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Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom®

Saving Families Money Since 2007

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List.

Summer Bucket List

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Shared Nov 16, 2019 comment

This Week’s Kroger Shopping Trip + Amazon Order = $63 spent!

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This Week’s Kroger Shopping Trip + Amazon Order = $63 spent!

Published: by on   |  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.

I only ended up going to Kroger once this past week, but I got some great deals and markdowns!

The Cream of Chicken soup was in the markdown section and it was just $0.49 each + it was part of the Buy 10, Get $5 off deal which meant that I got $0.50 off each — making them free!

I was super excited about finding the Yoplait 8-count packs of yogurt for just $0.99 and also the Off the Grid Waffles for just $0.99 each! There is a $0.50/1 iBotta rebate with a limit of 5 so I got back $2.50 for buy 5 boxes!

And finally, I was super thrilled to find eggs marked down! We were down to our last few eggs so it was perfect timing!

Kroger Shopping Trip:

  • 5 Campbell’s Soup — marked down to $0.49, got $0.50 off each because they were part of the buy 10, Get $5 off deal
  • 2 cans of Swanson broth — $0.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • 4 cans of Green Beans — $0.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • 2 pounds Land O Lakes butter — $2.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • 3 boxes Creamette Pasta — $0.49 each when you buy 10 participating items, used $1/3 coupon from a Kroger mailer = $0.50 for all three
  • 2 cartons cottage cheese — $1.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • 3 boxes of Swiss Miss hot cocoa — $0.99 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • Annie’s Mac & Cheese — marked down to $0.45
  • 5 boxes Off the Grid Waffles — marked down to $0.99 each, plus I got $0.50 back per box from iBotta
  • Old El Pasa Taco Shells — marked down to $0.39
  • 2 boxes SO Right frozen burrito bowls — marked down to $0.89 each
  • 1 dozen Kroger eggs — marked down to $0.59
  • 5 dozen cage-free brown eggs — marked down to $1.29 each
  • 2 Chobani yogurt flips — marked down to $0.19 each
  • Kroger peanut butter — free with Kroger coupon from the Kroger mailer
  • Kroger water — $0.89
  • 2 Dannon Oikos yogurt — marked down to $0.49 each
  • 2 packages Roasted Turkey — marked down to $1.79 each
  • Broccoli crowns — $0.70
  • Kroger smoked sausage — free with Kroger mailer coupon
  • 2 8-count packages of Yoplait yogurt — marked down to $0.99 each
  • 1 bunch of green leaf lettuce — $1.79
  • Bag of 3 apples — marked down to $0.99
  • Bananas — marked down to $0.50
  • Dole Salad Kit — $1.79
  • 4-lb bag of oranges — $3.99
  • Milk — $2.99
  • Total with tax: $53.28

Since I had some extra wiggle room in the grocery budget, I went ahead and ordered this great deal off of Amazon.

Dinners This Past Week

Rebates earned: $2.75 back from iBotta + 225 points from Fetch Rewards

Shared Nov 16, 2019 comment

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

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

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 5-lb roll 73/27 Fresh Ground Beef – $8.95

1 3-lb bag frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – $5.85

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.85

1-lb Premium Sausage – $1.89

1 pkg String Cheese – $1.95

1 8-oz pkg Deli Sliced Cheese – $1.79

1 gallon Whole Milk – $0.97

1 gallon 1% Milk – $0.97

1 64-oz carton Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.65

1 pkg Zucchini ($0.95/lb) – $1.54

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.99

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

2 pkgs Broccoli Crowns – $3.38

2 Avocados – $0.58

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.49

1 bag Red Grapes ($0.95/lb) – $1.92

1 carton Grapes Tomatoes – $1.59

1 bag Mini Cucumbers -$2.09

3 cans Green Beans – $1.14

1 bunch Bananas ($0.38/lb) – $1.24

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49

2 boxes Honey Crispy Oats – $2.38

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $3.28

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.65

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.55

1 box Pumpkin Pecan Instant Oatmeal – $1.99

1 bottle Pumpkin Spice Almond Milk Creamer – $1.99 (yes, I’m *that* person who buys everything pumpkin🙂)

1 jar Pasta Sauce – $0.85

1 pkg Crème Brulee Coffee – $3.79

1 pkg Tortillas – $0.65

3 dozen Eggs – $2.31

1 32-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $4.99

2 loaves Sandwich Bread, reduced – $0.50

1 bag Gluten-Free Pretzels – $1.85

Total: $80.09

Harris Teeter

8 cans Beans – $2.72

1 bag Pretzel Crisps – $1.99, used $1.00/1 printable – $0.99 after coupon

1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dip – $1.25, used $0.50/1 Hidden Valley Ranch Dry Dip or Seasoning Mix Exp 12/10/19 (SS 11/10/19 R) (doubled) – $0.25 after coupon

1 pkg Bridgford Parkerhouse Style Rolls – $1.84, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.34 after coupon

Total after Coupons: $4.30

Grocery Total for the Week: $84.39

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

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

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

Lunches

Cheese Quesadillas, Grapes, Carrots x 2

Pretzels with Peanut Butter, Cheese Sticks, Apples, Cucumbers

Baked Potatoes with Shredded Cheese, Bananas, Grape Tomatoes

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Chili, World’s Best Honey Cornbread

Lasagna Casserole, Homemade Breadsticks, Tossed Salad, Green Beans

Cheesy Hamburger Soup, Pumpkin Crescent Rolls

Leftover Chili over Baked Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Broccoli

Date Night Out (macaroni and cheese for the kids at home)

Crockpot Italian Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, Rolls, Creamy Milk Rice

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Rolls, Green Beans, Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, Tossed Salad

Shared Nov 13, 2019 comment

Join the #BodyBeThankful Bootcamp

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Join the #BodyBeThankful Bootcamp

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Want some motivation to work out this month + be reminded of how much you have to be thankful for? Join the #BodyBeThankful bootcamp that my friend and fitness mama, Sara Haley, is hosting November 18-22, 2019.

