I get my groceries on Thursdays. When there are five Thursdays in a month I plan my meals based on what I already have in the house for that fifth week. That is when my pantry and freezer get cleaned out. This year there are 4 months that have 5 Thursdays. I think cleaning your pantry and freezer 4 times in one year is a good number. I’d like to challenge all of you to do the same. I actually look forward to it…it’s like a game to see what I can use up 😊.
I make sure i have something to eat in the house. Crackers cream cheese/ penutbutter, tinned tomatoes, pasta/homemade stews and soup in the freezer. Frozen fuits&yoghurt and muesli.
Monday I made chili, Tuesday we had chili dogs, Wednesday I came home and popped potatoes in the oven real quick and we had chili topped baked potatoes. It was delicious, and different each day, and easy.
I am right there with you Kate, if my kitchen isn't clean I don't want to cook because I have to clean first then cook just to clean again. When I keep the dishes done and the kitchen clean I enjoy being in the kitchen much more.
OMG, my sink is always clean. I hate seeing dirty dishes in the sink. I clean dishes as I go. If I’m baking, the bowls get washed as the oven is doing the work. Makes my life so much easier when the sink is clean. Happy Birthday Kate🎉🎂
I ADORE those glass lid containers with the plastic snap lock lids! Foods stay fresh a lot longer (leftovers) and convenient fir my husband to take his lunch in. They are air tight and save money due to staying fresh longer! Also saves a lot of money on plastic wrap!
Just passing on a tip I read elsewhere. Think of yourself as two people: The AM self and the PM self. The AM self does stuff that benefits the PM self; e.g. makes the bed. The PM self does stuff that benefits the AM self; e.g, preps the coffee so that it is ready to go in the morning. I can tell you my AM loves my PM self. (The PM self is still getting used to the idea. She’s a bit crabby at times, but I tell her I love her for prepping that coffee pot.)
I used to use a water bottle with a straw and then I was told I would end up with smokers mouth from sucking on my straw the same way you would suck on a cigarette. I did notice I was getting fine lines because I drink a ton of water, so I switched and I do not mind removing a top to avoid lines😊❤️
I have been preparing salads in containers with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cheese cubes, olives, red pepper chunks. I add protein and dressing when ready to eat. I also can add avocado as well. I always have something ready to eat. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting lost 11 lbs in two weeks. Thanks for the tips Kate. Happy Birthday 🎉 🎈🥳
All great suggestions in this video. Design your systems that makes life easier! Keep your covers on your leftover containers so you never have to search for the cover. Glass containers in the square and rectangular shape stack better in storage or use. They are easier to clean as well. The food lasts longer. I store the in a big plastic bin in my cabinet with their covers ON and it makes life easier to pull out the bin to select the size I need. 👍
I completely agree with storing containers with the lids on. Dana K. White and The Minimal Mom do this for a different reason, but the outcome is amazing. Grabbing a container now is so simple. Trust me, it is life changing!
also, if the food DOES mold, you can wash out with boiling water and a few drops of bleach, and they’re good as new! unlike Tupperware-type containers!!!
I found a WONDERFUL recipe for salad dressing on Pinterest and I LOVE it. It’s made from things we already had in our fridge and pantry. So now we’re doing a no-spend year of salad dressings.
House dressing 1/3 c red wine vinegar 2/3 c olive oil or avocado oil 1 T honey 1 T grainy mustard 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Mix in small mason jar and enjoy! I keep mine on my countertop but it gets eaten in less than a week. Let me know how you like it. 😊
I love my little coffee station! I worked at The Container Store years ago and got the cute little coffee set up area. I also love coffee shops, but it's SO not worth driving, stopping, parking, getting out, waiting in line! And paying for a nice coffee. I hear ya girl! ... And "staying out of the store" is me staying out of Home Goods.
I don't trust people who can't pronounce the "t" in a word, but I've watched a few of your videos, and I've decided to give it a go. Subscribed. This video was the best so far.
When I worked 3 jobs, meals started getting sandwiches & grab n go type foods from the fridge. Now that life screeched to a halt, pantry meals in a jar are most important.
Great tips Kate! Alongside the keeping your dishes/sink clean and clear; I also keep all my counter tops clean and clear,( bathrooms also). The same reasons apply. You are more likely to cook/prepare a meal if you don't have to clean the entire kitchen, and honestly, it doesn't take long to clean up as you go. Psychologically, it makes you feel great to see it all fresh for the next time. Set up your future self for happiness and a sense of pride! 😊
Amen to keeping your sink clean! We now have a roommate so everyone is pitching in to keep the sink clean. It makes me so happy to have a clean kitchen! Peaceful ❤
Great list! Here’s a way to take “promote your pantry” to the next level: before you go grocery shopping, Shop Your Pantry First. Start meal planning based on what you already have (in pantry, fridge, and freezer), THEN check sale flyers and fill in the gaps - all before you leave the house!
I get the sink thing. I hate dirty dishes in my sink and on my counter. I don't want to prepare food I am going to eat in a dirty enviroment. I am a big believer in clean as you go, too.
