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Shared Mar 16, 2020 comment

My Goals For This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 16, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Like I told you yesterday, last week panned out very differently than I expected. That’s definitely reflected in the fact that I didn’t cross off many goals.

Last Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 10

Personal Goals

~~1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)~~

~~2. Finish reading Risen Motherhood, Made to Move Mountains,~~ and The Gospel Comes with a House Key.

Home/Family Goals

~~3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family.~~

4. Attend foster care training class on Saturday. (This got cancelled.)

Work/Blog Goals

5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 7 of my manuscript.

Word of the Year Goals

6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.

It’s looking like this week is going to be a week of my family staying home and self-quarantining and me spending most of each day at the NICU loving on the little baby we are fostering.

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 11

Personal Goals

1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)

2. Finish reading The Lazy Genius Way and The Fourth Trimester. Plus, finish listening to The Gospel Comes with a House Key.

Home/Family Goals

3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family. (Maybe we’ll finish it this week?!?)

4. Make a list of what I need/want to pack in our hospital bags for the birth. (Any suggestions?)

Work/Blog Goals

5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 7 and 8 of my manuscript.

Word of the Year Goals

6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

Shared Mar 16, 2020 comment

Gretchen’s $79 Weekly Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by Gretchen on March 16, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 pkg Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.59

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.89

1 pkg Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $1.49

3 pkg Strawberries – $1.19 each

2 boxes Cinnamon Crunch Cereal – $1.39 each

2 pkg Frozen Peas/Corn – $0.79 each

2 Half & Half – $1.55 each

1 Vegetable Oil – $1.69

2 boxes Macaroni & Cheese – $0.33 each

2 gallons Milk – $2.15 each

1 bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49

1 bag Mandarins – $2.19

1 bag Tomatoes – $1.89

1 box Fruit & Grain Bars – $1.35

2 bags Spinach – $1.39 each

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.25

1 pkg Hot Dogs – $0.79

1 pkg Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – $3.99

3 cans Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup – $0.49 each

1 jar Pasta Sauce – $0.85

3 Avocados – $0.89 each

1 bag Oyster Crackers – $0.79

3 Cucumbers – $0.55 each

1 Ranch Dressing – $0.89

0.95 lbs Green Grapes – $1.90

3 dozen Eggs – $0.99 each

1 loaf Bread – $0.95

Total: $57.52

Kroger

1 bag Flour – $1.59

3 Kroger Applesauce Cups – $0.99 each after e-coupon

5 Hormel Turkey Snacks – $1.67, used 5 $1.50/1 Ibotta rebates AND 5 $0.50/1 Kroger Cash Back – Free plus $1.65 overage after rebates

2 Kroger Deli Pizzas – $3.14 each after e-coupon

5 pkg Kroger Cheese – $1.29 each after e-coupon

1 bunch Bananas – $1.51

1 Green Leaf Lettuce – $1.69

Total after rebates: $18.84

Publix

1 Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Chunks – $2.49, used $1.50/1 printable – $0.99 after coupon

1 pkg Mission Tortillas – $1.37, used $1/1 printable – $0.37 after coupon

1 Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal – $2.09, used $1/1 Ibotta rebate – $1.09 after rebate

1 Cheez-It Snap’d – $2.27, used $0.75/1 Ibotta rebate AND $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate – $1.27 after rebates

Used $0.10/1 Ibotta rebate for any receipt

Total after coupons and rebates: $3.62

Total for all stores: $79.98

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Spinach Smoothies, Oatmeal, Cereal, Bagels, Eggs

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches, Cheese/Crackers/Applesauce/Hard Boiled Eggs, Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, Cheese Quesadillas, Leftovers

Dinners

Pizza from Kroger

Lasagna Casserole, Biscuits, Steamed Peas

Tossed Salad Bar, 30 Minute Rolls

Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup, Homemade Bread, Tossed Salad

Pancakes, Eggs, Fruit

Burritos, Chips & Salsa, Steamed Corn

Hamburger Vegetable Soup, Homemade Bread

Shared Mar 15, 2020 comment

Life Update: Pregnancy (week 33), fostering a newborn, Suriname

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 15, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

33 weeks — and I’ve very much officially outgrown this non-maternity sweatshirt!

Highlights

Well, this was quite the week! As I mentioned yesterday, in addition to all the upheaval, unknowns, and cancellations due to COVID-19, Kathrynne also got stranded in Suriname (I hope to have a good report to share on her situation there soon! It’s looking hopeful that they aren’t going to be stranded for 30 days!), and we started fostering a newborn who was born prematurely and is currently in the NICU.

This foster placement is likely a long term placement (as with foster care, that could always change) and baby will likely be in the NICU for another few weeks.

So I spent the bulk of the last 5 days at the NICU and will likely be there much of every day until the baby comes home. I’m so thankful for the flexibility of my job and our lifestyle that is allowing me the opportunity to pour into and love on this little one. We are completely smitten and the kids look forward to me coming home every day to share the pictures and videos I take.

This is my first experience with time in the NICU and I’m so thankful for the amazing team there who has patiently taught me so much about how to care for a medically fragile child. I’m learning all sorts of new terms, bottle-feeding techniques, what all the beeps and alarms mean, what I need to pay attention to… Each nurse teaches me something new every day.

I’m trying to make sure to pace myself, eat healthfully, exercise, stay hydrated, try to get as much sleep as I can, and have downtime each day to hopefully stay well and continue to have a great pregnancy (the hospital won’t even let you in the door as a visitor right now if you’re not super healthy).

