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Money Saving Mom

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Saving Families Money Since 2007

2hr Cleaning Checklist

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2hr Cleaning Checklist

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Shared Aug 15, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s $58 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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Gretchen’s $58 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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

Dillons

I used ClickList again this week because I had several coupons I wanted to use that were valid only if using ClickList. 

2.49 lbs Bananas – $1.47

1 Del Monte Fruit Bowls – $2, used Free ClickList e-coupon AND $0.75/1 Checkout 51 rebate AND $0.75/1 Ibotta rebate – Free plus overage after coupon and rebates

1 Dillons Buns – $1.99

1 Organic Gatorade – $1.25, used Free ClickList e-coupon AND $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate – Free plus overage after coupon and rebate

1 pkg Kroger Drumsticks – $4.67, used $1/1 e-coupon – $3.67 after coupon

1 Hillshire Farms Naturals Turkey Breast – $3.79, used $1/1 mailer coupon – $2.79 after coupon

1 International Delight One-Touch Latte – $3.99, used $1.50/1 printable – $2.49 after coupon

1 Jello Pudding – $2, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats – $2.50, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Kind Bar – $1, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $2, used $0.55/1 mailer coupon – $1.45 after coupon

2 bag Kroger Frozen Vegetables – $1 each, used $0.40/2 e-coupon – $0.80 each after coupon

2 Kroger Sliced Cheese – $1.99 each, used 2 $1/1 e-coupon – $0.99 each after coupons

1 bag Kroger Flour – $1.29, used $0.40/1 mailer coupon – $0.89 after coupon

3 Larabars – $1 each, used 3 Free ClickList e-coupons – Free after coupons

1 Romaine Lettuce – $1.29

1 Moms Best Cereal – $1.67

1 Nature Valley Granola Cups – $3.99, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bars – $2.50, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Ragu Sauce – $1.89, used $1/1 ClickList e-coupon – $0.89 after coupon

1 Ruffles Chips – $2.49, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

4 Welch’s Grape Jam – $1.49 each, used 4 $0.50/1 e-coupons – $0.99 each after coupons

5 Kroger Natural Peanut Butter – $1.49 each (I had $0.50/1 e-coupons for this but they didn’t come off at checkout. However, $1.49 is still not a bad price for this kind of peanut butter!)

1 Aussie Conditioner – $3.49, used Free ClickList e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Lay’s Kettle Chips – $1.39, used $1/1 ClickList e-coupon – $0.39 after coupon

Used $5 off catalina coupon (This covered the $4.95 ClickList fee plus gave me $0.05 extra!)

Total after coupons and rebates: $32.18

Aldi

2 pkg Strawberries – $1.29 each

2 pints Blueberries – $1.59 each

2 can Tuna – $0.65 each

2 dozen Eggs – $0.43 each, used $0.25/1 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.30 each after rebate

1 pkg Cheddar Cheese – $2.49

1 lb Ground Beef – $2.99

1 gallon Milk – $1.76

1 Half & Half – $1.79

2 Avocados – $0.88 each

1 bag Spinach – $1.49

2 Cucumbers – $0.29 each

1 bag Red Grapes – $1.58

1 lb Butter – $2.40

1 pkg Roma Tomatoes – $1.09

1 loaf Bread – $0.89

Total after rebate: $26.48

Total for both stores: $58.66

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Eggs & Toast x 4

Cereal x 3

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks, Cucumbers x 2

Salad Bar x 2

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, Tortilla Chips, Veggies

Hoagie Sandwiches, Chips

Spaghetti, Biscuits, Steamed Broccoli

Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Peas

Soft Tacos, Fruit Salad

Easy Cheesy Tex-Mex Skillet, Tossed Salad, Fruit

Out to eat

Shared Aug 14, 2017 comment

This Week’s $65 ALDI Grocery Shopping Trip + Menu Plan

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This Week’s $65 ALDI Grocery Shopping Trip + Menu Plan

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

Since I’m following an online slow cooker menu plan that I found, I bought ingredients to make those meals + get our food for the rest of the meals this week. I decided to only shop at ALDI this week for the groceries to see if I could get everything for the Slow Cooker Menu Plan at ALDI.

I had to make one or two substitutions, but I was able to get everything we needed! We still need to stop by Kroger to get eggs and some more milk, but otherwise, we should be good for the week!

(In case you are wondering why on earth I did two different transactions… well, that was because I realized I didn’t have a quarter when I got to ALDI. Which meant that I couldn’t get a cart. I was going to go in and get a quarter from the cashier, but there was a long line at checkout. So I just decided to get a box and fill it up and check out when it was almost too heavy for me to carry and then do a second transaction. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that as the most comfortable or efficient way to do things, but hey, it worked! ;))

Watch my live video for details on what I bought, why I bought it, the prices I paid, plus some real-life commentary on ALDI!

Here’s what’s on our menu plan this week:

This Week’s Menu Plan

Breakfast — Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, Eggs, Fruit

Lunches — Chicken Hot Dogs, Cheese Quesadillas, Caeser Salad, Fruit/Veggies, Leftovers, Snack-y Lunches, PB&J

Dinners — Leftovers, Easy Shredded Taco Beef, Chicken & Broccoli “Stirfry” in the Slow Cooker, Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Sandwiches, Beef & Bean Topped Potatoes, Whole Herb Roast Chicken in the Slow Cooker, Dinner Out

New to shopping at ALDI? Read how we save close to $1,000 per year by shopping at ALDI. Also, check out my post with my 25 Favorite Things to Buy at ALDI.

Shared Aug 12, 2017 comment

A Peek Into My Life This Past Week

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A Peek Into My Life This Past Week

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

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.

What’s Going On At Our House This Week

It was a summer of adventure for us. Filled with lots of spontaneity, memories, late nights, family togetherness, and a really, really relaxed routine.

It was good. So good. An amazing change of pace! And soul-filling for all of us.

But I’ll be the first to admit that my organized and structured personality is ready for a good schedule for everyone again! And I’m pretty sure the kids are, too.

So I was okay that this past week marked “Back to School Week” for us — even though there were a lot of mixed emotions along with it!

Kathrynne started 7th grade by heading to camp with all the 7-12th graders from her school (see below for more on that!), Kaitlynn started her homeschool year (Jesse’s homeschooling her in the morning and I’m homeschooling her in the afternoon), and Silas started 2nd grade.

I can already tell that this working full-time, homeschooling part-time, plus being a wife and mom and friend, and trying to get enough sleep + exercise + breathing room is going to be an interesting adventure! But this first week went really well!

I’m still tweaking our schedule somewhat and experimenting with a few things and I think it will be a few more weeks before I land on the right routine for this season, but I’m very hopeful based upon how this first week went that this year is going to be much smoother and less exhausting than I expected.

