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Shared Jun 8, 2015 comment

Gretchen’s $52 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Gretchen on June 8, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Walmart

1 Ivory Bodywash – $0.97, used $0.25/1 printable – $0.72 after coupon

1 bag Great Value Chocolate Chips – $1.98

1.02 lbs Roma Tomatoes – $1.37, received $0.20 back from Ibotta – $1.17 after rebate

1 Pineapple – $1.29 (Price matched to Aldi)

2 Cucumbers – $0.29 each (Price matched to Aldi)

4 Avocados – $0.29 each (Price matched to Aldi)

3 pkg Strawberries – $1.29 each (Price matched to Aldi)

Total after coupons and rebate: $10.77

Homeland

1 Oscar Meyer Natural Turkey Lunchmeat – $3.49, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $1.99 after coupon

1 box Ritz Crackers – $2.50, used $1/1 printable (doubled) – $0.50 after coupon

1 box Wheat Thins – $2.50, used $1/1 mailer coupon (doubled) – $0.50 after coupon

2 Reynolds Baking Cups – $0.89 each, used $1/2 printable (doubled, no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 Simply Lemonade – $2.29, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.79 after coupon

2 3 Musketeers – $0.65 each, used $0.50/2 printable (doubled) – $0.15 each after coupon

1 Juicy Juice Apple Juice – $2.50, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) AND $0.50 back from Ibotta – $0.50 after coupon and rebate

2 Oscar Meyer P3 Protein packs – $1.25 each, used $1/2 printable (doubled) – $0.25 each after coupon

Hunts Super Snack Pack Pudding – $2.89, used $1/1 printable (doubled) – $0.89 after coupon

Total after coupons and rebate: $5.97

Dillons

1 gallon Dillons Milk – $2.64, received $0.20 back from Ibotta – $2.44 after rebate

1 bag Kroger Brown Sugar – $1.99

1 bag Baby Carrots – $1.79

1 bag Psst Sugar – $2.19

1 box Kroger Dish Detergent – $3.29, used $2/1 mailer coupon – $1.29 after coupon

2 Angel Soft Bath Tissue – $1 each, used 2 $0.55/1 printable – $0.45 each after coupon

1 Ham Steak – $2.50

1 bag Kroger Frozen Hashbrowns – $1.99

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $1.50

1 Kroger Sour Cream – $1

1 dozen Dillons Eggs – $2.27

2.04 lbs Bananas – $1.20, received $0.25 back from Checkout 51 – $0.95 after rebate

1 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99

4 Horizon Mac & Cheese – $1 each, used 2 Buy One Get One Free printable – $0.50 each after coupon

1 bag Kroger Frozen Chicken Breasts – $6.99

1 bag Kroger Flour – $1.79

1.05 lbs Peaches – $1.34

2 White Rain Kids Bodywash – Marked down to $1.09 each

Total after coupons and rebates: $36.10

Total for all grocery stores: $52.84

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Toast & Eggs x 3

Fruit Smoothies & Pumpkin Muffins x 2

Lunches

Cheese/Crackers/Veggies/Fruit x 2

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Carrots

Turkey Sandwiches, Fruit Salad

Macaroni & Cheese, Carrots, Avocados

Baked Potatoes with Cottage Cheese, Steamed Broccoli (from freezer)

Leftovers

Dinners

Salad Bar x 2 (When it’s hot outside, we love to do this meal since it doesn’t use the oven.)

Venison BBQ Meatballs, Butterhorns, Green Beans

Taco Salad, Strawberries

Chicken Stir-fry, Rice, Avocados

Ham and Hashbrown Casserole, Pineapple

Venison Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Biscuits

Shared Jun 7, 2015 comment

5 Things I’m Loving This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on June 7, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

It was a very full week — between launching my first-ever video course and a two-day business trip to San Francisco with Silas — but it was a good week. And, by the grace of God, the house is clean, the laundry is done, my to-do list for the week is almost entirely completed, I’ve mostly caught back up on sleep, and I’m looking forward to church and then a quiet day of rest tomorrow!

Here are 5 things I’m loving this week:

1. The New Women in the Word She Reads Truth Study

This Summer study is going through dozens of stories of women in the Bible and I’ve been loving it so far — as I love all of the She Reads Truth studies.

By the way, this picture is a great example of the fact that even if you have to leave the house early in the morning, you can still find ways to start your day off well!

On Wednesday morning, I slept in a little later than usual to catch back up on sleep after the Make Over Your Mornings launch (is that an oxymoron that I had to sleep extra after launching a course about mornings??), so I skipped my usual morning routine and instead started my day by doing the most important things that needed to be done before Kaitlynn and I headed out the door for her all-day figure skating lessons/practice at the ice rink.

