Not Very Frugal Despite What They Say

[LongDogMom]

Watching the show last night I was really shocked to see them using pre-packaged salad when making lunch for the Mother's Day meal. It's not like it's hard to wash and tear lettuce! Using pre-packaged stuff like that would be very expensive for so many people and frankly, it's just lazy. I mean, if they were as frugal as they like to claim they are, they should not only be making more stuff from scrach (like salad at the very least), but have a kitchen garden where they can grow their own veggies. It's not like they have tons of stuff to do. I'm shocked that they do stuff like using paper plates and utensils ...is it that hard to load a dishwasher?

[Ivycoveredtower]

Watching the show last night I was really shocked to see them using pre-packaged salad when making lunch for the Mother's Day meal. It's not like it's hard to wash and tear lettuce! Using pre-packaged stuff like that would be very expensive for so many people and frankly, it's just lazy. I mean, if they were as frugal as they like to claim they are, they should not only be making more stuff from scrach (like salad at the very least), but have a kitchen garden where they can grow their own veggies. It's not like they have tons of stuff to do. I'm shocked that they do stuff like using paper plates and utensils ...is it that hard to load a dishwasher?

They've always been like that especially when it comes to food. I don't think they ever really make anything from scratch it's all pre- made or in mixes Heck Jim Bob even said at one point I think it was 14 kids and pregnant again that they don't use coupons because it takes up to much time.

[browncoatslytherin]

basically, "we're frugal cuz we say we are"

[abseedee]

They've always been like that especially when it comes to food. I don't think they ever really make anything from scratch it's all pre- made or in mixes Heck Jim Bob even said at one point I think it was 14 kids and pregnant again that they don't use coupons because it takes up to much time.

They can now easily use the help of the older and middle kids to cut coupons. That excuse Boob used with 14 kids then imo doesn't hold up much now.

eta: Since Mullet said she is a schedular I'm sure she can schedule coupon cutting time.

[precious_one]

They can now easily use the help of the older and middle kids to cut coupons. That excuse Boob used with 14 kids then imo doesn't hold up much now.

eta: Since Mullet said she is a schedular I'm sure she can schedule coupon cutting time.

I always thought they didn't use coupons because they used to shop at Aldi's and bought all store brand food.

Their paper plate and plastic utensil use is ridiculous. I see nothing wrong with using paper and plastic things for a picnic or even a very large get together. Unless, I have more than 20 people I always use real dishes. Usually, when I have people over is at Christmas and Thanksgiving at we have way too much for paper plates. It is not that difficult to scrap plates and load the dishwasher and even before I had a dishwasher I was able to wash them very quickly.

[Ivycoveredtower]

I always thought they didn't use coupons because they used to shop at Aldi's and bought all store brand food.

Their paper plate and plastic utensil use is ridiculous. I see nothing wrong with using paper and plastic things for a picnic or even a very large get together. Unless, I have more than 20 people I always use real dishes. Usually, when I have people over is at Christmas and Thanksgiving at we have way too much for paper plates. It is not that difficult to scrap plates and load the dishwasher and even before I had a dishwasher I was able to wash them very quickly.

they also used to have an excuse for that to Michelle used to say that they put the kids names on the plate to see how much they ate.

[Four is Enough]

[

. Usually, when I have people over is at Christmas and Thanksgiving at we have way too much for paper plates. It is not that difficult to scrape plates and load the dishwasher and even before I had a dishwasher I was able to wash them very quickly.

And part of the Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter traditions, in my family, was the ceremonial washing of and drying of and putting away of the dishes. While the menfolk slept watched sports in the front room, the womenfolk from Grandma down gathered up, scraped, washed, rinsed, and put away all dishes that wouldn't be used for round two (yes, I said round two) of the eating. We would be chattering away. It was a great way to be part of the culture of the family, a great bonding time, and I and my sister still keep that tradition up. My inlaws will wind up in my kitchen, drying dishes. It's just something else the Duggars have missed out on doing.

[ADoyle90815]

And part of the Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter traditions, in my family, was the ceremonial washing of and drying of and putting away of the dishes. While the menfolk slept watched sports in the front room, the womenfolk from Grandma down gathered up, scraped, washed, rinsed, and put away all dishes that wouldn't be used for round two (yes, I said round two) of the eating. We would be chattering away. It was a great way to be part of the culture of the family, a great bonding time, and I and my sister still keep that tradition up. My inlaws will wind up in my kitchen, drying dishes. It's just something else the Duggars have missed out on doing.

That was the tradition on both sides of my family, especially at my dad's side because my grandparents were extremely formal and had everything in their china pattern. The only time they really used paper plates was for a picnic or child's birthday party where the cake was served on paper plates.

Even now, most of the time I use regular dishes as it's not that difficult to load the dishwasher and run it when full. It's also cheaper and less wasteful than paper plates can be.