One of the biggest changes I’ve made is to get my focused work done from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — I’m finding that’s when I’m freshest and most inspired and I get so much more done to work during my most ideal time versus waiting to start in on business work later in the day. Then, I’m focusing on homeschooling, time with the kids, and homemaking stuff in the afternoons. And then the evenings are reserved for chill time, hanging out as a family, exercise and reading.

What I Read Recently

I recently finished reading Ordering Your Private World (I savored a chapter every morning for the last few weeks. Highly recommended!) and A Long Way Home (fascinating story!)

{See my Reading Goals for 2017. Also, see the 60 books I’ve read so far in 2017 here.}

What’s Been Saving My Sanity

Systems are the key to a mom’s sanity! One of our systems: having the kids pack their lunches, pack their backpacks, and lay out their outfits (including shoes) for the next day — before dinner.

It makes mornings SO much easier and laid back. No scrambling to find missing shoes or clean uniforms and no stressing over discovering we’re out of sandwich ingredients.

Plus, having the kids do it themselves and me just checking on it gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership — and saves me time and effort! What are one of YOUR systems that save your sanity?

What I’m Pondering

Kathrynne went to camp for 4 days this past week (her school kicks off 7th-12th grades with 4 days at camp).

This is the first time she’s ever done something like this (we’ve never done sleepovers) and I found that I was constantly wondering about her… Is she sleeping okay? Is she doing okay? Is her introverted self feeling people-d out? And on and on it went.

The point of parenting is to raise adults to be sent out into the world to make a difference. But sometimes, I’m not so fond of thinking of that whole “sending out” thing. I want to keep my babes close to me forever!

But this slow letting go and letting them experience the world and learning how to function without my help for a few days is a good thing for both of us. And it reminds me that ultimately, I’m not in control of my kids’ lives and decisions.

I can do my best to make sure they are loved and cared for and nurtured, but I need to release them and their lives to God. My babes are His first, not mine.

There is so much more joy and less stress in parenting when I rest in that.

What I’ve Been Thinking About

“Crystal, I feel like you’re getting more done than you ever have before and yet you’re working less.” This remark from one of my employees last week caught me off guard.

I hadn’t really stopped to think about it, but after he said that, I mulled it over and realized it was true. The more I thought about it, the more I realized why I’m so much more productive these days than I ever used to be.

It’s two things, actually: 1) I stopped finding my worth in what I did and accomplished and checked off my list. 2) I’ve given myself permission to make REST a big priority in my life.

And by rest, I don’t just mean getting enough sleep. I also mean taking time to do things that restore, recharge, and refresh me. Not just once a week, but (usually) every single day!

I’ve stopped waiting until I was exhausted to take time to rest and recharge. I’ve started making it a part of my regular lifestyle.

Yes, it takes time — time that I used to think I didn’t really have! But now I realize that taking time to rest and refuel is some of BEST spent time!

What I’m Learning

See those flowers? No, not the colorful roses. I’m talking about the white tissue paper flowers. They represent something really transformative in my heart.

You see, my Kaitlynn (10) painstakingly made them and splattered them with gold paint for an extra special touch. They are absolutely beautiful.

But for years, I didn’t see much beauty in her creations. I only saw the “messes” she made in her wake. (Which to creative hearts aren’t messes at all but spaces where beauty and life is being birthed!)

I missed out on so much beauty because I only saw the mess. I didn’t appreciate the way God had wired my daughter because I tried to stuff her into my neat and tidy box. All the while, I was inadvertently crushing her spirit.

Her soul needs to be creating. She can’t not create. It’s in her DNA. Just like I am fulfilled by crossing things off a to do list and by having my kitchen clean, she feels fulfilled from creating.

It’s so different than me, but instead of being frustrated by it like I was for so long, I’m slowly learning to really savor and embrace it.
God knew that I needed a jolt out of my utilitarian, minimalist, INTJ, Type 8 world, so He sent me Kaitlynn.

And the more I fully accept and embrace her for who she is and how she is wired, the more I realize how much she adds to our home and to my life.

I don’t want to try to stuff her into that little box anymore! I want our home to be a canvas for her soul to breathe. So I’m proudly displaying these tissue paper flowers crafted with joy and sprinkled with gold!

They serve as a reminder to me to embrace everyone in my life for exactly who they are, instead of trying to make them into who I think they should be.

Links You Should Check Out:

Start working from home with these 7 great business ideas you can start right away!
Shared Aug 12, 2017 comment

7 Business Ideas You Can Run From Home

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7 Business Ideas You Can Run From Home

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

Start working from home with these 7 great business ideas you can start right away!

Guest post from Megan of Working Momtrepreneur: 

In this day and age, women are looking to get more out of their careers. We want to call our own shots, have unlimited earning potential, and spend more time with our families, all while helping others and using our God-given talents.

Yes, I know…that’s a lot!

My friends often say that they would love to work from home, doing something that they enjoy and avoiding expensive daycare costs.

Thankfully, with modern technology, it has never been easier to start a business without spending a ton of money.

Here are some fun business ideas to get your wheels turning.

1. Sewing

Are you a talented seamstress? There are brides everywhere looking for a reliable and skilled seamstress to alter their dresses. There are moms that would love to have a personalized quilt made for their children.

So many people these days (including myself) do not know how to sew and are happy to pay someone to do it for them.

Do you want to create and sell your amazing projects outside of your geographic location? You can set up an Etsy shop and sell online.

2. Blogging

If you have been following Your Blogging Mentor by Crystal Paine, you know that you can make money by blogging. Blogging is a great creative outlet that allows you to write about the things in life that you care about most or that excite you.

You can write about something you went through and support others doing the same thing. You can create a niche such as sewing, being a single parent, or home décor. You can blog about anything.

There are many ways to monetize a blog. You can promote products, sell your own products, and include affiliate links and advertisements.

3. Crafting

Do you enjoy creating beautiful masterpieces? Why not sell them? If you are a talented crafter, you can sell your projects at fairs, farmers markets, on Etsy, through a blog or a website, etc.

You can even rent space at a local store to showcase your goodies.

4. Pet Sitting or Doggy Daycare

We all love our pets. We want the best for them when we leave town for the weekend or take a family vacation that they can’t attend.

If you have the space at your home and set your own restrictions (example: dog must be house trained, friendly, spayed or neutered etc.) you can run a dog sitting business.

You can charge extra if you are willing to go to the owner’s house to take care of their dog(s).

Some pet owners will even pay you to dog sit just for the day while they are at work. This is a great opportunity for a dog lover with a big backyard.

5. College/Financial Aid Consultant and Advisor

Navigating through college applications and all of the fun stuff that goes with financial aid is a nightmare for some families. If you have the knowledge, you can advise and consult students and families on these things.

