Here’s a cheap lunch idea at McDonald’s!
McDonald’s is offering a FREE Big Mac with any $1+ purchase for new rewards members! Just download the app, sign up, and look for this deal under the Rewards section.
Valid for a limited time only.

100 Creative Ideas for Frugal Fun with Kids!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Here’s a cheap lunch idea at McDonald’s!
McDonald’s is offering a FREE Big Mac with any $1+ purchase for new rewards members! Just download the app, sign up, and look for this deal under the Rewards section.
Valid for a limited time only.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This is a great stock up deal on RITZ Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers!
Amazon has these RITZ Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers, Pack of 48 for just $11.32 shipped when you clip the 25% off e-coupon and check out through Subscribe & Save!
That’s a great stock up deal.
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 Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Don’t miss these HOT deals on these Playtime by Eimmie toys!
Amazon has some really great deals on these Playtime by Eimmie Soft Dolls and Accessories!
Gretchen here! I recently received a few of these toys from Playtime by Eimmie and I cannot stop talking about them. My daughter LOVES these soft dolls and the fun desk and accessories.
The quality of these items is amazing and so much better than many of the toys we’ve gotten over the years. I will be recommending this brand to all of my friends.
Right now, they are running some special deals for our readers…
Get this Playtime by Eimmie 14″ Soft Plush Rag Doll, Allie for just $12.99!
This is the doll pictured above. It reminds me of my raggedy Ann doll I had growing up and brings back so many fun memories. I love the the hair doesn’t turn into a tangled mess like so many of the dolls offered these days. Even better, it is washable and made from sensory fabric. It is SO soft.
Get these Sharewood Forest Friends Hand Puppets for just $11.24 when you use the promo code 25MSAVINGM at checkout! Choose from several options.
We received Fiona Fox and it is so cute. It also came with a second outfit as well.

Get this Playtime by Eimmie 18 Inch Doll Furniture – Desk & Chair with Classroom Accessories for just $44.99 shipped when you use the promo code 25MSAVINGM at checkout!
This desk is adorable!! It’s perfect for hours of creative and imaginative play and comes with such fun accessories. My daughter has already spent hours playing with it.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Valid through July 9, 2024.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
These Retro Water Bottles are so cute!
Walmart has these Cool Gear 24oz Plastic Retro Squishy Water Bottles for just $3.98 right now!
There are lots of color options available.
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 Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Grab this Weighted Blanket for Kids for under $15!
Amazon has this Weighted Blanket for Kids (5 lbs) for just $14.99 right now!
This has great reviews.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Grab this LOL Surprise Mega Ball Magic with 12 Collectible Dolls for a gift!
Walmart has this LOL Surprise Mega Ball Magic with 12 Collectible Dolls for only $32 right now!
This is a super hot deal and won’t last long.
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 Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
HSN is celebrating its 47th Birthday BIG with 47 lucky winners! {This post is sponsored by HSN.}
It’s HSN’s birthday! Now through July 31st, anyone who makes a purchase on HSN.com or HSN app is entered into their July Win Your Bag Sweepstakes! Or fill out the survey on the sweepstake page for a no purchase entry route.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING. Void where prohibited. Offered in the 50 U.S. to U.S. leg. res., 18+. Ends 11:59 pm ET 7/31/24. Prize (47): one (1) allotment of $200 HSN® Spendable Kash; requires HSN account (free to open). To enter without purchase (complete short survey) & odds, limitations & Official Rules, click here: http://www.hsn.com/content/-Win-Your-Bag-Sweepstakes/950
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
You can get great deals at Academy Sports!
Academy Sports is offering some HOT deals today! Plus, shipping is free on orders over $25 for rewards members (it’s free to join).
Get this Academy Sports + Outdoors Folding Sports Wagon with Removable Bed for just $39.99! Choose from five colors.
