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Shared Apr 2, 2018 comment

What I Read & Watched This Past Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 2, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly Book-ish post where I share what I’ve been reading and watching recently. If you missed it, you can see my Reading Goals for 2018 and 44 Books I Plan to Read This Year.

What I Read This Past Week

I got a beautiful package in the mail right around the time we moved into our new house. In it, was this handwritten note from Dan Miller and this book — Giftology — he highly recommended from John Ruhlin.

I’d never heard of it before, but I have now proceeded to recommend it to multiple people since I finished it. It’s a very quick read, but it packs a punch!

If you have a business, if you are in sales, if you are thinking of building a business, if you are in leadership in your company, or you know someone who is any of those things, I’d recommend checking out this book. The ideas are so good, so inspiring, and so outside-the-box.

A big thank you to Dan Miller for introducing me to John Ruhlin. This is a book I will be thinking about, seeking to put into practice, and recommending to others again and again!

What I Watched This Past Week

Well, I didn’t watch much this past week — other than basketball. And I’m totally cheering for Villanova tonight since I chose them to win the National Championship on our family bracket challenge! 😉

How I Find Time to Read

People are always asking me how I find time to read. Honestly, it’s because I love to read, because I’ve chosen to prioritize it, because I don’t have a lot of other hobbies, and because I can’t not read. Also, when you love something, you usually can find ways to get creative to find time to fit it in — even if it’s in the little nooks and crannies of life.

I wrote a post on 3 ways to find more time to read — even when life is busy. And here are 7 more ways to find time to read.

What did you read and watch this past week? Any books or movies you really think I need to read or watch?

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Read our disclosure policy here.)

Shared Apr 2, 2018 comment

BLOGGERS: Get our brand-new blogging course!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 2, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Just a reminder that the price on this course will go up by $10 at midnight tonight!

People often ask me what I would have done differently if I could go back and start my business again.

In all honesty, the first thing I always say is that I wish I would have set up an email list and starting encouraging people to sign up for it.

By not setting up an email list for many years, I missed out on the opportunity to nurture relationships with hundreds of thousands of people who came to my site. And that meant so much lost revenue and growth for the business.

Then, when I did set up an email newsletter, I didn’t have a good strategy or system in place for it! So again, I missed out on big opportunities to grow my business from my email list.

It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve really gotten intentional about email newsletters and building my email list — and it has paid off in BIG, BIG ways!

I don’t want you to make the same mistake!

I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that I did — and that’s why I created Email List Setup 101!

The goal of this brand-new course is to remove the confusion from the technical side of building your email list so you can start growing your list and increasing your income earning potential — all while building a more personal relationship with your readers.

As one of our beginning blogger courses, Email List Setup 101 includes lessons and video tutorials to teach you how to:

Choose an email service provider that fits your needs (and your budget!)
Add an opt-in form on your site so your audience can subscribe to your newsletter!
Build an email campaign that welcomes your subscriber and increases engagement!
Create a freebie offer that will increase your sign-ups!
Foster best practices so your email marketing complies with the CAN-SPAM Act!
…and much more!

If you would like step-by-step help to get all the technical aspects of your email newsletter set up and running, this course is for you!

LAUNCH WEEK SPECIAL!

Through Monday (April 2, 2018) at midnight, you can get Email List Setup 101 for just $27! After that, the price goes up to $37!

Hurry! This discount is only good for a few days!

Go here to read more and sign up for just $27!

Shared Apr 2, 2018 comment

Top Things to Stock Up On in April

Published: by crystal on April 2, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Frugally Blonde put together a list of Top Things to Stock Up On in April.

Shared Mar 31, 2018 comment

Slow Day: Week 13

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 31, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly Slow Day post, inspired by Monica from The Homespun Heart. My Word for 2018 is Slow and, in the spirit of that word, I’m taking one day each week (Wednesday) off — I’ll be unplugged and offline and plan to move at a slower pace, take time to do things that refresh me, and just really focus on being present and savoring the moment.

Each Saturday, I’ll be sharing a photographic peek into my Slow Day — and I’ll let the pictures almost 100% speak for themselves, instead of giving many explanations. Enjoy a little peek into our lives!

We don’t have our room set up yet (it’s on the LONG list of house to-do’s!), but at least the bed is made! 😉

Making dinner in the Crock-Pot.

This book has been fantastic so far!

The girls were on Spring Break this past week so we all went to Dave & Buster’s as a family for half price games Wednesday and we had a fierce guys versus girls competition. Sadly, the guys won! 🙁

Not pictured: Dinner with my Discipleship small group girls and tea at Frothy Monkey with a friend. I forgot to get a picture of both!