Once you figure out how one school works, you will find that they are all pretty similar with a few exceptions. Some things that might vary from school to school are due dates, acceptance dates, types of admission, tuition and fees, room and board, start dates, etc.

6. Graphic Design

Most, if not all businesses need a website, some marketing materials, and a logo. If you have the knowledge and programs to create beautiful images for marketing purposes, logos, and websites then you can run your own graphic designing business and charge for your services.

7. Music Lessons

If you know how to play an instrument well and have the patience to teach, this could be a great opportunity for you. People are willing to pay for someone to teach their children how to play an instrument, sing, or even dance.

With this, you can charge by the hour and schedule around your day (within reason so you still accommodate your customers).

The best part about starting your own business is you don’t need a Bachelor’s Degree or $10,000 cash, like you may think. All you need is some persistence, guidance, and access to a few resources.

There is no reason why you can’t own your future and create the life that you desire. Stop trading hours for dollars and start taking action.

Do you like the thought of starting your own business but need more ideas? Sign up for our newsletter to download a list of 20 jobs you can do from home!

Megan Englund is the owner and creator of Working Momtrepreneur. She is also a wife to a loving husband, a mommy to a sweet little girl, a Business Instructor at a community college, and a Blogger whose goals is to help working moms learn how to start their own businesses doing something that they enjoy.

Looking for more in-depth advice on how to make money from home?

Be sure to check out my book Money-Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make A Difference, where I share creative ways to manage money, generate income and–most importantly–live a life of deeper meaning, fulfillment, and generosity than you might have ever imagined possible. This book is packed with hard-won wisdom, real-life stories, and practical tips to help inspire and motivate you!

I also highly, highly recommend Angie Nelson’s eCourse: How to Land Your First Work-At-Home Job. This step-by-step guide is packed with valuable information and tips!

Shared Aug 12, 2017 comment

Brigette’s $83 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $83 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 32-oz carton Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt – $3.49

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $1.79

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $3.78

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.79

1 64-oz carton Almond Milk – $1.99

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.05

1 1-lb pkg Butter – $2.45

4 dozens Large Eggs – $2.68, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51 – $2.43

2 16-oz cartons Egg Whites – $3.78

1 Cabbage – $1.19

2 8-oz pkgs Blueberries – $2.58

2 pkgs Broccoli Crowns – $2.78

1 16-oz pkg Organic Baby Rainbow Carrots – $1.69

1 16-oz pkg Baby Carrots – $0.99

2 Avocados – $1.58

2 cartons Strawberries – $2.58

1 bag Smoked Almonds – $4.99

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.79

1 Cauliflower – $2.29

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.59

1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $1.79

1 bag Zucchini – $1.79

1 8-oz tub Organic White Mushrooms – $1.99

1 bunch Organic Bananas (2.04lb @ $0.59/lb) – $1.20

2 bags Red Grapes (4.92lbs @ $0.79/lb) – $3.89

Total after Rebate: $61.26

Harris Teeter

4 boxes General Mills Cereal – $10.00, used 2 $0.50/1 Cheerios printable (doubled), and 2 $0.50/1 Chex printable (doubled), plus $1.00/2 evic – $5.00/4 boxes after coupons

1 box Cascadian Farms Granola – $2.50, used $1.00/1 Cascadian Farms printable, plus $1.00/1 evic – $0.50 after coupons

1 box Hamburger Helper – $1.00, used $0.50/1 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupon

1 box Old El Paso Taco Shells – $1.00, used $0.50/1 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupon

2 cans Dole Pineapples – $1.50, used $0.75/2 Dole Canned Fruit – 6-25-17 SS (exp. 08/31/17) – FREE after coupon

2 pkgs Lenders Bagels – $1.99

5 8-oz bags Shredded Cheese (B2G3) – $6.78

1 4-lb bag Popcorn Kernels – $1.84

1 18-oz jar Harris Teeter Strawberry Preserves – $1.79

1 16-oz jar Harris Teeter Peanut Butter – FREE, wyb 18-oz jar Preserves

1 pkg Galbani Cheese Sticks – $2.34, used $1.00/1 printable – $1.34 after coupon

1 6-count pkg Sunmaid Raisins – $1.14

2 4-ct pkgs Go-Go Squeez – $2.98 – used 2 $0.50/1 GoGo SqueeZ Yogurtz – 8-6-17 SS; Includes 4 pk or Larger Only; DND (exp. 10/05/17) (doubled) – $0.98/2 after coupons

1 2-lb bag Carrots – $0.99 (Aldi was out of regular-size carrots, so I picked them up here. I got a spiralizer for my birthday, and really like spiralized carrots!)

5 Yoplait Yogurts – $1.85, used $0.50/5 Yoplait Yogurt Cups – 6-25-17 SS (exp. 08/19/17) (doubled), plus $0.50/5 evic – $0.35/5 after coupon

Total after Coupons: $22.70

Weekly Grocery Total: $83.96

Weekly Menu Plan

Some friends brought us a big basket of peaches from a local orchard – they are SO good!

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Mufflets (recipe from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook) x 2

Yogurt, Peaches

Fruit, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Toast x 2

Lunches

Baked Sweet Potatoes, Build-Your-Own Salad Bar x 2

Peanut Butter and Jelly on Rice Cakes, Raw Veggies with Dip, Fruit x 2

Leftovers, Raw Veggies with Dip x 3

(Stir-Fried Spiralized Veggies with Eggs for me on a few of the days)

Dinners

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Baked Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Tacos, Green Rice, Fruit Salad

Bagel Pizzas (Shredded Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggies, Sauce on Bagels), Tossed Salad

Egg Roll in a Bowl, Cauliflower Fried “Rice” (I’ll leave out the pork since I’m serving this as a side dish)

Chicken Pot Pie, Fruit Salad

Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes, Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Leftovers

Snacks

Popcorn, Raisins, Smoked Almonds, Fruit, Go-Go Squeez pouches, Cheese Sticks

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

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Shared Aug 10, 2017 comment

East Coast Road Trip: Our Last Day!

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East Coast Road Trip: Our Last Day!

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

Welcome to my 14-day series on our East Coast Road Trip where I share our adventures along the way, how we’re doing this on a budget, honest reviews of attractions & restaurants we visit, and money-saving tips and ideas. If you missed it, read Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here, Day 4 here, Day 5 here, Day 6 here, Day 7 here, Day 8 here, Day 9 here, Day 10 here, Day 11 here, Day 12 here, and Day 13 here.

Our 14-day East Coast Road Trip came to an end on this day, but we went out with a bang for our last day in Cincinnati!

We started the day with Tom + Chee (our first time ever to go to this restaurant — we loved it and we’re SO excited to discover they have one in Nashville!! Apparently we’ve been living under a rock!).