Notable

I’ve spent a lot of time this week sitting in a rocking chair in the NICU rocking two babies — one on my lap and one in my womb. It’s crazy to realize they are both about the same size right now!

And it’s also funny because the babe in my belly is constantly kicking the babe on my lap.

Also, yes, it’s looking like we’re going to have “twins” at our house in just 6-7 weeks. The kids are beyond ecstatic!! It should be quite the adventure! Feel free to hit me up with all your best advice for having two newborns at the same time!

Cravings

Milk, cereal, milk, and ice cream. Notice a theme?!?

Weight gain: 25 pounds

A Few More Peeks Into Our Life This Past Week…

I had the privilege of interviewing Becky Keife for my podcast this past week. Her book, No Better Mom for the Job, was one that really blessed me this past year. I can’t wait to share her episode with you on Tuesday. You are going to be so encouraged!

Like I said, Kathrynne left for Suriname last Friday morning to go on a special learning/serving/experiencing trip with a teacher and a small group of girls from school. (This picture was taken at a park there.)

This is the girl who — just 5 years ago — was scared and completely uncomfortable to be around kids her age.

This is the girl who has struggled with so many panic attacks and anxiety.

The girl who was incredibly angry with us when we made the decision to put her in school after always homeschooling (she was so fearful of having to be around kids she didn’t know and to be in so many unknown situations all day long).

This was the girl who was terrified to get on a plane to South Africa with us just 4 years ago.

It’s our heart’s desire to raise self-sufficient adults, not co-dependent children. So over the past 5 years, we’ve slowly pushed her to do a lot of uncomfortable things, because we knew the only way she would grow wings and fly was if we gently nudged her out of the safety of our little nest.

We often wondered if we were making the right call and we spent a lot of time crying out to God for wisdom and direction for the next step. God has been so faithful to give us wisdom — even when it’s meant making really hard calls (like quitting homeschooling).

We look at her now and see that is was SO worth it — she’s a confident, outgoing 15-year-old with more friends than we can keep track of and a social calendar we struggle to keep up with. A girl who loves Jesus, life, adventure, travel, and people. A girl who excitedly jumped at the chance to go on trip to Suriname (her first international trip without us)!

We’re still finding our way in what it looks like to parent teens. And I know we’ve made plenty of missteps. But we continue to just look to the Lord to give us wisdom for each new day, each new situation, each new unknown… and we trust Him to be faithful!

Also, watching your kids go on their own adventures, jump out of their comfort zone, stretch themselves, and live courageously is one of the most rewarding things as a parent… even if it involves a lot of our own letting go!

How was your week? How are you doing in the middle of so much unknown and unexpected? Let me know in the comments! (And if you are feeling stressed and scared or just going through a rough time right now, leave a comment and let me know. I have lots of extra time to pray for people right now while I’m sitting in a rocker in the NICU!)

Shared Mar 14, 2020 comment

We spent $71.40 on groceries this week (+ what a wild & crazy week!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 14, 2020 | 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 of five. This includes almost all of our breakfasts, lunches, 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.

Whew! What a wild week it’s been!

In addition to everything surrounding COVID-19… school cancellations, church cancellations, sports cancellations, my parents cancelling their trip to come see us, Kathrynne being in Suriname while all this was going down*, and just figuring out how to navigate life in the middle of all of the unknown, we’ve also personally had some pretty HUGE things happen at our house this week… namely, we said yes to fostering a newborn who was born prematurely and is currently in the NICU.

So, much of our week was spent at the NICU loving on this little baby and meeting with the social worker/DCS/the medical team and learning how to care for a medically fragile baby.

I had never stepped foot in the NICU up until 4 days ago, so it’s been a whole new experience. And of all of the weeks, this was probably one of the most unique and weird weeks to be spending a lot of time at a hospital!! (They have a screening process just to get in the door and then to get in the NICU is a whole other level!)

The nurses and staff and social worker and DCS have all been amazing throughout this process and they have taught me so much and walked alongside us so well through this new territory. Also, we are so thrilled that the baby is doing so well, has started to bottle feed a little this week, and maybe get to come home in a few weeks!

(And yes, in case you’re wondering, this means that we’re planning to have two newborns at our house soon!! The kids could not be more excited!! Of course, this is foster care, so things could always change at any time… we’re just taking one day at a time and seeking to love well in this.)

If you want to follow along with this journey, I’m sharing little peeks on my Instagram stories every day.

*As of last night, Kathrynne is currently stranded in Suriname because they closed the borders just hours before she was supposed to fly back home today! Her school is working hard to get this situation resolved ASAP and get the girls back home. In the mean time, she has such a good attitude about it all. You can read more details here.

Okay, enough of an update! Let’s talk about groceries!

We checked our stockpile and realized it was lacking in a few areas, so we shored up those areas so that we have a 30-day supply on hand — even though not everything was on sale this week.

I’m grateful that we did this earlier in the week, because our stores are pretty sold out of a lot of staple items now.

Jesse ran by Kroger on Monday to pick up a few things we needed:

Kroger Shopping Trip #1

Potatoes — $2.49
Milk — $2.99
Cheese — $2.29
4 yogurts — marked down to $0.39 each
Total with tax: $9.91

And then he ran by Aldi later on in the week to get a few more staple items:

Aldi Shopping Trip

10-lb. potatoes — $3.79
Eggs — $0.58
Black Beans — $2.45
4 boxes Mac & Cheese — $0.33 each
Steel Cut Oats — $2.99
Great Northern Beans — $1.69
Milk — $2.49
Total with tax: $16.07 (The bag of sugar had a small hole in it, so they gave it to Jesse for free!!)