Shared Mar 31, 2018 comment

Brigette’s $53 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on March 31, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.59

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.36

1 64-oz carton Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.89

1 64-oz carton Orange Juice – $1.49

2 16-oz pkgs Egg Whites – $3.98

2 dozen Eggs – $1.96

1 pkg Zucchini – $1.45

1 Cauliflower – $1.89

1 pkg Radishes – $0.59

1 pkg Brussel Sprouts – $1.09

1 Pineapple – $0.79

1 bunch Bananas (3.20lbs @ $0.31/lb) – $0.99

1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $0.99

1 3-pk Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.49

2 pkgs Romaine Hearts – $3.18

1 16-oz bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.69

1 pkg Baby Carrots – $0.58

2 16-oz bags Fresh Green Beans – $1.88

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $1.29

1 2-lb bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $4.89

2 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $4.30

3 1-lb pkgs Butter Quarters – $5.97

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.65

1 pkg Sandwich Bread – $0.65

Total: $46.62

Harris Teeter

1 18-ct pkg Eggs (I was planning on buying the Eggland’s Best eggs which were on sale – but my coupons didn’t end up being a match; so I just picked up the cheapest eggs there as I knew we’d need more than the 2 dozen I bought at Aldi) – $1.79

2 16-oz pkgs Mueller Elbows Pasta – $1.68, used $0.55/2 Mueller’s Pasta or Noodles – 3-18-18 SS; Includes 12 oz or Larger (exp. 04/28/18) (doubled) – $0.58/2 after coupons

2 boxes Mayfield Frozen Ice Cream Treats – $2.98, used 2 $1.00/1 Mayfield Novelty – 3-25-18 RP; Includes 4 ct or Larger (exp. 05/31/18) – $0.82/2 after coupons

1 jar Mrs. Butterworth’s Pancake Syrup – $1.64, used $0.50/1 Mrs. Butterworth’s Lite, Original Or Sugar Free Syrup – 1-7-18 SS (exp. 04/07/18) – $0.64 after coupon

1 box Zing Stevia Packets – $2.00, used $1.50/1 printable – $0.50 after coupon

1 bag Red Grapes (2.65lbs @ $0.99/lb) – $2.62

Total – $6.95

Grocery Total for the Week: $53.57

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

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

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

Bacon, Eggs, Pancakes (First Day of Spring Breakfast)

Lunches

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Pineapple and Grapes, Fresh Veggies x 2

Salad Bar (Romaine, Baked Chicken, Cheese, Craisins, Fresh Veggies and Fruits chopped, Hard Boiled Eggs) x 2

Leftovers

Dinners

Since next week is Spring Break, my husband and I are going on a 2-day getaway while my children stay with friends. We will be eating out, and our children’s meals will be provided, so I’ve only planned five days of meals for this week.

Dinner with Friends (I’m making Make-Ahead Butterhorns)

Pan-Fried Catfish (from the freezer – I posted about how a friend had given us a large amount of catfish last week), Roasted Cauliflower and Brussel Spouts, Tossed Salad, Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni Bake, Green Beans, Make-Ahead Butterhorns

Build-Your-Own-Burritos (Seasoned Ground Turkey Meat, Shredded cheese, Tomatoes, Avocados from last week, Shredded romaine, Salsa, Homemade Tortillas)

Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches (ham is from the large ham I purchased last week), Sweet Potato Fries, Roasted Parmesan Zucchini, Green Beans

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Do you feel hopeless about your finances? Try these 3 simple things for momentum and encouragement

Shared Mar 30, 2018 comment

3 Things to Do When You’re Discouraged About Your Finances

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 30, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you feeling discouraged about your finances? Do you feel like you’ll never get in a better financial place as a family? Does the future seem hopeless because of how difficult things are financially right now?

If that’s how you’re feeling today, I just want to encourage you today with 3 simple things you can do…

1. Remember you’re not alone.

There are millions of other people out there who are struggling financially and find themselves in a difficult place. Even if it feels like you’re the only one in your friend group who is struggling, you are not alone.

I encourage you to find other people you can connect with and identify with. Seek out community locally or find some spaces online — maybe Facebook groups or blogs — where you can connect with other people who are struggling financially.

Doing this will help remind you that you’re not alone, plus you’ll get encouragement and practical tips along the way!

2. Do the best you can do.

It’s so easy to look at someone else and let comparison take root.

I recently shared how we paid cash for our house. It was 15 years in the making of struggling and saving and working hard, but maybe you’ve been struggling for all of those 15 years and still feel just as stuck as ever.

It’s so important to do the best that you can do. Not the best someone else can do. Or the best you could have done 10 years ago. It’s the best you can do right now, in the season of life you’re in.

And then figure out what that looks like for you — this week, today, this hour.

3. Change your perspective.

Instead of thinking about how much you’re struggling, try thinking about what you can do with what you have. Get creative!