I got a salad (sorry! I know!), but it was a Grilled Cheese Salad and had squares of grilled cheese on it (like croutons) and was amazing!

And then we headed to Smale Park to eat our lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings (thank you to everyone who recommended this park to us!)

You all will be very happy to know that we did indeed stop at Graeter’s for ice cream. That was the one place everyone said we HAD to go to in Cincy and it didn’t disappoint.

I was going to split a cone with Jesse and was hoping he might go for the Raspberry that you all recommended, but we compromised with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Yum!

We spent the afternoon and early evening at the Ark Encounter. We really enjoyed our time there! It was our big splurge of the trip and one of the things we had planned our trip around. I will say that it was pricey (and we even got half-price tickets from a friend of a friend who works for the company!), but we would highly recommend it if you get a chance to go!

And then we hopped in the car and drove the 4ish-hour trip home! It was good to be back in our beds!

It was such a good trip for so many reasons and I feel like we all have been stretched in really valuable ways as a result of it. We will carry so many memories and lessons with us in the months and years to come.

I came home feeling closer to Jesse and the kids because of the conversations and experiences we had, grateful for the simple rhythms and routines of our life that I sometimes take for granted, and inspired to be more adventuresome in my every day life right in TN.

(Thank you so much for letting me share our trip with you all here and for being so helpful and encouraging as we traveled. Our trip was so much better and richer because of you all!)

Shared Aug 10, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s $2.70 Walgreens Shopping Trip

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Gretchen’s $2.70 Walgreens Shopping Trip

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

Walgreen’s Shopping Trip

1 Colgate Toothbrush – $3.49 (Buy 1, Get 2,000 Balance Reward Points)
Used $0.75/1 printable
And used $0.50/1 Ibotta rebate

1 Colgate Total Mouthwash – $2.99 (Buy 1, Get $2 Register Rewards)
Used $0.75/1 printable

1 Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Candy – $1.50 (Buy 1, Get $1.50 Register Rewards

1 Mentos NOWmints – $1.99 (Buy 1, Get $1.99 Register Rewards)
Used $0.75/1 Checkout 51 rebate

2 Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergents – $1.99 each
Used 2 $1/1 printable

Used $1.50 Register Rewards from last shopping trip

Redeemed 5,000 Balance Reward Points from last shopping trip (like $5)

Total before coupons, rebates, Register Rewards and points: $13.95

Total after coupons, rebates, Register Rewards and points: $2.70, plus received $5.49 Register Rewards AND 2,000 Balance Reward Points (like $2)

New to shopping at Walgreens? Be sure to head over and check out Walgreens 101 where you can find details on how to maximize the mileage of your money at Walgreens. See more deals at Walgreens this week here.

Shared Aug 8, 2017 comment

East Coast Road Trip: Exploring Cincinnati

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East Coast Road Trip: Exploring Cincinnati

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

Welcome to my 14-day series on our East Coast Road Trip where I share our adventures along the way, how we’re doing this on a budget, honest reviews of attractions & restaurants we visit, and money-saving tips and ideas. If you missed it, read Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here, Day 4 here, Day 5 here, Day 6 here, Day 7 here, Day 8 here, Day 9 here, Day 10 here, Day 11 here, and Day 12 here.

We had an amazing day in Cincinnati for day 13 of our trip… and by some sheer miracle, there was almost zero arguing or people who were annoyed at each other!!

Instead, the day was filled with lots of laughter, fun, joking, experiencing new things together, and just generally really liking being together. Which, ahem, wasn’t necessarily the case the previous few days.

(We’ve decided that the 10 day mark is where we all kind of hit a wall and were ready to be home and feeling grouchy and tired of sleeping in one room, spending so much time in the car, and being off our usual routine and rhythms. I was wondering if we were even going to like each other by the time we got home. So the turnaround in attitudes was such a gift!)


We started off our time in Cincy with lunch at Skyline Chili. I got a Greek salad… yes, I know that flies in the face of all that is good and true. But y’all, I just didn’t know how my stomach would take the chili!

My family (mostly) really loved the chili, though some of them weren’t so sure that they liked it the next day. Yeah, it does a number on your stomach if you’re a Skyline Chili newbie.

(I tried a few bites and I’m not sure what to think of it. It was different, that’s for sure! ;))


Then, we went to the Creation Museum and got to spend an hour with their cartoonist (who is a friend of a good friend). Not only did he get us passes so we could get in for free (!) and go to the planetarium show for free, but he also gave us a behind-the-scenes tour, and showed us how he creates his cartoon strips using Adobe Photoshop. It was fascinating!!



The grounds at the Creation Museum were so beautiful. We loved walking around the grounds/visit the petting zoo!


We waited to go to the special effects theater & main exhibits until 5:30 pm and it wasn’t crowded at all — unlike earlier in the day when we heard it’s usually packed!

We then headed to Jungle Jim’s and had a blast there! What a fun and unique store! We let the kids pick a few treats there and they were SO excited about getting some candy from other countries!

I was super stoked about the South African food, the entire aisle of tea, and the hilarious bathrooms (you just have to see them… people had told us not to miss them and they were so right!).

Just one more day in Cincy and then we head home.

To be continued…

Shared Aug 8, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s $47 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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Gretchen’s $47 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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

Aldi

2 Avocados – $1.19 each

3 Frozen Pizzas – $0.99 each

1 pkg Frozen Strawberries – $2.09

1 pkg Frozen Blueberries – $2.29

1 lb Ground Beef – $2.99

1 dozen Eggs – $0.44

1 Half & Half – $1.79

2 cans Pineapple Chunks – $0.89 each

2 cans Cream Mushroom/Chicken Soup – $0.49 each

1 gallon Milk – $1.76

1 bag White Tortilla Chips – $1.19

1 bag Mini Marshmallows – $0.89

1 Cantaloupe – $0.99

1 pkg Zucchini – $1.29

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $0.99

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $0.79

1 Sour Cream – $1.19

1 bag Spinach – $1.49

1 loaf Bread – $0.89, used $0.25/1 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.64 after rebate

Total after rebate: $28.93

Dillons

1 box Cheerios – $3.99, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Simply Lemonade – $1.29

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $6.99, used $1.50/1 e-coupon – $5.49 after coupon

3 Mission Flour Tortillas – $0.49 each

2 Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – $1.79 each, used $1/2 e-coupon – $1.29 each after coupon

1 box LaraBars – $3.99, used $1/1 e-coupon AND $1.50/1 SavingStar.com rebate – $1.49 after coupon and rebate

2 bags Kroger Shredded Cheese – $1.49 each, used $1.15/2 e-coupon – $0.91 each after coupon

1 Kroger Chunk Cheese – $1.49

1 Airheads – $0.50, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 Gatorade Fuel Bar – $1, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 Stur Liquid Flavor – $2.50, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 Nestle Chocolate Chips – $3.59, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

2 cans Mandarin Oranges – $1 each

2.86 lbs Bananas – $1.40

Used $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate

Total after coupons and rebate: $18.78

Total for both stores: $47.71

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Toast, Eggs, Spinach x 5

Cereal x 2

Lunches

Smoothies, Granola Bars, Carrots x 2

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cucumbers, Carrots x 2

Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies x 2

Leftovers

Dinners

Cook out with LifeGroup (I am bringing 5-Cup Salad and Lemonade.)