This will be my first bootcamp to do in weeks (I’ve just been walking on the treadmill through most of my first trimester. I’m so happy to be feeling well enough to get back to something a little more rigorous now that I’m feeling better. Also, Sara includes ways to modify the workouts if you’re pregnant or postpartum.

Want to join me? I’d love to have you join me in this! It’s $4.99 to sign up and you’ll get:

  • Downloadable Workout Videos to follow along with. Each of the workout represents a specific part of the body to focus on and be thankful for.
  • A calendar to help you keep track of your progress.
  • Healthy Recipes to nourish your body from 6 of my favorite food bloggers:
  • A gratitude journal to help you focus your energy on WHAT your body can do for you (not what it looks like).
  • Daily accountability through check-ins on the private Facebook Group where you can share your progress and struggles with all the participants.

By the way, the workouts are on average about 15 minutes, however, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can do them twice each day.

Go here to sign up for the #BodyBeThankful Bootcamp.

Shared Nov 12, 2019 comment

The Enneagram and Marriage

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The Enneagram and Marriage

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We had a lot of fun with this episode — and we learned a few things about each other in the process of recording it! What’s today’s podcast episode topic? The Enneagram and marriage.

Whether you love all things Enneagram, are skeptical of it, or don’t even know what it is, I think you’ll enjoy this candid conversation about our differences, how we have worked through them, and what it looks like to love and respect someone who is the complete opposite of you in many ways.

Pull up a chair (or a load of laundry!) and listen in as we chat about our big foster care news, grilling meat, my favorite makeup cleaner (and I make a confession that I might get some flack for), a book I’m reading, and marriage and the Enneagram!

In This Episode:  

[01:55] What’s saving our lives? Butcher Box and Mary Kay 3-in-1 Timewise Cleanser.

[07:20] I’ve been reading Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher.

[11:28] How do marriage and the Enneagram tie in with one another?

[14:37] Jesse talks about what it’s like to be married to a very strong Enneagram 8.

[18:30] On the flip side, I share what it is like being married an inquisitive Enneagram 5.

[25:34] How do we reconcile our differences?

[30:19] Learning more about our personality types has helped us to build a stronger marriage through understanding.

[33:57] Choose to see differences as strengths and it will change your perspective — and maybe your relationship!

Links and Resources:

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 we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. 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.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Shared Nov 11, 2019 comment

Gifts for Lego Lovers: Perfect For Kids and Adults

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Gifts for Lego Lovers: Perfect For Kids and Adults

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Looking for unique LEGO gifts or LEGO stocking stuffers this holiday season? We have you covered with this Gift Guide for LEGO Lovers — and they’re all under $30 to help you stick to your gift budget! {And be sure to follow along as we post the hottest LEGO deals each day throughout the season!}

The Best LEGO Gift Ideas Under $30

This Holiday LEGO Gift Guide was thoughtfully put together by Jordan on the MoneySavingMom team — an expert in all things LEGO and a longtime LEGO aficionado. Even as an adult, he still enjoys putting together giant LEGO Sets with thousands of pieces.

Do you have a LEGO lover in your life? Sometimes finding the perfect set to give as a gift can be difficult. Check out this list of LEGO gifts for some ideas!

LEGO Gifts: Classic Creative Box

LEGO Gift Ideas for Kids

1. LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — The LEGO classic sets are great starter kits for any kid just developing a love for LEGOS! This set comes with a wide array of different pieces to allow for infinite amounts of building and rebuilding — letting your child explore what they can create! For something more portable, try this smaller set that comes with a carrying case.

LEGO Green Base Plate Stocking Stuffer

2. LEGO Baseplates — The classic green base plate is a staple for any LEGO lover. It provides a stable foundation for their imagination to build on. If you want to go for a twist on the original base plate, you can always check out the traditional blue baseplate (which pairs great with nautical themed LEGO sets) or the curve and crossroad or straight and t-junction plates that pair well with LEGO City sets.

3. LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box Building Set — LEGO DUPLO bricks are perfect for young children, because these blocks are larger and don’t present as much of a choking hazard. They also help young children develop fine motor skills, while teaching them basic STEM concepts like pattern recognition, simple mathematics, and spatial awareness.

4. LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train — This train set is great for kids who love vehicles! It is also a great way to teach them their numbers.

5. LEGO City Fire Rescue Boat — I remember having a set just like this as a kid. It’s great because it doubles as a bath toy! As I got older and started to disassemble and reassemble the pieces in fun new ways, the hull of the boat became a great base for an intergalactic starship. (I may need to go dig through my mom’s attic and find this one! ;))

6. LEGO City Interstellar Spaceship Toy — I loved all things space as a kid (and still do!). Sets like this one were great because they let me imagine flying into the night sky and exploring the stars. If you have a kid who loves space, be sure to also check out the Explorer Rover.