I was just hoping yesterday for kitchen tips to save money. And here you are! Synchronicity! You are so right: systems that ease the way are so freeing. And energy conserving. Example: I found an easy way to drain my cooked beans and now I put the saved nutritious liquid in a jar to use to cook other ingredients, such as left over rice. Just another way to get more mileage out of my food and avoid waste. I'm trying valiantly to buy only what I can use up. Great score yesterday: 10 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes for $2.44! Thanks so much for this video, Kate. Courage, and onward!
The sink thing is true! If i see a pile, there's no way I'm adding to it!😂 It makes it easy to order food and go off track because it's "avoiding the mess"
I'm already doing most of these, but the pickup only from the grocery store is genius. I can't help when I go in but buy things I don't absolutely need.
Are you kidding me? The sink tip is incredible! I have never heard that one. Grocery pickup is everything. Also, Hannaford lets you save regular lists so you can just select your regular items and add to list in one click. Game changer!
I really love yourself thoughtfulness and thorough communication on these really great ideas. One health fact: all plastic Containers will have chemicals releasing into your foods, if they contain any fat or oil. This is even bigger when hot food is placed in plastic Containers and increases more through acidic ingredients (think tomatoes). And there is no differences in cheap or pricey quality. Sadly the same rings true for plastic wrap and with different chemicals: aluminium foil/Containers. Glass is best in this case. I store my Containers with lid on or next to each one so i dont have to hint for them.
Recently I've been doing batch cooking, like you do on Sundays. I cook a meal that's enough food for 4 meals (Italian - spaghetti, (pasta included); Mexican (rice, beans, salsa, etc); salmon patties; chicken, rice, veggies, etc.). I eat one portion that day and freeze the others for later in the month.). The other days are soup and sandwiches. Every night I take something out of the freezer to thaw in the fridge until the next day. Sometimes I batch cook only one kind of meal. This plan has saved me a lot of time, money & frustration.
For no spend January, I did spend but found a lot of yummy food in my freezer. It wasn't no spend but down 1, 500 spent compared to fall months, so YAY and thank you!
Yes this is true.. Another tried and tested tip I always follow is NEVER shop (online or at the supermarket) on an empty stomach. I read this many years ago and have noticed the difference. Eat , feed whoever is involved in your shopping and then buy. I've noticed the difference in non grocery shopping too..dont ask me why it works.. it just does 😊
Im reading a Real Estate book by Dave Ramsey and there's so much in the book I wish I knew ealier. Wisconsin had our first ever Februrary tornado yesterday. It was near my cousin. Happy Friday, Kate!
100% right about the sink. At the very least my sink and countertops are clear before I go to bed. For some reason I’m a lot more cheerful with more energy when I wake up and have a clean sink and countertops. I’m also so much more creative with everything-not just food prep. Weird but true.
So true. I clean the kitchen right after dinner. If I leave something in the sink soaking, I clean it in the morning while coffee is brewing (put dishes away, etc)
The kitchen MUST be clean before I go to bed every night. Dishes washed, dried, and put away. You are SO right about not wanting to cook or prep food if the sink is full of dirty dishes or there are things all around. I have to admit I laughed out loud when you talked about putting the entire pot into the fridge because there are no containers. I'm pretty sure I did that in my younger days.
Love these ideas! We do most of them. I like the sink clean because I am a bit OCD and clean freak, but if it has dishes yep I have to wash before cooking even if it is only my coffee cup LOL. I still like going to the grocery store as I like to see what I am getting and dont like to pay the convenience fees. Also, it's the only time I really get to leave the house since I work from home
I work at a hospital/nursing home facility and they will be closing the kitchen for remodeling for most of 2024! They will not be serving hot food for staff, just for patients and residents. It's hilarious to listen to my coworkers bemoan the fact that they will either have to purchase cold food or make their own at home. 😂 I've been bringing my own lunches for years! As a result, I've been telling people about your channel and encouraging them to get with the program. Yes, they CAN, cook and prepare ahead. They just don't want to. I batch cook on Sundays for my freezer and store in containers like you showed. Love it! 😊
@@amiegamble1678 they do provide multiple microwaves, which is what I use when bringing my own food. My coworkers are used to hot food from the cafeteria line. They will only be able to purchase cold salads and sandwiches while the kitchen is closed.
All good suggestions. They may seem like no brainers but human nature being what it is, it’s easy to fall into those traps. I love an organized pantry. I periodically go thru mine and take everything off the shelves, wipe them down, clear out expired items and put everything back neatly. It always inspires me to cook more when my pantry isn’t a mess.
Happy Birthday! 🎂Part of my night time routine includes making sure my tea kettle has water and tea pot has fresh tea bags when I need to make a fresh pot (every other day?) so the morning is easier. I love having a tea station and batch cooking on Sundays!
I save the takeout containers and use those and sometimes I ask my coworkers for them lol. When I bulk cook I freeze a single serving. If I got tired of something and didn't eat it all I freeze the rest of the servings individually. Sometimes I over prep by accident, so I'll freeze prepped ingredients. Freezer is always stocked for those busy weeks.