Spaghetti, Biscuits, Steamed Zucchini

Tacos, Chips & Salsa

Pancakes, Eggs, Cantaloupe

Grilled Chicken, Green Beans, Spinach Salad, Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Cantaloupe, Banana Muffins

Leftovers

Shared Aug 6, 2017 comment

A Peek Into My Life This Past Week

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A Peek Into My Life This Past Week

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

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.

We spent this past week at Bull Shoals Lake with all of my extended family this week (a tradition we’ve had since before I was married!). I was mostly been offline and it’s been fantastic to have time to just hang out with my family, have in-depth conversations, laugh together, enjoy swimming and water sports, and just have time to breathe and savor a quieter pace of life.

For the past 10 years or so, there’s been angst for me during this yearly lake vacation because I’ve felt the stress of trying to run a business plus take a “vacation.” So I’d either wake up really early or stay up really late or miss out on a lot of the activities and fun because I “had” to be back in the cabin blogging.

This year, even though I didn’t have as much time to prep ahead like I’d hoped, it truly has been a vacation for me. It’s not necessarily because my workload has decreased, but because my mindset has changed.

For instance:

  • I’ve stopped living life feeling like I was a victim of my calendar and my inbox.
  • I’ve stopped feeling like so many things were urgent and must-do’s.
  • I’ve stopped believing the lie that I was the only one who could do most of my business tasks.
  • I’ve stopped sacrificing sleep on the altar of productivity.
  • I’ve stopped feeling like I have to post something every single day or at a certain time every day.
  • Instead, I’ve started realizing that I am in control of my calendar and I can choose to say “no”.
  • I am not obligated to say “yes” to other people’s requests (or even demands… because unfortunately, there are quite a few people who think that because I have a blog, it’s okay to get pretty bossy about what I should and shouldn’t post.).
  • It’s okay if I disappoint people. It really and truly is.
  • I can choose to get 7+ hours of sleep at night instead of feeling like I must wake up really early or stay up really late working.
  • I can guiltlessly be offline for half the day and know that it’s going to be okay. As one of my friends reminds me often, “Did anyone die while you were offline? No? Well then I think you’re okay!”
  • I’ve gotten really good at deleting emails and tasks that just aren’t really essential or necessary.
  • I’ve gotten a LOT better about trusting my team to take care of things for me instead of exhausting myself by trying to micromanage all the tasks.
  • It took a lot of heart work and personal healing and letting go for me to be able to get to this place, but the more I adopt this mindset shift, the more fulfilled and at peace I feel. The more I’m able to enjoy the present moment, savor what’s right in front of me, and love my life!

What I’m Feeling Bittersweet About

He starts SECOND GRADE on Tuesday! How did this happen??

We went to the back-to-school meeting yesterday. We met his fellow classmates. We saw his classroom. And the whole time my mama heart was all torn up inside.

Seeing our kiddos grow up is a beautifully bittersweet thing.

On the one hand, I’m SO proud of him. He’s grown up a great deal this past year. He’s come out of his shell in a big way. He’s thriving and living life with zest and gusto.

He’s become fiercely independent and highly responsible and so capable of taking care of himself… and he needs very little oversight from me.

And he’s going to Grammar School all by himself this year instead of with his two older sisters like last year. (Kathrynne is going into 7th grade so she’ll be in Lower Division this year and we’re homeschooling Kaitlynn.)

I know this is the best decision for him. I know that this is where he’s going to excel this year. And I know that he’ll be just fine, but it still makes my mama heart feel all the feelings to realize that my baby has grown up into a self-sufficient boy!

However, I’m so happy that in spite of how much he’s grown up and matured this past year, he still begins almost everyday telling me, “I love you, Mama!” And then coming and wanting to snuggle next to me for 10 minutes or so. It’s one of the best parts of my day!

Despite all the responsibility and self-sufficiency, deep down, he still loves and needs his mama! 😉

What I’ve Been Contemplating

“How do I make you feel most loved?” “What do I do that makes you feel most unloved?”

I asked my kids this question in the car on the road trip and then I listened to their honest answers, without defending or explaining myself.

You guys, I learned so much about my kids through these two simple questions.

Love is spelled T-I-M-E. And they want lots of it. Quality and quantity.

They want to know that their voice matters. That I care deeply about what they are interested in.

That I’m really listening when they are talking. That I want to hear about what they are excited about.

When they show me their artwork or creation or experiment or project, they want me to show genuine interest and enthusiasm and ask questions about it, praise specific parts of it, and appreciate the effort they put into it.

It’s so easy to get busy with life, with our own projects, with keeping everyone fed and clothed and on track, that we fall into a rut of not really paying attention.

Sure, we might act like we are listening, but when they are talking a mile a minute, we’re actually thinking about our projects and to-do’s and saying “uh-huh” and nodding along and responding “oh wow” or “cool” without really stopping to appreciate these amazing people and their gifts and their talents.

They are more perceptive than we realize. And if we stop really listening and paying attention when they are younger, they will eventually stop talking to us and find someone else to share their accomplishments and excitement and interests with.

I want to be my kids’ biggest cheerleaders. I want them to know that I’ve always got their back. I’m always FOR them. And even if no else else cares, I will always care.

As a result of my conversations with them, I’m more committed than ever to make really listening, really paying attention, really noticing, and really genuinely caring about what they care about my priorities as a mom.

It requires work, effort, sacrifice, and time. But I truly believe it’s one of the best investments I can be making right now in my life.

A few links for you to check out:

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

Click here to download!
ALDI Special Buys: One of ALDI's best kept secrets that will save you TONS of money!
Shared Aug 5, 2017 comment

How I Save with ALDI Special Buys

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How I Save with ALDI Special Buys

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

ALDI Special Buys: One of ALDI's best kept secrets that will save you TONS of money!

Guest post from Rachael of Mumbling Mommy

Conversations like this are common in my house…

Husband: “We could use a new skillet/bath mat/camping tent/lawn chair/veggie spiralizer/etc.”

Me: “Okay. I’ll wait until ALDI sells it and then I’ll buy it.”

If you aren’t familiar with ALDI, the discount grocer carries a selection of Regular Buy food products that are always on the shelves, such as produce, milk, bread, eggs, baking supplies, canned goods, frozen produce and entrees, etc.