I remember when Jesse was in law school, our money was SO tight, and we had no wiggle room in our budget. We had maybe a few extra dollars every few months.

We spent lots of time at the library or park, because it was free. We checked out books and movies. We didn’t even have the money to go to the thrift store, but the library made me feel like I got a chance to shop a little — even though I really wasn’t!

We also worked so hard to stretch our grocery budget as far as we possibly could. Some weeks, we only had $17 to cover groceries for our family. I tried to find anything for free that could help us make a meal.

I turned it into a game and got really, really creative. We found free ways to do things that made us feel like we had breathing room, even when we didn’t.

(I still remember eating PB&J Sandwiches from ingredients we bought at the Dollar Store while we were on our honeymoon! We couldn’t afford to go out to eat, but we still remember our time together and how creative we had to be to make it work — even on our honeymoon!)

I say this to encourage you to find ways to enjoy what you do have during this season!

I can tell you 15 years later that all of the struggle was worth it. And that perspective has given me so much perspective today. I always think, “What can I do where I’m at right now?” I use this perspective to run my business, teach my kids, and live my life.

Changing your perspective can change your entire outlook on life.

Don’t give up. The best is yet to come!

What is your best advice for someone who is discouraged about their finances?

Cut the grocery budget each week with these 3 easy ways to make meatless meals deliciously amazing!

Shared Mar 28, 2018 comment

3 Ways to Rock Meatless Meals

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 28, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Steph of Cheapskate Cook:

You probably know that serving at least one meatless meal every week will help save you a lot of grocery money over time. Unfortunately, our family members might not be on-board with a plant-based dinner.

How do you serve meatless meals and still keep the troops happy?

I’ve found 3 easy ways.

1. Add Cheese

I know it’s the easy way out, but adding cheese is almost always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Who can resist melting cheese?

We serve it with Meatless Nacho Dip, 5-minute Lentils & Rice, and Cheesy Lentil Pie.

Don’t forget classics like homemade pizza and 1-Pot Macaroni & Cheese.

2. Cook What Your Family Loves

If you try a meatless recipe that your family loves, SAVE IT. In many cases, you can rotate through their top 3-5 meals once or twice a week without anyone getting tired of them.

For example, my kids love Cumin Beans & Cornbread, vegetarian Homemade Chimichangas, and anything made with lentils. If I plan at least 1-2 of those meals every week, everyone is happy.

3. Make it “Mostly” Meatless

Maybe you or a family member just doesn’t like a meal without a little bit of meat — if that’s the case, try making a mostly-meatless meal.

This can be Hamburger Soup with most of the meat substituted with beans or lentils, Chicken Noodle Soup with a few more vegetables (or some white beans) and a little less chicken, or a pan of Mostly Meatless Nacho Dip.

Bonus Tip: Suck it up, Buttercup

When money is tight, we all have to make sacrifices. Certainly, we want the loved ones at our table to be happy with their meals, meatless or no. However, learning to do without builds character and keeps the bills paid.

Sometimes, we just have to suck it up and add a little extra cheese!

Find Steph at Cheapskate Cook, where you’ll get quick meal hacks, frugal recipes, free menu plans, and the tools to save money and eat healthy even without a health food store.

Shared Mar 27, 2018 comment

10 Ways I’m Taking Care of Me Right Now

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 27, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Mamas, sisters, ladies… actually, all y’all: you need to make time to take care of YOU.

I know that there are a hundred other things pulling you in three dozen other directions. But you’re not going to be able to show up well for your life if you don’t show up to take care of you.

Taking care of you will look different for different people in different seasons. And it’s looked vastly different for me in my different seasons of life.

But I thought it might be fun (and hopefully helpful) for me to share 10 ways I’m taking care of me right now (remember, that I’m in a season of life where my kids sleep through the night and are very independent and now they mostly just need me to have long conversations with them and take them places!):

Making 7+ hours of sleep a priority. And taking a nap on the days when I get less than that amount.
Drinking a gallon of lemon water every day. Yes, for real. Here’s how I do it.
Starting my day with exercise, prayer, and Bible reading. (Most days, I combine the three. I read my Bible while I do my walking warm up on the treadmill and, while I run, I pray over every aspect of my day, spend time thanking God for blessings, and pray for Jesse and the kids in earnest. I love starting my day in this way of filling myself up with Jesus, getting in a good workout, and praying over my day! I always feel so refreshed and ready for the day once I’m done!)
Scheduling time for fun and down time everyday.
Making sure I spend at least a few hours hanging out with a friend once or twice a week.
Eating a big salad every day.
Drinking decaf/herbal tea instead of coffee.
Guarding my schedule so that I have time to be alone and recharge through quiet.
Having a few truth tellers in my life who regularly check-in with me to make sure I’m not overloading my plate (something I am prone to do) and am taking care of my soul and health and marriage and priorities.
Paying for help — with the business and with our home. This allows me to work full-time and run a successful business, while also freeing up the time to have space to nurture myself, my family, relationships, and other areas I’m passionate about.