I used to put leftovers all together in a big container, but now I put all leftovers in separate individual serving sizes: easy to grab, much easier to pack a lunch, more likely to get eaten up, I have a good sense of how much is left instead of a mostly empty large container. Great video!!
Every single thing you said Kate, every thing! It’s all true and it works!!! I’ve been trying to make improvements in my habits as well as preparing to move. My kitchen is cleaner and I really enjoy cooking my meals again. I’m pulling the “push” items from my pantry and trying to use everything I’ve got on hand so I don’t have to move it to the new house. So yeah, I am saving money, keeping things simple, and cleaner. I’m also saving my neighbors some money by having them come shop my pantry, for free of course, to help use up items that would likely expire before I got to use them.
Your so funny about the sink 😂. I get what your saying though. I think this should include the whole house though. Some houses I have seen… 😮 I love keeping up with my housework. I feel for me it’s a great accomplishment.
Some days work just stresses my husband and I out so we want to eat something “bad” and easy so we would order out. End of last year I found frozen fried raviolis at Aldi and they are delicious in the air fryer. They taste just like our local pizzeria but at 1/3rd of the price. So now I make sure we have a frozen pizza and frozen fried raviolis in our freezer. It’s not a hard dinner to make, it’s actually quicker than delivery. It’s cheap and most importantly we feel like we are eating the “bad” food we craved without breaking the budget. Happy Birthday 🎂
Wow when you was talking about having a clean sink or eating out I felt like I had a V-8 moment ( smack in the head for those who are young). ❤ Definitely meal plan & see what you have pn hand. I normalle buy my smoothie ingredients & make at home instead of premade ones at shop or grocery store. I lost my dad 2 weeks ago, so I'm given myself some grace for a while. Thanks for tips
The habit I've been working on is a clean sink. I mastered making my bed everyday years ago and it was a game changer. A clean sink leads to clean counters.
100% the straw thing! Since I don't really want to drink the water anyway a cap absolutely will stop me. I drink so much more since I got a water bottle with a straw so I know that these small changes will work as well! Side note...I chuckle every time you mention how much you love grocery pick up. Those of us that are long term users tried to get you to try it for so long!! 😂
fun video, thanks. I do think that my greatest successes have come from little steps. In my downsizing efforts that I am doing concurrent with my money saving efforts, I got rid of all the old tupperware, etc. and used an Amazon gift card from FETCH points to buy a set of heavy glass containers, 5 each of 2 sizes and they have made such a difference for me. I use them all the time, they can go in the dishwasher, they can go in the oven or the microwave, I actually will grab them first from the fridge if they have leftovers because they are appealing, and I even enjoy using them to prepare lunches the night before.
Hello beautiful frugal sister Kate, I needed this video very much today-All Great takeaways-I’ll be setting up a coffee station 🚉 for the first time and can’t wait for the ooohs and ahhhs of its time n money saving benefits it will bring to my life!! You are truly the bomb ❣️💣 and am so grateful for you!! I need to buy my k-squad sweatshirt!! Much love and blessings to you and your crew!!! ❤️🙏🦋🦋🦋
Cooking i always make 2 portions more than needed right now. Freezer meals is a real thing. You just need to decide what you want to eat the night before so you can thaw it up. This means we have a running list of what is in the freezer. 2023 we did three months of pantry/freezer clean out and only get fresh fruit and veg. Pair it with no spend and you are hitting all saving goals 😊 This leads to shop freezer and pantry first before leaving the house . Meal prep really saved more than just one week the past 18 months. I always have a filled water glass on my desk. I see it and take at least three big sips and fill up again. The coffee station idea is really cute. Setting everything up in the everything, maybe with a timer so it starts right before you go past it is even more energizing 🎉 Staying out of stores was a tip in one of your videos that really helped me to allow myself only go grocery shopping with a list once every other month and apart from that buy fresh veg and fruit at the farmer's at the market. Thank you for all you do!
You’re absolutely right about the sink. My husband & I have been trying to keep our kitchen a lot cleaner because of a mouse issue this winter… which is hard with 2 small kids & pets… BUT it also helps to keep us on track with cooking meals at home.☺️
All great advice!! I'm sensitive to odors, so I wrap everything very well (sometimes even 3 storage bags) to keep smelly food from permeating my fridge and freezer, which makes eating at home more appealing. Garlic flavored ice cubes and getting hit in the face with yesterday's dinner first thing in the morning can be off putting, so wrapping things well really helps.
Love this one! Thanks Kate! Regarding storage containers, I use jars that once held honey, jam, or peanut butter. I like to use the jam jars for grab and go lunches. Chicken on the bottom. Veggies on the top. Prep a few for the week. Grab and go!
Online grocery shopping is AMAZING ..We started in the covid period not wanting to go out and we never stopped. I have a budget and every 15days I make my order in my lunch break and have it delivered at home the same evening. The same evening, when I see all I got, I start to think about recepies and I make a sort of meal plan (not to strict but just some idea of meals I know I can Cook with what I have) so during the week it's all easier.
I don't like grocery shopping, but I LOVE Aldi's. We started going weekly in January for no-spend month, and I will never go back to a "regular" grocery store. The beauty of Aldi's (if there's one near you) is that they stock far fewer items than a typical grocery store, and the prices are insanely good. Because there are limited options, you spend less. I also love the beauty of not having to choose which brand to buy - sometimes large grocery stores are overwhelming in the sheer quantity of items to choose from. Our grocery bill has been cut in half by going there (and I think they do delivery now). The ONLY caveat is to stay out of the 'Aldi Finds" aisle - where they feature non-food items like cutting boards, kitchen organizational stuff, and even exercise bikes and rice cookers. I've trained myself in the last month to walk through but never buy (unless we truly need something they have that particular week - the prices are usually much better than buying at Target or Walmart). In that aisle you have to be really disciplined. Anyway, it's definitely worth checking out if you have an Aldi's near you. I also batch cook every Sunday (and make a loaf of sourdough bread). I really enjoy getting all (or most) of our weekly meals done in one day. I own my own software company and my life is pretty hectic, so taking the day on Sunday to batch cook is essential and oddly relaxing. During January we didn't have to resort to takeout at all, and it was really nice to be under budget!
All great suggestions! I agree with the sink suggestion, as whenever I get a load of dishes started (dishwasher) and clean the ones that aren't dishwasher safe, I feel soo good! Now, if I can just keep up with that 😉 I find that I am also in my happy place when I am baking (cookies, bread, chex mix, mac and cheese, etc.) and I just need to actually start doing this more often. With this no spend January and low spend February, I am finding myself wanting to stay home more (or have small get togethers with neighbors).
The clean sink definitely makes a difference in me wanting to cook!! Need to try the pantry trick - little scared of what I’ll find in the back of the cabinets haha. Happy birthday!!🎈
Put the lids on the Tupperware when you put it away. I keep my recipe on the counter that I am going to make. Then I gradually get the ingredients out & put by recipe. I also get out the pan & butter or oil & flour etc. When it is time to cook everything is ready to go!
I get my groceries on Thursdays. When there are five Thursdays in a month I plan my meals based on what I already have in the house for that fifth week. That is when my pantry and freezer get cleaned out. This year there are 4 months that have 5 Thursdays. I think cleaning your pantry and freezer 4 times in one year is a good number. I’d like to challenge all of you to do the same. I actually look forward to it…it’s like a game to see what I can use up 😊.
This is a great idea!
Good idea! This saves one extra week on groceries! Woohoo!
LOVE IT!
That is a great idea!
I make sure i have something to eat in the house. Crackers cream cheese/ penutbutter, tinned tomatoes, pasta/homemade stews and soup in the freezer. Frozen fuits&yoghurt and muesli.
Pizza in the freeza!!!
@@m.connielillis7032 indeed🍕 always taste good😉
Monday I made chili, Tuesday we had chili dogs, Wednesday I came home and popped potatoes in the oven real quick and we had chili topped baked potatoes. It was delicious, and different each day, and easy.
I am right there with you Kate, if my kitchen isn't clean I don't want to cook because I have to clean first then cook just to clean again. When I keep the dishes done and the kitchen clean I enjoy being in the kitchen much more.
OMG, my sink is always clean. I hate seeing dirty dishes in the sink. I clean dishes as I go. If I’m baking, the bowls get washed as the oven is doing the work. Makes my life so much easier when the sink is clean. Happy Birthday Kate🎉🎂
I ADORE those glass lid containers with the plastic snap lock lids! Foods stay fresh a lot longer (leftovers) and convenient fir my husband to take his lunch in. They are air tight and save money due to staying fresh longer! Also saves a lot of money on plastic wrap!
right there with you!
Just passing on a tip I read elsewhere.
Think of yourself as two people: The AM self and the PM self. The AM self does stuff that benefits the PM self; e.g. makes the bed. The PM self does stuff that benefits the AM self; e.g, preps the coffee so that it is ready to go in the morning. I can tell you my AM loves my PM self. (The PM self is still getting used to the idea. She’s a bit crabby at times, but I tell her I love her for prepping that coffee pot.)
YES, love it!!!!! (HAHA! and I love her for prepping the coffee too!)
I used to use a water bottle with a straw and then I was told I would end up with smokers mouth from sucking on my straw the same way you would suck on a cigarette. I did notice I was getting fine lines because I drink a ton of water, so I switched and I do not mind removing a top to avoid lines😊❤️
I have been preparing salads in containers with lettuce, tomato, cucumber,
cheese cubes, olives, red pepper chunks. I add protein and dressing when ready to eat. I also can add avocado as well. I always have something ready to eat. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting lost 11 lbs in two weeks. Thanks for the tips Kate. Happy Birthday 🎉 🎈🥳
All great suggestions in this video. Design your systems that makes life easier! Keep your covers on your leftover containers so you never have to search for the cover. Glass containers in the square and rectangular shape stack better in storage or use. They are easier to clean as well. The food lasts longer. I store the in a big plastic bin in my cabinet with their covers ON and it makes life easier to pull out the bin to select the size I need. 👍
I completely agree with storing containers with the lids on. Dana K. White and The Minimal Mom do this for a different reason, but the outcome is amazing. Grabbing a container now is so simple. Trust me, it is life changing!
@pjlacey3990 it really is. I resisted trying this for so many years. I would never go back now lol
also, if the food DOES mold, you can wash out with boiling water and a few drops of bleach, and they’re good as new! unlike Tupperware-type containers!!!
Great ideas! Took notes.
So glad it was helpful! Thanks Karen!
I have a coffee machine at work and at home so I never have to get a takeaway coffee. Has saved me so much time and money over the last 5-6 years!
I found a WONDERFUL recipe for salad dressing on Pinterest and I LOVE it. It’s made from things we already had in our fridge and pantry. So now we’re doing a no-spend year of salad dressings.
Would love to see the recipe
Can you please share the recipe? Thanks in advance! ❤
House dressing
1/3 c red wine vinegar
2/3 c olive oil or avocado oil
1 T honey
1 T grainy mustard
1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix in small mason jar and enjoy! I keep mine on my countertop but it gets eaten in less than a week.
Let me know how you like it. 😊
The sink idea is brilliant!
Thank you so much Crystal!!!!
I love my little coffee station! I worked at The Container Store years ago and got the cute little coffee set up area. I also love coffee shops, but it's SO not worth driving, stopping, parking, getting out, waiting in line! And paying for a nice coffee. I hear ya girl! ... And "staying out of the store" is me staying out of Home Goods.
I don't trust people who can't pronounce the "t" in a word, but I've watched a few of your videos, and I've decided to give it a go. Subscribed. This video was the best so far.
When I worked 3 jobs, meals started getting sandwiches & grab n go type foods from the fridge. Now that life screeched to a halt, pantry meals in a jar are most important.
Same, I can't cook in a messy kitchen. I wash the dishes after each meal and clean as I go when making dinner. Saves so much stress!
Great tips Kate! Alongside the keeping your dishes/sink clean and clear; I also keep all my counter tops clean and clear,( bathrooms also). The same reasons apply. You are more likely to cook/prepare a meal if you don't have to clean the entire kitchen, and honestly, it doesn't take long to clean up as you go. Psychologically, it makes you feel great to see it all fresh for the next time. Set up your future self for happiness and a sense of pride! 😊
Amen to keeping your sink clean! We now have a roommate so everyone is pitching in to keep the sink clean. It makes me so happy to have a clean kitchen! Peaceful ❤
Keeping the sink clean is such a great habit! You are right about the whole mindset. It's simple and effective.
Thank you Janice!!!
Never thought about that sink thing ... going to make a goal to NOT go to bed without a clean sink!! Thanks for the tip Kate!
YASSS!!!! When it dawned on me I was LIKE WHOA! I've got to keep this sink clean!
Great list! Here’s a way to take “promote your pantry” to the next level: before you go grocery shopping, Shop Your Pantry First. Start meal planning based on what you already have (in pantry, fridge, and freezer), THEN check sale flyers and fill in the gaps - all before you leave the house!
I get the sink thing. I hate dirty dishes in my sink and on my counter. I don't want to prepare food I am going to eat in a dirty enviroment. I am a big believer in clean as you go, too.
such an excellent observation about having a clean sink. A cluttered/messy kitchen can be a speedbump!
I was just hoping yesterday for kitchen tips to save money. And here you are! Synchronicity! You are so right: systems that ease the way are so freeing. And energy conserving. Example: I found an easy way to drain my cooked beans and now I put the saved nutritious liquid in a jar to use to cook other ingredients, such as left over rice. Just another way to get more mileage out of my food and avoid waste. I'm trying valiantly to buy only what I can use up. Great score yesterday: 10 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes for $2.44! Thanks so much for this video, Kate. Courage, and onward!
The sink thing is true! If i see a pile, there's no way I'm adding to it!😂 It makes it easy to order food and go off track because it's "avoiding the mess"
I'm already doing most of these, but the pickup only from the grocery store is genius. I can't help when I go in but buy things I don't absolutely need.
Are you kidding me? The sink tip is incredible! I have never heard that one. Grocery pickup is everything. Also, Hannaford lets you save regular lists so you can just select your regular items and add to list in one click. Game changer!
YASSSSSS!!!!!!!! SUCH A GAME CHANGER and I'm SO GLAD you love the sink tip!
I really love yourself thoughtfulness and thorough communication on these really great ideas.
One health fact: all plastic Containers will have chemicals releasing into your foods, if they contain any fat or oil. This is even bigger when hot food is placed in plastic Containers and increases more through acidic ingredients (think tomatoes). And there is no differences in cheap or pricey quality. Sadly the same rings true for plastic wrap and with different chemicals: aluminium foil/Containers.
Glass is best in this case.
I store my Containers with lid on or next to each one so i dont have to hint for them.