LEGO Gifts: Creator 3-in-1 Deep Sea Creatures

7. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Deep Sea Creatures — The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 sets are great because they help teach kids to look at new ways of assembling the pieces to create something entirely new! This can help develop their imagination and allow them to combine all sorts of sets to build anything they can think of! It’s also sort of like getting three sets for the price on one. If sea creatures aren’t up your kids alley, check out the Mighty Dinosaur, the Woodland Forest Creatures, or the Retro Camera.

8. LEGO Friends Sea Rescue Plane — While I think all LEGO sets are great for boys or girls, this specific line often appeals to young girls because of the female minifigures and fun colors. This specific set reminds me of playing with the Littlest Pet Shop toys as a kid. I would have loved to have LEGO sets that included mini-figure animals like this when I was younger! There are several LEGO Friends sets that include animals, such as the Horse and Pony Trailer Set or the Dog Grooming Car Toy.

9. LEGO Speed Champions — I loved toy cars as a kid, and the only thing better than a hot wheel was a LEGO car I could build on my own. There are a lot to choose from, but I’d recommend the Ferrari and the Mustang.

LEGO Gifts: Minecraft Polar Igloo

10. LEGO Minecraft Polar Igloo — This is a pretty “cool” set! 😉 It’s got great detail and will appeal to all the young Minecraft fans. If you have a kid who loves Minecraft, you might want to check out all the different Minecraft LEGO sets.

11. LEGO Star Wars Obi Wan Starfighter — Honestly, the Star Wars nerd in me could have filled this entire list with LEGO Star Wars sets. In my opinion these are some of the most detailed and fun sets to assemble. I love how they bring the ships from the movie to life. There are Star Wars sets that span the gamut of all ages and skill levels.

12. LEGO DC BatwingBatmobile — For any kid into superheroes, you can’t pass up grabbing a set like this amazing Batwing or maybe The Hulkbuster if your kid loves the Avengers!

13. LEGO Advent Calendars — You can’t go wrong with LEGO Advent Calendars! This is something fun you can do each night in December leading up to Christmas. Each day comes with a mini build to put together. I recommend giving it as an early Christmas gift so they can use it throughout the season. Choose from a few different varieties!

LEGO Gifts for LEGO Lovers Adults

14. LEGO LED BB-8 Key Light — These key chain LED flashlights are the best and you can get them in all sorts of different figures! I personally have R2-D2 on my keychain to help me when I can’t get my door unlocked in the dark, but you can check out a whole selection of them here.

15. LEGO Botanicals — The LEGO Botanicals collection is a perfect gift for an Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL)! The detail is amazing and they make a fun decor piece. I have given several of these as gifts and they are always loved! Choose from many different varieties, but the Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum both come in under $30.

Unique LEGO Gift Classic Mug Upscaled

16. LEGO Classic Mug Upscaled — If your adult LEGO fan is a coffee or tea drinker, one of these mugs might be perfect. This blue mug is the upscaled version of the mugs the mini-figures hold in LEGO sets. You could also grab them this Minifigure Head Mug or this build on mug that they can decorate themselves.

Blue LEGO Slippers

17. LEGO Slippers — These LEGO slippers would make the perfect gift to keep your LEGO fans feet cozy, warm, and safe from the ever present danger of stepping on one of these tiny pieces of doom!

LEGO Life Magazine Stocking Stuffer

LEGO Stocking Stuffers

18. Free LEGO Life Magazine — This is such a fun (and FREE!) stocking stuffer for kids ages 5-9. And it’s so much fun for kids to get their own mail throughout the year! This magazine comes four times per year. If the first issue doesn’t arrive in time for Christmas, just print off a photo of the magazine cover to roll up and stick in the stocking!

LEGO Minifigure Wallet Stocking Stuffer

19. LEGO Mini-Figure Wallet — This LEGO themed wallet would be a fun stocking stuffer so they can save up to pick out their own LEGO set!

LEGO Disney Minifigures Stocking Stuffers

20. LEGO Mini-Figure — This is a great surprise stocking stuffer because you don’t know which character you’ll get. There are tons to choose from, but this Disney series is especially unique and fun!

LEGO Iconic Snowman Ornament Stocking Stuffer

21. LEGO Iconic Snowman Ornament — This would make a LEGO fan extremely happy to be able to place on the tree year after year and makes a perfect stocking stuffer.

LEGO Store Gift Card Stocking Stuffer Idea

22. LEGO Store Gift Card — Maybe all these options are overwhelming and you just aren’t sure what to get your LEGO lover. Slide a LEGO gift card in their stocking! They’ll love picking out a their own set either in a LEGO Store or online!

Bonus Gifts for LEGO Lovers (Over $30)

Have a little extra wiggle room in your Christmas budget and willing to spend a bit more? Try one of these bonus recommendations:

Unique LEGO Gift Ludo Board Game

23. LEGO Ludo Board Game — This is a unique LEGO gift for the whole family that your LEGO fan can take pride in assembling for a family fun night this winter. It’s a creative way to have some family time and enjoy the hard work that goes into assembling a LEGO set!

