Get a FREE Sample of Nom Nom Nola Coconut Almond Granola!
Sign up for a FREE Sample of Nom Nom Nola Coconut Almond Granola!
Thanks, Freebie Shark!
100 Creative Ideas for Frugal Fun with Kids!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Get a FREE Sample of Nom Nom Nola Coconut Almond Granola!
Sign up for a FREE Sample of Nom Nom Nola Coconut Almond Granola!
Thanks, Freebie Shark!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Here’s a great deal on honey!
Amazon has this Nate’s Organic 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey – USDA Certified Organic – 16oz. Squeeze Bottle for just $5.25 shipped when you check out through Subscribe & Save!
Or get this Nature Nate’s 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey, 32 ounces for just $10.63 shipped right now! This is such a GREAT price for honey!
Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders.
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Myquillyn Smith was my very first in-person guest to ever have on the show — back in 2018! (Listen to episode 12.) And because I loved the in-person experience so much, we decided to ultimately only have in-person guests on the podcasts! She’s also someone I’ve known for years and years through blogging — back before social media was even a thing!
She has a brand-new book called, House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home Style and Budget. It’s a fun and very visual book with lots of practical inspiration (and pictures of her house!). I underlined and dog-eared so many pages in the book and loved getting to ask her to share more about some of my favorite parts of the book.
Listen in as Myquillyn shares about why she wrote a book on rules (you’ll breathe a sign of relief to know it’s not going to be a rigid system but rather simple guidelines!), the importance of authenticity, and the power of starting with what you know. She also teaches us about the “Homey Trinity” and the significance of proper lighting and decor scale. And you’ll be encouraged as she talks about how limitations can actually lead to creativity in unexpected ways.
Plus, we discuss the concept of clutter and how to navigate the fine line between cozy and chaotic. We close this episode with me asking Myquillin what the hardest rule is for her to follow — you might be surprised with her answer!
Throughout the conversation, Myquillyn reminds us that our homes should serve us, not the other way around. I hope that this episode helps you to see and approach your home and decorating in a brand-new light!
Powered by RedCircle
[0:35] – Today’s guest is returning guest Myquillyn Smith!
[2:02] – Myquillyn talks about how starting online was intimidating and why she originally went by the pseudonym of The Nester.
[4:33] – Teaching decor involves guidelines, but breaking rules can enhance creativity and confidence.
[7:29] – Do what you know, use what you have, and finish what you started with.
[9:11] – Myquillyn advises starting with inspiration, creating a Pinterest board, and identifying the needs of a room for decorating confidently.
[12:12] – You’ll love this story of Myquillyn’s fancy drapes and how she adapted them to better suit her casual lifestyle.
[15:39] – When we find ourselves overly protective of our homes, it’s a sign that something needs to change.
[17:54] – Owning practical, easy-to-clean furniture allows freedom in enjoying and sharing your home.
[19:29] – How to appreciate thrift store finds without feeling compelled to own them brings peace and contentment.
[22:00] – The “Homey Trinity” of rugs, window treatments, and lighting.
[25:30] – Myquillyn identifies her biggest struggle as items left on the floor becoming “unintended decor”.
[26:44] – Hear my solution to Myquillyn’s challenge – keeping a dumpster in the garage for donations.
[30:38] – Be sure to check out 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home, and use the code PODCAST at checkout!
Books
Social Media
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Do you have elementary or middle school aged kids who love online gaming? You might want to check out this FREE Adventure Academy trial!!
Psst! You can also get a FREE trial to ABCmouse! And don’t miss this BIG list of other free educational resources available for kids right now.
Looking for some supplemental education or a program that makes it easy for kids to do some learning at home? Check out Adventure Academy with this free trial!!
Adventure Academy — an educational MMO game created specifically for kids in elementary and middle school — is offering a FREE 30-day trial to new customers!
It’s a great chance to try it out and see how your kids like it. Just click here to sign up and you’ll get your first 30 days for free.