Thank you so so much Christine!
Another one! Incredible. The smallest, most common, and thus easily overlooked items probably have the most impact on turning our lives right around.
Recently I've been doing batch cooking, like you do on Sundays. I cook a meal that's enough food for 4 meals (Italian - spaghetti, (pasta included); Mexican (rice, beans, salsa, etc); salmon patties; chicken, rice, veggies, etc.). I eat one portion that day and freeze the others for later in the month.). The other days are soup and sandwiches. Every night I take something out of the freezer to thaw in the fridge until the next day. Sometimes I batch cook only one kind of meal. This plan has saved me a lot of time, money & frustration.
I almost always batch cook on Sundays. It helps with upcoming meals for my work week.
Love that!
For no spend January, I did spend but found a lot of yummy food in my freezer. It wasn't no spend but down 1, 500 spent compared to fall months, so YAY and thank you!
Yes this is true..
Another tried and tested tip I always follow is NEVER shop (online or at the supermarket) on an empty stomach. I read this many years ago and have noticed the difference. Eat , feed whoever is involved in your shopping and then buy. I've noticed the difference in non grocery shopping too..dont ask me why it works.. it just does 😊
No spend January 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉I did it!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Great feeling!!
Im reading a Real Estate book by Dave Ramsey and there's so much in the book I wish I knew ealier.
Wisconsin had our first ever Februrary tornado yesterday. It was near my cousin.
Happy Friday, Kate!
LOL Stapler story, love it.
100% right about the sink. At the very least my sink and countertops are clear before I go to bed. For some reason I’m a lot more cheerful with more energy when I wake up and have a clean sink and countertops. I’m also so much more creative with everything-not just food prep. Weird but true.
So true. I clean the kitchen right after dinner. If I leave something in the sink soaking, I clean it in the morning while coffee is brewing (put dishes away, etc)
I feel this was the most relateable of all your videos all the way from when you just rocked black hair way back in the day
Thanks Scott!
Happy Birthday Kate! Enjoy your day!🎈🎈
Thank you!! 😊
Happy Birthday 🎉
The kitchen MUST be clean before I go to bed every night. Dishes washed, dried, and put away. You are SO right about not wanting to cook or prep food if the sink is full of dirty dishes or there are things all around. I have to admit I laughed out loud when you talked about putting the entire pot into the fridge because there are no containers. I'm pretty sure I did that in my younger days.
Love these ideas! We do most of them. I like the sink clean because I am a bit OCD and clean freak, but if it has dishes yep I have to wash before cooking even if it is only my coffee cup LOL. I still like going to the grocery store as I like to see what I am getting and dont like to pay the convenience fees. Also, it's the only time I really get to leave the house since I work from home
Thank you Shelly!
Another coffee tip - use timer function!! Mine makes itself every morning :) It took me two years to figure it out but it's the BEST!
I have those glass containers with lids from Sam's club I love them you can put leftovers in them for the freezer 😊
You are NOT alone with the dirty sink!! I didn't think about the pantry tip before! THANKS!
I work at a hospital/nursing home facility and they will be closing the kitchen for remodeling for most of 2024! They will not be serving hot food for staff, just for patients and residents. It's hilarious to listen to my coworkers bemoan the fact that they will either have to purchase cold food or make their own at home. 😂 I've been bringing my own lunches for years! As a result, I've been telling people about your channel and encouraging them to get with the program. Yes, they CAN, cook and prepare ahead. They just don't want to. I batch cook on Sundays for my freezer and store in containers like you showed. Love it! 😊
Will you still have microwaves in your break room? If not ask work if they can get one (or two if a larger facility).
@@amiegamble1678 they do provide multiple microwaves, which is what I use when bringing my own food. My coworkers are used to hot food from the cafeteria line. They will only be able to purchase cold salads and sandwiches while the kitchen is closed.
All good suggestions. They may seem like no brainers but human nature being what it is, it’s easy to fall into those traps. I love an organized pantry. I periodically go thru mine and take everything off the shelves, wipe them down, clear out expired items and put everything back neatly. It always inspires me to cook more when my pantry isn’t a mess.
Happy Birthday! 🎂Part of my night time routine includes making sure my tea kettle has water and tea pot has fresh tea bags when I need to make a fresh pot (every other day?) so the morning is easier. I love having a tea station and batch cooking on Sundays!
Thank you!!!!
I save the takeout containers and use those and sometimes I ask my coworkers for them lol. When I bulk cook I freeze a single serving. If I got tired of something and didn't eat it all I freeze the rest of the servings individually. Sometimes I over prep by accident, so I'll freeze prepped ingredients. Freezer is always stocked for those busy weeks.
Happy birthday Kate 🎉🎉🎉🎉
I absolutely feel more productive when my kitchen is in order (sink is empty and clean). I've never thought about it, but its true!
You hit this one right on the mark Yes clean kitchen you eat at home ..good advice 😊
It can be fun cooking from a fresh slate, 100 percent yes!! And after we decluttered the kitchen, even easier to cook!
