I had this post halfway written on Saturday night and then, when we came back to the hotel from my speaking engagement in San Diego, I was so plain tired that I went to bed before I got it finished and posted. 🙂
But here are 5 things I loved last week:
1. Socks for Just $0.33 at Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree had 3-packs of socks for just $1 per pack! All of my kids needed socks, so it was a sock deal SCORE! They weren’t the highest quality socks ever, but at $0.33 per pair, I can’t complain — especially since they usually mostly wear socks for play and sports anyway.
2. West Wing
I rarely watch TV (unless it’s politics or the Olympics or sports with my guys), but I do love me a good movie or show. So, my husband and I had been trying to find a show that we both could get into and enjoy… but that’s hard because we’re so picky.
We like depth and character development. We don’t like fluffy fluff. We’re not into cheesy drama stuff. And we’re super picky about what we watch.
So yeah, finding a good show is pretty near impossible. But Jesse suggested maybe we try West Wing since we’re both political junkies.
The first season was slow, but we loved the character development. We’re now in season two and loving it more and more all the time.
It’s a fun way for us to hang out together and have an at-home “Movie Date” after our kids go to bed.
3. Periscope
Okay, so the truth is that I poo-poo’d Periscope for a few months. It just seemed kind of pointless to me as all I saw were people posting videos of their backyard or “here’s a video of the rain outside” or “see this video of the beach at the resort I’m at”.
I just wasn’t seeing the value in this new social media platform and never thought I’d do anything with it. However, I’ve been listening to Chalene Johnson’s podcasts recently and she kept recommending it over and over again.
She convinced me to give it another look, and I’m so glad that I did. I discovered some bloggers and business professionals who were sharing some pretty cool and inspiring scopes.
The wheels started turning in my head. I kept watching scopes, kept investigating what was working for people, and started to consider if I should jump into the fray.
It took me two weeks of research, watching many scopes, talking to numerous people, and brainstorming with my husband and team, but I jumped in with both feet this morning and recorded my first ever Periscope this morning… and people actually showed up and participated!! I am quickly falling in love with Periscope and am enjoying tuning into a few quick broadcasts each day, too.
Psst! My New Morning Motivation Periscope Show!
I’m planning to do a short Morning Motivation video every weekday morning around 6:30 to 7 a.m. CT. on Periscope. You can tune in live and ask questions/participate with other readers in the comments. Or, you can watch the replay any time over the next 24 hours.
{If you’re not on Periscope yet, you can search for the app, download it, and then search for me (@MoneySavingMom) and follow me. You can choose to be notified every time I go live so that you can jump on and join in.}
Also you don’t need to do anything on Periscope or keep up another social media network. Just tune in or watch the replays. That’s one reason I love Periscope — because it’s simple and straightforward for people and doesn’t require any participation, unless you choose to participate. Best of all, there’s almost nothing to learn in order to be able to tune in — unlike social media networks like Facebook or Twitter!
4. This Article on How to Help When Someone Is In Need
This was an amazing article. Such a great reminder!
LOVE DOES things. Love doesn’t just think about doing things. Love actually does things.
5. Aldi Flowers
I’m such a fan of Aldi flowers. When we needed to buy some flowers for the filming at our house last week, Jesse picked up four bouquets for just $4 each! So we got all of these flowers pictured for $16 total!
What are YOU loving right now?
Shelly says
I’m excited to hear you are using Periscope too. I’ll have to tune into the replay of your scopes. I might make it live once in a while, but being on the West Coast makes it pretty early. 🙂
5 things I’m Loving this Week,
All the great tomatoes we are getting from the garden right now.
The cooler morning weather and the leaves just starting to turn.
The few last fun weeks of summer before school starts again for us.
Easy big dinner salads.
Having a plan for each day to keep me on track and not let the day slip away.
Crystal Paine says
I’m hoping to hop on and do a few afternoon or evening scopes here and there… because I know it’s WAY early for those on the West Coast! It’s the only time that my house is guaranteed to be quiet. 🙂
Beth says
The “how to help” article was great, thanks for sharing! Some things I am loving this week are playing the piano, enjoying the rest of my summer vacation, and a song called “I Feel Jesus in the Room” by Caleb Collins!
Kara M says
My husband and I are HUGE WW fans also—we’ve watched the show thru 2 times! I see a 3rd in our future.
I just discovered Periscope at the Young Living Convention. I did my first today actually to get a hang of it before too many people followed me. It made me realize I say Ummm a lot! I realized as I watched yours yesterday I had never heard your voice (crazy to me) even though I’ve been a blog friend for YEARS!!
Stacy says
We love The West Wing too! My hubby was already into it when we started dating many years ago. I quickly got into it too. It’s still one of our go-to shows.
Annie says
Thanks for sharing the “love does” post! It’s so specific and practical, I’ll definitely be putting some of those ideas into action!
Crystal Paine says
You are so welcome! It was so good I couldn’t not share!
Chelsea says
I am giddy about your morning show!! Maybe because it gives me a solid reason to wake up earlier? 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Yay! And it gives me a solid reason to get out of my PJs. 🙂
Laura says
Crystal, I really adore that you’ll be doing a week day Periscope show! I think it’s a great idea for not only your readers (hi) but also for your “brand”. 🙂 Can’t wait to tune in and hear what you have to say! <3 P.S. actually started my nightly to-do list last night and today is feelin' easy breezy, so thanks for that great suggestion in the Makeover Your Mornings course. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Yay! And thank you so much for your sweet encouragement!
Kalyn Brooke | Creative Savings says
Well now I have to add West Wing to my never-ending TV show list! 🙂 Hubby and I have recently gotten into Madame Secretary, and if you enjoy political drama, this show has just the right amount of humor and intrigue.