24. LEGO Architecture Sets — This LEGO architecture sets are classic and fun for adults to assemble and display! They can be purchased to remember a trip or maybe as a goal for a place to visit one day. Either way your LEGO fan will love putting together these models. The skylines are the more affordable options. Try New York or London for a fun gift idea!

25. LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance — For any lover of space and NASA, this scale model of the Mars Perseverance Rover will be sure to delight! It’s been on my gift idea list for a while now! 😉 You should also check out this cool retro space art set!

26. LEGO Ideas Insect Collection — LEGO has done an amazing job of adding beautiful sets for decor. Nature Sets like this Insect Collection are absolutely gorgeous and so much fun for a seasoned builder! You might also check out the Kingfisher Bird.

More Holiday Gift Guides

Looking for other budget-friendly holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

Psst! Be sure to follow along as we post the best LEGO deals each day! And sign up for our hot deals newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest deals each day!

Do you have any other fun ideas for unique gifts for LEGO lovers? Let us know in the comments!

FREE DOWNLOAD:

Christmas Budget Boost Cheatsheet!

20 Simple Ways to Easily Add $100+ To Your Gift Budget Before Christmas! 🥳

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

Click here to sign up!
Shared Nov 11, 2019 comment

Gretchen’s $55 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

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Gretchen’s $55 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 loaf Bread – $0.95

1 pkg Frozen Broccoli – $0.95

1 bag Frozen Peas – $0.79

2 pkg Red Grapes – $4.93

1 pkg Fruit & Grain Bars – $1.35

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.29

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99

2 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 can Pumpkin – $0.85

1 bag Green Peppers – $1.49

1 gallon Milk – $1.49

1 pkg MooTubes – $1.55 (I bought this before I went to Dillons and saw the markdowns on Go-Gurts!)

2 dozen Eggs – $0.58 each

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.89

1 pkg Oven Roasted Turkey – $3.99

1 pkg Peanut Butter Crackers – $0.89

3 bags Spinach – $1.59 each

1 box Thin Wheat Crackers – $0.99

1 can Pineapple – $0.89

1 lb Butter – $2.89

1 Grape Tomatoes – $1.89

Total: $38.89

Dillons

1 Land O Lakes Half & Half – $2.28 (This didn’t make it into the picture for some reason.)

4 pkg Yoplait Go-Gurt – Marked down to $0.99 each

3 boxes Annie’s Mac & Cheese – $0.99 each

1 Mom’s Best Cereal – $1.99, used $1/1 e-coupon – $0.99 after coupon

3 boxes Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes – $1.49 each, used $1/3 e-coupon – $1.16 each after coupon

1 box Brownie Mix – $0.99

1 box Kroger Instant Oatmeal – $1.49

Total after coupons: $16.16

Total for both stores: $55.05

Menu Plan for This Week

We ended up doing a lot of snack dinners last week (popcorn, crackers, cheese, etc) due to an unexpectedly busy week. So I will be using meat and leftovers from last week for this week’s menu plan.

Breakfasts

Cereal, Eggs, Oatmeal, Spinach, Yogurt

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches, Tossed Salad, Baked Potatoes, Cheese/Crackers/Fruit/Yogurt, Mac & Cheese, Lunch at my parents (I’m bringing spinach for the salad bar and bread.)

Dinners

Leftovers

Hawaiian Haystacks

Chili, Biscuits, Fruit Salad

Bean Burritos, Chips & Salsa, Steamed Peas

Homemade Pizza, Breadsticks, Spinach Salad

Hamburgers, Steamed Broccoli, Homemade French Fries

Out to eat

Shared Nov 9, 2019 comment

Life Update: Pregnancy (week 15) + our big foster care news!

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Life Update: Pregnancy (week 15) + our big foster care news!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly life update where I share about my pregnancy & give you a peek into our life this past week. If you want to follow a lot more behind-the-scenes and real-time updates every week, be sure to follow my stories and posts on Instagram.

15 weeks and I’m not going to be able to camouflage this bump much longer. 😉

HIGHLIGHTS

I had another doctor’s appointment. It was super routine, but my doctor was so encouraging about how healthy I am, how healthy the baby is, and how well I am doing. That was such a blessing! In 5 weeks, I go back for my big 20-week anatomy scan!

NOTABLE

I had one really rough day this past week but other than that I had a few hours of most days where I felt so good that I sort of forgot I was pregnant! I started sitting on the exercise ball this past week because I can tell that these hips are starting to feel the usual aches and pains of pregnancy.

I discovered the power of sitting a few hours per day on an exercise ball and how much relief it provided for my tailbone/hip pain, so I’m trying to be proactive and start this early this time — especially since my hips are 11 years older than they were last time I was pregnant! 😉

CRAVINGS

This week, it was all about meat and carbs. Seriously, I craved roast, chicken, and noodles. And I’m still totally into cheese and cottage cheese!

WEIGHT GAIN: 7 pounds

Our Big Foster Care News!

After months and months of classes, homework, meetings, paperwork and more paperwork, doctor’s visits, TB testing, home visits, interviews, and hours and hours spent getting our home all set up and childproofed, we found out this past week that we our home is officially licensed as a foster home in TN!!

We have no idea what the future holds for us when it comes to foster care, but we are excited to continue on in this step of faith and obedience. We’ve been praying for the children who will be placed in our home and trusting God that He’s got a beautiful plan that we can’t really dream or imagine right now.