Psst! Have you checked out my post on my 25 Favorite Things to Buy at Aldi?

I’m glad we got potatoes, because our store was completely sold out of them by Friday! (Who knew potatoes would be the big thing to stock up on?? That one surprised me!)

Kroger had some three-day sales that I wanted to try to take advantage of. I wasn’t sure whether they would have these items in stock when I went by on Friday night, but they did!

In thinking of making sure we have a 30-day supply of food and household items, I made sure we had enough on hand to make 30 dinners with our freezer and pantry items. I always love to have a few frozen pizzas on hand — especially for a quick dinner on busy nights or if the kids have friends over at the last minute! Yay for them being on sale for just $3.14!

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

2 Kroger Pizzas — $3.14 each with the three-day sale
2 bags of rice — $1.99 each
5 packages Kroger cheese — $1.29 each with the three-day sale
Eggs — $1.19
3 packages strawberries — $1.67 each
2 bunches bananas — $2.71 total
5 packages Nathan Beef Franks — $1.99 each with the three-day sale
Milk — $2.99
Apples — $3.99
Total with tax: $45.42

Our Menu Plan This Week

Note: When you see the meals below, please remember this: I buy ahead often. Which means that when I find a great deal on something I know we’ll use, I buy as much as I can afford in our budget to have on hand.

This means that you aren’t going to see all of the groceries my shopping trip that I used to make all of the meals we ate.

Please also remember that I’m putting this out there and it’s not a perfectly balanced menu. This is just really what we ate — and I hope that it encourages you to see the real-ness and lack of perfection here.

Breakfasts: Cereal

Lunches/Snacks: Leftovers, Salad, Apples/Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Banana Muffins, Danimals, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Cookies, Pears, Yogurt, Random other markdowns/sale items 🙂

Dinners:

Sunday — Fend for yourself

Monday — Turkey Meatballs, Breaded Eggplant, Salad

Tuesday — Rotisserie Chicken, Steamed Veggies, Twice Baked Potatoes

Wednesday — Chicken Tetrazinni, Banana Muffins, Veggies

Thursday — Meatballs, Apple Crisp

Friday — Leftover Meatballs, Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes, Steamed Veggies

Saturday — Pumpkin Waffles, Bacon, Strawberries

Total spent on groceries: $71.40

Cashback Earned: 75 points from Fetch Rewards and $1 from iBotta

Shared Mar 14, 2020 comment

Brigette’s $84 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Brigette on March 14, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 gallon Whole Milk – $0.97

1 gallon 1% Milk – $0.97

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.65

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $1.59

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.65

1 2-lb bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $5.19

1 2-lb bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $5.19

1 pkg String Cheese – $1.99

1 container Goat Cheese Crumbles – $2.39

1 can Parmesan Cheese – $1.99

1 24-oz carton Lowfat Cottage Cheese – $1.59

1 2-lb pkg Fresh Ground Beef – $6.59

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.85

1-lb Country Sausage – $3.05

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.85

1 8-ox pkg Sliced Cheese – $1.33

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce – $0.89

2 cans Tomato Paste – $0.58

2 large Cans Crushed Tomatoes – $1.58

2 cans Tomato Sauce – $0.38

1 Garlic Powder – $0.69

1 Onion Powder – $0.79

1 jar Organic Coconut Oil – $4.00

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.69

1 Cabbage – $0.89

2 cans Green Beans – $0.76

1 3-lb bag Yellow Onions – $1.19

1 6-ct pkg Organic Unsweetened Applesauce Cups – $1.19

1 pkg Zucchini – $2.15

1 Pineapple – $1.79

1 Cauliflower – $2.19

3 cartons Strawberries – $3.57

2 bags Green Grapes ($0.95/lb) – $3.72

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.69

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $2.19

1 bag Spinach – $1.39

1 3-head pkg Fresh Garlic – $0.89

1 pkg Taco Seasoning – $0.29

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.65

5 dozen Eggs – $4.90

Weekly Grocery Total: $84.89

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

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

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

Lunches

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Grapes, Carrots x 2

Baked Potatoes with Shredded Cheese, Strawberries, Mini Peppers x 2

Veggie Omelets, Applesauce

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Amazing Lasagna, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, Green Beans

Build-Your-Own-Soft-Taco Bar (Seasoned ground venison, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped romaine, chopped onions, rice, homemade tortillas)

Hamburger Vegetable Soup (I’ll use mostly ground venison), Biscuits

Waffles, Turkey Bacon, Strawberries

Venison Roast in the Instant Pot, Steamed Carrots, Baked Potatoes, Tossed Salad

Date Night Out (kids eat mac and cheese at home)

Leftovers

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Shared Mar 11, 2020 comment

3 Books I Finished Last Week (+ 1 classic movie we watched)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 11, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly book update post where I share what books I read this past week + my honest thoughts and star ratings of them.

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.

Love Idol

I read this book back in 2014 and it made my Top 10 Books Read in 2014 list. Since I’m writing some about the importance of recognizing how much you are loved by God in my upcoming book, I wanted to re-read this book again.

It was just as good the second time around! It’s packed with powerful and wise reminders of how we are pre-approved by God. As such, we don’t need to chase after the approval, the praise, the admiration, or the affirmation of others.

If you struggle to believe you are loved, enough, and valuable, this book is for you. It’s also a fantastic read if you battle against having perfectionistic, people-pleasing tendencies.

It’s well-written and engaging, but more than that, the message is powerful, freeing, life-changing!