Then while Kaitlynn was in an off-ice class this morning, I found a table to sit at and write out my to-do’s for the day, eat something nutritious, drink my coffee, and read my Bible.

The whole #MakeOverYourMornings concept is not about always doing the exact same thing in the same way every morning nor is it about finding and following a “perfect schedule”, but it’s about being intentional about starting your day in a way that will set you up for success, help you get the most important things done first, and it’s about taking time time to refuel your tank so you have energy to give out to others.

2. San Francisco

Silas had been begging to “go on a business trip” with me for some time, so when the opportunity came for me to go to San Francisco to meet with the ePantry folks about some business ideas, I asked if I could bring him along and they graciously said that’d be great.

He counted down the days and could barely sleep the night before we left. He had to get up a little after 4 a.m. (to catch our early flight) and was so full of excitement. He said, “I can’t believe I’m this wide awake this early in the morning!” I told him, “Buddy, that’s called adrenaline!”

I’d never been to San Francisco before and had heard so many things about what a cool place it was and it totally lived up to its reputation. It was such a beautiful city with so many unique restaurants and shops and sights. I wouldn’t want to live there, I don’t think, but it’s a wonderful place to visit — especially because the weather was gorgeous while we were there.

3. The Golden Gate Bridge

After an early morning, two flights, and a long afternoon of meetings with the wonderful folks from ePantry, Silas and I took a Harbor Cruise to see some of the most famous sights in San Francisco.

I wish you could have seen how excited Silas was about going on boat. He could barely contain himself! The ride was an hour long and much bumpier than I expected, but such a fun memory!

We totally geeked out at seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Silas’ reaction and excitement was priceless: “IT’S THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE!!” he almost squealed. And then followed up with, “It’s so GOLDEN!!”

This boy was quite the trooper — getting up at 4 am, long flights to San Fran, meeting a bunch of new people, spending the afternoon with adults in business meetings, going on the cruise, going out to dinner with the ePantry team at a very quintessential San Fran restaurant, and not making it back to the hotel until after 9 pm (which would be 11 pm our time).

He had some tired and cranky moments, but overall did so well. When we finally made it back to the hotel, he told me he had no idea business trips would be so exhausting!

Gratefully, he slept for 10.5 hours that night since we didn’t have to get to the airport until around 10 am the next morning morning and he woke up with all sorts of renewed enthusiasm. However, I think he has a whole new perspective on what a “business trip” actually is!

That said, as soon as we got home, he was ready to go again. In fact, his prayer request during our prayer time that night was that he could go on another business trip with Mom!

4. An Encouraging Book on Marriage

One of my goals for 2015 was to read at least one book on marriage every month. So I read this short little book on the plane ride home and was inspired by it.

I’ve long loved the books by Pam and Bill Farrel and think that it’s important to regularly be doing things to encourage yourself to keep the spark alive in your marriage. Marriage is hard work, but it’s so worth the investment and books like this serve as good reminders to me to keep on looking for new and creative ways to pour into my marriage.

5. Friends Who Love Us So Well

Our good friends, the Hodges, were so sweet to come out on a hot Saturday afternoon to Silas’ last baseball game of the season today. These people have humbled us by how much they’ve poured into us, cared for us, welcomed us into their home and lives, listened to us, laughed with us, prayed with us, and become like family to us.

Hardly a week goes by that we don’t get together at least once or twice — if not more. We are so grateful for them and for the gift of their friendship.

See previous 5 Things I’m Loving This Week Posts here.

What about YOU? What 5 things are YOU loving this week? Tell us in the comments.

(Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)

Shared Jun 6, 2015 comment

“You are such a FUN person to wake up to every day!”

Published: by Crystal Paine on June 6, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Instagram photo from raeschaffer

Thank you all so much for your sweet, kind, and encouraging comments as you’re going through the Make Over Your Mornings course! You all bless me so much!

I spent Wednesday catching up on sleep and life after a few days (and parts of nights!) devoted to the launch. And then the last two days, Silas and I traveled to San Francisco for some business meetings with the wonderful folks from ePantry.com. I’ll share more about that trip in my 5 Things I’m Loving post tonight.

Thank you for letting me step back from the usual blogging schedule here this week to focus on the launch. I’m excited to dive back into regular blogging and our normal routine now that this big project is completed. My head is exploding with creative new ideas for future projects and upcoming posts. 🙂

Instagram photo from Amy_Grable

I’ve had so much fun following along with your posts on Instagram, on Twitter, and on the Facebook Group. I’ve also been so encouraged by your emails of gratitude. Cheryl gave me permission to share this email she sent me:

Crystal, I am LOVING the Make Over Your Mornings course. You are such a fun person to wake up to every day! 🙂 Wish you could just give me a pep talk every morning as I start my day!

