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Shared Jan 25, 2021 comment

Why My Instacart ALDI Delivery Experience was Not So Great

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 25, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Thinking of trying ALDI grocery delivery through Instacart and looking for reviews? These are my really honest thoughts on my experience with it! (You might also enjoy my honest Kroger Pickup Review!)

As you all know, I love ALDI. If I didn’t have multiple Kroger stores nearby that offered such great markdowns and digital coupon deals, I’d likely be shopping at ALDI every week.

Last week, I took you along on my grocery shopping trip — and so many people said they found it really helpful for me to do so but asked if I could showcase different methods of shopping. So this week, I decided to try a different method: ALDI Instacart Delivery Service.

Honest Instacart Review: ALDI Delivery

I challenged myself to see if I could get everything we needed for our menu plan this week and spend less than $70 while using ALDI Grocery Delivery. Well, I definitely learned some lessons in the process…

1) ALDI Delivery Instacart Charges You More Per Item

I noticed right away that each of the items cost just a little bit more on Instacart than they do by shopping in-store at Aldi. It was just about $0.10-$0.50 per item, but that adds up quickly! I estimate I paid about $4-5 more than I would have spent in-store because of this.

2) Aldi Delivery: Instacart Does Not Offer Weekly Sale Prices

Also of note: I wasn’t able to get any of the weekly produce specials. Usually, I mostly just buy the produce specials at ALDI. Instead, I went with the more inexpensive regularly priced produce options, but I still would have saved probably $6-7 by purchasing only the sale priced fruits/veggies.

3) Instacart Delivery Fee and other charges add up quickly

Because I don’t have an Instacart membership, I paid $14 for the tip (15%) + service fee + delivery fee. You won’t pay as much each time if you have the membership, but you have to pay the membership fee — which is pretty hefty.

So, all total, I estimate I spent about $25 more by using Instacart than by shopping in-store. And there’s no way we could sustain a $70 weekly grocery budget if we were to exclusively shop ALDI with Instacart delivery.

In fact, the only way I was able to stick with our $70 budget this week was because I relied heavily on what we already had in our pantry and freezer that we have gotten marked down in previous weeks with different sales and coupons.

My ALDI Instacart Delivery Shopping Trip

Broccoli Crowns — $2.28
Tortilla Chips — $0.89
10-lb bag of Potatoes — $4.39
3-lb bag of Onions — $1.35
1 pint blueberries — $2.09
3-lb bag of Gala apples — $3.65
2 cans Refried Beans — $0.89 each
Tater Tots — $1.65
2 cans Green Beans — $0.55 each
Oats — $2.65
Oyster Crackers — $0.89
Crispy Oats — $1.25
Milk – -$2.59
Eggs — $0.95
16-inch Pizza — $5.49
Salsa — $1.35
3-lb. bag of Jazz apples — $4.22
3-count Romaine hearts — $3.04
Carrots — $1.55
Cottage Cheese — $1.87
16-oz Mozzarella Cheese — $3.22
16-oz. Cheddar Cheese — $3.22
Powdered Sugar — $1.55
Tax: $3.50
Delivery charge: $3.99
Service fee: $2.60
Tip (15%): $7.78
Total: $70.12

4) You Might Not Get What You Ordered with Instacart ALDI Delivery

While I felt like the price — with the extra fees — were more than I’d want to pay on a weekly basis, the overall experience was pretty easy and I was kind of excited to have the groceries delivered to our door… which felt like this crazy luxury!

The only thing was, when they were delivered, 7 items were completely missing! The shopper had just left everything on our porch and then we got an email that it was delivered. When we went out there, we discovered that probably what amounted to an entire bag of groceries was missing.

I’m guessing that somehow the groceries were delivered to a different house or left in her vehicle. It was probably a fluke thing, but it was definitely a disappointment.

The good news? I contacted Instacart and they quickly contacted me back and processed a refund for what I didn’t get…

I shared about my Instacart shopping trip on Instagram stories and heard from a few hundred of you about your experiences. Here were just a few of the responses:

I heard from so many people that they’ve had a good experience with Instacart Customer Service, so that was encouraging to me!

I thought maybe the person who got my bag of groceries may have needed the groceries or maybe it was a special blessing for them in some way.

This made me laugh! 🙂

I just had to share this one above. I love it so much!

Is ALDI Grocery Delivery Worth It?

So is it worth it? Overall, I’d say my ALDI delivery review is that it’s probably not for me.

That being said, I could see how it would be really helpful for many families — especially if you’re in a super busy season of your life or have littles at home!!

And based on the messages I received on Instagram, I do think my experience of having items missing may have been kind of a fluke thing.

7 Books I Finished Recently

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 24, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my book update post where I share what books I finished recently + my honest thoughts and star ratings of them.

My Reading Goals for 2021

For 2021, I set a goal of reading 3 books per week — 1 fiction book, 1 non-fiction book, and 1 audiobook each week. I know this is an audacious goal, but reading is something I love and it’s a way I learn, challenge my mind, improve as a writer and communicator, and am refreshed and encouraged through inspiring stories.

I have a few shelves full of books (mostly that I’ve gotten free), so I decided to choose 52 books from off my shelf to read this year (see my list of 52 books I plan to read in 2021 here). I’ll also read other books that I find/am sent that pique my interest. Plus, I plan to go through a lot of audiobooks (I get mine free from the Libby app).

A Word on My Star Ratings

The star ratings I give the books I read are based on a 5-star rating system. I rarely will ever give a book a 1-star rating (maybe never?), because my philosophy is that if a book is only worthy of one star, I’m more than likely going to quit reading it. In the same vein, you’ll also notice that I’ll rarely give a 5-star rating as I reserve those for only my very, very favorite books.

Want to see all of the books I’ve read so far this year? Check out my Good Reads page.

In the last few weeks, I finished seven books and here are my reviews…

Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling

This is the story of ABC New reporter and The View co-host’s journey to finding her calling. She shares her personal struggles with finding her worth in her work and her affirmation through accolades… and how neither of those really satisfied.

As a fellow Type A personality who has battled workaholism during more than a few seasons of my life, I related to her tendency to push harder, sleep less, and try to white knuckle her way to success. I appreciated her candor in recounting how holding some of the most-coveted journalism positions don’t bring happiness and joy.

I only gave this book three stars because I felt like the writing/story-telling could have improved a lot. While some of the content and examples were inspiring, it felt like the book, in general, jumped around in many places and left me kind of confused because of things being so out of order chronologically. If she had been writing a non-fiction book that was topically based, it would have been okay to have stories from many different times in her life throughout the book. But because the book was supposed to be more memior-esque (did I just make up a word?), it felt disjointed for it to jump around in the storyline so much!