Verdict: 4 stars

Don’t Overthink It

Ever found yourself second-guessing a decision or stalled by paralysis analysis? Don’t Overthink It will give you practical suggestions, sage encouragement, and worthwhile strategies you can implement to stop over-thinking and make faster, better decisions that will bring you joy!

There were many great stories and examples in the book and I think it might be Anne Bogel’s best writing yet. Her words inspired both this Instagram post and this Instagram post.

(In case you didn’t click through and read those links, you do need to read the quotes they are based on: “Decisions made out of fear are not good decisions.” AND “When we assume we can’t, it’s guaranteed that we won’t.”)

Verdict: 4 stars

The Austen Escape

I’ve loved Katherine Reay’s books and have had this one on my shelf for a long time. So I was really excited when it came up to download for free on Libby.

I have to be honest and say that it felt a little bit like a Hallmark movie and it seemed to drag on slowly at times and was pretty predictable in others. (If you didn’t pick up on it, I’m not much of a Hallmark movie fan. Should I admit that out loud??! However, if you are in the camp of people who love Hallmark movies, then it just might totally be your cup of tea.)

Overall, it wasn’t my favorite book by Katherine Reay, but if you’re looking for a light read and you love Jane Austen (or Hallmark movies!), you might enjoy it.

Verdict: 3 stars

Classic Movie We Watched Last Week

The kids decided — all on their own — that they want to start watching one old classic movie per week together as a family in 2020. They are helping me choose the list of movies and I’ll be reporting here what we watch each week and their thoughts on it.

I plan to do a big classic movie round-up post at the end of the year with their verdict on the best and favorites of the ones we watched. (Thank you for all the great suggestions for must-watch classic movies!)

Last week, we watched The Strongest Man in the World. It’s a little cheesy in parts, but overall, it was a fun, lighthearted movie. Silas especially enjoyed it. Have you seen it before?

What did you read this past week? Any books you think I really need to add to my long to-read list??

Shared Mar 10, 2020 comment

Fear, Unknowns, & Courage (some thoughts on COVID-19 & more)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 10, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Early Friday morning, Kathrynne (15) got on a plane to fly to Suriname (in South America) for 9 days with a teacher and a small group of girls from school. (This picture was taken at a park there yesterday.)

This is the girl who — just 5 years ago — was scared and completely uncomfortable to be around kids her age. This is the girl who has struggled with so many panic attacks and anxiety. The girl who was incredibly angry with us when we made the decision to put her in school after always homeschooling (she was so fearful of having to be around kids she didn’t know and to be in so many unknown situations all day long). This was the girl who was terrified to get on a plane to South Africa with us just 4 years ago.

Tackling the Timely Topic of Fear

On this week’s episode of the podcast, Jesse and I tackle the timely topic of fear. We discuss the current fears over recent tornadoes in our area, COVID-19, political unrest, sending our daughter to Suriname, and a recent situation of a lot of unknowns with potentially fostering a newborn.

If you struggle with fear — especially when it comes to unknowns or your kids — I think this episode will really encourage you. Fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s how you choose to act as a result of that fear.

In This Episode:

[01:44] Our area was hit by some devastating tornadoes, which is rare and has shaken up our community.

[03:33] On top of that, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in our area the day we recorded this. We also just sent our daughter on a plane to spend 9 days in Suriname and we’ve walked through a lot of unknowns in foster care. We’ll talk more about what we’re learning from all of this later on in the show.

[05:14] But first, AT&Ts international plan is saving Jesse’s life right now and lotion is saving my life this week.

[08:52] To go along with this week’s theme of fear, my book pick is one I highly recommend:Raising Worry-Free Girls.

[11:41] We’ve been receiving some amazingly kind reviews on the podcast lately. Thank you!

[14:44] Get ready to dive into fear. First, I share the entire emotional journey we went through while waiting to potentially foster a newborn. (We’re still waiting on the call!)

[19:00] How I let go of the fear and anxiety I was feeling around this whole fostering situation. It wasn’t easy, but it was so good for me to work through.

[21:13] We discuss the emotional turmoil our community is feeling with the tornadoes, COVID-19, and political unrest and we share lessons and thoughts on fear.

[23:31] Did you know fear can actually be helpful and isn’t necessarily a bad thing?

[24:25] Fear can either propel you to healthy action or paralyze you from taking action.

[26:20] We want to raise adults. Letting Kathrynne go on this trip and prep for this trip is one more step in the right direction.

[28:38] How are you going to act or react when fear arises?

Links and Resources:

Sprigs and Twigs
Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff
CrystalPaine.com
MoneySavingMom.com
YourBloggingMentor.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 Mar 9, 2020 comment

We spent $62.05 on groceries last week (+ what we ate)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 9, 2020 | 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 of five. This includes almost all of our breakfasts, lunches, 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 we had a lot of different things going on — Jesse got home from the men’s Discipleship retreat on Sunday, we had things going on almost every evening, Kathrynne left for a 9-day trip to Suriname on Friday, and I spent Friday-Sunday out of town at the women’s Discipleship retreat (both Jesse and I are small group co-leaders for our church’s Discipleship Intensive program).

We also went with our youth group to the indoor waterpark at the Gaylord Opryland on Wednesday evening (Jesse and I both co-lead a small group of teens in our church’s youth group, too).

So, when you see our menu plan below, you’ll notice we didn’t have a lot of “normal” dinners as a result. 🙂 But hey, this is real life right now!