I'm making multiple meals using instant pot, air fryer, and regular pot on the stove on my Sunday, which is Wednesday morning 🌄😊
I used to put leftovers all together in a big container, but now I put all leftovers in separate individual serving sizes: easy to grab, much easier to pack a lunch, more likely to get eaten up, I have a good sense of how much is left instead of a mostly empty large container.
Great video!!
I love your intro and straight to the point stance. I instantly subscribed 😊
Thank you so much! So glad you’re here!!!
Every single thing you said Kate, every thing! It’s all true and it works!!! I’ve been trying to make improvements in my habits as well as preparing to move. My kitchen is cleaner and I really enjoy cooking my meals again. I’m pulling the “push” items from my pantry and trying to use everything I’ve got on hand so I don’t have to move it to the new house. So yeah, I am saving money, keeping things simple, and cleaner.
I’m also saving my neighbors some money by having them come shop my pantry, for free of course, to help use up items that would likely expire before I got to use them.
Thank you so much! And thank for sharing us. So glad you’re here!
Yep. It's a major drag to cook in a messy kitchen.
Your so funny about the sink 😂. I get what your saying though. I think this should include the whole house though. Some houses I have seen… 😮 I love keeping up with my housework. I feel for me it’s a great accomplishment.
Some days work just stresses my husband and I out so we want to eat something “bad” and easy so we would order out. End of last year I found frozen fried raviolis at Aldi and they are delicious in the air fryer. They taste just like our local pizzeria but at 1/3rd of the price. So now I make sure we have a frozen pizza and frozen fried raviolis in our freezer. It’s not a hard dinner to make, it’s actually quicker than delivery. It’s cheap and most importantly we feel like we are eating the “bad” food we craved without breaking the budget. Happy Birthday 🎂
I make a pot of soup every weekend so I have soup for lunches during the week. Yummy hot soup for winter lunch, Awesome! Cheap too!
Wow when you was talking about having a clean sink or eating out I felt like I had a V-8 moment ( smack in the head for those who are young). ❤ Definitely meal plan & see what you have pn hand. I normalle buy my smoothie ingredients & make at home instead of premade ones at shop or grocery store. I lost my dad 2 weeks ago, so I'm given myself some grace for a while. Thanks for tips
Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking about you and sending you so much love from Maine.
yep!!!!
Happy Birthday Kate🤩🥳🎉. YES on the clean sink! It’s so frustrating going to start dinner and see the dirty dishes my kids have left in the sink.
Happy birthday you beautiful lady ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
#1 SO TRUE!!!!!
I have a coffee/snack combo station set up and it definitely helps
I love your channel. I love your energy. I learned so much I sit here all the time watch a Videos thank you so much.
This means so much to me! I appreciate you and am so glad you get value from my videos! Thank you!
The habit I've been working on is a clean sink. I mastered making my bed everyday years ago and it was a game changer. A clean sink leads to clean counters.
The path of least resistance. Sometimes it really is that easy. Thanks for another great video Kate.
YASS! Thanks so much!
100% the straw thing! Since I don't really want to drink the water anyway a cap absolutely will stop me. I drink so much more since I got a water bottle with a straw so I know that these small changes will work as well! Side note...I chuckle every time you mention how much you love grocery pick up. Those of us that are long term users tried to get you to try it for so long!! 😂
And you were RIGHT! LOL!!!!!!!!! It's so great!
Happy Birthday Kate 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 hope you have a fantastic day 🙂
Thank you so so much!
@@KateKaden you're welcome 😀 🎂 🥳 🎉
I completely agree about the sink! I'm always tempted to eat out when my kitchen is dirty lol
“Guard your sink!” Is a great reminder/tip. I’ve also heard a clean sink attracts prosperity. 😜
YASSS! Even better!
fun video, thanks. I do think that my greatest successes have come from little steps. In my downsizing efforts that I am doing concurrent with my money saving efforts, I got rid of all the old tupperware, etc. and used an Amazon gift card from FETCH points to buy a set of heavy glass containers, 5 each of 2 sizes and they have made such a difference for me. I use them all the time, they can go in the dishwasher, they can go in the oven or the microwave, I actually will grab them first from the fridge if they have leftovers because they are appealing, and I even enjoy using them to prepare lunches the night before.
I love grocery delivery, our household qualified for reduced cost walmart+ because my husband is on ssdi
Love a clean sink. It doesn't always happen, but I'm much more productive in the kitchen when I have a clean sink and countertops.
Totally!
Hello beautiful frugal sister Kate,
I needed this video very much today-All Great takeaways-I’ll be setting up a coffee station 🚉 for the first time and can’t wait for the ooohs and ahhhs of its time n money saving benefits it will bring to my life!!
You are truly the bomb ❣️💣 and am so grateful for you!!
I need to buy my k-squad sweatshirt!!
Much love and blessings to you and your crew!!!
❤️🙏🦋🦋🦋
Damaris, I'm grateful for YOU! Thank youuuu!
Cooking i always make 2 portions more than needed right now. Freezer meals is a real thing. You just need to decide what you want to eat the night before so you can thaw it up.