Amy says
My husband and I rewatch The West Wing every few years (thanks Netflix!) for all the reasons you’re loving it. Couldn’t disagree more with the politics, but it is fascinating! You may also enjoy Madam Secretary, which is about to start season 2 on CBS. Same idea but focuses on the Secretary of State’s office. I’m sure you can find season 1 online 🙂
Tamah Collier says
We love West Wing too–watched when it aired originally. It does get a little more “trashy” as the seasons go on, so be aware. A show I’d recommend is Flash Point–I’ve seen only the first two seasons, but they were so good! It’s about a Hostage Rescue Team–but it goes back in time to see what led up to the hostage situation. I cried during every show of the first season! Made you think and realize how hard life is for some people!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for that word of warning. I appreciate it. And thanks also for the recommendation of Flash Point! I’ve not heard of that show before and will definitely check it out.
Suzanne says
I agree about the decline of West Wing, Tamah. I won’t give away any spoilers for Crystal, but when certain people left the show, it lost it’s snap. But those first few seasons were sooo good!! Love me some Leo!
Ann says
I don’t normally comment, but I too wanted to say that “Flash Point” was a great show. Five seasons and I believe I was able to watch all of them on Hulu. Like you, I don’t watch much TV, so when I do I want it to be a good watch. I enjoyed this show so much I had to keep at it till I ran out of seasons, and now I miss it a lot. So I would have to say it was one of the best shows ever made. Like Tamah said, you will think a lot and cry a lot, or cry some and then think a lot.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for chiming in about this!
Kelly Cox says
I’m a big fan of Aldi and the flowers too! It is amazing to see such great every day prices! Beautiful flowers by the way.
Kariane says
This week I’m learning that my morning snuggles with my boys can work well as my meditation time (I wrote about it here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/snuggle-time-as-meditation/ ).
I’m loving Fruit-Sweetened Chai Banana Milkshakes (recipe here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/fruit-sweetened-chai-banana-milkshake/ ).
And I’m loving that this morning feels like the beginning of fall. The air is crisp and cool.
Alison says
I think you’d enjoy The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. It was a great show!
Cheryl says
5 things I’m loving this week:
Having you post your personal/family posts again
Going to a cookout Saturday night with friends and their kids
Same friends/kids coming over Sunday and helping fix our damaged tree/gazebo and having a pizza dinner outside after the work was done (watching the kids swim together 2 days in row)
Being able to leave early for our trip since there was no power at my work!
Bobbi says
I love Aldi flowers too. Just yesterday I wanted a little thank you gift for a very kind woman at work and I picked up a beautiful African Violet at Aldi for $1.99. Can’t beat that!
Victoria says
Love Aldi flowers my hubby picked up some for me when he went grocery shopping Saturday.
5 things I am loving this week
1. New beginnings: Just dropped off two of my children to their 2 day a week classes at a local Christian school and my eldest son is on the way to the zoo for a volunteering meeting (he wants to work at the zoo eventually).
2. Family dinners: Usually my husband’s work hours don’t allow him to be home for dinner but lately there has been a shift in his work hours and we have been able to all eat together most nights of the week. Loving it while it lasts.
3. Kayaking: We invested in some inexpensive Kayaks 2 summers ago and I love them so much. So relaxing to get out on the water either with my kids, or my husband.
4. Starbucks ice coffee: My son started soccer again and there is a Starbucks nearby that I visit while he is at practice. He had practice 5 days in a row for 2 weeks. I got a bit hooked. Thank goodness for point earned gift cards. Got a lot of blog work done there though.
5. That humans don’t melt: Sunday I went out for a walk. It was cloudy but the clouds didn’t look like they would produce much rain. I was so wrong. Half way in to my 1 hr walk it started to pour! I came home drenched. Two days later and my shoes still are not dry.
Kristine Hart says
Hi, Crystal! My name is Kristine and I own a blog, The Blue Blanket. I’ve been following you for a little while now. Love your site, content, advise and tips. I’m leaving a comment today to say you should find the socks pretty decent quality. I bought a 3 pk last year and was very impressed for $ Tree socks. Also, I walk everywhere I go so my socks get worn! So unless they make the womans socks a different way, I think you’ all be happy with you purchase even more!! Enjoy the rest of your week!!
Kristine ?
Crystal Paine says
Oh! Thanks for sharing! This makes me so happy to hear!
Amy R says
West Wing is my favorite!!! I disagree with the show in every way politically, but the process of law is fascinating. I often argue with them when I’m watching it on Netflix. My kids just about think that Martin Sheen is the actual president!
Crystal Paine says
Yes, I agree! The process of law is so fascinating! And my husband has been doing the arguing thing, too. Just last night he was saying, “Wait, that’s not right!” to the screen. 🙂
Megan says
We are huge West Wing fans too! It’s incredible how timely it is, even more than a decade on. I’m a political science prof and I love to use clips in class. The sad thing is that so many of my students have never seen it – now they just watch House of Cards (which is far less accurate, not to mention a lot darker!).
Samantha says
We just watched all three seasons of House of Cards and my husband was considering watching West Wing. I personally cannot watch a political drama for entertainment and watch all the political drama happening on the news.
Megan says
I’d really recommend giving The West Wing a chance – it’s far more positive than House of Cards and it does a really good job of presenting multiple perspectives on many issues (in an entertaining way), so it can be a good way to learn about American politics and provide context for what you read in the news.
Melissa says
We love The West Wing too! I’m loving the new grocery store by us – we just got a Meijer! And of course being that it’s a grand opening, I’ve been able to score some really great deals.
Crystal Paine says
Yay for Meijer!!