Obviously, there’s a lot I won’t be able to share about this journey in order to protect other family’s and kids’ privacy, but I will definitely share what I can while protecting the kids/families first and foremost (as that is one of our number one priorities as a foster home: to provide a safe place for kids and to pave the way for reunification).

We know this is going to be stretching and we have no idea what to expect, but we are looking forward to seeing what God has for us in this and how He’s going to use it to grow our family and change our lives.

In Case You Missed It:

Shared Nov 9, 2019 comment

This Week’s $70 Grocery Budget + What We Ate For Dinner

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This Week’s $70 Grocery Budget + What We Ate For Dinner

Published: by on   |  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.

I was excited about the deals we found this week and we ate some really yummy food!

Kroger Shopping Trip #1

Some of the apples in the markdown bag above were Granny Smith, which none of us are fond of eating raw. So I made Cinnamon Apples in the Instant Pot with them.

These were a HUGE hit with the kids and they ate them up in just a few minutes. Next time, I definitely need to double the recipe!

I was so excited about a few of the Weekend Deals at Kroger — especially the cheese deal!

Kroger Shopping Trip #2:

  • La Croix — $1.99 per 8-pack with Friday-Sunday deals
  • Classico Pasta Sauce — $0.99 each with Friday-Sunday deals
  • 5 Simple Truth Greek yogurts — marked down to $0.49 each
  • 2 bags of Quaker Rice Snacks — $0.99 when you buy 10 participating items
  • 3 boxes Swiss Miss — $0.99 when you buy 10 participating items
  • 5 bags/packages Kroger cheese — $1.29 with Friday-Sunday deals
  • 2 containers cottage cheese — $1.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • Coconut sugar — marked down to $0.99
  • 3 boxes pasta — $0.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • 1 box pasta — marked down to $0.39
  • Taco Kit — marked down to $0.99
  • Half & Half — $1.49
  • 5 cans Green Giant veggies — $0.49 each when you buy 10 participating items
  • Grapes — $0.99/lb.
  • 2 packages meat — marked down to $2.50 each
  • Milk — $2.79
  • Honeycrisp apples — 3 lb. bag for $2.99
  • 4 cans Swanson broth — $0.49 each when buy 10 participating items
  • Total with tax: $48.34

Dinners From This Past Week

What did you eat at your house this week? Any winner frugal recipes you tried that you think we should try?

Shared Nov 9, 2019 comment

Holiday Shopping Guide

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Holiday Shopping Guide

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Holiday shopping season doesn’t have to be a stressful time! If you find the holiday shopping season to be stressful, this post is for you. Eliminate mental, emotional, and financial stress with this Holiday Shopping Survival Guide!

Psst! Want access to all the HOTTEST deals this holiday season? Be sure to sign up for our Hot Deals Newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest Black Friday and holiday deals!

Holiday Shopping Survival Guide

Holiday Shopping Guide: 4 Easy Steps to Follow when Holiday Season Shopping on a Budget!

If you find the holiday shopping season to be stressful, this post is for you! Eliminate mental, emotional, and financial stress with this Holiday Shopping Survival Guide!

Simplify holiday shopping and have a more peaceful Christmas season with these four quick & easy tips that will keep you organized and help you save more money:

1. Make your Holiday Shopping list ahead of time

If you wait until the last minute to make your shopping list, you’re sure to add stress to your life and extra expense to your gift budget!

Not only will making a list ahead of time help you feel more organized and have a more peaceful holiday season, but it will also give you more time to find the best price for each product on your list!

(And we’re here to help you find the best deals all season long. Follow along on Facebook or Instagram, join our Facebook group, or sign up for our hot deals newsletter to be sure to you don’t miss any of the hottest deals!)

Psst! Struggling to come up with gift ideas? Be sure to check out all the different holiday gift guides we’re putting together this year! We already have several live, and we’ll be rolling out more over the next week or two!

2. Determine a Holiday Shopping Season budget

Once you have your shopping list created, be sure to set a realistic gift budget. Keyword — realistic.

That means examining your current monthly budget and setting aside an amount of money you can actually afford without going into debt.

If you’re having a difficult time coming up with the money you need to buy all the gifts on your list, consider:

3. Start your Holiday Season Shopping early!

One of the biggest secrets to having a less stressful, more peaceful Christmas season is to get everything done earlier!

A lot of the best deals you’ll find are during the month of November, anyway! So why not shop early, get everything checked off your list, and take the month of December to just BE and enjoy!?

You’ll also avoid the last-minute rush of holiday crowds by shopping earlier.

Did you see Black Friday Ads are already rolling out? Also, be sure to sign up for our Hot Deals newsletter to get notified of the best deals each day!

4. Holiday Shopping Tips: Take advantage of coupon codes and cash back!

If you do most of your shopping online, don’t forget to check for coupon codes and cash back!

You can stretch your holiday gift budget so much further by combing coupon savings and getting cash back on your purchases.

Before making a purchase, check RetailMeNot or do a quick Google search for a coupon code. It can’t hurt, and more often than not, you’ll find a coupon code to use!

We especially love and recommend Rakuten for cash back on your online purchases.

Related:

Do you have any other holiday shopping tips? Let us know in the comments!

