put items they no longer want in the laundry room. After a few days, before management throws out, I will take the leftover items in good condition and donate them to a charity. Great video
Thanks for sharing.
Jane, I stumbled upon your video while watching some videos about how other countries are being affected by the rising prices of everything. (I'm in Canada) I really enjoyed all that you shared and appreciate your upbeat attitude. I do think there is pressure to spend and to live up to some imaginary standard and I'm glad to see you "normalizing the mundane". If everyday were like a carnival it would lose its appeal. There is much happiness and joy to be found in everyday life.
Thanks for watching and commenting
Another beautiful video supporting us all! My girl friends and I have been hosting "cafe at home", we take it in turns hosting brunch instead of going out, it costs almost nothing to whip up a batch of scones, make a fruit plate for the children and pop on the kettle compared to a dinner out, and we all have just as much fun.
Although I live in CALIFORNIA there are many things that are free: Museum or once a month they are free, gardens, parks love to go to Libraries to read magazines sometimes they have free lectures, art exhibits.
Hi Gladys, I really think there’s fun free to do everywhere
Loved ones often gift me coffee mugs and gourmet coffees. That creates quite a stockpile of mugs. My little grandchildren delight seeing me on video chat sipping coffee from the HUGE mug they gave me this past Christmas! So I'm going to sort out some of older my non-gifted mugs to donate to make room.
I live in the U.S. but made a British friend, and she introduced me to afternoon tea, and I'm so glad! I have started having afternoon tea with my American friends, and for pennies I can open my home and get so much enjoyment with a friend. It's also safe. Thanks for the great video and suggestions!
Thanks and I'm glad that you enjoy a cup of tea and a chat too
I love your channel. You are a breath of fresh air and so helpful. Thank you. X
Thanks so much
I grew up without eating out, would have 1 day out a year and maybe a cheap holiday in Britain if lucky. Yes we survived but it was boring and depressing. I didn't know as a child that there was an interesting world out there. So I find going for a coffee with hubby is so important for our wellbeing.
Yes! We can be resilient! thank you for another great video📹👍. Its good to think about what we have, and what is still possible! it makes us so much more resilient💪
Hello everyone : my word for the year is compassion - for oneself and for others . Part of that for me is recognizing and enjoying who we are, what we have , and living sustainably . This time can feel very restrictive . The weather is good in my part of the world at the moment so to lessen the feeling of restriction we spend as much time outside as we can . I’ve found table cloths we haven’t used in years and using them makes us feel special . We’ve also been “ shopping “ our house . We always use the same towels - out of habit - so we scrounged up some towels we haven’t used in years and it feels like we have new towels ! I also wanted a new bedcover for our room , I went around the house and found a plain coverlet and matched flower pillow covers we had for years and never used - we created a garden feeling with what we have . Love these videos which remind me to be grateful for all we have. Thanks !
Thanks so much for sharing and I totally agree
We have a nationwide organization in the US called the Buy Nothing Project where groups form in communities. The goal is to be “in community” in geographical areas where nothing is purchased or sold. We give freely as well as wish for items needed or desired. It has been one of the best groups of generous and caring people I have ever been a part of. Love your videos and look forward to them!
Your buy nothing group sounds a great community activity
And you are giving / helping us so much.
Thank you,Jane& Michael.
You GO Girl! Happiness really does come from inside. It gets expressed in how we live regardless of our $. As you explain, there are ways to do it but takes a little effort and research. It is more than worth it
What an incredibly positive video, thank you. Your upbeat voice and smile really help lift things in what can otherwise be dark times where it is so easy to slip into feeling sorry for yourself. I wanted to echo your comments about volunteering. I moved to an area and left friends behind, and often felt rather isolated. I had volunteered in primary school when my son was smaller and picked it up again here. I got to meet a lot of parents at the school gates, chatting to adults again was really uplifting, not to mention the positivity from seeing a child learn something new or being thanked by a teacher for making a difference. I plan to start up again when my health improves as I have realised lately that there was something missing and my positivity was starting to slide. I am also making the effort to get outside more, sometimes for a walk or just standing in the sun with a cup of coffee (today, between showers!). I have found that making and giving cakes is not only a great way of making new friends but also provides an excuse for a chat with neighbours.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Loved the message in this video. So inspiring. My husband and I had afternoon tea at our neighbour's home this afternoon. Tea served in china and fresh home baked cookies. It was lovely! :)
Thanks for sharing!!