Kroger Shopping Trip #1:

5 boxes Kellogg’s Raisin Bran — $1.79 per box when you buy 5 participating items, get $0.60 back from iBotta for each box purchased
Oscar Mayer Deli Meat — marked down to $1.79 — earned Fetch rewards
Lettuce — $1.79
Half & Half — $1.99
Sandwich buns — marked down to $1.29
3 lbs. ground turkey — marked down to $2.09
3 bags of marked down produce — $0.99 each
2 gallons water — $0.89
Milk — $2.99
Total with tax: $31.47

I was excited about the Friday-Saturday deals!

Especially the $0.99 Prego!

And the $1.49 Kellogg’s cereal!

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

5 boxes Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes — $1.49 each with the Friday-Saturday deals
2 boxes Krusteaz Sugar Cookie Mix — marked down to $0.49 each
5 Ghirardelli Chocolate Cake Mix — marked down to $0.49 each
Baking powder — $1.05
Salt — $0.49
Beefaroni — marked down to $0.39
Refried Beans — marked down to $0.39
Progresso Soup — marked down to $0.49
5 jars Prego (only 4 are pictured because we accidentally dropped one while bringing in the groceries!) — $0.99 each as part of the Friday-Saturday deals — earned $0.75 cash back from iBotta
Milk — $2.99
Apples — $3.99, used $0.50/1 Kroger digital coupon = $3.49
Bag of avocados — marked down to $0.99
Kroger lemonade — marked down to $0.89
Kroger orange juice — marked down to $0.99
King’s Hawaiian Rolls — marked down to $0.79
Total with tax: $30.58

Our Menu Plan This Week

Note: When you see the meals below, please remember this: I buy ahead often. Which means that when I find a great deal on something I know we’ll use, I buy as much as I can afford in our budget to have on hand.

This means that you aren’t going to see all of the groceries my shopping trip that I used to make all of the meals we ate.

Please also remember that I’m putting this out there and it’s not a perfectly balanced menu. This is just really what we ate — and I hope that it encourages you to see the real-ness and lack of perfection here.

Breakfasts: Cereal

Lunches/Snacks: Leftovers, Salad, Turkey/Cheese Sandwiches, Apples/Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Danimals, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Cookies, Pears, Random other markdowns/sale items 🙂

Dinners:

Sunday — Fend for yourself

Monday — Turkey meatballs, Acorn Squash

Tuesday — Broccoli, Creamed Corn, Garlic Bread, Meatloaf

Wednesday — Pizza (Jesse, Kaitlynn, and I were at a youth group event and they served pizza & ice cream), Silas and Kathrynne had cereal

Thursday — Pot Roast + Sweet Potatoes & Carrots, Pears/Apples, Spaghetti Squash, Biscuits

Friday — Leftover Buffet (I was out of town at a retreat.)

Saturday — Chili’s (I was out of town at a retreat.)

Total spent on groceries: $62.05

Cash back earned: 375 points earned from Fetch Rewards + $4.05 earned from iBotta

Shared Mar 9, 2020 comment

My Goals for This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 9, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s posts, last week was very full — and I didn’t get to cross a whole lot off my goals list. But that’s okay!

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 9

Personal Goals

~~1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)~~

2. Finish reading Risen Motherhood, Made to Move Mountains, and ~~finish listening to The Austen Escape~~.

Home/Family Goals

3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family.

~~4. Wash all baby clothes in Dreft.~~

Work/Blog Goals

~~5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 6 of my manuscript.~~

Word of the Year Goals

6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.

It’s another full week here, so I’m — once again — keeping my goals simple! Here’s what’s on my list for this week:

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 10

Personal Goals

1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)

2. Finish reading Risen Motherhood, Made to Move Mountains, and The Gospel Comes with a House Key.

Home/Family Goals

3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family.

4. Attend foster care training class on Saturday.

Work/Blog Goals

5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 7 of my manuscript.

Word of the Year Goals

6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

Shared Mar 9, 2020 comment

Gretchen’s $82 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

Published: by Gretchen on March 9, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

3 pkg Strawberries – $1.19 each

1 bag Spinach – $1.39

1.43 lbs Bananas – $1.36

2 pkg Shredded Cheese – $2.75 each

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 pkg Hot Dog Buns – $0.85

1 pkg Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – $3.99

1 Soy Sauce – $1.29

1 pkg Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $1.49

1 bag Frozen Peas – $0.79

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $1.79

1 loaf Bread – $0.95

2 Cucumbers – $0.55 each

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.69

1 gallon Milk – $2.19

2.06 lbs Red Grapes – $3.69

2 Avocados – $0.89 each

1 Half & Half – $1.55

1 bag Oyster Crackers – $0.79

1 pkg Hot Dogs – $0.79

1 canister Raisins – $2.89

1 box Thin Wheat Crackers – $0.98

1 pkg Sugar – $1.73

1 can Pineapple Chunks – $0.95

1 bag Corn Chips – $0.75

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.25

Total: $47.05

Kroger

1 loaf French Bread – Marked down to $0.49

3 bags Produce – Marked down to $0.99 each

1 Kroger Sour Cream – $1.99, used $0.50/1 e-coupon – $1.49 after coupon

1 half Gallon Milk – Marked down to $1.09

2 Lettuce – $1.69 each

1 pkg Roast – Marked down to $5.83

2 boxes Kellogg’s Cereal – $1.49 each after coupon (no longer available)

1 box Quaker Oatmeal – $2.79 (I accidentally picked this one up instead of the Kroger brand and did not realize it until I was home.)

1 box Kroger Oatmeal – $1.49, used $0.50/1 e-coupon – $0.99 after coupon

1 bag Kroger Flour – $1.59

2.08 lbs Bananas – $1.23

1 Yoplait Yogurt – $0.60, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

2 Kroger Peanut Butter – $1.49 each, used 2 $0.50/1 e-coupon – $0.99 each after coupon

1 Kroger Natural Peanut Butter – $1.79, used $0.50/1 e-coupon – $1.29 after coupon

1 Kroger Half & Half – $1.99

1 Oscar Meyer Bacon – Marked down to $1.99

2 dozen Kroger Eggs – $0.99 each

3 Kraft Barbecue Sauce – $1.49 each, used 3 $1/1 e-coupon – $0.49 each after coupons

Total after coupons: $35.53

Total for both stores: $82.58

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Fruit Smoothies, Eggs, Bagels

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Turkey Sandwiches, Tossed Salad Bar, Hard Boiled Eggs/Cheese/Crackers/Veggies, Apples & Peanut Butter/Crackers, Leftovers

Dinners

Cheese Pizza

Italian Chicken, Homemade Bread, Steamed Peas, Fruit Salad

Build Your Own Haystacks

Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, French Bread

Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Rice, Spinach Salad

Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon

Baked Pork Ribs (marked down last week), Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Corn

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

Click here to download!

Shared Mar 8, 2020 comment

A peek into our week: Pregnancy Update (week 32), indoor water park, and Discipleship retreat

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 8, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

32 weeks!!!

Highlights

I had another OB appointment this week and all is looking well! I hadn’t really asked anything about the birth up until this point, so I figured I should ask if my OB was good with my hopes for the birth.

My biggest hopes: that I could birth in whatever position felt right to me (I usually birth on hands and knees), that I could move around a lot in labor if things were going well (I prefer to be on the ball or on my hands and knees when I’m having contractions), that the girls could be at the birth (this was their biggest request from when we found out I was expecting!), and whether we could do delayed cord clamping.

I was so thrilled to hear that she was super happy to accommodate all of my requests (provided both baby and I are doing well) and I’m hopeful to have another non-medicated, natural, really positive birth experience like I had with all three so far!
That said, I always go into birth with an open mind knowing that things can change and I will freely chuck all of my hopes and plans if medical intervention is necessary. But it feels good to know that my doctor is very much on board with my hopes for the birth.

Notable

I started to feel more pregnant this week. 😉 While I’m still feeling so good overall, I’m definitely noticing that I’m walking slower, waddling more, getting more clumsy, needing to take a lot more breaks, experiencing more swelling and heartburn (though lots of water and being super careful with my diet is still making such a big difference there!), and just generally experiencing more of the usual aches and pains involved with getting nearer to the end of pregnancy.

I’m nowhere near the “l’m miserable and desperately need to get this baby out!” stage (though that stage is probably coming!!), yet… and considering I still have quite a few more words to write on my manuscript rough draft and tasks to accomplish and to do’s to tie up in the next 6 weeks, I’m grateful that I likely have quite a bit more time until baby gets here (I usually go late).

Cravings

This week, I was all about the cheese and beef. Gratefully, those are two things that don’t give me heartburn!

Weight gain: 24 lbs.

We spent Wednesday night at the Gaylord Opryland Indoor Waterpark with our youth group (Jesse and I both co-lead a small group in our church’s youth group). Jesse had fun doing the FlowRider and a number of the water slides.

I could only do the lazy river, but I still had so much fun watching my girls have a blast!

These girls bring so much joy to my life!

And then I spent Friday-Sunday at a retreat center in TN with around 130 other women who are part of our church’s Discipleship Intensive program. (This is my 4th year to be involved in this program. It’s such an honor to get to co-lead and walk with a small group of women through this!)

My Say Yes Season

“Say Yes!” This has been one of my life themes the past 8 months.

On the macro level, I’ve said yes to getting licensed as a foster mama, said yes to a 3-book deal, said yes to more speaking and travel, said yes to co-leading another small group for Year 1 of our church’s Discipleship Intensive program, said yes to being a youth group leader, and said yes to opening our home every opportunity we’ve had.

On the micro level, I’ve been saying yes to opportunities to hang out and do more fun things with the kids and Jesse — like saying yes this week to putting on a bathing suit at 32 weeks pregnant and laughing and waddling around an indoor waterpark with Jesse & Kaitlynn for our youth group’s indoor waterpark night or spending two nights sleeping on a cot in the tiny kitchen area in the small room that I shared with three other women at the retreat center this weekend.

In all of my other pregnancies, I stayed home a LOT. Yes, I had younger kids so it was harder to get out. But I also stayed home because it was uncomfortable to get out — you never know when heartburn or nausea is going to hit, you’re often dog tired, and walking and standing can be difficult in the last few months of pregnancy.

This time around, I committed from the get go that I would get up, exercise, shower, and get dressed every day — no matter how I felt. Except for a few rare days, I have kept that commitment. And I truly believe it has made such a difference for me. After all, it’s much easier to say yes to fun and adventure and going places when you’re dressed and ready for the day! 😉

I look back on the last 8 months and see how this commitment to “Say Yes!” has brought so many unexpected blessings and people and relationships and opportunities into my life. And I have a whole catalog of memories, funny stories, and life-changing experiences I would have missed out on had a stayed home and played it safe.

I’ve also gotten to see God show up in powerful ways and give me energy when I felt weary and I get to see Him multiply my time and strength on an almost daily basis. It has been stretching in the most beautiful of ways!

Important note: While this is something that’s been simmering on my heart to share for the past few months, please note that this is my season of life that I am in right now. This is not to make anyone who is in a season of quiet feel guilty nor is it something I’m advocating for everyone. It is just where God has ME right now.

And my season of life will probably look a lot different come April/May when our baby arrives. Also, in the midst of this Say Yes season, I’ve made sure to have daily downtime (I take a nap almost every day + aim for 7-8 hours of sleep at night.) and weekly Sabbath (I take Sundays off.) There is no way I could go at the pace I do without these regular rhythms of rest.

Shared Mar 7, 2020 comment

Brigette’s $89 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on March 7, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1/2 gallon 1% Milk – $0.58

1 gallon 2% Milk – $0.97

1 can Whipping Cream – $2.65

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.55

1 container Goat Cheese Crumbles – $2.39

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $1.59

1 pkg Sliced Cheese – $1.33

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce – $0.85

1 can Cooking Spray – $1.35

1 48-oz jar Vegetable Oil – $1.69

1 jar Baking Cocoa – $1.79

1 5-lb bag Flour – $1.15

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.79

1 pkg Mini Cucumbers – $2.09

2 bags Spinach – $2.78

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.89

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $2.19

2 pkgs Asparagus – $2.58 (I bought asparagus at Harris Teeter and my husband bought asparagus at Aldi even though I didn’t put it on the list – we will be eating lots of asparagus this week! :))

1 bunch Bananas ($0.24/lb) – $0.97

1 box Applesauce Squeeze Pouches – $1.75

3 cartons Strawberries – $3.57

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $1.19

1 pkg Zucchini – $2.03

1 bag Frozen Tropical Fruit – $1.85

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $1.69

2 cans Green Beans – $0.76

1 Cauliflower – $2.15

3 dozen Eggs – $2.94

1 6-lb pkg Chicken Drumsticks, reduced – $3.00

1 16-lz pkg Deli Meat – $2.85

1 pkg Pepperoni – $1.99

1 pkg Uncured Turkey Franks – $2.09

1 large canister Quick Oats – $1.99

1 large bag Goldfish – $3.98

1 bag Nacho Chips – $0.75

1 pkg Oyster Crackers – $0.79

1 pkg Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – $0.99

1 large box Corn Flakes – $1.09

1 family-size box Frosted Flakes – $2.14

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.67

1 pkg Hot Dog Buns – $0.75

1 bag Marshmallows – $0.89

1 box Hershey’s Chocolate Bars – $3.75

Total: $81.32

Harris Teeter

2 16-oz pkgs Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon, marked down to $2.00 – $4.00

10 Yoplait Yogurts – $3.70, used 2 $0.50/5 printable (doubled) – $1.70/10 after coupons

1 Love Good Fats Bar – $2.49 – receive $2.29 rebate (off any Love Good Fats Bar) plus $0.20 rebate (off any snack bar) from Ibotta – FREE after rebates

2 lbs Asparagus – $1.98

1 16-oz jar Peanut Butter – $0.99

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $8.67

Weekly Grocery Total: $89.99

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

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

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

Lunches

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Strawberries, Carrots x 2

Cheese Quesadillas, Applesauce/Bananas, Cucumbers x 2

Goldfish, Apples with Peanut Butter, Mini Peppers x 2

Leftovers

Dinners

Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Strawberries

Hot Dogs, Asparagus, S’Mores (Fire Pit Night)

Grilled Chicken, Grilled Zucchini/Peppers/Cauliflower, Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, Asparagus

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Baked Potatoes, Homemade Breadsticks in the Bread Machine, Tossed Salad, Broccoli

Taco Salad, Asparagus, Rice

Leftovers

Shared Mar 3, 2020 comment

The power of a One Minute Pause

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 3, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Feeling burdened, weary, tired, or heavy-hearted today? Try the One-Minute Pause! Here’s how it works:

Set a timer for 60 seconds.
Take a few deep breaths.
Then, verbally release the weight of what you are carrying. “I release my stress or worry over my job to You, God.” “I release my fear over my child’s future to You, God.” “I let it go.” Literally let yourself breathe out your fear, stress, worry, tension and breathe in God’s care and carrying of You.

This simple practice isn’t going to solve all of your problems, but it can certainly help you feel a little calmer and remind you that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

God sees you. He cares about you. And He is big enough to carry your heaviest burdens. You are not alone.

Need more encouragement to stop feeling burned out and get your joy back? Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast episode with John Eldredge.

We talked about simple, sustainable practices (like the One Minute Pause) he implemented in his life a few years ago when he found himself feeling completely burned out, tethered to his phone and email, and unable to really stop and savor his life.

In This Episode:

[00:57] I ask John Eldredge to introduce himself and share more about his books and ministry.

[04:43] What inspired John to write his newest book?

[06:11] John talks about realizing that his soul was running dry.

[07:50] We discuss how hard was it for him to untether himself from his phone and email and the basic steps he took to get his job back.

[11:31] Learn about how the One Minute Pause has impacted John’s day.

[13:56] The One Minute Pause isn’t just for adults; you could do it with your kids, too! Check out the One Minute Pause App.

[17:08] Benevolent Detachment — what does this mean?

[22:59] Why naming your stressors out loud and letting them go helps turn your day and mindset around.

[23:44] John encourages us with practical ways to drink beauty in for your soul.

Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge
John Eldredge – Ransomed Heart Ministries
One Minute Pause App
CrystalPaine.com
MoneySavingMom.com
YourBloggingMentor.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 Mar 2, 2020 comment

We spent $68.74 on groceries this week (ALDI + Kroger)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 2, 2020 | 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 of five. This includes almost all of our breakfasts, lunches, 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.

We’ve been eating a LOT of cereal these days. Somewhat because I’m moving more slowly and am more tired now that I’m in the third trimester so it’s an easy snack/meal, but also because I keep getting great deals on it and cereal/milk are one of the few things that don’t give me heartburn!

(I didn’t get a picture of these groceries before the kids already got into the cereal & milk!)

Kroger Shopping Trip #1

1 gallon milk — $2.69
2 tubes Colgate toothpaste — $1.99 each when you buy 5 participating items, used $4/2 Kroger digital coupon = free after coupons
1 box Raisin Bran — $1.79 when you buy 5 participating items
2 boxes Cheerios — $1.99 each when you buy 5 participating items, used $1/2 Kroger digital coupon = $1.49 each after coupons
Total with tax: $8.49

I was so excited that Kroger had butter on sale for $1.99 again this week! We still have 4 pounds in the freezer from the last sale, but you can bet I went ahead and got 5 more pounds to stock the freezer!

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

2 loaves Bakery French Bread — marked down to $0.89 each
1 bag of pears — marked down to $0.99
2 jars of cinnamon/nutmeg — $1 each
1 3-lb. bag of Navel oranges — $1.99
2 bags of frozen Broccoli/Cauliflower — $1/bag
5 packages of sausage — $1.88 each with Friday-Saturday Kroger digital coupon
1 dozen eggs — $2.50
Milk — $2.99
5 pounds of butter — $1.99 each with Friday-Saturday Kroger digital coupon
Total with tax: $35.70

Since we had about $26 left in our grocery budget, I decided to run by Aldi on Saturday after Silas’ baseball practice. I was hoping to pick up some cereal and cheese. I let Silas add up the amount of the our purchases as we added things to the cart and he made sure we stayed within our budget. He did a great job of doing the mental math!

Aldi Shopping Trip

Chocolate Chip — $1.69
Dried Cranberries — $1.29
2 Cinnamon Crunch cereal — $1.39 each
3 boxes of Macaroni & Cheese — $0.33 each
6-pack of Peach Tea — $3.99
Eggs — $0.58
Baby Carrots — $0.89
2 Honey Crunch Oats cereal — $1.29
Milk — $2.49
Frosted Flakes — $2.29
2 packages cheese — $1.69 each
Total with tax: $24.55

Our Menu Plan This Week

This means that you aren’t going to see all of the groceries my shopping trip that I used to make all of the meals we ate.

Breakfasts: Cereal

Lunches/Snacks: Leftovers, Salad, Apples/Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Danimals, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Scrambled Eggs, Cookies, Chips, Random other markdowns/sale items 🙂

Dinners:

Sunday — Frozen Pizza

Monday — Quiche (used marked down pie crust, mixed veggies, ground beef, eggs, spices), Apple Turnover (used marked down pie crust)

Tuesday — Instant Pot Apples, Pumpkin Waffles, Sausage

Wednesday — Chicken Noodle Soup, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Thursday — Parmesan Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Peas, Biscuits

Friday — Leftover Buffet, Oranges (Jesse was out of town)

Saturday — Frozen Pizza, Salad (Jesse was out of town)

Shared Mar 2, 2020 comment

My 6 Goals For This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 2, 2020 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Like I shared yesterday, it was quite the roller coaster week last week. This week, is a full week, too, as baseball is starting, Kathrynne is leaving for Suriname, and I’ll be at a Women’s Discipleship Retreat Friday-Sunday. So, once again, I’m keeping my goals simple!

Last Week’s Goals: 2020 — Week 8

Personal Goals

1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)

~~2. Finish reading Love Idol and Don’t Overthink It. Finish listening to Good Leaders Ask Great Questions.~~

Home/Family Goals

~~3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family.~~

~~4. Get a breast pump (I need to research whether our insurance provides this or not.)~~

Work/Blog Goals

~~5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 5 of my manuscript.~~

Word of the Year Goals

~~6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.~~

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 9

Personal Goals

1. Get in 54,000 steps total. (I use the FitBit Ulta HR to track my steps every day.)

2. Finish reading Risen Motherhood, Made to Move Mountains, and finish listening to The Austen Escape.

Home/Family Goals

3. Read 30 more pages of Carry a Big Stick aloud as a family.

4. Wash all baby clothes in Dreft.

Work/Blog Goals

5. Finish the rough draft of chapter 6 of my manuscript.

Word of the Year Goals

6. Pop popcorn and watch another classic movie as a family.

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Last Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 10

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 11

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

Aldi

Kroger

Publix

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Highlights

Notable

Cravings

A Few More Peeks Into Our Life This Past Week…

Kroger Shopping Trip #1

Aldi Shopping Trip

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

Our Menu Plan This Week

Dinners:

Total spent on groceries: $71.40

Aldi

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

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

A Word on My Star Ratings

Classic Movie We Watched Last Week

What did you read this past week? Any books you think I really need to add to my long to-read list??

Tackling the Timely Topic of Fear

In This Episode:

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

Kroger Shopping Trip #1:

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

Our Menu Plan This Week

Dinners:

Total spent on groceries: $62.05

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 9

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 10

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

Aldi

Kroger

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

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

Highlights

Notable

Cravings

My Say Yes Season

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

Kroger Shopping Trip #1

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

Aldi Shopping Trip

Our Menu Plan This Week

Dinners:

Last Week’s Goals: 2020 — Week 8

This Week’s Goals — 2020 — Week 9

What are YOUR goals for this week? How did you do on last week’s goals? Tell us in the comments!

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