Get this Academy Sports + Outdoors Easy Shade 10 ft x 10 ft Slant Leg Canopy for just $39.99! Choose from eight colors.
Get this Outdoor Gourmet Bronco Charcoal Grill for just $99.99 shipped!
And be sure to choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This Little Snowie MAX Shaved Ice Machine is so great for hot, summer days!
QVC has this Little Snowie MAX Shaved Ice Machine with 12 Flavor Packs & Accessories for just $139.98 shipped right now! Plus, new customers can use the promo code HELLO30 at checkout to score an extra $30 off making it just $109.98 shipped.
Beat the heat with the Little Snowie MAX shaved-ice machine right in your own kitchen. In five seconds or less, it turns ice from your freezer into a fluffy soft-shaved treat that’s the perfect refresher for kids and adults alike.
This set includes Little Snowie MAX shaved ice machine, six bottles, six pour spouts, eight souvenir cups, 12 flavor packets, 16 shovels, 10 daisy cups, and one daisy cup topper.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Whoa!!! Hurry and score this Walking Pad Treadmill for under $100!
Amazon has this Walking Pad Treadmill Under Desk for just $99.99 shipped when you clip the $40 off e-coupon!
This is an amazing deal and the lowest price we’ve seen on one of these. It has good reviews, too.
Or get this Walking Pad Under Desk Incline Treadmill for just $139.99 shipped when you clip the 20% off e-coupon and use the promo code 8SNH3KWM at checkout!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This Modern Butcher Block Top Rectangular Coffee Table is so pretty!
Amazon has this Modern Butcher Block Top Rectangular Coffee Table for just $59.99 shipped right now!
There are two colors to choose from.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Valid through July 5, 2024.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This is a great way to get some shade on the patio!
Amazon has this Offset Hanging 10′ Patio Umbrella for just $80.09 shipped when you use the promo code 11EAU2X8 at checkout!
This is such a great deal! Choose from 22 color options.
Please note that this does not include the base, but you can purchase that here for just $59.99 shipped!
Valid through July 5, 2024.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Here’s a great deal on Lay’s Potato Chips!
You can get Lay’s Potato Chips for just $1.39 at Walgreens this week! Here’s how:
Buy 4 Lay’s Chips – $4.59 each
On Sale Buy One, Get One Free
Use $3/3 digital coupon
And use promo code WAG10
$1.39 each after coupon and code
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This week’s episode dives into a topic that many of you have asked about: how we’re approaching dating with our kids. Jesse and I previously shared our general dating guidelines, but as our teens have gotten older, we wanted to share more that we’ve learned as we have put those principles into practice in real-time.
I recently touched on our approach to dating on Instagram, and it sparked some lively (and controversial) conversations, so join Jesse and I today as we dive even deeper into our experiences and how we have adjusted our guidance while respecting our kids’ privacy and autonomy.
Jesse and I share our philosophy that dating should be intentional and mindful, and we have encouraged our kids to view dating as a way to get to know someone with the potential for a serious, long-term relationship, rather than just a casual activity. We discuss how we’ve balanced setting boundaries without being overly controlling, allowing our kids to make their own decisions while we support them through their journeys, having found that this approach not only respects their autonomy but also helps them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
We also talk about the importance of observing someone’s character over time and in various situations. Seeing how someone reacts in different scenarios, such as in competitive sports or when things don’t go their way, can reveal a lot about their true nature, and this can be very important for making informed decisions about whether to pursue a deeper relationship.
In addition to talk about dating, we also share some fun life updates — like our roller coaster Father’s Day, a trip to Mississippi for Silas’ baseball tournament, our new coffee maker, watching the Olympics trials, and a freebie to help you get dinner on the table on busy nights.
Powered by RedCircle
In This Episode
[0:35] – Jesse and I are talking more about what we’re learning with walking with our kids through dating and relationships.
[2:13] – Hear all about Jesse’s unexpected Father’s Day and how we narrowly avoided a trip to the ER.