Developed by the top video gaming designers and crafted by a team of curriculum experts, Adventure Academy is a highly engaging and creative platform that focuses on building critical knowledge and skills in language arts, math, social studies, science, and more!
Adventure Academy features thousands of educational learning activities, such as videos, reading experiences, games, quizzes, and many other interactive elements— all within the frameworks of U.S. curriculum standards.
Note: After your free trial is up, the regular monthly price of $12.99 will auto-charge. If you no longer wish to continue, just be sure to cancel before your free trial is up.
Psst! If you’d like to try this program for longer than 30 days, you can also take advantage of this lowest price Adventure Academy discount on an annual subscription!
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Looking for ways to earn some extra cash on the side? Sign up for Toluna!
Toluna, a reputable survey company, is currently accepting applicants! You’ll get paid for your opinion in the form of surveys, engaging in community content, inviting friends to join, and playing games.
When you earn enough points equal to $10, you can trade in for PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, and more!
Psst! Looking for more reputable surveys? Check out our list of favorite paid online surveys.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Need a new dress? Old Navy is having great deals today on dresses and rompers!
Today only, Old Navy has Girl’s Dresses for just $8 and Women’s Dresses for just $15!
There are several colors and styles to choose from.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Otherwise, shipping is free on orders over $50.
Valid today only, May 18, 2024.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This is such a great deal!
Wow! Home Depot has this Permasteel 80-Quart Turquoise Chest Cooler for just $89 shipped!
This is currently priced $175 to $200 elsewhere online so this is a super great deal. Entertain your guests with this beautiful powder coated steel Patio Cooler with bottom shelf that is well constructed with its insulated basin to keep your beverages cold up to 36-hours. It holds up to 110 oz. to 12 oz. cans with plenty of room for ice.
Valid for a limited time only.
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! You can’t beat this price for kids dinnerware!
This HOT deal is back! Walmart has this Kid’s Your Zone 24 Piece Plastic Dinnerware Set for just $5https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uig5/ right now! Choose from seven colors at this low price.
Each set includes four trays, four bowls, four plates, four cups, four forks, and four spoons.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you’re looking for summer reading programs for kids, this is our comprehensive list of all the completely FREE programs!
{Looking for other fun summer deals? Kids can bowl for free and skate for free at many participating locations this summer!
Believe it or not, it’s almost that time of year again — when school is out and summer reading programs abound. Yay!
Note: We recommend calling your local stores to verify that they’re participating in these programs this year.
Do your kids love to read, too? If so, this is our big list of all the FREE summer reading programs that are available nationally!
Barnes & Noble — Earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in grades 1-6.
Chuck E. Cheese — Kids can fill out their Reading Rewards Calendar when they read every day for two weeks, and then trade it in for 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese location.
Half Price Books — Starting June 1st, Half Price Books is hosting Summer Reading Camp for kids 14 or younger. Kids are encouraged to read 15 minutes per day to reach a total of at least 300 minutes. After that, they can turn in their completed reading log to their local store to earn Bookworm Bucks to spend. Each week they will also offer fun new printable activity sheets of all kinds!
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program — Kids ages 18 and under can select a list from the grade level bands listed. Print the list and track each book you read by checking it off and recording the date it was read, along with a rating. Submit your list to receive a recognition certificate and T-shirt!
Pizza Hut Camp Book It — In addition to their annual school year program, Pizza Hut also has their summer reading program called Camp Book it! Simply track your child’s reading during June, July, and August. Once they reach their monthly reading goal, they can redeem for a free one-topping personal pizza at Pizza Hut!
Showcase Cinemas — Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free movie admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at a participating Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinemas box office.
SYNC — A summer reading program geared toward teens aged 13 and older, the program will run for 14 weeks and offer two thematically paired audiobooks for checkout each week, for free, to every registered listener.