Seriously, some of the highlights for me thus far (I’m on Day 3) have been:

Being personally encouraged to realize that I’ve heard you say some of these things over the years that I’ve followed you, and I’ve ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTED SOME! YAY! I sat down to write out an evening routine, and realized we have a great one! Of course there are ways we can improve it (ahem – can you say “cut down on screen time”) but we have a good framework.

Seeing you have your quiet time in PJs (or comfy clothes, if they’re not actually your PJs). Can I just say this is such a relief? I’ve read so many things about successful mornings that strongly suggest getting dressed immediately upon getting out of bed in order to feel ready for success. Honestly, I love drinking my coffee and having my quiet time in my yoga pants. So thanks for keeping it real.

Giving such practical, yet flexible, advice. I love how the ideas you share are applicable to so many life situations. I’m a WAHM (virtual office manager) with a preschooler and a toddler. I am trying to apply some of these same tips to afternoon nap time as well. If I don’t go into nap time with a good plan, I end up wasting the time that could have been so productive. With a great morning plan and a great nap plan, I am working towards reducing work-related stress during the other times of the day when my girls need more of my attention.

I could go on, but just know that you are blessing us in such a huge way! Thank you SO much! Can’t wait to see what is to come! -Cheryl

Instagram photo from Brigett.Holmes

Have you gotten your copy of Make Over Your Mornings yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Go download it here. {And yes, those are actually what I wear for my PJs in the videos!}

Shared Jun 6, 2015 comment

Brigette’s $62 Grocery Shopping Trip, Zaycon Order, and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on June 6, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 Watermelon – $3.99

1 3-lb bag Pink Lady Apples – $2.99

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49

1 head Cabbage – $1.29

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $1.99

1 24-oz container Cottage Cheese – $2.29

1 head Cauliflower – $1.99

1 bunch Bananas (2.14lbs @ $0.44/lb) – $0.94, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51 – $0.69

2 16-oz cartons Egg Whites – $3.98

1 32-oz container Half & Half – $1.89

1 8-oz container Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.89

1 32-oz container Plain Greek Yogurt – $3.69

3 1-lb bags Baby Carrots – $2.97

1 1-lb container Strawberries – $1.29

1 Pineapple – $0.99

1 3-ct pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.99

Total after rebate: $41.39

Harris Teeter

2 64-oz cartons Juicy Juice – $3.69, used 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.69/2 after coupons

4 3Musketeers Candy Bars – $2.00, used 2 $0.50/2 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupons

1 Mazola Cooking Spray – $2.00, used $0.55/1 Mazola Oil or Spray Product, exp. 6/28/15 (SS 05/17/15 R) (doubled) – $0.90 after coupon

1 bag Apples, reduced (@$0.59/lb) – $1.59

2 bags Fresh Green Beans, reduced – $2.00

2 tubs Organic Spring Mix – $5.00

10 Yoplait Yogurt Singles – $3.70, used 2 $0.50/5 Yoplait Yogurt Cups, exp. 8/1/15 (SS 06/07/15) (doubled) – $1.70/10 after coupons

1 Dannon 4-pk Yogurt – $1.99, used $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit, Greek or Oikos, exp. 7/21/15 (SS 05/31/15) – $0.99 after coupon

4 4-pks Yo-Crunch Yogurt – $5.33, used 2 $0.50/2 printable (doubled) – $3.33/4 after coupons

1 Gallon Milk – $2.99

2 16-oz bags Frozen Broccoli – $2.38

Total: $19.19

Zaycon

After hearing and reading rave reviews about Zaycon boneless chicken, I decided to be brave and give it a try! Based on the limited research I did, it seems to be pretty good quality meat, it is cheaper than Aldi, and Zaycon delivers to a location close to my house.

Have any of you ordered from them before? I just picked up my order this morning, so I’ll have to keep you updated on whether or not it gets the family’s stamp of approval. 😉

40lbs Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – $67.60

Total: $67.60

{Note from Crystal: I asked Brigette to use her referral link in this post. If you are interested in trying out Zaycon, you can order through this link and Brigette will receive a $5 credit toward her next order.}

Weekly Total: $62.96, plus $67.60 Zaycon Order

(We have some money set aside – separate from the weekly grocery budget – for “bulk” purchases such as this. I usually end up spending $50-100 several times a year on things like 50# bags of wheat and oats, gallons of raw honey and coconut oil, etc.)