In addition, each week the store sells a small selection of non-food Special Buy products — or what the grocer now likes to call ALDI Finds. These Finds usually revolve around a theme: kitchen gadgets, camping, or exercise, for example.

Most ALDI products are of decent-to-very-good quality and are almost always less expensive than similar items at other retailers like traditional grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and even warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. For that reason, I buy 90 to 95% of my family’s groceries from ALDI. It makes financial sense to buy as many of our household food and non-food needs from ALDI as possible.

When the weekly ALDI ad comes out, it’s a little bit like looking at a Christmas catalog. My husband and I look forward to seeing what limited-time Special Buy or ALDI Find items will be on store shelves.

With patience, we can get many of our household necessities from ALDI: bed sheets and blankets, bath towels, lawn furniture, gardening supplies, camping gear, cookware, lamps, shelves, home organizing supplies, and more.

The only catch is that because ALDI is a low-inventory store, it doesn’t sell all of those products all the time. However, ALDI does tend to sell the same or similar Special Buy items on a yearly rotating schedule, so if you’ve seen it in the store before, chances are good that it will come back at some point. So patience is important.

It’s also helpful to know that many themed Special Buy or ALDI Find products are sold at predictable times of the year.

  • Exercise and fitness items hit the shelves around the New Year.
  • Spring through summer is prime camping, gardening, barbecue, and lawn furniture season.
  • Late summer is a good time to find twin bedding, bath towels, lamps, shelves, and other items that college students might use in their dorm rooms, or that you can use in your own home.
  • Thanksgiving and Christmas are good times to find cookware, serving ware, and other kitchen items.

Rather than feeling frustrated or shopping elsewhere because I can’t buy what I want when I want from ALDI, I’ve learned to view this as an advantage. I could simply go to Walmart or another retailer to immediately buy what I need, but often I don’t, especially if the need is not urgent.

Here are three reasons why I like waiting for ALDI to stock a product:

1. Waiting helps cut impulse spending.

Waiting allows me to think about whether I really need a product.

Often after giving it some thought, I’ll realize I don’t need a new comforter because the old one still looks fine, or I don’t need a shiny new skillet because the old one is still serviceable. I might decide I don’t really want or have a need for the kitchen gadget I was thinking about a few months ago.

Waiting also allows me to plan and budget for when I do eventually make a purchase. I feel more confident when it’s a purchase I’ve planned (and budgeted) for — perhaps months in advance, and I know it’s something I truly want or need.

2. Waiting may give me a lower price.

ALDI’s non-food Special Buy items are not always cheaper, but they often are, even if it’s only by a small amount. This is sometimes true even of name brand items that you could find at other stores.

Earlier this year, for example, ALDI sold an inflatable raft, the Intex Explorer 200, for $10.99 … significantly less than what Amazon, Walmart, or any other retailer was selling it for at that point!

3. Waiting allows me to support a business I like.

Sure, ALDI is still a chain store, but ALDI compensates its workers better than most other retailers and grocers. Workers are paid well and receive excellent benefits. An ALDI employee told us last year that, while the work is hard, workers receive full-time benefits if they work 25 hours or more a week. That’s unusual in the modern working world.

Sometimes waiting for ALDI to stock an item is not possible, like when my daughter’s bed sheet suddenly ripped and she needed new sheets right away. It happens. Or if a lawn chair broke and we needed a new one during the busy summer season. However, when I can wait, I do wait. It’s almost always worth the cost savings.

How about you?

Do you sometimes wait for items you need or want to come around as Special Buys at ALDI, or do you always buy them immediately from other stores?

Rachael is senior editor of Aldi Reviewer, a website offering reviews of Aldi products, and she also writes for the parenting blog, Mumbling Mommy. In her spare time, she battles squirrels in her garden, reads Charlotte Bronte novels, and edits her husband’s science fiction novels.

photo source

Shared Aug 4, 2017 comment

East Coast Road Trip: A Day in Pittsburgh

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East Coast Road Trip: A Day in Pittsburgh

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

Welcome to my 14-day series on our East Coast Road Trip where I share our adventures along the way, how we’re doing this on a budget, honest reviews of attractions & restaurants we visit, and money-saving tips and ideas. If you missed it, read Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here, Day 4 here, Day 5 here, Day 6 here, Day 7 here, Day 8 here, Day 9 here, Day 10 here, and Day 11 here.

I learned a lot of things on our 14-day road trip, but one thing I’ve definitely learned is that you all have the BEST recommendations! Case in point: we had an amazing day in Pittsburgh and every single bit of it was because of your recommendations.

The day started with doing laundry… in the hotel parking lot! Well, not totally. We washed and dried it in the machines at the hotel, but we had to check out of the hotel before we could get it folded.

So we folded it in the parking lot/back of our car. Which I wouldn’t really recommend as ideal, but it got the job done! 😉

Oh and as an update: The 5-day packing system worked SO well on this trip and I think we’ll definitely be doing some sort of rendition on it for most of our trips from here on out.


We had a blast going up the Duquesne Incline and seeing the incredible view of Pittsburgh. We loved reading more about the history of the inclines in the Pittsburgh area and we all thought it was a pretty cool experience.

The views from the top of the incline were really cool!

Note: I thought the fares were on the expensive side: It was $20 for round trip tickets for all of us + $5 for parking, but it was a unique experience and memorable experience.

Then we headed to the Strip District. And I’m just not sure how to even describe it.

There were all of these incredibly unique restaurants and grocers that covered a plethora of cultures and ethnicities — and almost every store was really, really inexpensive (at least compared to most of the prices we’ve been seeing on this trip!)

We were bummed that the Peace, Love, and Little Donuts Shop was already closed for the day when we got there. (We discovered that a number of restaurants and shops close around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., so we wished we had gotten there a little earlier.)

Our favorite store was probably the Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange. They had a huge selection of coffees and coffee beans and teas and their prices were very reasonable! We bought loose leaf tea and coffee beans at Allegheny Coffee & Tea to take home, plus some coffee for Jesse, drinks for the kids, and tea for me.

The Pennsylvania Macaroni Company was such an interesting store. You felt like you were in a different country when you were in it — especially because the foods were all Italian!


We loved finding South African candy at the chocolate shop + various products made with Schweschwe fabric (very traditional South African) in another little shop. We split a delicious chicken quesadilla from this basement Mexican restaurant.

And we oohed and aahed over the produce prices at the open air “farmer’s markets” — a bunch of roses for $4-$5 and tubs of strawberries for $1!!!


Oh and we ate at Primanti Bros. like you all said we must. (I got a salad which is probably not what you’re supposed to order there, but it was delicious!!)


Then we hopped in the car and hit West Virginia for a little bit (our first time in the state) and then headed to Cincinnati for the last two days of our 14-day road trip.