[Hooligan]

And part of the Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter traditions, in my family, was the ceremonial washing of and drying of and putting away of the dishes. While the menfolk slept watched sports in the front room, the womenfolk from Grandma down gathered up, scraped, washed, rinsed, and put away all dishes that wouldn't be used for round two (yes, I said round two) of the eating. We would be chattering away. It was a great way to be part of the culture of the family, a great bonding time, and I and my sister still keep that tradition up. My inlaws will wind up in my kitchen, drying dishes. It's just something else the Duggars have missed out on doing.

In my family holidays there are the cooks and the washers. Anyone who cooks is off for KP and the rest clean up. It usually comes down to women cook men clean but not always.

The paper and plastic drives me nuts. I even have non-breakable plates and glasses for picnics. I have cloth napkins for our every day use, but then I kind of hate paper napkins. I do use paper towels, but try to keep that down.

I kind of think that the frugal part of these people involves a lot of buying used clothing and asking for discounts. Can't be bothered to use coupons, but ask like everyone every time for a discount. Ugh..

[TheJewAmongUs]

Did they show the brand names on the salad bags? Was it possibly a product placement? My guess is they have an industrial dishwasher and it is probably pretty expensive to run. Plus whenever we see them eating on TV they are feeding themselves, plus their extras (Hartonos, Anna's random enlisted sibling helper, etc) and the crew. I'm sure it's easily 40 people. And they're shooting, it's not like after the meal scene they really get to stop and do dishes. Logistically they might not be allowed to just send to two kids into the kitchen to clean the dishes for hours. When they post pictures on Instagram they use real plates. http://instagram.com/p/rnNLocGlTx/

[amster]

Did they show the brand names on the salad bags? Was it possibly a product placement? My guess is they have an industrial dishwasher and it is probably pretty expensive to run. Plus whenever we see them eating on TV they are feeding themselves, plus their extras (Hartonos, Anna's random enlisted sibling helper, etc) and the crew. I'm sure it's easily 40 people. And they're shooting, it's not like after the meal scene they really get to stop and do dishes. Logistically they might not be allowed to just send to two kids into the kitchen to clean the dishes for hours. When they post pictures on Instagram they use real plates. http://instagram.com/p/rnNLocGlTx/

That would make sense, if it wasn't for all the times we saw paper plates in their pantry in the early specials, before the show was a regular thing.

[Coco]

they also used to have an excuse for that to Michelle used to say that they put the kids names on the plate to see how much they ate.

yes! Aldi is AWESOME. Ours had $1 gallons of milk for several months after it opened. People would buy just the milk and freeze it. Sadly we don't live near one anymore. But back in the day that kept us out of debt. i even tracked the mileage to the store to make sure it was cheaper than Walmart, finances were that tight.

[Coco]

Did they show the brand names on the salad bags? Was it possibly a product placement? My guess is they have an industrial dishwasher and it is probably pretty expensive to run. Plus whenever we see them eating on TV they are feeding themselves, plus their extras (Hartonos, Anna's random enlisted sibling helper, etc) and the crew. I'm sure it's easily 40 people. And they're shooting, it's not like after the meal scene they really get to stop and do dishes. Logistically they might not be allowed to just send to two kids into the kitchen to clean the dishes for hours. When they post pictures on Instagram they use real plates. http://instagram.com/p/rnNLocGlTx/

It might be in the contract too, that TLC makes them do little tacky things just to get people talking. :lol:

[grandmadugger]

Some of the stuff I see on the show makes me want to beat my head against the wall. :angry-banghead:

Prepackaged food is a waste of money. They have 17 kids at home, all old enough to pitch in, there's no reason to buy packaged foods. They have a commercial dishwasher, all of their plates would fit in one load. It takes 3 minutes to run a load in that dishwasher. There's no reason for them to use paper plates even when filming. If you aren't buying a bunch of processed prepackaged foods coupons aren't going to do you a lot of good. I don't use coupons because of that but I take advantaged of Wal-Mart's price match policy. Give me a week with the Duggar's and I can have them saving a lot more money.

[pega127]

They can now easily use the help of the older and middle kids to cut coupons. That excuse Boob used with 14 kids then imo doesn't hold up much now.

eta: Since Mullet said she is a schedular I'm sure she can schedule coupon cutting time.

Re: They DON'T want to clip coupons. And NOW they don't NEED to clip coupons. $$$

[Toothfairy]

They should take some tips form honey boo boos mom. She's the coupon queen.

The Duggars are just lazy. They can do a ton of things but don't want to. Like gardening or washing dishes instead of paper plates. The kids are old enough to wash out their dish when they're done.

[silverspoons]

I have always wondered if the no coupon thing was because they do not get a newspaper?