Verdict: 3 stars

Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy

Jesse and I started listening to this book on our trip to Kansas for Christmas. We didn’t finish it on that trip, but we each individually listened to it because we wanted to know how the story ended!

Code Name: Lise is the true story of a fairly ordinary mom of three young girls who ended up landing herself a job (very unexpectedly!) as a spy. While I thought the book was a little dry and detail-heavy at times, parts of the story were very interesting.

I gave it a 3-star verdict because I didn’t love the narrator of the audiobook and thought that the emphasis on details (many that I found unnecessary and boring) would make the book more of a slog to read. In fact, I’m guessing I wouldn’t have finished it had I read a physical copy — so I’m glad that I listened to the audiobook.

I also was surprised that a lot of story was all the details of her life in captivity. I expected a lot more details on her time as a spy. That said, I found her resilient spirit, creativity, and care for others while she was imprisoned and interrogated to be quite inspirational.

Verdict: 3 stars

In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake: Trusting the God Who Meets Us in Our Storm

Ruth Schwenk sent me a copy of their book soon after we said goodbye to Champ. It meant the world to me that she would send it with a personal note to let me know she was praying and thinking of us — and the book really blessed me!

This is the story of Patrick’s cancer diagnosis and what it was like to walk through that as a family. While Patrick is a pastor, I appreciated how honest he was with his doubts and wrestling with the goodness of God in the middle of a really difficult season. I also found their insights into standing firm in faith in the midst of heartache and hurt and unknown to be so encouraging and a blessing to me as I grieved the loss of Champ.

My one complaint with this book is that I would have loved more details on what they experienced and walked through in their cancer journey. That said, it’s their story and I completely understand if they just didn’t feel comfortable sharing more details.

(I’m cracking up that I said the book before was detail-heavy and I’m saying I wanted more details with this one! I think it’s that I felt like they gave little snippets in each chapter, but didn’t dive into the story at the depth I would have loved. What was it really like? What was it like for your marriage? What was it like for your kids? I wanted to sit with them and hear the details of the treatments and recovery so I can understand more what it was like to walk in their shoes… so that I can have more empathy and understanding for others who are on a similar journey.)

Verdict: 4 stars

We Were the Lucky Ones

Yes, folks, we have our first 5-star read of the season! Actually, it wasn’t completely a “read” for me because I started reading it and then discovered that the audiobook was available for free on Libby so I ended up listening to a lot of it.

This is based on the true story of a Jewish family during World War II who were separated all over the world and how they ended up surviving and eventually being reunited. It is deeply moving, gripping, and heartbreaking. But at the same time, it is the story of love, family, and perseverance against all odds.

One thing I noticed was how creative and determined each of the family members was to beating the odds, coming up with outside the box ideas, and not giving up. When all around it felt like everything was crumbling and hopeless, they chose to keep pressing on and keep holding on to the will to live.

Of all the parts of the book, I think the sections that most impacted me were thinking of what it would be like to have young children during the Holocaust and how deeply difficult it would be to try to care for and protect a baby or child in the midst of so fear, uncertainty, and straight up disregard for human life. I can’t even begin to imagine and this book helped me to have a glimpse into just how horrific that would have been.

Note: There is a little bit of language and, as you can imagine, some intense and graphic topics are touched on. However, I felt like the book did a good job of not going into unnecessarily graphic details and stayed true to the story and experiences.

Verdict: 5 stars

Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need

And we have another 5-star review!! I just couldn’t give this book any less than five stars! It chronicles in beautiful and brutal detail David Platt’s week-long trek in the Himalayas. He takes you on the journey with him to experience the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and bone-chilling cold he witnessed. But the cold wasn’t the most chilling part of his week, not by any stretch of the imagination. He pens so vulnerably his encounters with great poverty, trafficking of little girls, and human suffering, the likes of which he didn’t even believe existed.

This book is his honest account of questioning his long-held beliefs about God, suffering, and what it truly means to give your life to follow in Jesus’ steps. He doesn’t give a lot of answers in the book; he mostly just shares stories, asks questions, and challenges you to stop living a life of complacency.

It’s a well-written book that draws you in with the engaging story line and leaves you taking a really deep look at your heart, your choices, and your perspective. I highly recommend it — and can’t stop talking about how it has made me examine life with fresh eyes and ears to the need around me — and around the world.

Verdict: 5 stars

The Water Keeper

When I asked on Instagram for clean fiction author recommendations, a number of you strongly encouraged me to check out Charles Martin. I had never even heard of him before, but I looked on Libby and found that this book was available.

It’s hard to really describe the storyline and I’ll admit it was a little far-fetched in places. However, it drew me in, it moved me, and it made me want to keep listening even when I needed to turn it off and move onto something else in my day. To me, those are all marks of a good book and I will definitely plan to listen to more of Charles’ books in the not-too-distant future. In fact, I already have a few added to my holds list on Libby.

Note: This book deals with trafficking and some abuse and does have a few graphic details in it. I felt like it was tastefully done and clean overall. However, the subject manner could be triggering for some.

Verdict: 4 stars

Charlotte’s Web

I finished reading this book to Kierstyn last week. It’s been a long time since I’ve read Charlotte’s web and we really enjoyed reading it together (or at least I enjoyed the story and she seemed to at least grasp a tiny little bit of it from the pictures in the book!).

The one thing I had forgotten was that the book could be very sad (Charlotte dies) and possibly scary to sensitive kids (Before Charlotte saves his life, Wilbur is going to be butchered and the book alludes to this multiple times). I also felt like there was definitely some bullying from the animals and some shaming. I know, I know, I probably am over-analyzing these things, but I think it’s important that we call these things out to our kids and have conversations about it.

That said, I’m giving it four stars because I really enjoy the story overall and think it’s a worthwhile classic book to read aloud as a family — especially if your kids aren’t highly sensitive, enjoy animals, and are between the ages of (maybe) 6-10?

Verdict: 4 stars

What books have you read or listened to recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them — and if you have any recommendations for me!

Shared Jan 23, 2021 comment

Brigette’s $79 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on January 23, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

Aldi

2 gallons Whole Milk – $2.90

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.39

1 32-oz carton Plain Greek Yogurt – $2.39

2 5-lb bags Flour – $2.30

5 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $4.25

1 bag frozen Blueberries – $1.79

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.65

1 5-lb bag Golden Potatoes – $2.89

2 cans Green Beans – $0.76

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $1.49

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

1 bag Limes – $1.59

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.49

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $2.19

1 16-oz bag Mini Cucumbers – $2.09

1 bag fresh Cilantro – $0.79

2 bags fresh Green Beans – $3.18

1 pkg fresh Broccoli Crowns – $1.90

1 10-lb Russet Potatoes – $3.99

4 cans Nothern Beans – $1.56

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.49

1-lb Sausage – $1.89

2 16-oz bags Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $5.10

2 8-oz pkgs Sliced Cheese – $2.50

6 individual cartons Greek Yogurt – $3.54

1 can Whipped Dairy Topping – $2.89

3 dozen Eggs – $2.40

1 jar Salsa – $0.89

1 pkg Taco Mix – $0.29

1 jar Garlic Powder – $0.59

1 jar Onion Powder – $0.59

1 pkg Rice Cakes – $1.75

1 bag Hint of Lime Chips – $1.69

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.59

Total: $72.78

Harris Teeter

1 pkg Tortillas – $0.64

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $1.78

2 boxes Quaker Chewy Granola Bars – $3.34, used $1.00/2 printable, plus receive $1.00 rebate – $1.34/2 boxes

1 Peanut Butter – $0.99

1 Life Cereal – $2.74, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled), plus receive $0.75 rebate – $0.49 after coupon and rebate

2 boxes Kelloggs Frosted Mini Wheats – $3.98, used $1.00/2 printable, plus receive $0.90/2 rebate and $1.00/2 rebate – $1.08/2 boxes after coupon and rebates

2 boxes Annie’s Mac and Cheese – $2.00, used $1.00/2 printable – $1.00/2 after coupon

Plus receive $0.25 off any receipt from Ibotta

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $7.07

Grocery Total for the Week: $79.85

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Cereal, Toast, Scrambled/Fried/Boiled Eggs, Yogurt, Fruit, Smoothies, Veggie Omelets, Oatmeal

Lunches

Baked Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheese, Cucumbers, Oranges x 2

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter, Apples, Mini Peppers x 2

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Ham and Bean Soup, World’s Best Honey Cornbread, Broccoli

Date Night (kids eat Mac and Cheese)

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Easy Whole Wheat Bread

Hamburgers (half ground beef and half ground venison), Baked Potato Fries, Tossed Salad, Grilled Cauliflower

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Tossed Salad, Green Beans

Build-Your-Own-Burrito (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Romaine, Rice, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Cilantro, Limes, Salsa), Chips and Salsa, Broccoli

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, Green Beans, Biscuits

Shared Jan 20, 2021 comment

How to Love Someone You Disagree With

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 20, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Recently, on Instagram, I got asked the following question, “How do you handle friendships and disrespect in this political turmoil and pandemic.” I shared the slide above to answer it, but I had so many more thoughts swirling in my head as I wrote the answer that I realized it would be the perfect topic to tackle more in-depth in a podcast episode.

So this week on the podcast, Jesse and I share what we have learned and are learning about how to love someone you disagree with and how not to ruin relationships because of differing opinions.

In addition, we talk about new recipes Jesse is trying using duck, granola and Greek yogurt, wearing real PJs, my habit tracker, a book I loved recently, a funny story about mispronouncing words, and what Jesse has been reading.

In This Episode:

[01:47] Duck poppers are saving Jesse’s life this week. They were so good!

[05:38] Granola and greek yogurt are saving my life these days.

[07:08] Why I’ve been trying to wear real pajamas to bed.

[09:18] I posted about my habit tracker and came to find out… Jesse was right.

[11:35] I have been reading/listening to We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter.

[15:53] A quick story about how I used to pronounce Yosemite.

[16:58] Jesse has been reading SOG by John Plaster.

[17:53] The question that inspired this episode.

[19:27] There is so much fear circulating in the world causing us to feel reactionary.

[21:06] Then to add on top of the fear is the nature of conversations on social media.

[23:28] We often lose so much context and empathy by not having face-to-face conversations.

[26:22] Why you need to listen with a heart to understand the other person.

[28:07] Don’t make sweeping generalizations.

[30:00] Always remember to care about the person more than you care about their opinion.

Links and Resources:

My Habit Tracker
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Libby App
The 52 Books I Plan to Read in 2021
SOG by John Plaster
Better Habits: 5 Steps to Start & Stick With Them
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Shared Jan 19, 2021 comment

A Peek Into Last Week (+ my goals!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 19, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly update post where I share my weekly goals each week. These goals are based (somewhat) on my yearly goals for 2021, with some extras thrown in depending upon the week and what other short-term goals I have.

But first, a little peek into last week…

She is obsessed with going up the stairs right now… and is getting better and better at going down the stairs!

We got to babysit for him two days last week. He is just growing and learning so much! We are so proud of him and how far he has come. He’s thriving with his mom and we are just so grateful for the gift of continuing to be involved in his life.

Did you check out my $68 Grocery Shopping Trip from last week? I shared lots of in-store pictures this week!

Also, don’t miss my post on the 12 Books I Plan to Read to Kierstyn.

From My Heart…

I walked out to the kitchen to see him feeding her oatmeal for breakfast and reading the Bible to her.

This a picture of who this man is. Day in and day out. He selflessly gives to serve our family.

From the time I was a baby, my parents prayed for my spouse. I don’t know all of the specific prayers they prayed, but I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that God has answered those prayers abundantly in this man.

Jesse: You are one of God’s greatest gifts to me! Your self-sacrificial love is a continual reminder to me of how much I am loved by God.

Thank you for loving me on the good days and on the bad days. Thank you for choosing to stay when it would have been much more convenient to leave. Thank you for committing to love me — even on the days when I’m not very likable at all.

Thank you for listening to me, praying for and with me, pointing me to Jesus, and making me laugh. The past 18 years have been a way wilder ride than either of could have imagined when we stood at the altar and said “I do” but there’s no one else I’d rather be on this adventure with than you!

I love you — and happy anniversary!

And now, onto my goals update…

Last Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Log 8,000 steps/day = 56,000 steps for the week.

~~2. Finish 2 books: We Were the Lucky Ones + Something Needs to Change.~~

~~3. Fill out my habit tracker every day.~~

Home/Family Goals

~~4. Read 10 pages of A Boy’s War as a family. Finish reading Charlotte’s Web to Kierstyn.~~

~~5. Whole House Clean Out spaces to go through/organize/declutter: Laundry room, bedside table, kitchen cupboards.~~

Work/Blog Goals

~~6. Finish all the content and emails for the 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom Challenge.~~

~~7. Write a post on the books I plan to read to Kierstyn in 2021.~~

~~8. Write a post on how I use my Habit Tracker.~~

~~9. Put together details for my book launch team.~~

~~10. Film the trailer for my book promo.~~

Fun Goals

~~11. Get a manicure with a friend.~~

12. Do a craft project.

This Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Log 8,000 steps/day = 56,000 steps for the week.

2. Finish 3 books: The Water Keeper, The Things We Cannot Say, and Made Like Martha.

3. Fill out my habit tracker every day.

Home/Family Goals

4. Read 10 pages of A Boy’s War as a family. Read 5 chapters of The Trumpet of the Swan to Kierstyn.

5. Whole House Clean Out spaces to go through/organize/declutter: Pantry, under kitchen sink area, drawers in kitchen.

Work/Blog Goals

6. Run the live coaching event for the 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom group.

7. Write a post on the books I’ve read so far in January.

8. Record 8 hours of the audiobook narration for my new book.

Fun Goals

9. Have a family game night.

10. Do a craft project.

What’s on your list of goals for this week? I’d love to hear — and help keep you accountable!

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Click here to sign up!

Shared Jan 18, 2021 comment

12 Books I Plan to Read to Kierstyn in 2021

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 18, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Why I Prioritize Reading Aloud

From the time our three older kids were little babies, I prioritized reading aloud to them. And not just reading picture books — although we enjoy lots of those! — but also reading chapter books.

I know that some people find it strange that I would read chapter books to babies and toddlers. Yes, they can’t understand a lot of what is being read when they are little, but developing a long for reading and learning can begin at a very young age. Plus, as they get older, they will begin to understand and comprehend much more quickly than we often give them credit for.

One of the biggest reasons why I love reading aloud to kids — even when they are little — is because it encourages them to develop a love for books and literature and it helps me establish the habit of reading aloud from a very young age. When they are tiny, I’m the one who enjoys the books more than they do. But as they grow, they quickly begin falling in love with read aloud time, too (or at least that’s what happened with our older three!)

Our older three will tell you that they learned so much from the books we read when they were little and the audiobooks and audio dramas they listened to. And I have so many special memories of the hours and hours we spent reading together.

(The three older kids when they were much younger. Oh the sweet memories I have of all the reading we did together!)

How to Get Started Reading Aloud

If you are looking for some advice and ideas for reading aloud to preschoolers and grade schoolers, be sure to read my post on How to Get Your Kids Excited About Reading Aloud + this post on 10 Tips to Read Aloud to Kids.

By the way, I have listed some of our favorite read alouds when my kids were younger here. I also have a few more suggestions and chapter book ideas here.

For a long list of book ideas, check out my post on 37 Books I Planned to Read Aloud to My Kids in 2013 (this was when they were 8, 6, and 4 and we were homeschooling). Spoiler alert! We didn’t get through that entire list, but we read a lot of them.

When I Read Aloud to Kierstyn

Right now, Kierstyn and I read together in the mornings. It’s either usually while I’m nursing her or right after I nurse her. We read a chapter from the Bible, we read through her ABC verse book, and we read a chapter from our current read aloud. We also often we a picture book or two. By reading a chapter of a book aloud almost every day, we can pretty easily get through more than one book a month!

12 Books I Plan to Read to Kierstyn in 2021

I picked out the books I want to for sure read to Kierstyn based upon what books we already had on our shelf. I tried to go for a variety of books — some I loved reading to the older kids, some that are classics I’ve wanted to read aloud, and some that are newer.

I love the E.B. White classic book shown above because it has three E.B. White books in one. We’ve already read Stuart Little (the first book in it) and now we’re working our way through the rest of it. So these are the first two books on my list for 2021:

~~1. Charlotte’s Web~~

2. The Trumpet of the Swan

And here’s the rest of our stack:

~~3. The War That Saved My Life~~

4. The BFG

5. The Imagination Station: Voyage with the Vikings

6. The Imagination Station: Attack on the Arena

7. The Imagination Station: Pearl in the Palace

8. The King’s Highway

9. Fantastic Mr. Fox

10. The Story of Eli Whitney

11. Robinson Crusoe

12. Amy Carmichael

What are your favorite children’s chapter books?

Shared Jan 17, 2021 comment

Last Week’s $68 Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 17, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Want to see what we bought for this week’s $70 grocery budget? I’m currently challenging myself to stick with a $70 budget for our family (two adults, two teenagers, one preteen, and one baby). This includes almost all of our breakfasts, lunch for Jesse and me (the kids have lunches at school most days), snacks, and dinners + most household products (toiletries, laundry soap, etc.).

For live updates, be sure to follow my Instagram Stories. See all posts on my $70 Grocery Budget here.

This week, I decided to do a Shop With Me feature on my Instagram Stories. Which means, I took my Instagram followers along with me from start to finish of a shopping trip at Kroger — including the planning, how I look for markdowns and re-arrange my list while at the store based upon what I find, where I find markdowns, and what I ended up buying for $70 this week.

If you are interested in watching this, I saved it as a highlight on my Instagram stories. You can view it here or go to my Instagram profile and look for the bubble at the top that says “Shop With Me”.

The bakery clearance cart was pretty empty, but I still found some garlic bread and rolls marked down to about $1 each.

Our store has started to have this section in the health food/natural area with markdowns on frozen healthy/allergen-free foods. Does your store have this?

The Mom’s Best Cereal deal is still going — and the iBotta rebate is still available, too! If you’ve not done this deal yet, you can get 5 boxes of cereal for $0.97 to $1.49 each and then submit for 5 $1 rebates from iBotta. This makes the 5 boxes of cereal either free or just $0.49!

I found a lot of closeouts at the store this week! If you have time when you’re shopping at Kroger, go through the aisles and look for these white tags. I was especially excited about the $0.97 granola! I got 3 bags at this price and it’s SO yummy!

I’ve been eating the granola over the honey Greek yogurt I found marked down to $1.99. Delicious!

Does your store have a section for dairy markdowns? You never know what you’ll find in ours!

There were lots of Thanksgiving/Christmas markdowns in the clearance section this week.

I got yeast, StoveTop stuffing, Snickers bars, and lots of canned goods!

And pasta is on stockup price at Kroger again!

My Kroger Shopping Trip

9 boxes pasta — $0.49 each when you use the Kroger digital coupon
2 boxes StoveTop stuffing — marked down to $0.49 each
2 packets of yeast — marked down to $0.49 each
2 boxes Jell-O pudding — marked down to $0.25 each
2 Snickers bars — marked down to $0.29 each
2 cans Campbell’s soup — marked down to $0.25 each
4 cans beans — marked down to $0.29 each
Baking powder — $0.99
3 bags granola — on closeout to $0.97 each
1 bag rolls — marked down to $1.09
1 loaf garlic bread — marked down to $1
2 cups yogurt — marked down to $0.39 each
2 bags Tyson chicken breasts — $5.99 each when you use the Kroger weekly digital coupon
Half & Half — $1.99
5 boxes Mom’s Best Cereal — $0.97 to $1.49 each with Kroger digital coupon
Bananas — $1.63
2 heads Romaine lettuce — $3.58
Red Leaf Lettuce — $1.79
Radishes — $0.99
Carrots — $1
Honey Greek Yogurt — marked down to $1.99
Whole Chicken — marked down to $3.36
Deli chicken — marked down to $4.99
Diced pork — marked down to $3.91
Milk — $2.99
Total with tax: $68.14

Want to learn some of my best tips and tricks for cutting your grocery bill? Sign up here for my FREE tip sheet on how to cut your grocery bill by $50 this week.

Shared Jan 16, 2021 comment

Brigette’s $87 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on January 16, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

Aldi

2 bags frozen Riced Cauliflower – $2.98

2 pkgs Mixed Caulifornia Vegetables – $1.58

1 bag Steamable Mixed Vegetables – $0.75

1 bag frozen Broccoli Florets – $0.85

2 pkgs fresh Bone-In Split Chicken Breasts ($0.99/lb) – $9.79

1 pkg Pepperoni – $1.99

1 pkg (5.45lbs) 73/27 Ground Beef, discounted – $7.94

1 8-oz pkg Deli Sliced Cheese – $1.25

1 pkg String Cheese – $1.99

2 16-oz bags Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $5.10

1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.55

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $3.18

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.49

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.45

1 gallon 1% Milk – $1.45

5 Greek Yogurts – $2.95

1 jar Salsa – $0.89

1 jar Strawberry Jam – $1.39

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $2.95

3 dozen Eggs – $2.40

1 large jar Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

2 Cauliflower – $3.98

1 bunch Bananas – $1.00

1 bag Red Grapes ($0.95/lb) – $1.73

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $0.99

1 pkg Zucchini – $1.70

1 bag Romaine Hearts – $1.99

1 3-ct pkg Colored Peppers – $2.69

1 7-lb bag Grapefruit – $4.19

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.79

1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $1.99

1 box Kid’s Krunch – $1.95

1 box Frosty Flakes – $1.99

1 box Marshmallow & Star Cereal – $1.25 (This is what happens when my husband does the shopping and I write the non-specific word “cereal” on the list :))

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.59

Total: $83.73

Harris Teeter

4 pkgs Mueller Pasta – $3.18, used 2 $0.55/2 Smart Source 1/10/21 (doubled) – $0.98/4 after coupons

1 pkg Southern Biscuit Mix – $1.29, used $0.75/1 Smart Source 11/15/2020 (doubled) – FREE after coupon

1 box Quaker Life Cereal – $2.00, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.50 after coupon

1 pkg Sargento Breaks – $1.99, used $0.75/1 Smart Source 1/10/21 (doubled) – $0.49

5 Yoplait Yogurts – $1.85, used $0.50/5 printable (doubled) – $0.85/5 after coupon

1 Larabar – $1.00, receive $0.10 rebate from Ibotta (any snack bar), plus $2.29 rebate – $1.39 MM after rebates

1 8-oz block Kraft Cheddar Cheese – $1.99, used $1.00/1 evic coupon – $0.99 after coupon

1 8-oz carton White Mushrooms – $1.00

1 Light + Fit with Collagen & Antioxidants Yogurt – $1.25, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupon

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $3.42

Grocery Total for the Week: $87.15

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Oatmeal, Cereal, Fruit, Yogurt, Smoothies, Boiled/Fried/Scrambled Eggs, Veggie Omelets

Lunches

PB and J Sandwiches, Peppers, Cheese Sticks, Grapefruit x 2

Stovetop Mac and Cheese, Applesauce, Carrots x 2

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Crustless Ham Quiche, Mixed Vegetables, Biscuits

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice, Tossed Salad, Broccoli

Taco Salad, Spanish Rice

Grilled Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower, Cranberry Orange Muffins

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Cauliflower Rice, Baked Sweet Potatoes

Meatloaf (I use half venison/half beef), Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Zucchini

Pepperoni Pizza, Mixed Vegetables

Shared Jan 14, 2021 comment

5 Steps to Start and Stick With Better Habits

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 14, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

As we talked about yesterday, good habits done consistently can completely change the trajectory of your life. (And the inverse of that statement is also true.)

So, how do you start with stick with better habits? In this week’s podcast episode, Jesse and I tackle that topic along with sharing an update on our Christmas break, Jesse’s hunting trip, an audiobook we both listened to, and two updates we made to our home recently.

Here are the five suggestions we gave for starting and sticking with better habits:

1. Keep it simple.

Don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Focus on 1-2 small habit changes at a time. As you master those, you can add another 1-2 habits.

2. Write it down.

Make a plan for the habits you want to develop. What will you do? When will you do it? Where will you do it?

3. Make it public.

Get brave and share your plan for building a new habit with the world. Tell a friend who will help you stay accountable. Or, post about it on social media.

4. Do it consistently.

Try to go for a streak. Don’t miss more than one day. Give yourself grace if you do miss a day and then tell yourself you can’t miss more than one day.

5. Track it regularly.

I highly recommend something like my Habit Tracker Checklist or another habit tracker printable or app (there are lots of free ones available!)

My Favorite Book on Habits

Looking for more practical encouragement to develop good habits? As I mentioned yesterday, I highly recommend Atomic Habits. This is, by far, my very favorite book on habits.

James Clear, the author, does such a great job of unpacking why and how to build good habits. I’ve read a lot of book on this topic and I feel like he has a very fresh and encouraging approach. The book is not written from a Christian perspective so I disagree with some of his worldview and conclusions, but there are so many great nuggets of truth and inspiration in this book.

If you feel like you are forever failing at follow through or you just can’t seem to stick with good habits, get a copy of this book. I listened to it about a year ago and loved it so much that I bought a hard copy and then slowly read it again this year. That tells you how valuable I found it! (I loved it so much that I picked it as one of my top 10 reads in 2020.)

Listen in to the episode where we share a lot more tips, suggestions, and motivation for starting and sticking with good habits.

In This Episode:

[00:33] We’re back! Here’s why we took a 3-week break.

[02:29] A quick rundown of our holidays and how they were different than in the past.

[05:12] Jesse shares some of the details of his hunting trip.

[08:32] The string light saga.

[12:09] After almost three years, we now have a working gas fireplace!

[13:13] The combination of Audible and Scribd is saving Jesse’s life these days.

[14:25] Both Jesse and I finished the same audiobook at the same time and we have thoughts on it.

[20:19] We’re talking all about how to develop new habits.

[22:53] Keeping it simple is the best thing. Just pick one or two habits to change.

[26:28] Why it’s important to write your new habit down.

[28:03] Make what you write down active instead of passive.

[28:58] Once you’ve figured out all of the details, make it public.

[29:50] Consistency is key.

[31:55] Give yourself grace and change the language that you use about yourself.

[33:30] Don’t forget to track your habit changes.

Links and Resources:

Free 30-Day Trial of Audible
Scribd
Code Name Lise
Atomic Habits
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Shared Jan 13, 2021 comment

My Daily Habit Tracker Checklist (Plus Download Yours!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 13, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Trying to develop better habits? Read this post to learn all about how I use a daily habit tracker checklist, plus scroll to the bottom to print one of your own to use each day!

My Daily Habit Tracker Checklist System

In 2019, I chose the word Excellence for my Word of the Year. That year, I really focused on developing habits and practices to lead a more excellent life (not a perfect life nor a productive life, but an excellent life — which I define more here).

One of the practices I established during that year was tracking habits. I created a simple daily habit checklist on Numbers on my computer with some habits that I wanted to prioritize. I would print one out at the beginning of each week and then track them throughout the week.

(My habit tracker from 2019)

Small Actions Add Up to Big Change

Halfway through 2019, I downloaded Atomic Habits and listened to it on the Libby app. Within just the first hour of listening, I was pretty sure it was going to be a 5-star book for me. And it was! In fact, I found it so insightful that I ended up buying a hard copy of the book and reading the hard copy again in 2020! (If you know me well, you know that that speaks volumes to how beneficial I thought the book was!)

One of the basic premises of Atomic Habits is that small actions done consistently add up to big changes over time. These actions can be bad habits or good habits. In the book, the author provides powerful and actionable ideas on how to change course and develop disciplined practices… but it a way that serves you instead of stifling you.

Another principle that Atomic Habits highly encourages is the concept of habit tracking. James Clear shares many examples of how this can be done and how it can make such a difference.

I was excited that I had already developed the habit of habit tracking (though I had to chuckle that I was creating a habit to track habits!) and I can attest to the fact that it makes such a difference in my life.

If we say we want to change something, but we don’t proactively make a plan for how and when and what we’re going to do to actually make changes, there’s a good chance nothing will actually change. A habit tracker is a great way to actually put feet to our goals.

(My daily habit tracker for 2021 — I just realized the year in the header is wrong!)

How the Habit Tracker Works for Me

If you’re wanting to implement a habit tracker into your life, I encourage you to start by defining what habits you want to incorporate into your life. I based the bulk of my habits that I track off of my yearly goals and my personal priorities.

What is one or two habits that could make the most difference or would bring the most positive change into your life? We’ll talk more about how to do this in my post tomorrow on how to start and stick with habits.

Once I decide on the habits I want to work on, I create a simple chart on Numbers (you could use any sort of simple computer program that will create a table to do this. Or, you could even just hand draw one and make copies! My biggest advice is to keep it simple, though. If you are new to habits, only include a few on your tracker.
At the beginning of the week, I print out the Daily Habits Tracker and stick it in my notebook where I write my daily to do list. I already have the habit of check my Google calendar to write my time-blocked to do list each evening before bed, so having the habits tracker right there in my notebook reminds me to check it and track how I’m doing every day.
I know that I won’t always completely every habit on the chart every day, but my hope is to aim to check 5 boxes in each line of my checklist every week. For me, that’s what success looks like.

Does This Create More Stress?

Some of you might feel like a checklist seems over-bearing or not grace-filled or something that could cause stress. For my personality, it’s actually motivating. It helps remind me of my pre-determined priorities, it keeps me on track, and it serves as a sort of built-in course corrector.

Plus, if I find that I’m feeling exhausted or stressed or discouraged, a quick glance at the list might provide some clues as to why. For instance, if I feel like I’m not as connected with my kids, maybe it’s because I’m not spending as much one-on-one time with them. Or if I’m feeling depleted, maybe it’s because I haven’t been consistently prioritizing my health.

I love that — at a glance — I can see how I’m doing at prioritizing my priorities. Overall, I found that this simple practice has made such a difference in helping my yearly goals become a weekly reality.

Best of all, you can easily change or move any of the habits at any time, as seasons of life or priorities change. (You’ll notice a big difference in my habit chart from 2019 and 2020 because my life has changed a lot!)

Coming tomorrow: Practical advice for how to start and stick with better habits

Download Your FREE Printable Habit Tracker Checklist!

Want to get started tracking your habits each day? We created this Printable Habit Tracker Checklist for you to download and use right away!

Just go HERE to download your habit tracker and choose your favorite color to use. (We created it in four fun color options!)

Do you have any questions about the Daily Habit Tracker Checklist? Ask them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

P.S. Have you read my post on How I Plan My Days Without Using a Planner?

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!

Shared Jan 13, 2021 comment

Gretchen’s $87 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

Published: by Gretchen on January 13, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 bag Long Grain Rice – $1.85

2 Mac & Cheese – $0.34 each

1 Flour – $1.15

2 dozen Eggs – $1 each

2 bags Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.59 each

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce – $0.85

1 box Fruit & Grain Bars – $1.35

1 box Granola Bars – $0.95

2 bags Shredded Cheese – $2.75 each

2 boxes MooTubes – $1.55 each

1 box Balance Cereal – $1.69

1 box Crisp Rice Cereal – $1.39

4 Yogurts – $0.32 each

1 lb Butter – $2.66

1 Chunk Cheese – $1.45

2 bags Frozen Peas/Corn – $0.75 each

1 pkg Ground Beef – $7.21

1 Grape Jelly – $1.29

1 Applesauce Cups – $1.19

1 Peanut Butter – $1.15

1 Orange Juice – $1.59

1 gallon Milk – $2.57

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.92

1 can Black Beans – $0.47

2 cans Cut Green Beans – $0.38 each

1 box Golden Rounds – $1.59

2 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.45 each

1 bag Romaine Lettuce – $2.99

1 bag Green Peppers – $2.19

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 Baking Powder – $0.99

1 Ranch Dressing – $0.89

1 Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $1.49

1 loaf White Bread – $0.59

1 loaf Wheat Bread – $0.55

2 Cucumbers – $0.55 each

1 bag Tomatoes – $1.39

1 Cream Cheese – $0.79

1 Strawberry Cream Cheese – $1.49

1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – $0.39

2.33 lbs Bananas – $0.91

Total: $77.93

Grocery Outlet

1 pkg Turkey Breast – $1.29

2 pkg Go-Gurt – $1 each

1 pkg Dairy Free Go-Gurt – $0.50

2 boxes Chewy Granola Bars – $0.50 each

1 pkg (6 count) Lunchables – $1.99

1 Strawberry Jelly – $2.39

Total: $9.17

Total for both stores: $87.10

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Eggs, Bagels & Cream Cheese, Yogurt, Fruit, Oatmeal, Toast

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Cheese Quesadillas, Cheese/Crackers/Veggies/Fruit, Turkey Sandwiches, Lunchables, Leftovers

Dinners

Salad Bar with Chicken, Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Sour Cream Enchiladas, Chips & Salsa, Corn

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Biscuits, Steamed Peas

Chicken & Rice, Tossed Salad

Spaghetti, Green Beans, Homemade Bread

French Toast, Eggs, Fruit Smoothies

Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks

Shared Jan 11, 2021 comment

A Peek Into Last Week + An Update On My Goals

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 11, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly update post where I share my weekly goals each week. These goals are based (somewhat) on my yearly goals for 2021, with some extras thrown in depending upon the week and what other short-term goals I have.

But first, a little peek into last week…

Her newest obsession is books! She loves them — and she leaves her mark on the library every time she goes into it! She loves to sit and look through the picture books on her shelf and it’s the cutest.

I discovered there were three opened bottles of pasta sauce in the fridge this past week. (How does that even happen??) So I froze them with this little helper!

One of my decluttering projects was to go through the library this past week. I had done this a year ago, so it didn’t need that much decluttering. But I did move a few things around and found a tall stack of books to get rid of.

We love getting to babysit for this sweet boy — and it’s so fun to see both babies on the move!

We got snow twice in the last week — which is a pretty big deal for the Nashville area! And the kids were thrilled that they even got a Snow Day and school was cancelled!

My parents and brother came to visit us for the afternoon and evening on their way to drop my brother off at college. It was great to get to see them again and to have them at our house.

I don’t discuss politics online, but I did want to say something about the events of last week. As I sat on Wednesday and watched the events unfold on TV, I felt prompted to write this prayer that I prayed over all of you Wednesday evening. I wanted to share it here in hopes that it might encourage some of you.

Now, even though it feels weird to transition from that, onto the goals…

Last Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

~~1. Log 8,000 steps/day = 56,000 steps for the week.~~

2. Finish 3 books: ~~Code Name: Lise,~~We Were the Lucky Ones, and ~~In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake.~~

~~3. Fill out my habit tracker every day.~~

Home/Family Goals

4. Read 10 pages of A Boy’s War as a family. ~~Read 5 chapters of Charlotte’s Web to Kierstyn.~~

~~5. Take down Christmas decor and go through Christmas decor bins — declutter and organize.~~

~~6. Whole House Clean Out spaces to go through/organize/declutter: Library, main floor bathroom,~~ laundry room.

Work/Blog Goals

~~7. Record 7 videos and write content for the 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom Challenge.~~

~~8. Write a post on the books I plan to read in 2021.~~

9. Write a post on how I use my Habit Tracker.

Fun Goals

~~10. Go on a date with Jesse for our 18th anniversary.~~

~~11. Play Throw, Throw Burrito as a family (the kids are obsessed with this game!)~~

~~12. Take the girls on a shopping date to spend their Christmas money.~~

You’ll notice that this week’s goals are heavy on the work side. As I’m gearing up for the launch of my new book (it comes out in March), I have planned a few more work hours in my week so that I can add in the extra responsibilities and projects that come along with a book launch.

This Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Log 8,000 steps/day = 56,000 steps for the week.

2. Finish 2 books: We Were the Lucky Ones + Something Needs to Change.

3. Fill out my habit tracker every day.

Home/Family Goals

4. Read 10 pages of A Boy’s War as a family. Finish reading Charlotte’s Web to Kierstyn.

5. Whole House Clean Out spaces to go through/organize/declutter: Laundry room, bedside table, kitchen cupboards.

Work/Blog Goals

6. Finish all the content and emails for the 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom Challenge.

7. Write a post on the books I plan to read to Kierstyn in 2021.

8. Write a post on how I use my Habit Tracker.

9. Put together details for my book launch team.

10. Film the trailer for my book promo.

Fun Goals

11. Get a manicure with a friend.

12. Do a craft project.

What’s on your list of goals for this week? I’d love to hear — and help keep you accountable!

Shared Jan 10, 2021 comment

Last Week’s $71.30 Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 10, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Want to see what we bought for this week’s $70 grocery budget? I’m currently challenging myself to stick with a $70 budget for our family (two adults, two teenagers, one preteen, and one baby). This includes almost all of our breakfasts, lunch for Jesse and me (the kids have lunches at school most days), snacks, and dinners + most household products (toiletries, laundry soap, etc.).

For live updates, be sure to follow my Instagram Stories. See all posts on my $70 Grocery Budget here.

I haven’t been posting my shopping trips the last few weeks because I took a few weeks off of my usual grocery shopping for Christmas. But I’m back at it again and was excited about the deals I found this week!

I was especially excited about the Greek yogurt markdown, the Suave body wash deal, the cereal deals, and the butter deal. I ended up going a tiny bit over the $70 budget, but we had some extra wiggle room in it because of being under budget a number of weeks, so it worked out.

Kroger Shopping Trip

Here’s what I ended up buying:

5 bottles of Suave Body Wash — $0.99 each when you buy 5 or more participating items, use $0.75 Kroger digital coupon (limit 5) = $0.24 each after coupon and sale
2 packages U by Kotex pads — $1.99 each when you buy 5 or more participating items, use $3/2 Kroger digital coupon = $0.49 each after coupon and sale
5 pounds of butter — $1.77 each when you clip the Weekly Digital deal coupon
2 boxes Yoplait GoGurts — marked down to $0.79 each
Kroger Half & Half — $1.99
Greek Yogurt — marked down to $0.99
Orange Juice — marked down $0.79
3 packages Eckrich sausage — $2.29 each when you buy 5 or more participating items
2 pounds Ground Turkey — $2.24
2 Quaker Granola Bars — marked down to $0.79 each
Hostess Fruit Pies — marked down to $0.79
4 boxes Simple Truth — on closeout for $0.75
Simple Truth yogurt — marked down to $0.25 each
Lemon Juice — $2.49
2 Whole Chicken Fryers — $3.83, $4.90
3 pounds oranges — $2.49 when you use the Weekly Digital Coupon
3 pounds Gala apples — $2.99
5 boxes Mom’s Best Cereal — $1.49 each when you buy 5 or more participating items
Lettuce — $1.79
Milk — $2.99
Water — $0.89
Bananas — $1.66
Total with tax: $71.30

Someone messaged me on Instagram with the above idea. If you don’t need the pads or body wash, these would be great to buy and donate!