Any suggestions on other inexpensive things to do in Pittsburgh? I’d love to hear!

Shared Aug 3, 2017 comment

The Best Ever Bran Muffins

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The Best Ever Bran Muffins

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

Bran muffins are a quick and easy treat for breakfast or snacks. They taste amazing and your whole family will love them!

What makes these the Best Ever Bran Muffins

For starters, they are super easy to make, they don’t require a lot of steps, they are delicious, and they are packed with nutrition.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love Chocolate Covered Katie. So naturally, I loved her cookbook, too!

I dog-eared a bunch of pages with recipes I wanted to try, but then my friend Stacy said her family loved the Ironman Muffin recipe… so Kaitlynn (my 10-year-old) and I gave them a try!

Kaitlynn made the first batch and we instantly fell in love!

By the way, Stacy sent me these USA Pans as a gift. Now I know why she has sung their praises over and over and over again. They are amazing!

If you’ve been looking for a good bran muffin recipe that is also really good for you, try these out!

Oh, and in typical “Crystal style”, I took the original recipe and re-did it. 😉

Bran Muffin Recipe Ingredients

  • 2 cups wheat bran
  • 1¼ cups milk
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1¼ cups whole-wheat flour
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ⅔ cup raisins (optional)

 Bran Muffin Substitutions

If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute your favorite “milk”.

You can also swap in melted butter for the coconut oil, if that’s what you have on hand.

Maple syrup or honey could be an alternative to molasses, although it will change the flavor slightly.

Granulated sugar, or even brown sugar will work in place of the raw sugar.

And, the raisins are totally optional. You could use craisins for a different taste — or even chocolate chips!

How to Make Bran Muffins

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bran and milk and let soak for 5-10 minutes.

3. Mix in oil, molasses, and eggs.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients and raisins.

5. Pour the dry ingredients into the bran mixture and stir until just combined.

6. Pour batter into 12-15 greased or lined muffin cups.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then remove from muffin tins.

How to serve Bran Muffins

Bran muffins are a perfect on-the-go breakfast option for busy mornings.

They are also an easy take-along snack as they don’t need to be refrigerated.

If you have a bit more time, serve them with eggs, sausage, and fruit for a more leisurely breakfast or brunch.

Best Bran Muffin Recipe Storage

Keep bran muffins in an air-tight food storage container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

If you want to store them for longer, we recommend freezing them in a zip-top bag.

Bran Muffins Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between a bran muffin and a regular muffin?

The main difference is that bran muffins use less flour, and include bran, which is denser, and more nutritious than white flour.

Are bran muffins good for you?

While bran muffins do contain a good amount of fiber, they certainly aren’t a “low calorie” food. Bran muffins are still made with oil and sugar, just like most other muffins.

Why are my bran muffins tough?

Over-mixing is the main reason why bran muffins get too tough. When you over-mix the batter, the gluten structure is too tight to expand around the gas bubbles, so the end muffin is much more dense and chewy instead of light and fluffy.

Recipe

Bran Muffin


Author Crystal Paine
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups wheat bran
  • 1¼ cups milk
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1¼ cups whole-wheat flour
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ⅔ cup raisins optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine bran and milk and let soak for 5-10 minutes.
  • Mix in oil, molasses, and eggs.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients and raisins.
  • Pour the dry ingredients into the bran mixture and stir until just combined.
  • Pour batter into 12-15 greased or lined muffin cups.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then remove from muffin tins.

Notes

If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute your favorite “milk”.
You can also swap in melted butter for the coconut oil, if that’s what you have on hand.
Maple syrup or honey could be an alternative to molasses, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Granulated sugar, or even brown sugar will work in place of the raw sugar.
And, the raisins are totally optional. You could use craisins for a different taste — or even chocolate chips!

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 2mg

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Looking for more muffin recipes? Check out my post on My Top 7 Favorite Freezer-Friendly Muffin Recipes.

50 Easy breakfast ideas

FREE 50+ Easy and Cheap Breakfast Ideas!!

Mornings just got so much easier with this FREE list of 50+ Easy & Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Busy Weekday Mornings!

Shared Aug 1, 2017 comment

12 Ways to Save Money at the Zoo

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12 Ways to Save Money at the Zoo

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

Guest post from Brigitte of BrigitteBrulz.com

Zoos can be fun and educational family outings, but if you do not have a free zoo nearby, they can be a huge drain on your family’s budget. Here are 12 ways to save money on your next zoo visit.

1. Become a member

If your family has a zoo nearby that you plan to visit often, becoming a zoo member may be advantageous. A membership usually pays for itself within a few visits.

In addition to free or discounted entrance, zoo members often receive discounted prices for various programs throughout the year.

2. Go on free days

If you don’t plan to visit the zoo multiple times in a year, being a member may not be beneficial. Instead, check if the zoo offers free days. Be aware, though, that you still may have to pay for parking, and be prepared for large crowds!

If you are a homeschooling family, check if the zoo has a “homeschool day”. In addition to a free/discounted admission, they may offer extra activities throughout the day. Make sure to check the requirements before going since some zoos require proof of homeschooling to get the discount.

3. Go in the “off-season”

Zoos are normally discounted certain months of each year. Although you can save money in the off-season, be aware that there may be less activities, rides, and animals available.

4. Go with a group

Many zoos have their own rules concerning group discounts (the minimum number of people, advance ticket purchases, etc.), so check out the zoo’s website to see what they offer. You may find that visiting with a group of friends or family would be beneficial (and fun!) for you.

5. Carpool

Some zoos offer free parking; however, there are many zoos that charge per vehicle. By carpooling, you can split the cost of parking.

6. Use coupons

Coupons may be found on various online websites (including the zoo’s website) or by calling the zoo directly and asking if they offer coupons. You may also find coupons in Entertainment books, which can be purchased at certain times of the year at a steep discount. Sometimes, libraries even give coupons out as prizes for their summer reading program.

7. Pack your own drinks, snacks, and lunch

Although each zoo has its own policy on foods and drinks, most allow patrons to bring in their own drinks or snacks. If allowed, bring your own water bottles for an inexpensive and convenient drink. Fill up for free at the drinking fountains.

If the zoo doesn’t allow you to eat on zoo grounds, check to see if you can go to your car at lunchtime and re-enter when you are finished eating. Not only will this save you money, but you also won’t have to drag your lunches through the zoo with you.

8. Arrive early

Some zoos offer discounts if you arrive within the first hour or two on certain days. By arriving early, you will have more time to spend at the zoo for the same (or lower) price than someone who arrives later in the afternoon.

Early mornings are also often cooler in the summertime when it can get extremely hot.

9. Plan ahead

Check the weather forecast, so you can plan the indoor/outdoor activities accordingly.