Most importantly, I’m learning to give myself a lot of grace. To not be too hard on myself when I fail, when I disappoint someone, or when we have rough patches. Nobody does it perfectly and nobody has it all figured out!

How are YOU taking care of you in the season of life you’re in? I’d love to hear!

Shared Mar 27, 2018 comment

Gretchen’s $51 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by Gretchen on March 27, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Dillons

2 bags Kroger Potato Chips – Marked down to $0.25 each

1.94 lbs Bananas – $0.95

2 American Beauty Spaghetti – $0.49 each

4 cans Green Giant Green Beans – $0.49 each

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

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $0.79, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $0.39 after coupon

2 Green Apples – $0.80, used $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate – $0.55 after coupon

1 PopChips Nutter Puffs – $2.49, used $4/1 Checkout 51 rebate – Free plus overage after rebate

2 Ragu Pasta Sauce – $1.29 each, used $1/2 printable – $0.79 each after coupon

2 Chobani Flip Yogurt – $1.25 each, used 2 $0.50/1 printable that was emailed to me – $0.75 each after coupon

Used $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate for any receipt

Total after coupons and rebates: $6.65

Aldi

1 dozen Eggs – $1.44, used $0.15/1 Checkout 51 rebate – $1.29 after rebate

1 pkg Chicken Breasts – Marked down to $2.07

1 bag Mandarins – $2.49

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.89

2 Cantaloupes – $0.99 each

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99

1.83 bag Green Grapes – $1.81

1 Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate – $1.19

1 pkg English Muffins – $0.99

1 Half & Half – $1.99

1 bag Green Peppers – $1.49

2.92 lbs Bananas – $1.28

1 loaf Bread – $1.49

1 bag Potato Chips – $1.79 (I bought these before I went to Dillons and saw the marked down chips.)

1 pkg Chewy Granola Bars – $1.49

1 Grape Jelly – $1.39

1 pkg Oyster Crackers – $0.79

1 gallon Milk – $1.88

1 Sour Cream – $0.95

1 bag Frozen Peas – $0.79

1 lb Butter – $1.99

1 Cucumber – $0.49

1 bag (16 oz) Cheddar Cheese – $3.29

1 Spiral Ham – $6.88 ($0.95/lb)

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.69

Total after rebate: $44.37

Total for both stores: $51.02

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

English Muffins and Eggs x 2

Toast x 2

Cereal x 3

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Veggies, Grapes x 2

Mac & Cheese, Mandarins

Cheese Quesadillas, Steamed Peas, Fruit

Cheese, Crackers, Veggies, Fruit x 2

Leftovers

Dinners

Out to eat (I’ll be gone on a girl’s overnight so my husband and kids are eating out!)

Venison Roast, Biscuits, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sliced Cantaloupe (We’ll be having company for dinner!)

Oven Baked Ham (I’ll be freezing the leftovers to use in casseroles and breakfast dishes the next several weeks.), Homemade Bread, Green Beans

Spaghetti, Spinach Salad (using leftover spinach from last week), Banana Muffins

Dinner with Lifegroup

Chicken Fajitas, Rice, Fruit Salad

Bring-Your-Own-Meat Grill Out with friends here (Everyone is bringing some meat to throw on the grill and a side dish. I’ll be grilling chicken and doing chips and chocolate chip cookies.)

Shared Mar 26, 2018 comment

What I Read & Watched This Past Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 26, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly Book-ish post where I share what I’ve been reading and watching recently. If you missed it, you can see my Reading Goals for 2018 and 44 Books I Plan to Read This Year.

What I Read This Past Week

I read A Place to Land this past week and loved it. In fact, the story was so moving and beautiful that I had trouble putting it down. I’m not usually a huge memoir person, but this one was well-written and captivating.

Plus, I had a big personal connection to it since the author spent 10 years in South Africa! (You all know how much my heart loves that country!) Her descriptions of the food and terrain and people and even little bits of the language she threw in made my heart miss that country so much! (Gratefully, we get to go back in July! I can hardly wait!)

When I got finished with the book, I was thrilled to see that the author had sent me a message via Instagram with pictures of her family so I could put faces to the names and stories in the book. (She had seen me reading the book in a little mention and had reached out and thanked me. I told her that I loved her story so much that I had stalked her online to see pictures of her family — she was so kind to send me pictures because there aren’t many of her kids/family online!)

I loved the author’s realness and rawness to share how hard it was to live cross-culturally, to adopt unexpectedly, and to see her mom slowly lose her battle to cancer — all while she lived on the other side of the globe. If you love well-written memoirs and stories of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of the hardships of life, I think you’ll really enjoy this book!

What I Watched This Past Week

Jesse and I binge-watched the last three episodes of This is Us. (So good! But I’m sad we have to wait so long for Season 3. The mentions of their dad at the wedding had both Jesse and I in tears since he lost his mom to cancer when he was young and not having her at our wedding was hard.)

And then, of course we watched basketball. We had a friendly bracket competition going on amongst all five of us and I’m happy to report that, by some sheer miracle, I WON! Everyone else’s brackets are busted, but I chose Kansas and Villanova to go to the Final Four, so my bracket is still standing strong! 🙂

Poor Silas was not too happy to have been whooped in this competition by his mother who is not the most sports-savvy person — especially compared to himself! 🙁

Time to Read

People are always asking me how I find time to read. Honestly, it’s because I love to read, because I’ve chosen to prioritize it, because I don’t have a lot of other hobbies, and because I can’t not read. Also, when you love something, you usually can find ways to get creative to find time to fit it in — even if it’s in the little nooks and crannies of life.

I wrote a post on 3 ways to find more time to read — even when life is busy. And here are 7 more ways to find time to read.

What did you read and watch this past week? Any books or movies you really think I need to read or watch?

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Read our disclosure policy here.)

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Shared Mar 25, 2018 comment

A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week (+ an update on our goals for 2018)

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 25, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly post I share a peek into our lives, talk about things I’m loving, share links to interesting articles or helpful ideas I’ve collected throughout the past week, and just talk about whatever is on my heart! ?

This week started with Jesse coming home from Peru (yay!!) but coming home incredibly sick with some sort of bacterial infection, high fever, and food poisoning. He was SO sick and we are grateful for modern medicine because he needed a lot of it! He finally began feeling more like himself around Wednesday afternoon and we are thankful he is okay and is now back to normal again!

I read this book this week and loved it — especially since the author spent 10 years in South Africa and you all know how much my heart loves that country! I’ll share more about how this book impacted me in me book post tomorrow.

I was honored to do a short interview for the Sorta Awesome podcast — one of my favorite podcasts. My interview is the last 12 minutes and I share some really honest thoughts about fear, lies, labels, and friendships. I also talk about my hospitality goals for this year and Discipleship Group.

Also, I am just LOVING leading a group of 220+ bloggers through a 4-Week Live Blog Coaching program. You can read a little bit of one topic we covered recently here.

Silas’ class presented in front of all of the school on Friday morning. They acted out details of the Punic Wars and then talked about how God has been so faithful in the lives of so many people throughout history. Silas chose to share on Noah and I loved getting to see him up on stage and how confident he is compared to the shy little boy he used to be a few years ago.

Two years ago, I was really struggling as a mom. I was often overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed, and scared about the future.

And it was because I was parenting out of a belief that it was my job to “fix” my kids — to be their Savior and Holy Spirit. In addition, I worried a lot about my reputation as a parent.

I wasn’t parenting to point my kids to Jesus; I was parenting to make myself feel better.

I didn’t recognize this, of course, and I wasn’t intentionally doing this. But it was the path I was on.

In essence, I cared more that my kids did the right thing, than that they were seeking a relationship with God. I wanted them to look good and be good in order to make me feel good.

So long as they made good choices, I felt happy and fulfilled. But when they made mistakes or struggled (which was much of the time, since they are kids and all!), I felt shame and guilt and discouragement.

On Wednesday this week, I stood up before a group of women in our church and got to share how God has transformed my heart as a parent these past two years. And it kind of blew me away to go back and remember the stress and frustration and shame and guilt I used to feel.

I’m so grateful for the transforming work of the Gospel… that it frees me up to stop striving and stressing. It frees me to wholeheartedly love my kids and patiently walk with my kids — through the beautiful days and the brutal days, without carrying the weight of shame & guilt anymore.

There is so much freedom and joy in this place, even on the hard days!

If you can relate to any of this or you struggle with Mommy Guilt and feel like you are always failing or are never doing enough or just can’t get it right as a mom, I highly recommend reading Mom Set Free.

This book is SO good. I slowly savored it — reading just a little bit every day — to make it last as long as I could and to really soak in the truths from it.

A few years ago, one of my friends announced her pregnancy. And I instantly felt all kinds of irritation toward her.

In fact, I didn’t want to see her or acknowledge her pregnancy. Why? Because she’d “effortlessly” had two babies in a short amount of time. All while I’d experienced disappointment month after month with secondary infertility.

I realized that my feelings toward her weren’t about her; they were about ME. I desperately wanted what she had… and I didn’t have it.