Local Libraries — Above all, don’t forget about your local library! Most of them offer fun summer reading programs with prizes and more.
Bonus: Don’t forget about the Pizza Hut Book-It Program that runs each school year!
Summer reading programs are a great opportunity for kids to keep reading (and learning) even when they’re not in school.
Summer reading programs are free and something your children can do anywhere and at any time.
With the added incentives and prizes offered, it’s a win-win for kids and their families!
It’s good for their brain development and can help them to retain more of what they learned during the school year.
Reading is also a great way to pass the time — time they might otherwise spend zoning out to screens!
The best way to encourage your children to do anything is by modeling the behavior you want for them — so start reading!
Ask them what types of books interest them and then ask your librarian to suggest similar books at the child’s reading level. Or, select books you can read aloud to them.
Make reading time fun with special snacks, by reading outside, or by letting them “stay up late” to read one more chapter.
It depends on your child’s reading level and what would be the “best” motivator for him or her. Look through the list of online reading programs above and check out your local library offerings and then just pick one!
Save time and let your local library organize it for you — or search online for a free summer reading program. Most libraries and dozens of online websites offer reading programs for free.
Once you’ve selected the summer reading program you want to do, then have a set time each day where you and/or your children will read for at least 15-20 minutes. Make sure to record your reading time and follow up with the appropriate challenges, and of course, don’t forget to redeem any prizes or rewards!
Download our FREE Kid’s Summer Reading Printable Pack!
Looking for a fun way to encourage and motivate your kids to read more? Or need a creative way for your kids to keep track of all the books they read through summer reading programs this year?
Be sure to download our FREE Kid’s Summer Reading Printable Pack! It comes with a reading challenge, reading time tracker, and fill-in-the-blank summer reading list.
Published: by Brigette on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
1 pkg 73/27 fresh Ground Beef ($3.29/lb) – $18.54
1 pkg boneless Chicken Breasts ($2.29/lb) – $11.89
1 pkg Chicken Drumsticks ($0.99/lb) – $5.43
1 bag Sliced Pepperoni – $2.49
2 16-oz pkgs Deli Meat – $7.98
1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $4.49
1 bag Green Onions – $0.85
1 Cauliflower – $2.75
1 bag Spinach – $1.49
1 bag Mini Avocados – $3.19
1 3-ct bag Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.69
1 carton Mushrooms – $1.29
1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $4.89
1 Pineapple – $1.79
1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.85
1 16-oz bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.89
1 bag Ever Crisp Apples (3.67lbs @ $1.39/lb) – $5.10
2 16-oz bags Shredded Cheese – $6.98
1 5-lb bag All-Purpose Flour – $2.35
1 4-lb bag Sugar – $2.95
1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $3.79
1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.79
2 gallons Whole Milk- $4.30
1 54-oz carton Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk – $3.19
2 jars Pasta Sauce – $3.18
1 box Butter Quarters – $3.69
1 bag Nacho Chips – $2.39
1 bag Blue Multigrain Tortilla Chips – $2.29
1 bag Semi-Sweet Morsels – $2.25
1 32-oz pkg Spaghetti Noodles – $1.88
2 pkgs Hot Dog Buns – $2.58
2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $2.58
1 dozen Eggs – $2.05
Total: $128.84
3 boxes Dave’s Killer Bread Snack Bars (B1G1) – $8.59, used (2) $2/1 printables, plus received $2 Shopmium rebate, plus received (3) $1.25 Ibotta Rebates – $1.16 Money Maker after Coupons and Rebates!