[13:26] – We have enjoyed watching the Olympic trials with our daughter Kierstyn, who is excited about various sports, especially gymnastics.
[15:19] – Hear some listener feedback which includes a request for the audiobook library link.
[16:52] – I share a listener’s observation about the use of “sofa” versus “couch” in an earlier episode. Which do you say?
[19:28] – I have been reading and loving Natalie Runion’s book The House That Jesus Built.
[21:08] – Tune in for an exciting announcement about a freebie with 60 quick meal ideas to replace takeout!
[22:37] – Our views on dating and why we encourage our kids to wait until they are ready to think longterm.
[24:19] – Start conversations about boundaries, respect for our bodies and others, and the beauty of marriage early.
[27:20] – Why we don’t think you should date someone you wouldn’t consider marrying.
[31:00] – Jesse reflects on our daughters appreciating the intentional approach to dating.
[33:31] – Observe people in various contexts to gauge their true character before committing to a relationship.
[35:10] – The other biggest thing is praying daily for our children’s relationships, seeking God’s guidance for clear direction.
Published: by Crystal Paine on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Do you want to teach your kids about money starting at a young age? These 7 essential money principles are a great place to start as you raise financially responsible kids!

The following is a guest post by Elena of Kid Laboratories:
As parents, we’re often confronted with moments that challenge our values and principles, especially when it comes to money.
I recently found myself in one of those moments, standing in a checkout line with two toddlers and a six year old, facing the relentless pleas for treats. In that instance, I caved, opting for a quick fix to pacify my child’s demands.
Before parenthood, I had a career in technology and a background in economics. I understood the significance of teaching children about the value of money, distinguishing between needs and wants, and fostering financial responsibility. However, in the chaos of everyday parenting, those principles can sometimes take a backseat to immediate needs and convenience.
Reflecting on that experience, I realized the importance of instilling sound money principles in my children.
The truth is, parenting is a journey of constant learning and adaptation. It’s about finding the balance between meeting our children’s needs and guiding them toward responsible decision-making.
So, what are the essential money principles that all parents should know and strive to instill in their children?
Teaching children to wait for things they want can be challenging but essential. By delaying gratification, we instill patience and discipline, which are crucial qualities for financial success later in life.
Helping children differentiate between needs and wants is fundamental to financial literacy. Teaching them to prioritize essentials over unnecessary luxuries cultivates mindful spending habits.
Introducing children to the concept of budgeting at an early age lays the foundation for financial responsibility. Encourage them to allocate their allowance or earnings wisely, emphasizing the importance of saving and planning for future expenses.
Instilling a strong work ethic in children teaches them the value of earning money through effort and perseverance. Whether it’s completing chores for an allowance or pursuing part-time jobs as they grow older, understanding the correlation between work and income is invaluable.
Encourage children to set financial goals, whether it’s saving for a toy, a college education, or their first car. By setting objectives and working towards them, children learn the significance of planning and prioritizing their spending.
Foster an environment of open communication about money within the family. Encourage children to ask questions, express concerns, and participate in discussions about budgeting, saving, and investing.
Perhaps the most influential way to teach children about money is by demonstrating responsible financial behavior ourselves. Children learn by observing, so modeling healthy spending, saving, and investing habits sets a powerful example.
Parenting is filled with countless opportunities to impart valuable life lessons, including those related to money. While we may falter at times, it’s essential to approach these moments with reflection and a commitment to growth.
By embracing these essential money principles, we empower our children to navigate the complexities of personal finance with confidence and resilience. After all, preparing them for a secure financial future is one of the greatest gifts we can give as parents!

Elena Czarnowski is a digital educator, specializing in non-traditional learning topics. Her most popular courses include “Moneywise: Financial Literacy for young teens” and “Goals & Grace: Character Development and Goal Setting.” Explore an entire suite of offerings at Kid Laboratories.
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