Here’s the thing I’ve learned from 8 years of secondary infertility: you can’t take the pain away. It’s always going to sting a little (or a LOT). And you will always feel that sadness and longing when you see a baby or a pregnant woman.

But being jealous of her or irritated at her won’t fix anything. It will only hurt you and prevent you from beautiful connections.

It’s the same in all areas of our life. And when I notice myself feeling frustrated or irritated at someone, I now stop to ask myself, “Am I in any way jealous of this person or something in their life?”

You guys! So much of the time, that question uncovers a lot of stuff in my heart that I need to process through… and when I’m finished processing, I realize I have no reason to be irritated or frustrated at them at all!

Let’s choose connection over criticism, joy over jealousy. We were created for community, not comparison!

Photo credit: @kellybeckleyshank

2018 Goals Update

Personal Goals

1. Read 100 non-self-help books that will build me up/encourage me/inspire me/recharge me. (Fiction/story-driven/biographies/inspirational living books/devotionals.) See the list of 44 books I plan to read this year.

**Progress: 17 books read so far this year

2. Read through the entire Bible.

**Progress: I’m using the Robert Murray M’Cheyne plan and am all caught up— yay!

3. Write one handwritten note to someone every week.

**Progress: 14 notes written so far this year

4. Run 500 miles.

**Progress: 106 miles run so far

Marriage Goal

~~5. Go on an overnight trip with Jesse without the kids.~~Jesse and I went to NYC together in January.

Family Goals

6. Read 10 books aloud with the kids.

**Progress: I’ve finished one book so far.

7. Take the kids to South Africa.

**Progress: We nailed down dates for our trip!

8. Go on a family road trip.

Financial Goals

9. Save up to pay cash to finish off an office for me and workout room for Jesse and me in the basement in our new house.

10. Replenish our Emergency Fund (we dipped into it to replace my car when it got totaled because of the carpet beetle infestation.)

Business Goals

11. Increase our gross income from the business by 8%.

12. Launch 5 new courses.

**Progress: 4 Weeks to a More Productive Life launched in January and Content Creation 101 launched in February. We launched the 4-Week Blog Coaching Program in March and we’re launching a few YourBloggingUniversity.com course in a few days!

Links You Should Check Out:

Hospitality on a Budget — Is it possible to show hospitality when you’re on a tight budget? Well, judging by the emails and comments I’ve received on this topic in recent months, this is something that many of you are struggling with. (I did a live video on this topic here, too.)

Ice Cream Soaked French Toast — Yes, please! (And it’s freezer-friendly, too!)

How I’m Staying Fit in This Season of Life — People are always asking me about fitness. Here are lots of details on what I do, what I don’t do, and how I keep it simple. (I did a live video on this topic here.)

P.S. Need a laugh? This gave us WAY more entertainment than I should probably admit!

Shared Mar 24, 2018 comment

Slow Day: Week 12

Published: by Crystal Paine on March 24, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly Slow Day post, inspired by Monica from The Homespun Heart. My Word for 2018 is Slow and, in the spirit of that word, I’m taking one day each week (Wednesday) off — I’ll be unplugged and offline and plan to move at a slower pace, take time to do things that refresh me, and just really focus on being present and savoring the moment.

Each Saturday, I’ll be sharing a photographic peek into my Slow Day — and I’ll let the pictures almost 100% speak for themselves, instead of giving many explanations. Enjoy a little peek into our lives!

Homemade Pancakes in the car on the way to school… because some mornings, you just do the best you can do, eh? 🙂

I was supposed to teach on parenting at Discipleship Group this morning but because of Jesse being in Peru and then coming back super sick and me spending most of afternoon and evening before at Urgent Care with him, I didn’t have a chance to work much on my talk until Wednesday morning.

I jotted down some of my notes for my talk in the parking lot after dropping Kaitlynn and Silas off at school and while waiting to take Kathrynne to school (she had a later start than usual because they were going on a field trip).

I had some notes for the talk already on my computer, so I used my notebook for the first part of the talk and my computer for my second part of the talk. I had planned to print my notes, but when I went home to quickly finish doing my hair and makeup and make sure Jesse had everything he needed (since he was still sick), I couldn’t get the printer to work.

So I literally just used my computer and notebook when I gave the talk. Yet again, sometimes you just do what you have to do!

I shared some from my talk here and here. And here’s the book (Mom Set Free) I highly recommended that people read.

I met a friend for a quick lunch after Discipleship Group and then went home to check on Jesse. He was doing a lot better (thank you, Jesus, for medicine!) and I convinced him to ride in the car to school pick-ups.

I took his picture (mostly because I was so excited he was up and feeling better!) and he was pretending he didn’t want me to take his photo so he covered up his face with his phone. 😉

After school pick-ups, I dropped the girls off and then took Silas to his flag football practice. It was cold outside, so I stayed in the car and read my Bible and answered texts.