Shared Jan 9, 2021 comment

Brigette’s $98 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on January 9, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

Aldi

5 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $4.25

2 bags frozen Riced Cauliflower – 2.98

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

1 large English Cucumber – $1.19

3 bags Fresh Green Beans – $4.77

1 3-lb bag Lemons – $2.69

1 bag Romaine Hearts – $1.99

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.49

1 bunch Bananas – $0.87

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $1.49

1 carton Blueberries – $1.79

1 Spiral Ham, reduced– $13.74

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.49

2 large cans Chicken Breast – $3.98

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $2.29

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.49

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.29

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.45

1 gallon 2% Milk – $1.45

1 can Whipped Dairy Topping – $2.29

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.35

3 cans Green Beans – $1.14

1 large canister Old Fashioned Oats – $2.29

1 large canister Quick Oats – $2.29

2 8-oz blocks Mozzarella Cheese – $2.50

2 pkgs Deli Sliced Cheese – $2.50

2 16-oz bags Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $3.98

3 dozen Eggs – $2.10

5 individual cartons Greek Yogurt – $2.95

2 pkgs Rice Cakes – $1.98

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.45

1 32-oz box Elbow Macaroni – $0.99

1 loaf White Bread – $0.59

2 pkgs English Muffins, reduced– $0.50

Total: $84.68

Harris Teeter

2-ct bag Avocados – $0.99

2 boxes Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese – $2.00, used $1.00/2 – $1.00/2 after Coupon

1 bag Tastykake Donuts – $1.49, plus receive $1.00 rebate from Ibotta – $0.49 after Rebate

1 40-ct box Truvia Sweetener – $1.99, used $1.50/1 – Truvia Stevia Sweetener (SS Jan. 3), plus receive $1.50/1 rebate from Ibotta – $1.01 MM after Coupno and Rebate

1 bag Pyure Sweetener, reduced – $6.49, used $2.00/1 catalina printout coupon – $4.49 after Coupon

4 boxes Kellogg’s Cereal – $10.00, used 2 $1.00/2, plus receive $5.00 off wyb 5 select Kellogg’s products (HT promotion), plus receive 2 $0.60/1 rebate on the Raisin Bran from Ibotta – $2.80/4 boxes after Coupons, Promotion and Rebates

1 box Kelloog’s Pop Tarts – $2.00, plus receive $5.00 off wyb 5 select Kellogg’s products (HT promotion) – $1.00 after promotion

1 bag Grapefruit, reduced – $1.00

1 bag Pepperoni – $2.99 (Aldi was out)

1 Light + Fit Collagen and Antioxidants Yogurt – $1.50, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – FREE after Coupon

Total after Coupons, Promotion, and Rebates: $13.75

Weekly Grocery Total: $98.43

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, Fruit, Yogurt, Scrambled/Fried/Boiled Eggs, Smoothies, Veggie Omelets

Lunches

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Blueberries/Grapefruit, Cucumbers x 2

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter, Apples, Carrots x 2

Leftover x 3

Dinners

Ham, Cheese and Egg McMuffins, Broccoli

BBQ Meatballs (using half venison), Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Tossed Salad, Butterhorns, Green Beans

Pepperoni Rolls, Green Beans

Ham and Beans, World’s Best Honey Cornbread

Build-Your-Own-Burrito (Tortillas, Shredded Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream, Olives, Shredded Cheese, Seasoned Ground Venison, Avocado), Spanish Cauliflower Rice

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Roasted Cauliflower, Baked Potatoes, Biscuits

Date Night Out (Kids eat Macaroni and Cheese and Broccoli)

Shared Jan 7, 2021 comment

52 Books I Plan to Read in 2021

Published: by Crystal Paine on January 7, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I have a few shelves full of books (mostly that I’ve gotten free), so I decided to choose 52 books from off my shelf to read this year. I’ll also read other books that I find/am sent that pique my interest. Plus, I plan to go through a lot of audiobooks (I get mine free from the Libby app).

Each week, I plan to give an update on what I read/listened to + my honest reviews. We’ll see how I do with my reading goals. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to hit them, but it will be fun to try! You can follow along and see what books I read here. (And I’ll be marking off the books as I read them below.)

Note: I have not read any of these books, so my inclusion of them on this list is not an endorsement or recommendation of them.

Foster Care/Parenting Titles

Spiritually Encouraging Non-Fiction Titles

Fiction Titles

(I need some more title recommendations for fiction. I like clean titles that have good character development, depth, and meaning but that are also well-paced and engaging. Any suggestions??)

2hr Cleaning Checklist

2hr Cleaning Checklist

FREE DOWNLOAD: 2-Hour Cleaning Checklist!

Honest Instacart Review: ALDI Delivery

1) ALDI Delivery Instacart Charges You More Per Item

2) Aldi Delivery: Instacart Does Not Offer Weekly Sale Prices

3) Instacart Delivery Fee and other charges add up quickly

My ALDI Instacart Delivery Shopping Trip

4) You Might Not Get What You Ordered with Instacart ALDI Delivery

Is ALDI Grocery Delivery Worth It?

Other Articles You Might Enjoy:

Have you ever tried ALDI grocery delivery or Instacart? I’d love to hear your reviews, if so!

My Reading Goals for 2021

A Word on My Star Ratings

What books have you read or listened to recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them — and if you have any recommendations for me!

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Grocery Total for the Week: $79.85

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

From My Heart…

Last Week’s Goals

This Week’s Goals

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Why I Prioritize Reading Aloud

How to Get Started Reading Aloud

When I Read Aloud to Kierstyn

12 Books I Plan to Read to Kierstyn in 2021

What are your favorite children’s chapter books?

My Kroger Shopping Trip

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

1. Keep it simple.

2. Write it down.

3. Make it public.

4. Do it consistently.

5. Track it regularly.

My Favorite Book on Habits

In This Episode:

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

My Daily Habit Tracker Checklist System

Small Actions Add Up to Big Change

How the Habit Tracker Works for Me

Does This Create More Stress?

Download Your FREE Printable Habit Tracker Checklist!

Do you have any questions about the Daily Habit Tracker Checklist? Ask them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Aldi

Grocery Outlet

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Last Week’s Goals

This Week’s Goals

Kroger Shopping Trip

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Foster Care/Parenting Titles

Spiritually Encouraging Non-Fiction Titles

Fiction Titles

Marriage Titles

Biographical Non-Fiction

Business/Entrepreneurial Titles

Other Non-Fiction Titles (that don’t really fit into a category!)

Have you read any of these books? Which one should I read first?

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