Shared Nov 9, 2019 comment

Brigette’s $80 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $80 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 gallon 1% Milk – $0.97

1 gallon Whole Milk – $0.97

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 24-oz container Cottage Cheese – $1.59

1 1-lb box Butter – $2.29

2 boxes Honey Nut Crispy Oats – $2.38

1 box Crispy Rice – $0.99

4 bags Frozen Broccoli Florets – $3.80

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.99

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $1.49

1 bag Red Grapes ($0.89/lb) – $2.13

1 bag Mini Peppers – $1.99

2 Avocados – $0.98

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.69

1 large carton Organic Spring Mix – $3.49

1 bag Romaine Hearts – $1.99

2 3-lb bags Gala Apples – $2.98

1 carton Strawberries – $1.29

1 carton Blackberries – $1.19

1 Pineapple – $1.49

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

4 cans Green Beans – $1.54

1 bag Cheese Sticks – $1.65

1 bunch Bananas ($0.39/lb) – $0.96

1 8-oz pkg Sliced Cheese – $1.49

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.89

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.65

1 bag Gluten-Free Pretzels – $1.49

1 bag Pecans – $3.99

1 bag Chocolate Chips – $1.19

1 32-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $4.99

2 cans Condensed Tomato Soup – $0.76

1 bag Nacho Cheese Chips – $0.85

1 bag Pea Crisps – $1.19

1 large canister Oats – $2.19

3 dozen Eggs – $2.34

1 can Whipping Cream – $2.49

1 jar Barbeque Sauce – $0.99

1 jar Ketchup – $0.99

1 jar Green Olives – $1.19

2 boxes Macaroni and Cheese – $0.50

1 2-lb bag Precooked Sausage Patties – $4.47

1 carton Vanilla Ice Cream (not pictured) – $2.49

Weekly Grocery Total: $80.51

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Scrambled Eggs, Sausage (Birthday Breakfast Choice for my 13-year old)

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

Cereal, Fruit, Oatmeal, Toast, Boiled/Fried/Scrambled Eggs, Veggie Omelets, Gluten-Free Oatmeal Spice Muffins

Lunches

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Apples, Carrots x 2

Pretzels with Peanut Butter, Cheese Sticks, Bananas, Cucumbers

Cheese Quesadillas, Grapes, Mini Peppers x 2

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Shepherd’s Pie, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Tossed Salad, Ice Cream Pie (Birthday Dinner Request)

Meatloaf, Fruit Salad, Relish Plate, Green Beans

Date Night Out (Macaroni and Cheese for kids at home)

Crispy Baked Chicken (I stuck the rest of the 10-lb bag I bought last week in the freezer), Roasted Cauliflower, Biscuits

Pancakes, Sausage, Broccoli (I had pancakes on my menu last week and we didn’t end up needing them)

Lasagna Casserole, Broccoli, Tossed Salad, Homemade Breadsticks in the Bread Machine

Leftovers

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

Click here to download!
Shared Nov 6, 2019 comment

15+ of the Best Gluten Free Gifts

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15+ of the Best Gluten Free Gifts

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Looking for unique gluten-free gifts to give someone with food allergies? We have you covered with this Gluten-Free Gift Guide — and they’re all under $35 to help you stick to your gift budget!

Gluten Free Gifts

This Gluten-Free Gift Guide was thoughtfully put together by Olivia on the MoneySavingMom team. Olivia loves cooking but has had to learn to be creative in the kitchen to avoid her food sensitivities (including gluten). She is happily married to her best friend Michael, who also has food sensitivities. Olivia considers it a fun challenge to make delicious meals that they both can enjoy!

The Best Gifts for Gluten Free People

Do you know someone who has gluten allergies? You’d be surprised how many items contain gluten — chocolates, personal care items, and more. Check out this gift guide for some really unique gift ideas you can safely give someone who avoids gluten!

Spiralizer Gluten-Free Gift

Gluten Free Christmas Gifts Guide

1. Spiralizer— Spiralizers allow you to turn fresh vegetables into faux pastas, which are a great gluten-free alternative to the traditional wheat noodles. This is a kitchen gadget every gluten-free person should have!

2. Gluten-Free Cookbook — A cookbook is a great gift for the gluten-free cook, especially if they’ve just recently become gluten-free!

Toaster Bags

3. Toaster Bags — Toaster bags are perfect for those who are concerned about cross-contamination. They can be used to cook or heat up all kinds of food in the oven, microwave, toaster, or on the grill and would be a great gift for someone who travels often or shares a kitchen with those who are not gluten-free.

4. Small Cooler — A lunchbox cooler is handy for those on a gluten-free diet as they often need to transport food when gluten-free food options are not available. This cooler not only works to keep foods cold but also warm!

Gluten-Free Diet Guide

5. Gluten-Free Diet Guide — This practical diet guide would be a great gift for someone who is new to the gluten-free diet.

Gluten-Free Labels

6. Gluten-Free Labels — These labels would make a great gift for those who are gluten-free and share a kitchen. They guard against cross-contamination and also alert others of what is not gluten-free.

7. Food Storage Containers — Glass food storage containers work well for transporting gluten-free foods or keeping them fresh in the refrigerator. I have some containers similar to these that I use every day!

8. T-Shirt — This “gluten-free” t-shirt would be a fun gift for someone with a sense of humor who doesn’t mind being asked about their diet!