I can tell that you were a teacher 😁 The way you present your videos is so refreshing.
Thanks very much
In Debt and forced to be frugal, but I am having fun with it! I think I prefer to live the frugal life, we are using the food pantry to help us with food, love your videos by the way!🙏❤👍😊
The frugal ways you learn during your journey to become debt free will allow you to continue on the frugal path and build up an emergency fund, sinking funds and then a nice little saving pot for your future life.
Really valid points-it’s easy to end up with a mindset that tells you that you need to spend money to enjoy yourself. That’s not the case at all. 👍
Thanks Hari, we certainly don’t
Got given 9 old car tires from a friend that sales car tires I painted them with some old paint mixed 3 new colours painted 3 of each stacked them and planted them with free plants looking good, I love your frugal food ideas to save money Bx uk
That’s a great upcycle
I am 53 single my children are adult thank for the point of good mental health and voluntary work good ideas I need to socialise feel bit isolated thank you
You're welcome Kerry and they'd be glad to have you
Every school holidays I take my kids to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Art Gallery in Sydney where we live. We bring our own lunch but we usually buy a treat. An icecream for the kids and a coffee for me. It is a lovely day out and costs peanuts or nothing at all.
By the way the gardens are different as the seasons change. We have our favourite art and look forward to the new exhibitions. And then we stroll around Sydney harbour for a walk. We are so lucky.
We have gardens we can visit too and it's very cheap and places to walk and look at freely too. Thanks for sharing what you do.
Great video Jane & Mike👍 really loved the message 🙂🏴
Jane, I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I find myself watching my favorites over and over again. They really help me stay sane in these tough times. I also love seeing your home, it comforts me for some reason. Thank you to you and Michael.
Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement
I'll be volunteering at a local Library when I move to Austin, Texas. Also, with my Temple & Community Center
I’m sure you’ll love it Gladys
I have made red lentil "pancakes" from watching most of your videos. It is very interesting and informative in your life in France. You are definitely right in your approach to saving. Save as much as you can while you are still working. Because when you are fully retired - money goes out faster than it comes in. Mike's building skills are fabulous. All the work is much harder than people realize at least in my experience.
Glad you like them!
Great video .So much fun free things to do with children .You named so many great things .Older children so things like board games , nail care party at home , learning to sew together , book clubs with friends and family ,arts & crafts together or with friends
Things to make your home more homey is fresh flowers from your garden ,making new pot holders and dish towels to go with each season , add family photos around the house and change them out each season, lighting a candle makes home so much better, gardening is very good for mental health and fun to see your flowers and veggies growing .So many great things to do at home without spending any money or very little
Another great idea is sending friends and family cards and short notes to help keep in touch with other .I exchange post cards with friends all over the world and hang them up to enjoy since we can't travel at this time
Thank u for your great video
Thanks Joyce
Yes I'm running out of ways too to say how much I enjoy the videos too
Thanks Maria for your support
My first time coming across your video. Great ideas!! You can live with less and still be happy, 😊🙌🏾TFS!
Thanks for watching
Greetings from Georgia in the USA. Thank you so much for sharing such great videos. You always get me back on track if I feel myself back sliding. I love being home and always have. It’s the center of our lives and we always try to make it as cozy and welcoming as possible. Your ideas thoughts and tips are always on point for the frugal homemaker. Keep up the good work. I know this is very time consuming for you and your husband, so thanks ever so much. You and your home are lovely!
Thanks Carole, I'm a great proponent of frugal homemaking
We used to get together with friends and play cards. Have a snack, sometimes just popcorn. But it was fun.