Check the zoo’s website, so you can view their policies, closures, and any special activities or shows that are included in admission the day you visit.

By knowing this, you can schedule your visit accordingly to get the most for your money. This can also prevent some disappointment if you know that certain animals will not be available to see ahead of time.

Pack your bag and needed items the night before if possible so that you can easily get out the door when desired.

10. Buy inexpensive souvenirs or just skip the souvenir shop

There are some zoos that require you to walk through their gift shop in order to exit. Though this can be frustrating for parents, it does not mean you have to spend a fortune. Before going to the zoo, let your kids know if they will or will not be getting a souvenir. If they will, set a price limit they are aware of ahead of time and stick to it.

Although gift shops are often filled with expensive merchandise, souvenirs do not have to be pricey. Smashed pennies (which can be stored in a penny passport), postcards (which can be stored in small photo albums), and pictures (printed when on sale, of course) can be great inexpensive and space saving souvenirs.

After all, how many stuffed animals do you really need?

11. Take your time

Although this won’t necessarily save you money, taking your time and doing the activities included with your admission allows you to get the most for your money.

Not all children will want to spend an entire day at the zoo; however, you may be able to find some fun activities for them to do along the way. Older children may enjoy taking their own pictures. For younger children, you may appreciate one of these free zoo scavenger hunt packs (here and here).

12. Bring a pack

Bringing a pack of supplies can save you from having to purchase pricey items on site. Some items to pack may include sunblock, bug spray, sunglasses, hats, cameras with fresh batteries (and maybe spare batteries), pennies and quarters (for smashed pennies and petting farm food), hand sanitizer, zoo map and schedule, water bottles, snacks, and an extra change of clothes for the little ones.

May you have fun visiting the zoo without breaking your budget!

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom and author of Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles and Jobs of a Preschooler. For free coloring pages, activity ideas, and more information, visit her website.

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Shared Jul 31, 2017 comment

East Coast Road Trip: Hershey, Pennsylvania

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East Coast Road Trip: Hershey, Pennsylvania

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

Welcome to my 14-day series on our East Coast Road Trip where I share our adventures along the way, how we’re doing this on a budget, honest reviews of attractions & restaurants we visit, and money-saving tips and ideas. If you missed it, read Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here, Day 4 here, Day 5 here, Day 6 here, Day 7 here, Day 8 here, Day 9 here, and Day 10 here.

Okay, I’m going to get real and tell you that Day 11 of our trip was a little rough. I just wasn’t feeling all adventuresome or like a fun mom.

Honestly, I was wishing we were home and I could plop the kids in front of a movie, shut my bedroom door, and read a book in quiet.

Yeah. I felt on edge. I felt people-d out. I felt tired of the close quarters and long car rides. And I was frustrated with two kids who were being extra whiny.

And of course, this was the day I was wearing my Love Your Life shirt. 😉 Well, I needed the reminder. Because vacations with kids aren’t always fun or amazing. Sometimes, they are just plain hard.

However, despite what I was feeling inside, despite the fact that I did snap at the kids a few times, it was a good day. I’m truly grateful for this trip and the memories we made together on it. Also, close quarters are a great way to recognize character issues we need to work on and are fantastic ways to realize where we need to work on communicating better.

We spent the morning at The Hershey Story where I was so inspired by Milton Hershey’s life and legacy. What an incredible man! I was especially inspired by his business principles and by how generous he was with his employees.

It was cool to see some of the original recipes for caramels (the candy that Milton Hershey initially started making in his business, before he switched to chocolate).

It was also fascinating to read about creative ideas they had implemented to make their factories run more smoothly — like transporting chocolates via bathtubs!

The kids especially loved the Chocolate Workers Wanted exhibit, getting to try chocolates from different countries at their Tastings bar, and then getting to learn more how chocolate is made (it’s a pretty incredible process!) and make our own chocolate bar in the Chocolate Lab.

A few things to note:

  • The Museum Admission is $12.50 for adults and $9 for kids. The Tastings bar and the Chocolate Lab are an additional fee. Teachers, veterans and families of active duty military personnel receive $3 off admission to the Museum Experience. Valid school/military identification required. (They were so generous to give us free admission plus free tickets to the Tastings bar and to their Chocolate Lab since I am a blogger and was blogging/posting on social media about our trip.)
  • There is currently a Groupon available that gives a combo package for the Museum Admission + the Tastings Bar that would save you quite a bit off the price if you were wanting to do both.
  • The Tastings Bar experience was fun, but honestly, I would recommend the Chocolate Lab over it in a heartbeat. If you do decide to do the Tastings Bar, you only need to purchase one for every 3-4 people as that’s enough to go around and for everyone to get to taste the chocolate.
  • We really enjoyed the Chocolate Lab. Not only did our kids have so much fun making their own chocolate bars, but we thought that the information shared about where chocolate comes from, how it’s made, how they use every single part of the cacao bean, and the history of chocolate was really insightful and we learned a LOT while there.
  • You can’t purchase tickets for the Chocolate Lab ahead of time so if you are wanting to do that, just know that tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis the day of.
  • I thought that the upstairs was geared a little more toward adults, but it was interactive enough for our kids to enjoy it. I think the price is on the high side for what the museum offers. If you’re just looking for a little fun adventure related to chocolate and how chocolate is made, I’d recommend just doing the free Hershey World tour (see below).

Next, we went to Hershey’s Chocolate World to do the free tour — which was a fun experience! Here are more details on this free tour:

Follow cocoa beans on a delicious journey in this immersive & FREE chocolate making tour. See, feel, hear and smell the transformation of cocoa beans to HERSHEY’S famous chocolate on this fun tour. Then, enjoy a FREE Hershey’s product sample on us!

A few things to note:

  • There was almost no waiting time, but based upon the HUGE area they had set up for a line, I’m guessing that they sometimes do have a very long line.
  • The tour is 30 minutes long and it’s a “ride” that you’re sitting in and just going through the tour.
  • The admission is free, no tickets are required. The tours run continuously until closing.
  • If you have a child who tends to get over-stimulated by a lot of noise and color and lights and sounds, this might not be an attraction for you because there is a lot of that going on during this tour.

(And yes, near the end of the day, being around all that sugar kind of made me feel like I should go eat a kale salad after I left! ?)


We had planned to visit the Flight 93 Memorial, but there was a big thunderstorm on our way there, so we ended up having to skip it & hang out at a gas station until the storm had cleared.


We made it to Pittsburgh around 9 pm and I enjoyed some quiet (see my book stack photo) while the kids watched a show.

Tomorrow: exploring Pittsburgh and then driving to Cincinnati!

To be continued…

P.S. I hesitate to share so honestly because I know that we’re so blessed to get to go on this trip & many, many people would love to be in my shoes. But at the same time, I want to be honest that traveling is not always roses & rainbows.