3 bags Lays Potato Chips (B1G1) – $7.40 – used $2/3 Publix digital coupon – $5.40 for 3 after coupon
1 Mush Overnight Oats – $2, used $1/1 Publix Digital Coupon, plus received $2 rebate – $1 Money Maker after Coupon and Rebate
3 boxes Fudgsicles (B1G1) – $9.09, used $5/$15 Unilever Publix digital coupon, plus $2/2 Publix digital coupon – $2.09 for 3 boxes after Coupons
Total after Coupons and Rebates – $5.33
Grocery Total for the Week: $134.17
Oatmeal, Cereal, Smoothies, Zucchini Muffins, Eggs, Snack Bars
Leftovers x 3
Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Chips, Cucumbers/Peppers, Applesauce x 4
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Creamy Milk Rice, Roasted Cauliflower
Chicken Gravy over Rice, Tossed Salad, Broccoli
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad
Spaghetti, Homemade French Bread, Sliced Peppers
Chicken Pot Pie, Sliced Apples
Meatloaf (using half venison), Baked Potatoes, Biscuits, Green Beans
Leftovers
Meal time just got so much easier!
Did you do any grocery shopping this week? I’d love to hear what great deals you scored!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Get a FREE American flag!
Stop by your local Ace Hardware on Saturday, May 25th to score a FREE American Flag that you can place on veterans’ graves in honor of Memorial Day!
Valid at participating stores while supplies last.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
In the Garden Activity Placemat is so cute!
Download this free printable In the Garden Activity Placemat for some mealtime fun!
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Looking for a cheap dinner idea? Grab this Pizza Hut coupon code!
Pizza Hut is offering two or more select pizzas and more for just $7 each!
Note: This does not stack with any other deals or offers.
Valid for a limited time only.
Thanks, Hip2Save!
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Looking for a Father’s Day activity? Check out this Pottery Barn Kids free event!
Pottery Barn Kids is hosting a Free Father’s Day Crafting Party Event at select locations on June 15th, starting at 10am. Register for this free event now, because space is limited.
Thanks, The Freebie Guy!
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
I recently shared a blog post on How to Graduate College Debt-Free. This post sparked so many discussions via comments and messages on my blog and through social media that I wanted to explore the topic more in-depth with Jesse on a podcast.
This is not a podcast saying that every single person should go to college with zero debt, nor is the purpose to heap shame and guilt on anyone who has college debt. Instead, our hope is just to challenge you to think outside the box a little and to share some strategies and inspiration for ways to save money on college.
In this episode, we not only share personal experience from Jesse going to college and law school debt-free, but also from recent things we’ve learned from our girls. We discuss how it begins with mindset. If you don’t believe you can do something or think something is not possible, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be very motivated to try.
We then get really practical and dig into tips and ideas for spending less on college, how to plan ahead for college expenses, how to leverage scholarships, and ways that you can significantly lower college costs just by going a nontraditional route.
I hope this episode inspires you with ideas, insights, and inspiration — whether you are thinking of going back to college, have a child who will be starting college in the not-too-distant future, or you are just curious how it might be possible to get a college degree without debt. As always, we’d love to hear your feedback, ideas, and thoughts after you listen to the episode!
Powered by RedCircle
[0:35] – Today’s topic – getting a debt-free college education, was inspired by a blog post of mine.
[2:27] – Belief in possibility is the initial step towards accomplishing anything.
[7:33] – Debt relies on uncertain futures; prioritize your current affordability.
[10:24] – Choosing in-state education and state scholarships drastically reduces college expenses.
[13:21] – Community colleges offer more affordable Gen Ed credits, which can really help save money.
[15:13] – Plan strategically and explore dual enrollment in high school + look into alternatives to living on campus.
[18:48] – Many students transfer schools after the first year, indicating initial choices may not be your final choices.
[21:45] – Challenge your own students to actively seek scholarships. Numerous opportunities exist, even for niche interests.
[24:12] – Treat scholarship hunting as a part-time job, maximizing financial aid opportunities.
[25:47] – Explore job opportunities offering tuition reimbursement or discounts, including college roles such as being an RA.
[29:53] – A mindset shift with creative solutions helps pave the way for generational financial freedom.
Crystal Paine
Blog Post: How To Graduate College Debt-Free
College of the Ozarks – “Graduate Debt Free”
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