All free and great fun
Did you get back into it?
My word and focus for 2022 is contentment. A big help with this for me has been volunteer roles at my library and with Quilts of Valor making cards to accompany their quilt awards. Seeing smiling faces makes the world so much better.
This quilts are so uplifting
Thank you for your ideas. I volunteer by reading stories on Zoom to people who cant socialise because of their health it's my way of giving and it is free. I love to feed the birds early in the day in the garden and if my spirits need lifting I often take metal polish and cloths and polish just one thing from inside the house and make it sparkly while sitting outside.
I happily do sewing, repairs and adjustments, for people in our village. I never charge for this, I enjoy helping. It does always seem to be elderly chaps with ripped trousers or, my nemesis, ZIPS!!!
One good thing we can do is give of our time freely..I babysit for my son and his wife and their friends children once a month free of charge so they can have a date night. Sometimes they just visit at one another's home...other times they go out..not paying a babysitter enables them to have a nicer time.
That’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing
That is very nice of you to also watch your sons friends children so that they can also enjoy an evening out.
@@maryannrogers8675 it helps that it's only 3 children and they enjoy the play date.😊
A very good mid week chat…some excellent tips and really good food for thought.
Thanks for watching
agree so much with your advices. We get so much of a more simple life. The simple moments with a cup of tea or coffee with family and friends, a walk in the park, a pic nic. I enjoy morning walks in the park and take pictures of flowers, plants, insects and look for information about them. Learn about nature. Also i practice chi kung and is very good to do it in the park, alone or with other. And also at home.
Thanks for sharing
A great perspective and a really positive video. , i have many happy memories of doing free activities with my children. I love the library, walking, singing, drawing, and other activities and they can all be done on a no spend basis. Volunteering is great too.
Well said!
Thanks for another great video 😁 with 2 small children we have frugal days out visit neighbouring towns and country parks, we take a picnic, explore and find new and exciting parks for them to play on, we do this year round whatever the weather (in UK).
It costs us the price of fuel to get there (and occasionally parking) and the children and us have a lovely time in each other’s company!
Plenty to do for free
I always enjoy your positive attitude, keep up the great videos.
Thanks very much
Thank you for normalizing these times and reminding us that the best things in life really are free or almost. In a way, the pandemic was a rehearsal - in Canada we’ve just begun to open up again. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Jane and Mike, wonderful video with plenty of great ideas for all of us! Very positive and uplifting!
Thanks for watching
Hi Jane
Great video! Thank you for sharing I like your idea about volunteering.
Oh thank you, thank you for all the things you said about behaviors you'd like to normalize!!! I wholeheartedly agree. Contentment lies in this way of thinking!!!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for sharing this. It was exactly what I needed to hear and think about. My spirits are lifted already. You transmit so much hope and positivity.
You are so welcome
So many thoughts that are similar to what my husband & I have. Our group of friends have been meeting at local parks and bringing our lunches for an afternoon of conversation. We discovered our church has a lovely outdoor chapel in it's woods built by a local scout. It has a large firepit with free wood to have a cozy fire and chat!
Those sound great way to build and strengthen social networks
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Absolutely!
My home is my nest. When I have a stressful day flying (I'm a flight attendant) I'm looking forward to sitting on my 15 year old $25 thrift store sofa with a nice book and a tea next to me.
Sounds great!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I also love the simple pleasures in life like you do!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks for watching and commenting
Most of your videos bring great memories back and also I am still learning from you both Anna.
you really articulate practical and achievable goals. There is so much potential for health and happiness in your list!
Thanks for your kind words
I liked the video . Plenty of good advice . Thank you Jane and Mike
Thanks for watching
Thanks for another great video.
Our pleasure!
Wonderful ideas!!
Thanks for watching
re mental health - plants always give joy, a bird table outside the window or for those with no land a few bird seeds on a window sill, for the children you can make paper kites, cardboard boxes become dolls houses or dens bubbels can be made with wshing up liquid and an old piece of wire and then theres free cycle where you can pick up so much for free, furniture can be rejuvenated with left over paint, material or scraps of paper for decoupage. they can then be kept for your own house or sold on .