California Baby Bubble Bath

9. Bubble Bath — California Baby bubble bath is completely gluten-free and would make a wonderful gift for a child with very “sensitive skin, eczema, or allergy concerns.” The bubble wand included in the bottle provides more bath-time fun!

10. Natural Soy Cinnamon Rolls Candle — Enjoy the lovely aroma of traditional cinnamon rolls without the risk of coming in contact with gluten! I love products that smell like desserts, especially those desserts I can no longer eat!

Gluten-Free Loaf Pan

11. Loaf Pan — This bread pan is ideal for gluten-free loaves which require more support than traditional wheat loaves as they rise. This would make a good gift for a gluten-free baker!

Bread Thermometer

12. Bread Thermometer — An instant-read bread thermometer is another kitchen tool every gluten-free bread maker should have. It can be difficult to know when the bread is cooked, but this thermometer will take out the guesswork!

Gluten Free Food Gifts

13. Gluten-Free Snacks — Simple Mills products are all gluten-free and incredibly yummy! Any of their cookies, snack bars, or baking mixes would make a great gift!

14. Assorted Chocolates — These gluten-free chocolates would make an excellent gift for those with multiple allergies as they are free of many other common allergens too!

Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Gluten Free People

15. Play Dough — Traditional Play Doh contains wheat, so this is a great alternative for children with a gluten allergy!

Gluten-Free Badger Lip Balms

16. Lip Balm — Many lip balms contain a small amount of gluten. These Badger lip balms are certified gluten free and would make a great gift for anyone avoiding gluten!

Whole Foods Gift Card

17. Whole Foods Gift Card — You can never go wrong with giving someone a gift card! Whole Foods offers a variety of options for those who are gluten-free. If you don’t have a local Whole Foods, consider giving a gift card to a natural health food store in your area.

18. Gluten-Free Magazine — Magazine subscriptions are a fun gift that keeps giving throughout the year! If the first issue doesn’t come in time, print a photo of the magazine cover and roll it up to stick in a stocking with a little personalized note!

More Holiday Gift Guides

Looking for other budget-friendly holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

Psst! Be sure to sign up for our hot deals newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest deals each day this holiday season!

What other gluten-free gift ideas would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!!

FREE DOWNLOAD:

Christmas Budget Boost Cheatsheet!

20 Simple Ways to Easily Add $100+ To Your Gift Budget Before Christmas! 🥳

Shared Nov 6, 2019 comment

Bloggers: My mastermind is open to new members until Friday!

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Bloggers: My mastermind is open to new members until Friday!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m thrilled to let you know that — after months of having it closed — we are opening up Your Blogging Mastermind to new members this week only! I know many of you have been patiently waiting for when we would open up the Mastermind to new members — and now you don’t have to wait any more!

I want to see you succeed as a blogger. I want to teach you the lessons I’ve learned from failure and success, share secrets I’ve uncovered for building traffic and monetizing your blog, give you encouragement and motivation for when you’re feeling exhausted and burnt out, and provide accountability and cheerleading to help you live out the purpose for which you were created.

BONUS! Sign Up in Next 24 Hours & Get My Two LIVE Black Friday Coaching Sessions!

If you sign up for the Mastermind in the next 24 hours, you’ll get access to two LIVE one-hour live coaching sessions I’m teaching to my Mastermind members on how to effectively maximize earnings for Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Christmas sales!

Here are details on the two sessions you’ll get access to right away this week:

  • The first Live Coaching Session will be tomorrow night (Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. EST) We’ll be talking about how to plan and prep for a successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday and how to be the most strategic over those two weeks. We’ll also talk a little about considering offering a special sale on whatever products/services you offer for Black Friday week.
  • The second Live Coaching Session will be on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. EST and we’ll be discussing more about how to make the most of affiliates during the Christmas season. I also want to talk a gift guides and how to be strategic with them.

Want to get invite to join these sessions or watch the replay? Just sign up for my Mastermind group in the next 24 hours!

Go here to sign up (Psst! You’ll get a FREE 7-day trial!)

Who is This Mastermind For?

This Mastermind is for you if you are:

  • A newer blogger who wants to learn how to better monetize your blog, produce consistent and inspiring content and grow your readership.
  • A intermediate blogger who wants real, actionable advice to help you increase your income and develop a more effective social media strategy, all while having a great work-life balance.
  • A more advanced blogger who is stuck in a blogging rut and paralyzed by the overwhelming noise of advice from “online experts” — who wants clarity and tangible steps to move forward and reach their blogging goals.

What Do I Get When I Register?

Signing up for Your Blogging Mastermind gives you an opportunity to interact with me and a network of like-minded bloggers and get answers to the pressing questions that matter to you and your business.