After football, I took Kathrynne to youth group at church and met a friend for tea until it was time to pick Kathrynne up. And I can’t even remember if I did anything else or went straight to bed.

I guess you could say I spent most of my Slow Day in the car! 😉

Shared Mar 24, 2018 comment

Brigette’s $82 Grocery Shopping Trip, Zaycon Order, and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on March 24, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 large Spiral Sliced Ham (12.95lbs @ $0.95/lb) – $12.30

1 pkg Penne Rigate – $0.79

1 pkg Organic Linguini – $1.09

1 jar Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – $1.99

1 jar Balsamic Vinegar – $1.99

1 can Parmesan Cheese – $1.99

1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.05

1 12-oz bag Shredded Colby Jack Cheese – $1.65

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $2.98

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.36

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.59

2 16-oz cartons Egg Whites – $3.98

2 dozen Eggs – $1.96

1 jar Organic Ketchup – $1.49

1 Pancake Syrup (this was before I realized it was on sale at Harris Teeter – oops!) – $1.19

5 individual Greek Yogurts – $2.75

1 Pineapple – $0.79

1 Cantaloupe – $0.99

1 Personal-Size Watermelon – $1.89

1 bag Green Grapes (2.83lbs @ $0.99/lb) – $2.83

1 tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.79

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $1.45

2 pkgs Romaine Hearts – $3.98

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.05

2 bags Baby Carrots – $1.38

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.75

1 Cauliflower – $1.89

1 bag Radishes – $0.59

1 bag Zucchini – $1.49

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.65

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.59

Total: $68.81

Harris Teeter

2 boxes Cheerios – $3.48, used $0.75/2 General Mills Chex, Cheerios, Wheaties, Basic 4, Raisin Nut Bran, Oatmeal Crisp, Total, or Nature Valley Boxed Cereal – 3-11-18 SS (exp. 04/21/18) (doubled) – $1.98/2 after coupon

2 jars Ragu – $2.50, used $0.75/2 Ragu Sauces – 3-4-18 SS; Excludes 14 oz (exp. 04/01/18) (doubled) – $1.00/2 after coupon

1 jar Mrs. Butterworth’s Pancake Syrup – $1.64, used $0.50/1 Mrs. Butterworth’s Lite, Original Or Sugar Free Syrup – 1-7-18 SS (exp. 04/07/18) (doubled) – $0.64 after coupon

1 5-lb pkg Pillsbury Bread Flour – $1.97

2 jars Wishbone Salad Dressing – $2.78, plus receive $1 catalina wyb 2 – $1.78/2 after coupon

2 pkgs Perdue Short Cuts Grilled Chicken – $4.00, used 2 $0.75/1 Perdue Refrigerated Fully Cooked Product – 2-11-18 RP (exp. 03/25/18) (doubled) – $1.00/2 after coupons

4 pkgs McCormick Brown Gravy Mix – $2.00, used 2 $0.50/2 McCormick Gravy Mixes – 3-18-18 RP (exp. 04/22/18) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

1 pkg Tortillas – $0.89

6 cans Pinto/Black Beans – $2.22

6 cans Green Beans – $2.22

Total: $13.70

Zaycon

I’ve been purchasing all my boneless chicken breasts through Zaycon for the past several years. They are fresh (never frozen) and extremely affordable! I always wait until they go on sale for $1.49/lb. If you don’t mind purchasing in bulk, I highly recommend checking to see if Zaycon offers a drop-off in your area.

40lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – $58.59

~Used $29.78 of referral credit

Total: $28.81

Grocery Total for the Week: $82.51, PLUS a $28.81 Zaycon Order

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

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

Cereal, Oatmeal, Fruit, Toast, Fried/Boiled/Scrambled Eggs

Lunches

Cheese Quesadillas, Fruit, Carrots

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Grapes, Carrots x 2

Build-Your-Own Tossed Salad Bar (Grilled Chicken, Craisins, Shredded Cheese, Fresh Chopped Veggies, Romaine/Spring Mix Dressing) x 2

PB and J on Hamburger Buns, Carrots/Cucumbers, Yogurt

Leftovers

Dinners

Pan Fried Catfish (A friend gave us 2 HUGE gallon sized bags full of freshly caught and filleted catfish! This will last us for about 4 meals, so most of it went into the freezer), Pineapple, Green Beans, Biscuits

Ham and Broccoli Quiche, Watermelon, Tossed Salad, Make-Ahead Butterhorns

Best Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Broccoli

Crockpot Italian Chicken, Tossed Salad, Easy Whole Wheat Bread, Creamy Milk Rice

Ham and Bean Soup, Cornbread (family recipe from my husband’s side), Fresh Veggies with Dip

One Pot Chicken Alfredo, Focaccia Bread, Tossed Salad, Cantaloupe

Dinner at Cracker Barrel with Friends

Shared Mar 22, 2018 comment

Cinnamon Raisin Ice Cream Soaked French Toast (Freezer-Friendly)

Published: by Olivia on March 22, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m excited to be bringing you another yummy breakfast recipe from my youngest sister, Olivia! If you need a winner French Toast recipe, this is it!