Thanks Kerstin, I always love your joyful comments.
I enjoyed this video very much. This is the way I already live for many years. Thank you so much for your channel.Kindest regards from the Netherlands
Thanks Monique
Well done Jane another extremely good video. I couldn’t agree with you more
Thanks Josephine
We are fortunate in owning our home, it gives contentment and security. I volunteer at our local hospital and love challenging myself to be more frugal too. 3.5 years retired and loving the simple life.
Jane
You made me realize that I'm already normal according to your definition! 😅
Awesome!
So true, Jane. You usually say the things I'd be saying if I had a TH-cam channel. Today, it was verbatim...completely and totally. So, I guess I should say thank you for speaking for me. No matter how much or how little I have at any one time, I'm very thankful for it, content with it and look for all the ways to use it to maintain my happiness, joy, peace, calm and contentment. It can always be worse, so we always have a reason to be thankful and joyous. Each if us always have something we can share others. I'm do glad you share your insights and wisdom with us. God bless you, dear! 😊
Thanks Jonna.
Inspiring as always. Thanks!
I buy a plushie or two at the thrift shop (Twenty-five cents each.) For my dogs and cats. We get hours of play time out of it! We go for walkies (Weather permitting) And I let the dogs sniff and lead the walk.
I buy ‘stuffies’ for my dogs from the recycling center…..hours of fun
If you really need a change regarding your bedding/curtains etc. If there in good condition and have a few years life in them. Try Colour Dies by Coloron (I think that's the make) the washing machine ones work really well. Just make sure you follow the instructions!!!!!
Great tip Liz
Yes, I prolong the life of our clothes especially the black bits...extended by years and years
Now I remember IT'S Dylon.
This video is exactly what I needed to see today. Thank you 😊
Me too!
You are so welcome!
Being contented
You’re so right
If that is a picture of the outside of your home it is very pretty.
It takes zero money to take a walk with a friend. It's excellent exercise and can be good therapy too.
Thanks for watching
@@FrugalQueeninFrance My pleasure! Your videos are a blessing!
I love the extraordinary in the ordinary
A slow simple contented life is all anyone requires.❤️
Great video Jane & Mike.
Thank you x
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great video Jane and Mike . I have been doing all of those things for a few years , I think you get to a point in your life when your mental health should come first , now my children are teenagers I need to think about myself just a bit more and as I’m used to having a low income on and off over the years I’m well equipped to deal with what life throws at me and I’ve learnt not to waste money and lots of free things to do in my free time !
A dog walk in the forest ( we have many here in Norfolk)with a friend then a flask of coffee after in the parking area . Coffee and cake at each other’s houses . I love to read and do word searches . I also sew and I’m planning a patchwork quilted picnic blanket ,inspired by you Jane , in time for a free Jazz (concert) picnic early July , I’m sure it’ll be very amateurish compared to yours but it’ll match the picnic hamper I was given last year that I cleaned , varnished and lined out . So I’m excited to complete it and for the free concert !Gardening and veg growing on a shoestring is also my forte and it feeds us too . As far as my girls are concerned one is 20 so has her own life and my 16 year old works at the local boarding kennel and has her friends round for fire pit gatherings marshmallows and hotdogs very cheap . She also goes out to the city with her own money but If I have some Club card vouchers I get her vouchers for pizza . Sleepovers are the normal thing but with covid they have been less . Sadly our teens have got used to the virtual world of FaceTime and the online gaming community but I try to limit that .
Thanks Clare and thanks for sharing
Thank you! So many really useful ideas! I visit people in hospital and it is so vital for all of us: sharing our lives. This takes a small amount of time. The care aides/nursing staff, who have been working in extremely difficult situations for two years also appreciate the extra “help.”
Practical and smart. This is a very good video.
Thank you
Thanks for watching
Thank you once again.
Brutal cold here, alas…. It is large appliance maintenance week, as well as the bath project