Your membership gives you:

  • 2 one-hour LIVE group coaching video sessions with me every month. These are a mix of me teaching, me bringing on members to share feedback (sort of like a “hot seat”), me critiquing your blogs and posts (I’ll give you opportunities to submit yours for some of the live video critique sessions), and me answering your burning blog-related questions. I may bring on an expert from time-to-time to guest teach on a topic where I don’t have a lot of experience.
  • Access to monthly office hours with me. I have open office hours for two hours each month where you can log on and chat with me via video about any specific questions you have related to blogging.
  • An invitation to an exclusive private social media platform (on Mighty Networks) for interacting with me and other Mastermind members. I’ll be in this forum a lot — answering your questions and engaging with you. Plus, it will be a place for you to ask your questions, get feedback, get to know other bloggers, possibly cross-promote each other, and share you blogging struggles and victories.
  • Access to all previous live coaching videos. You’ll get 9 months’ worth of live coaching sessions on topics that include how to monetize your blog through freebies and tripwires, how to write affiliate posts/product emails/launch pages that convert, how to effectively use instagram to explode your engagement, and so much more!
  • A free ticket to a yearly one day Blog Mastermind in Nashville with me and other members of the group (you’ll just need to cover your travel costs; there will be no cost for the event!) Our next event will be March 27-28, 2020.

For just $47 per month, you’ll get ALL of that! My hope is that this is an investment that will pay for itself again and again.

Don’t take my word for it! Here’s what Bridget from Sunshine and Rainy Days says:

Crystal is the REAL DEAL! I joined Your Blogging Mastermind a few months ago and have learned so much from the live sessions, group members, and Crystal herself!

One of my tripwire pages wasn’t converting well so I asked for feedback in the group. Guess what? The feedback I was given has helped my tripwire convert at a higher rate!

Crystal isn’t afraid to get in there, right along with us, and figure stuff out. She lets us in on her own blogging challenges and uses them as teaching opportunities. She is easy to talk to and is super active in the group! I’m thankful I have an awesome place to go to learn from a pro! – Bridget, Sunshine And Rainy Days”

Ready to take your blog to the next level?

Go sign up for Your Blogging Mastermind so you won’t miss out on the two live coaching sessions this week! (Psst! You’ll get a FREE 7-day trial!)

Shared Nov 5, 2019 comment

Building Strong Father-Daughter Relationships

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Building Strong Father-Daughter Relationships

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

On this week’s episode of the podcast, we’re talking about how to build a strong father-daughter relationship. I brought in my resident expert, Jesse, to give us input. 🙂

(I didn’t mention this on the podcast, but we also asked the girls to both give input on what they feel helps to build a strong relationship and that was some of the basis of what Jesse shared.)

It has been so beautiful to watch Jesse lean in and love his daughters so well as they’ve gotten older. I know there can be a tendency for dads to pull back as girls get older and it can feel somewhat awkward as they are no longer little girls and are blossoming into young women.

In this podcast, I ask Jesse to talk about how he has nurtured relationships with the girls, fostered strong communication and openness, and what he’s done to continue to build into them as they’ve gotten older.

He drops a lot of truth nuggets including the importance of making them feel valued, challenging them but not expecting perfection, and how to get them to want to talk with you.

I hope this conversation encourages you. As always, we welcome your thoughts, constructive criticism, and feedback!

Powered by RedCircle

In This Episode: [01:24] Soup is saving my life right now and check out the recipes we’ve tried recently.

[03:32] Jesse’s talks about how his Post-It whiteboard gym schedule has made such a difference for him.

[06:44] I share my book recommendation for this week and why it was so impactful to me.

[10:58] Does Jesse feel like he’s felt the need to pull back from the girls as they get older? 

[14:06] Learn what Jesse aims to do by asking the girls the hard questions as they grow up.

[16:22] Take the time to invest in your girls’ friendships as well.

[19:51] Communicating to your kids that they are valued and loved is the key.

[20:24] Affirm their strengths, character, and growth — and focus on the positives.

[22:50] Don’t rescue your kids when they’re struggling. Struggle builds strength.

[25:15] Hear Jesse’s parting wisdom on how to build up young girls.

Links and Resources:

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 we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. 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.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Shared Nov 5, 2019 comment

Want to have a stress-free December?

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Want to have a stress-free December?

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Want to get a head start on Christmas? Would you like to feel less stress and more joy this Christmas? Already feeling a little overwhelmed thinking about December?

I’ve invited Kaley Ehret to join me on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 12 p.m. CST/1 p.m. EST to teach us three strategies for having a stress-free December. 

Kaley used to dread the arrival of Christmas because of her giant To Do list and all of the expectations of the season. But she discovered some techniques that have transformed her approach to the holiday season and it has helped her to love Christmas again.

She’s going to give you the tools you need to head into the holiday season with a sense of clarity and calm, rather than stress and frustration. Does that sound good to you? I know it does to me!

So what are you waiting for? Go here and sign up for this special class — it’s FREE!

photo credit

Amazon Gift Cards
Shared Nov 5, 2019 comment

HUGE Savings on Gift Cards (Chipotle, Gap, Ulta, and more!)

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HUGE Savings on Gift Cards (Chipotle, Gap, Ulta, and more!)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Planning to buy gift cards as gifts this year? Be sure to check out these deals on Amazon today!

Amazon Gift Cards

Today only, Amazon is offering huge savings on popular gift cards when you use the promo codes listed!

Here are some deal ideas…

Get $7.50 off when you spend $50 or more on select Chipotle Gift Cards when you use the promo code CHIPOTLE at checkout!

Get $10 off when you spend $50 or more on select Gap Gift Cards when you use the promo code GAPPROMO at checkout!

Get $7.50 when you spend $50 or more on select Ulta Gift Cards when you use the promo code ULTA at checkout!

Get $10 when you spend $50 or more on select The Fandango Gift Cards when you use the promo code FANDANGO at checkout!

Shop all the gift cards included here.