This Ice Cream Soaked French Toast is a Winner!

I started making this recipe a few years back when I was looking for the perfect French toast recipe to use on one of our super-sized family vacations. (I’m usually in charge of all the meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking!)

With 25+ people to feed, it can be difficult to come up with a recipe that suits everyone’s tastes. But ice cream-soaked French toast was a total hit with everyone the first time I made it, and we’ve been using it on our family trips ever since!

It’s extremely simple to make and can easily feed a crowd if you double or triple the recipe.

Ingredients for Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

1 cup vanilla ice cream, melted
4 eggs, beaten
1 stick butter (8 Tablespoons), melted
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10-12 slices of cinnamon raisin bread

NOTE: Sometimes I substitute different types of bread if people don’t like raisins. Feel free to switch it up with the bread of your liking, but I think raisins add a special boost of flavor. 🙂

How to Make Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

1. Whisk together ice cream, eggs, butter, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl.

2. Greased your griddle and set it to medium heat.

3. Soak bread in ice cream mixture (working with a few slices at a time) and let it sit for about 20 seconds or until completely soaked through.

4. Place soaked bread on hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, 1-3 minutes per side.

5. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

6. Serve immediately with butter and warm syrup.

How to Freeze French Toast

1. Lay French toast slices flat on cookie sheets and allow to freeze for about 30 minutes.

2. Remove from cookie sheets, and place in freezer bags.

3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Place frozen slices of French Toast on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Recipe

Cinnamon Raisin Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

Author Olivia

Course Bread, Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine American, French

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 7

Ice cream-soaked French toast was a total hit with everyone the first time I made it, and we've been using it on our family trips ever since!

It's extremely simple to make and can easily feed a crowd if you double or triple the recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup vanilla ice cream melted
4 eggs beaten
½ cup butter melted
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
12 slices cinnamon raisin bread

Instructions

Whisk together ice cream, eggs, butter, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl.
Greased your griddle and set it to medium heat.
Soak bread in ice cream mixture (working with a few slices at a time) and let it sit for about 20 seconds or until completely soaked through.
Place soaked bread on hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, 1-3 minutes per side.
Repeat with remaining bread slices.
Serve immediately with butter and warm syrup.

Notes

Feel free to switch it up with the bread of your liking, but I think raisins add a special boost of flavor.

TO FREEZE: Lay French toast slices flat on cookie sheets and allow to freeze for about 30 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets, and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

TO REHEAT: Place slices of frozen French toast on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition

Love this recipe?

Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!

Olivia is a music teacher, graphic designer, and event organizer. She loves hospitality, ministering to the elderly, reaching out to international students, playing harp gigs, adding beauty to everyday life, and experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. Her greatest joy in life come from knowing God and growing in her relationship with Him.

Shared Mar 22, 2018 comment

Target Savings Tip: Double Check Prices On Your App!

Published: by Gretchen on March 22, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Did you know you can possibly save money by double checking in-store prices in your Target app?

Simply open your Target app and scan the item. If the price is lower than what is scanned at the register, the cashier will price match it to the price in the app!

Thanks, Rachael Resourceful Road!

Summer Bucket List

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What I Read This Past Week

What I Watched This Past Week

How I Find Time to Read

What did you read and watch this past week? Any books or movies you really think I need to read or watch?

I don’t want you to make the same mistake!

LAUNCH WEEK SPECIAL!

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

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

1. Remember you’re not alone.

2. Do the best you can do.

3. Change your perspective.

What is your best advice for someone who is discouraged about their finances?

1. Add Cheese

2. Cook What Your Family Loves

3. Make it “Mostly” Meatless

Bonus Tip: Suck it up, Buttercup

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

How are YOU taking care of you in the season of life you’re in? I’d love to hear!

Dillons

Aldi

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

What I Read This Past Week

What I Watched This Past Week

Time to Read

What did you read and watch this past week? Any books or movies you really think I need to read or watch?

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

2018 Goals Update

Personal Goals

Marriage Goal

Family Goals

Financial Goals

Business Goals

Links You Should Check Out:

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

This Ice Cream Soaked French Toast is a Winner!

Ingredients for Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

How to Make Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

How to Freeze French Toast

Cinnamon Raisin Ice Cream Soaked French Toast

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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Ingredients