This means we have a running list of what is in the freezer. 2023 we did three months of pantry/freezer clean out and only get fresh fruit and veg. Pair it with no spend and you are hitting all saving goals 😊
This leads to shop freezer and pantry first before leaving the house .
Meal prep really saved more than just one week the past 18 months.
I always have a filled water glass on my desk. I see it and take at least three big sips and fill up again.
The coffee station idea is really cute. Setting everything up in the everything, maybe with a timer so it starts right before you go past it is even more energizing 🎉
Staying out of stores was a tip in one of your videos that really helped me to allow myself only go grocery shopping with a list once every other month and apart from that buy fresh veg and fruit at the farmer's at the market.
Thank you for all you do!
You’re absolutely right about the sink. My husband & I have been trying to keep our kitchen a lot cleaner because of a mouse issue this winter… which is hard with 2 small kids & pets… BUT it also helps to keep us on track with cooking meals at home.☺️
All great advice!! I'm sensitive to odors, so I wrap everything very well (sometimes even 3 storage bags) to keep smelly food from permeating my fridge and freezer, which makes eating at home more appealing. Garlic flavored ice cubes and getting hit in the face with yesterday's dinner first thing in the morning can be off putting, so wrapping things well really helps.
Kate you're so right about the washing up 🤣 I'm really trying not to leave it as often as I did/at all if I can help it 👍
YASSS! Hi Bex!
@@KateKaden Hey Kate 👋 😊
Love this one! Thanks Kate! Regarding storage containers, I use jars that once held honey, jam, or peanut butter. I like to use the jam jars for grab and go lunches. Chicken on the bottom. Veggies on the top. Prep a few for the week. Grab and go!
Online grocery shopping is AMAZING ..We started in the covid period not wanting to go out and we never stopped. I have a budget and every 15days I make my order in my lunch break and have it delivered at home the same evening. The same evening, when I see all I got, I start to think about recepies and I make a sort of meal plan (not to strict but just some idea of meals I know I can Cook with what I have) so during the week it's all easier.
Happy Birthday Kate! 🎂Enjoy your special day.
Genius!!! Love the kitchen hacks, make it fun and enjoyable to save at home! 🌱💚
Thank you Heather! ❤️🙏
See you soon! 😊😊😊
Yesss!!!!
Happy Birthday, Kate!! Hope you have an amazing day and are spoiled by Kaden and your friends and family!!! 45 looks good on you!! ❤❤❤
I don't like grocery shopping, but I LOVE Aldi's. We started going weekly in January for no-spend month, and I will never go back to a "regular" grocery store. The beauty of Aldi's (if there's one near you) is that they stock far fewer items than a typical grocery store, and the prices are insanely good. Because there are limited options, you spend less. I also love the beauty of not having to choose which brand to buy - sometimes large grocery stores are overwhelming in the sheer quantity of items to choose from. Our grocery bill has been cut in half by going there (and I think they do delivery now). The ONLY caveat is to stay out of the 'Aldi Finds" aisle - where they feature non-food items like cutting boards, kitchen organizational stuff, and even exercise bikes and rice cookers. I've trained myself in the last month to walk through but never buy (unless we truly need something they have that particular week - the prices are usually much better than buying at Target or Walmart). In that aisle you have to be really disciplined. Anyway, it's definitely worth checking out if you have an Aldi's near you.
I also batch cook every Sunday (and make a loaf of sourdough bread). I really enjoy getting all (or most) of our weekly meals done in one day. I own my own software company and my life is pretty hectic, so taking the day on Sunday to batch cook is essential and oddly relaxing. During January we didn't have to resort to takeout at all, and it was really nice to be under budget!
I do altérnate Day fasting and have saved plenty of money. I’m healthier, less foggy head and my clothes fit amazing.
oooh! sounds awesome!
All great suggestions! I agree with the sink suggestion, as whenever I get a load of dishes started (dishwasher) and clean the ones that aren't dishwasher safe, I feel soo good! Now, if I can just keep up with that 😉
I find that I am also in my happy place when I am baking (cookies, bread, chex mix, mac and cheese, etc.) and I just need to actually start doing this more often. With this no spend January and low spend February, I am finding myself wanting to stay home more (or have small get togethers with neighbors).
"Guard your sink. " Such a helpful tip. This will help me! Thank you!
You are very welcome!
The clean sink definitely makes a difference in me wanting to cook!! Need to try the pantry trick - little scared of what I’ll find in the back of the cabinets haha.
Happy birthday!!🎈
Put the lids on the Tupperware when you put it away. I keep my recipe on the counter that I am going to make. Then I gradually get the ingredients out & put by recipe. I also get out the pan & butter or oil & flour etc. When it is time to cook everything is ready to go!
I love the coffee idea! It’s your own barista !
YASSSSSS!
Happy birthday Kate!
Thank you Nancy!
Happy Birthday Kate and thanks sooo much for all the great tips!
Happy Birthday Kate! It's also my sisters birthday and my husbands late grandmas birthday 🎉❤