Couponing is easy. Go to a website and it shows your local stores and tells you what is on sale and what coupons are good deals. some sites even charge a small fee and will send you the coupons. There is a twice a year P&G sale nationwide, a local retired man clips coupons and I give him $5 for the items I need. I get 6 months worth of soap, toilet paper, Kleenex, toothbrushes, deodorant etc for just a few dollars. Would this not make the perfect homeschool math lesson?

Almost all the changes are in spending money. We still hear the same lines about fellowshipping, courting, and season of life from 10 years ago but what has changed is the hair, clothes, makeup, and technology. The point that is even worse then then not being frugal is the kids are not being taught the real value of working and buying something. The kids over 13 get iphones, they are now getting new clothes, stop off for coffee, and their gas and all their bills are paid for. So Joseph is 20 and has his grandma doing his laundry and his sister making his bed and someone is buying his clothes, paying for an iphone, giving him pocket money for coffee or fast food. How is this teaching responsibility. I know many kids at the evil public high school have to work a part time or summer job to pay for their phone or buy clothes. I also still think it is crazy that these teens and adults can't do their own laundry and make their own beds. I say Duggar = fail on life skills.

[RosyDaisy]

I make salads using cucumbers, green/red/yellow/orange bel peppers, and tomatoes from my garden. The lettuce and everything else I buy at the grocery store, but I don't buy anything pre-packaged. It tastes funny to me.

[pega127]

I make salads using cucumbers, green/red/yellow/orange bel peppers, and tomatoes from my garden. The lettuce and everything else I buy at the grocery store, but I don't buy anything pre-packaged. It tastes funny to me.

Especially Dole brand of pre packaged lettuce. It has a very peculiar taste.

[Four is Enough]

I

Almost all the changes are in spending money. We still hear the same lines about fellowshipping, courting, and season of life from 10 years ago but what has changed is the hair, clothes, makeup, and technology. The point that is even worse then then not being frugal is the kids are not being taught the real value of working and buying something. The kids over 13 get iphones, they are now getting new clothes, stop off for coffee, and their gas and all their bills are paid for. So Joseph is 20 and has his grandma doing his laundry and his sister making his bed and someone is buying his clothes, paying for an iphone, giving him pocket money for coffee or fast food. How is this teaching responsibility. I know many kids at the evil public high school have to work a part time or summer job to pay for their phone or buy clothes. I also still think it is crazy that these teens and adults can't do their own laundry and make their own beds. I say Duggar = fail on life skills.

My kids have made their own lunches since first grade. They have their own bank accounts. They started doing their own laundry in middle school. They keep their own rooms, and the kids bathroom and powder room, clean. They help clean the common house areas. They go shopping with us to stock up on the big purchases. They work in the garden, mow the lawn, weed whack, and weed the gardens. Why CAN'T the Duggars do all that?

[browncoatslytherin]

Especially Dole brand of pre packaged lettuce. It has a very peculiar taste.

i barely use any lettuce in my salad at all, i like LOTS of different veggies :D and most of the time, i actually use spinach, cuz it's yummier, imo, and it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the yummy veggies and stuff i've put in my salad, like bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, onions, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, etc.

[trailmix2014]

Sorry. Some of us like doing things the easy way. Bagged salad. Pre-made food. May not be the healthiest, but sometimes it's better than nothing. And not everyone can have a garden. I kill every plant I touch.

Sorry, guess the snarking here got annoying for me.

[JHeathen]

My kids have made their own lunches since first grade. They have their own bank accounts. They started doing their own laundry in middle school. They keep their own rooms, and the kids bathroom and powder room, clean. They help clean the common house areas. They go shopping with us to stock up on the big purchases. They work in the garden, mow the lawn, weed whack, and weed the gardens. Why CAN'T the Duggars do all that?

Can you come to southeastern Virginia and train MY kids? :D

[Phoenix]

It might be in the contract too, that TLC makes them do little tacky things just to get people talking. :lol:

When filming there is a Craft table, essentially private catering for the crew that other threads and posts have speculated the Duggars probably get in on as well. They do have an industrial dish washer and I don't know how much it costs to run, but those machines can wash the equal to an entire Thanksgiving dinner worth of plates and cutlery in a matter of minutes. I think the paper and plastic would cost more to buy and throw out than a bit more water, electricity and soap to run the industrial washer. I was running the industrial dish washer in my parish kitchen by middle school, so the howlers can manage it just fine.

[Four is Enough]

Can you come to southeastern Virginia and train MY kids? :D

Not only that, they pack their own bags for every vacation/camping trip since middle school. I used to make them a list, and they could check it with me, and we'd zip up their bags and away we'd go. Now, I just say, "Pack for X days" and they might come to me to say, "ask me what I need?" and I'll go over the mental list with them, but they're good. They know the drill. But they are 18 and up now... :lol: