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Shared Sep 20, 2015 comment

2 big to-do’s crossed off my list + more! {5 Things I’m Loving This Week}

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 20, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

1. Guilt-Free Friendships

I love this girl something fierce! She rearranged a lot of things in her schedule to make breakfast with me work while I was in Indy. And then she spent the whole time pouring and pouring and pouring into me.

She has so much going on in her life right now and she’s speaking at TWO conferences this weekend, but she made time to love and listen well. She is such a beautiful picture of what authentic relationships look like.

At one time during the conversation, I apologized for not being a better long-distance friend. She looked at me sincerely and said, “I believe in guilt-free friendships.” She doesn’t just say those words; she lives them out 100%. Love you, Lisa-Jo!

2. Makeup

So, since I’ve been sharing more videos recently, a bunch of you asked if I could please, please, PLEASE do a hair and makeup tutorial. I feel like the last person who should be giving tips on this, but because I’m all about helping a girl out, I stepped out of my comfort zone and shot a video on it.

It’s super real-life and will probably make you smile… or at least just feel less alone. You can watch it here.

I’ve been loving experimenting with different kinds and types of makeup looks thanks to YouTube tutorials and Amazon credit from Swagbucks.

3. Two Big To-Do’s Crossed Off My List!

This week, not only did I get a brand-new TN driver’s license, but I also finally applied for TSA Pre-Check.

Both items have been on my to-do list for way too long and I waited until kind of the last minute to get them done. My license is expiring really soon and we’ll be in South Africa when it expires so this week was one of the last chances I had to get it done — especially since I knew it would likely take half a day at the DMV to get it done (and yup, it was 5 hours total from the time I checked in online to the time I actually made it out the door with my new license!)

We applied for the TSA Pre-Check awhile back but then had to go have the sit-down meeting at the airport office during the window of time that our application was valid. We tried multiple times to make it to the airport with enough time before flights to actually go to the TSA office, too, and it just wasn’t working out every single time.

It feels so, so good to have gotten these things done — especially since the TSA Pre-Check will likely save me at least an hour or two (or more!) of waiting in airport lines every single month.

4. My Little Scrambled Egg Maker

“How many scrambled eggs would you like today?” he’s asked me multiple times the past few weeks. And then 20 minutes later, he delivers this to me in my office or at the kitchen table or wherever else I am (if I’m not in the kitchen with him overseeing, someone else is as he’s still too young to use the stove all by himself.)

This boy loves to serve his mama and it never ceases to melt my heart. (Also, moms of littles: let this picture encourage you. All those hard days and all that hard work is going to pay off!)

5. This Intensely Focused Child

See that intense look on her face? That’s how she approaches most of life.

I love her old soul and the fact that she constantly analyzes life and belief systems and philosophies and won’t take “just because” for an answer. Though there are days when, as her parent, it would certainly save me a whole lot of time if she just accepted things at face value instead of needing to dig deep and try to understand why!!

I love how she’s so perceptive and intuitive and can look past what some would consider “rough edges” and see so much value and worth in people.

She came with me to Indy this week and was not only such a great traveling companion, but also such a big help to me. She loved getting to meet some of you and told me that one of her favorite parts of the conference was, “getting to talk to all the adults!”

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

Shared Sep 20, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday: Rest, a slowed-down pace, and being authentic about our struggles

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 20, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Okay, so I’m way behind on getting the Simply Tuesday posts up. I was in Indianapolis the past two days so I could speak at MomCon yesterday.

Since all my health stuff in the last few weeks, I had to focus all of my energy the past few days just on speaking and interacting with attendees. I had hoped to have a little extra in the tank to write a few blog posts, but I just didn’t. I had a few things pre-scheduled and my wonderful assistant helped post some other things, but other than speaking and engaging with attendees, I pretty much spent the rest of the time sleeping or resting!

photo from Once a Month Meals

{It feels so weird to not be able to go full-steam like I usually can. I usually juggle a lot and have a lot of irons in the fire, but right now, I am having to majorly pace myself in order to not overdo it.

While it’s been hard for me, it’s been so good for me. I’m learning to really slow down, to focus on the most important priorities, and to let a lot of other things go. I’m learning to listen to my body, to give myself enormous amounts of grace, and to relish and savor rest.}

I did get to see Emily Freeman in person at MomCon and do a quick video with her about her book. Watch it here.

Three of my favorite quotes from the last two sections of the book were:

#1: “I think I recognize in myself a hesitancy to admit my struggle for fear it will incriminate me, branding me as a woman who has a beautiful life but doesn’t appreciate it.”

This section of the book really resonated with me as honestly, it was hard for me to blog about my health struggles the last few weeks as they felt so small an inconsequential compared to other people’s much, much bigger trials.

I didn’t want to be branded as a woman who has a beautiful life and is totally not recognizing it. At the same time, though, I had to remind myself that many other people are probably in a similar situation.

By me sharing how I’m walking this out, I realized I might be able to encourage others who feel like they are struggling from something that also seems “inconsequential” in the grand scheme of things, but that is really bogging them down and discouraging them. I felt like maybe my honest sharing would help someone else feel like they weren’t alone.

#2: “…I remind myself that relief will neither be found in continuing to chase an ideal of my productive self nor in shaming myself for my inability to get everything done.”

Neither chasing after perfectionism nor speaking shaming messages to myself is going to be a healthy way to live.
#3: “Small things don’t always turn into big things. But all things begin small, especially in the Kingdom of God. Acorns become oak trees. Embryos become President. Life starts with a breath. Love starts with hello.”

I thought this was the perfect paragraph to end this series with as it was a beautiful reminder to me that those little “small” things are often the start of something that can end up being very life-transforming. So it’s important not to overlook them, not to view “small” as negative, and not to spend life missing the beauty in small while chasing after what we think is big and great.

Small is almost always where it starts.

I know that I’m giving you almost zero notice on this (unless you watch my Periscope show — then you already know this because I shared it a few days ago!), but I’m planning to start blogging through Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night’s Sleep on Monday.

The book is split into 5 sections, so I’m planning to share about one section each week day. That’s the plan at least… life might happen and I may need to roll with the punches. We’ll see!

Shared Sep 19, 2015 comment

5 Quick Fix Dinners to Save You Time and Money

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 19, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Jessica Fisher of Good Cheap Eats:

I don’t think anyone sets out to have a crazy day; they just happen. Cars overheat, pipes burst, and dinner plans crash, and occasionally burn.

A comforting meal – and a home cooked one at that – can save the day, especially when that meal is a quick fix dinner. Yes! You can redeem the day!

Check out these five easy meals that can come to your rescue any night of the week:

1. Quesadillas

Cheese and tortillas offer such comfort, particularly when stuffed with your favorite fillings and dipped in your choice of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

While the classic cheese version is good enough on its own, consider tucking in chopped, cooked meats, sautéed vegetables, and your favorite cooked bean.

You can even veer off Mexico Way and fill your tortilla with other flavor profiles; Pizzadillas or melted Brie, turkey, and apricot jam work just as well.

2. Breakfast for dinner

I don’t know about your house, but the folks around here do a veritable happy dance when I serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns for supper.

It’s so easy and everyone loves it. No wonder those hobbits planned a second breakfast on purpose!

3. Quick Chicken Saute

Bags of frozen chicken pieces are a must-have in my freezer. Not only can I pull out just the number of pieces I want, but they also cook quickly. Heat a little oil in a skillet; add the chicken and your favorite spice blend. In just a few minutes you’ve got a delicious protein to toss on salads, pasta, rice, or vegetables.

(It sounds too good to be true, but my husband raves when I make chicken this way. Ha! He thinks I’ve done something “special”, but little does he know that nothing could be easier!)

4. Soup

While it’s true that long-simmering soups can be rich in flavor, you don’t need to cook soup a long time to achieve equally delicious results. One of the extra beauties of Soup Night is that soup is very forgiving and can be made from whatever you have in the pantry or vegetable crisper. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, too.

5. Rice and Beans

Our family credits rice and beans for helping us get out of debt. It has also proven its worth as a delicious, quick fix dinner. I mean, Chipotle charges six bucks for one burrito bowl, right? You can feed the whole family for the same!

Dressed up with cheese, sauteed vegetables, and your favorite salsa or guacamole, it’s a great meal that fills you up in no time.

Hungry for more?

My cookbook, Good Cheap Eats Dinner in 30 Minutes or Less, holds over 100 easy dinner ideas that will help you beat the clock without breaking the bank. You can also grab the free month of meal plans and grocery lists that goes with it.

Jessica Fisher loves Jesus, European travel, a 52-year old carpenter, and the crazy life of mothering six kids. She is the author of four cookbooks and multiple to-do lists. You can find her sharing delicious ways to act your wage on Good Cheap Eats. For a peek into her homeschooling, globe-trotting, debt-free living life, check out her parenting blog, Life as Mom.

Shared Sep 19, 2015 comment

Gretchen’s $41 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Gretchen on September 19, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Dillons

1 Trolli Sour Watermelon Pieces – $1, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

2 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99 each, used $0.20 Ibotta rebate – $0.89 each after rebate

1 dozen Dillons Eggs – $3.29

1 loaf Nature’s Own Bread – $2.29, used $0.55 Checkout 51 rebate – $1.74 after rebate

1 Kroger Shredded Cheese – $1.88

1.96 lbs Bananas – $1.16, used $0.25 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.91 after rebate

1 Kroger Half and Half – $1.59

2 Mission Flour Tortillas – $1 each

1 pkg Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – $3.58

1 gallon Dillons Milk – $2.85, used $0.20 Ibotta rebate – $2.65 after rebate

1 Cucumber – $0.79

1 Yoplait Gogurt – $2.79

2 Moms Best Cereal – $2 each, used 2 $0.50/1 printable – $1.50 each after coupons

1 Kroger Just Fruit Jelly – $1.79

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $1.50

1 Psst Sugar – $1.89

2 Cantaloupes – $0.99 each

1 pkg Kroger Drumsticks – $4.57

1 bag Green Peppers – Marked down to $0.99

1 bag Apples – Marked down to $0.99

1.08 lbs Broccoli – $2.15

Total after coupons and rebates: $41.86

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Oatmeal x 2

Cereal x 2

Eggs & Toast x 2

Omelets, Fruit

Lunches

Cheese, Crackers, Fruits, Veggies x 2

Macaroni and Cheese, Carrots

Tossed Salad with Cottage Cheese

Tuna Sandwiches, Cantaloupe

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Tossed Salad

Leftovers

Dinners

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks, Cantaloupe, Blueberry Bread (from frozen blueberries)

Chicken Fajitas, Fruit Salad

Upside Down Pizza, Tossed Salad

Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage (from freezer)

Chicken & Rice with Gravy, Tossed Salad

Hamburger Vegetable Soup, Homemade Bread

Leftovers

Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

Reader Tip: Why It Never Hurts to Ask

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 18, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Sara emailed in the following tip:

My husband has been using the same deodorant for years, so when we find a good deal, we stock up!

He recently opened a package of deodorant that I had purchased months ago, and to his dismay, the formula had changed. The cap was a different color, but other than that, there was nothing to signal us that something was different.

Unfortunately, the new formula wasn’t as effective, and the scent was nowhere near as pleasant.

I didn’t think I’d have much luck, but I reached out to the manufacturer to see if the old formula was still available. I was informed that it was entirely discontinued.

But, instead of just being shrugged off by an enormous manufacturer (whose name is not synonymous with “customer service”), I was offered a complete refund for my entire stock-up purchase, no questions asked.

In the past, I probably would have thrown them right in the trash, but thanks to one quick email, we received our full purchase price back. I am donating the unopened containers to those less fortunate, and am now on a quest to find a new formula for my husband. 🙂

It just goes to show that it never hurts to ask!

photo source

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Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

Brigette’s $52 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on September 18, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

After a nice long summer break, full of all kinds of traveling and family time, I am loving being back into a (slightly) more organized routine – which includes sticking with some sort of grocery budget and menu plan! I have made a few bulk produce purchases recently (like 30 lbs. of organic apples), so I didn’t buy as much fresh produce this week as I normally do. We are also headed to Branson, MO for a few days, so we won’t be eating as many meals at home.

Aldi

1 48-oz pkg Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – $6.69

1 2-lb pkg Frozen Salmon Fillets – $7.49

2 bunches Bananas (3.99lbs @$0.38/lb) – $1.52, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51 – $1.27 after rebate

1 box Rice Squares – $2.29

1 box Honey Wheat Puffs – $1.79

1 box Crisp Rice – $1.79

1 2-lb bag Red Grapes – $2.38

2 16-oz bags Baby Carrots – $1.38

1 16-oz bag Organic Carrots – $1.49

4 cans Green Beans – $1.96

4 bags Rice Cakes – $5.16

1 dozen Eggs – $2.69

2 16-oz cartons Egg Whites – $5.18

Total: $41.56 after rebate

Harris Teeter

3 Larabars – $3.00, used $0.75/3 printable (doubled), plus $0.75/3 Harris Teeter evic, plus receive $0.75 back from SavingStar – Free after coupons and rebates

2 Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers – $3.00, used $0.50/2 printable (doubled), plus $0.50/2 Harris Teeter evic, plus receive $0.50 back from SavingStar – $1.00/2 after coupons

8 cans Chicken of the Sea Tuna – $4.00

2 pkgs Barilla Pronto Pasta – $3.00, used 2 $0.70/1 printable (doubled) – $0.20/2 after coupons

2 12-pk bottles Deer Park Spring Water – $3.34 (used a raincheck from several weeks ago) – used 2 $0.75/1 insert coupons (I think these were regional) (doubled) – $0.34/2 after coupons

1 box Horizon Macaroni and Cheese – $1.00, used $0.55/1 Harris Teeter catalina coupon – Free after coupon

2 16-oz containers Friendship Cottage Cheese – $4.00, used 2 $0.70/1 printable (doubled) – $1.20/2 after coupons

1 dozen Egglands Best Large Eggs – $2.99, used $0.50/1 Eggland’s Best Eggs, exp. 12/13/15 (SS 09/13/15 #2)(doubled) – $1.99 after coupon

2 8-oz pkgs Sargento Shredded Cheese – $3.65, used $0.50/2 Sargento Shredded Natural Cheese, exp. 10/4/15 (SS 08/30/15) [5-oz.+](doubled) – $2.65/2 after coupon

Total: 11.38

Weekly Total: $52.94

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal x 3, Smoothies (using frozen fruit from the freezer) and Toast, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal x 2, Cinnamon Rolls and Scrambled Eggs (birthday breakfast)

Lunches

Baked Potatoes with Cottage Cheese, Apples, Carrots

Macaroni and Cheese, Grapes, Carrots

Leftovers x 2

(Since we are out-of-town some this week, I am not planning as many lunches/dinners. I *may* get super ambitious and pack food for the road…but realistically, probably not. ;))

Dinners

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, Easy Whole Wheat Bread

Grilled Salmon, Grilled Potatoes and Vegetables, Easy Whole Wheat Bread

Papa John’s Pizza, Breadsticks, Birthday Cake (birthday dinner)

Leftovers

Snacks

Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars, Dried Apples (I dehydrated a bunch of apples a couple of weeks ago, and we’ve all been enjoying them!), Popcorn, Fruit

Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

A few words on trolls, negative comments, and cyber-bullying

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 18, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I live in a different part of the country that speaks a different language. I’ve been wanting to start a YouTube channel in that language, but something is holding me back. I am afraid to show my face to the world, because I am not sure how I will handle criticisms. I am an introvert, and I’m not sure it’s worth putting myself out there.

How do you manage to be a public figure, yet not let the mean comments and the cyber bullying get to you? Since you are an introvert, what suggestions would you give to fellow introverts who are trying to put themselves out there on the Internet? -Uma

Hi, Uma!

This is such a great question, and it’s an issue I have been dealing with quite a bit recently since starting my Periscope videos on a regular basis. The trolls on Periscope are frequent. They come on almost daily and call me names or make trouble.

Most of the time, the names they’ll call me or the things they’ll say are things I’ve heard before — maybe in a comment that I deleted on Facebook or an email someone sent in — but not usually things that are being said out there in public display for everyone to see.

I can block the trolls on Periscope, yes, and I do. But not until after they’ve already said something that was inappropriate or uncalled for.

The truth is, whether it’s YouTube, Periscope, blogging, or something entirely different, there will always be someone who says something that can prevent you from succeeding or discourage you. This is a hurdle to be expected when pursuing any goal in life and really anything worth doing.

It’s so important to not let the trolls and bullies and critics of this life hold you back from the goals you have — whether it’s blogging, a business endeavor, or a personal goal.

When you let them hold you back, you are choosing to give them power over you. There will be moments when people’s comments sting or hurt, but you have to learn how to not let them crush or defeat you.

When the trolls show up in your life, you can decide to listen to them or you can decide to tune them out and keep pressing on. It’s YOUR choice.

No matter where you are in life or what you do, you will have instances when you want to just run away due to fear. If you stand strong and withstand the criticisms or the cruel comments, you will reap the rewards. You will also encourage other people to be courageous, as well.

So my advice is simple: Ignore the trolls. As I heard Dave Ramsey say one time, “I am not responsible to someone I don’t have a relationship with.”

Personally Speaking…

I disappoint people every day. That’s part of this blogging thing. When you put yourself out there online, people are going to tell you things about how you’re falling short, how they don’t like this or that, that you’re an idiot, or that you just plain should quit blogging or scoping.

In almost every one of these cases, when I’ve been told things like this, they’ve been drive-by comments from people who don’t know me or my family. These weren’t comments from people who had spent time investing in my life and building a relationship.

I have people in my life who have built into my life, who are my mentors, and who have earned the right to be truth-tellers in my life. These are people who love me enough to say hard words to me when I need to hear them and who want me to be the best version of myself that I can be.

I respect and listen to these people — even when I don’t necessarily want to! — because I know they have my best interests in mind. They aren’t random strangers on the internet who have never met me in real-life. They’ve spent weeks, months, and years of their lives walking beside me and getting to know our family.

In my view, it’s okay to disappoint random strangers on the internet who haven’t invested in you or built a relationship with you. Just tune out their disapproval and criticism, because no matter how hard you try, you’re never going to be able to please them all.

I want you to be courageous. I want you to jump out and FLY! Don’t let trolls and anonymous comments on the internet dictate your behavior or hold you back from experiencing amazing things.

Don’t let trolls hold you back from what you have to give to the world. The world needs your gifts, your talents, your story. The world needs YOU.

What advice and suggestions do the rest of you have for Uma? I’d love to hear your thoughts and input!

Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday: Community, competition, and cheerleading

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 18, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So, I’m a bit behind on my Simply Tuesday posts. Here are a few of my thoughts on Section 3 (chapters 7, 8, & 9):

Emily writes about competition: “The thing about competition is that there is no time to connect with your competitors. You don’t face them; you try to beat them. You’re happiest when your back is to them because that means you’re winning.”

Ouch! I’ve struggled with this before and I think maybe some of you will be able to relate to this very honest video from one of my Periscopes this week where I talk about friendship and community and how I’ve struggled with comparison and jealousy at times. Watch it here.

Let’s be a community of women who are FOR others, who celebrate others, who cheerlead others!

I also loved this quote: “The truth is, people need our with-ness. They don’t need for us to impress them with how spiritual we are. They need to know they aren’t alone.”

Many times, the greatest gift we can give someone else is just the ministry of our presence.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and on how we, as women, can better foster community and relationships that are free from competition. How do you do this in your own life?

Later today, I’ll be sharing about what learned from Section 4 (chapters 10, 11, and 12) of Simply Tuesday.

Shared Sep 17, 2015 comment

Costco Price List Updated for 2015 with 900+ Items

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 17, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Queen Bee Coupons has a super helpful Costco Price List that has been updated for 2015 with 900+ items included. This is a great way to compare unit prices with your local grocery store.

Shared Sep 16, 2015 comment

How one simple email turned around my entire day

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 16, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last Monday, I was having a really difficult day. I had a bad attitude. I was tired. And I simply did not want to do Monday.

Instead, I wished that I could have three more restful Sundays. Anyone else ever felt like that??

But I couldn’t have three more Sundays, so instead, I had to dive into work — whether I wanted to or not. I had a long list of business to-do’s to complete early on in the day and a lot of projects that needed to be taken care of as soon as possible.

My attitude spilled out into emails I was sending about these projects. I wasn’t rude, but I certainly wasn’t being warm and gracious. Instead, I was businesslike and straightforward in my emails. No, “Thank you so much!” closings or kind words sprinkled throughout the emails, like would be my usual way of writing.

The Email That Made All the Difference

I didn’t even realize I was doing this. But one woman whom I was emailing about some of the pressing projects did.

And she emailed me and said something to the effect of: “Are you okay? Because it doesn’t seem like you’re okay. You just don’t quite seem like yourself today.”

I Needed An Attitude Adjustment

That email stopped me in my tracks and made me realize that I needed an attitude adjustment. When I took a moment to think about her questions, I realized she was right.

I wasn’t doing well, I wasn’t having a good attitude, and I hadn’t started my day well. I had charged right into my day, and I hadn’t taken the time to prepare myself — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or even just practically.

After receiving the e-mail, I read it to Jesse and we talked about it. He helped me to step back and feel less overwhelmed by the to-do’s and then he suggested some things I could delete off my list and some other things I could delegate so that the day didn’t feel so daunting anymore.

Within just an hour of getting that simple email, I felt completely different. I was calm and cheerful instead of stressed and frazzled.

That one simple email where someone took the time to ask if I was okay completely changed my day. Because someone took the time to care, notice, and ask what was wrong, it made me step back and examine what was really going on inside my own head and heart. And it motivated me to stop rushing ahead while feeling frazzled.

That email reminded me that I need to be more observant of other people’s lives and feelings, too. I need to ask more often, “Are you doing okay?” when I feel like someone isn’t acting like themselves.

Today, take time to ask how someone really is. Take time to smile. Take time to speak a kind word. Take time to look into someone’s eyes and listen — really listen — to what they are saying.

Write that note, send that text, make that phone call, invite that person over, or do that little extra something to let someone know that you care and that they matter.

We can’t do everything, but we can do something.

We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.

We can’t change the entire world, but we can make a difference in one life.

You never know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. You don’t know the heavy burdens they are carrying that maybe they can’t even share. Take time to notice people today — to ask a question, or to say you will pray for someone. You never know what kind of huge difference it may make in a person’s day.

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Shared Sep 16, 2015 comment

How To Make Homemade Refrigerator Cookie Dough

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 16, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Heavenly Homemakers shows us how to make homemade refrigerator cookie dough.

Shared Sep 15, 2015 comment

3 Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 15, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My husband and I are blessed to come from families where good financial principles were modeled. Unlike many of our friends, we went into marriage knowing that it was possible to have a healthy financial relationship.

We’ve now been married for 12 1/2 years (can you believe it?!) and we’ve grown and struggled and learned a lot through those years. Today, I wanted to share three marks we’ve learned that signify a healthy financial relationship:

1. You’re on the Same Team

To win in life and in finances, you’ve got to be on the same team. This means that you leave the me versus you at the door.

Drop the phrases “his money” and “her money” and replace it with “our money.” Because if you’re going to be a team, you need to join hands — and assets.

2. You’re on the Same Page

Once you are willing to be on the same team, it allows you to be in a place to get on the same page financially. There’s so much momentum and excitement that comes from working on your finances together.

This requires mutual trust and open communication. It’s a heart that says, “We are in this together — sink or swim. We are FOR each other and we are working on the same goals together.”

In order to work on the same goals together, you have to openly discuss your finances. This means talking about everything regarding finances — not just the fun stuff but also the nitty-gritty hard stuff, like where your financial pitfalls are and what parts of your budget are coming up short.

3. You’re Willing to Compromise

If you want to stay on the same team and the same page, compromise is essential. You aren’t always going to agree all the time. In fact, you are more likely to disagree much of the time.

This is why you need to be willing to compromise. A strong and healthy relationship requires give and take, with both parties being willing to give up what you want for the other’s good.

What do YOU think are some marks of a healthy financial relationship?

Shared Sep 15, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday: On Doing Less & Sleeping More

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 15, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Reading Simply Tuesday while waiting at the DMV for a very long time today.

Section two of Simply Tuesday was so, so good. Words that my soul needed to hear and be reminded of.

I had trouble narrowing things down to just a handful of quotes to share.

“Effort toward excellence in my work can silently morph into effort toward perfection in my soul.”

That packs a punch! Striving for excellence is good, but if I start striving for perfectionism, praise, and to please people, I have missed the mark.

Here was another powerful quote: “When I’m performing for my own acceptance, burnout is always the result.”

If you’re feeling worn down and worn out, take a step back and examine if any of the exhaustion is a result of trying to earn someone else’s acceptance. Are you only saying “yes” to that opportunity because you want someone to like you? Are you only volunteering or sending that email or showing up for that event just so someone else will be impressed with you?

This is something I’m really working on in my own life. I want people to like me. I want people to think highly of me. And I don’t want to disappoint people.

But I just can’t do it all. I can’t even come close.

I’m really working on focusing on being wise, not awesome. For me, this means that I’m slowing down, streamlining, and stepping back. I’m doing less and resting more. I’m accomplishing less and sleeping more.

It feels less productive, but it’s restorative… and that’s what my soul and body need right now.

Two more quotes from this section I especially loved:

“In my own life, I recognize my tendency to look over at the work of others rather than down at the work in front of me.”
“The best way to sabotage my own success is to be obsessed with someone else’s.”

Did you read the second section of Simply Tuesday? If so, I’d love to hear what sections impacted you or challenged you. Tomorrow, we’ll read section 3 (pages 117-157).

Shared Sep 15, 2015 comment

The Ultimate List of 50+ Boredom Busters with 8 Household Items

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 15, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Sara in Shanghai has put together the ultimate list of 50+ boredom busters with 8 household items. As long as you have her list of 8 essential items in stock, you’ll be ready to combat your children’s boredom with these fun ideas.

Shared Sep 14, 2015 comment

So, I totally meant to tell you about this earlier…

Published: by Crystal Paine on September 14, 2015 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

UPDATE: The Sale Page for this was down for close to an hour last night for many people — myself included — so they’ve extended the sale through noon today for those who tried to buy last night and couldn’t get it to work.

So, the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle sale ends TONIGHT and I feel badly that I flaked on you all. Okay, well, I did mention it a few times this past week, but not at all like I’d planned to…

I’d planned to spend a lot of time reviewing some of the 90+ ebooks available in the bundle and telling you about my favorites.
I’d planned to go through the online courses so I could give personal feedback on them.
I’d planned to sign up for the free menu plan service and free Craftsy classes so I could tell you what I thought of them.
I’d planned to order all of the free bonuses and take pictures of them so you could see exactly the amazing value that they were.
I’d planned to write some really great content pieces around the themes of the bundle so you could get an idea if it was a good investment for you.

Instead, I spent the last few weeks dealing with a cancer scare, prepping for surgery, and recovering from surgery. And all my great intentions went out the window.

I’m Giving This My Best Shot — While I Still Have a Chance!

While I didn’t get a chance to invest all of the time into reviewing the products and writing those posts, I did spend the last day really going over all of the material in-depth and I just have to write this post. Because the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle offer is only good through midnight tonight (September 14, 2015).

After tonight, it’s gone and you won’t be able to order it. If you wake up tomorrow morning and try to order it, your chance is over.

So even though almost none of my great intentions panned out, since I have the energy today to finally put into writing a lengthy post about it, I’m going to give it what I’ve got!

Will You Promise Me This, Though?

I believe strongly in the value of this bundle. And I’m going to pull out all the stops in this post to show you why I think it’s such an amazing value. But I need you to do something for me.

You see, I am here to help you spend your money in the wisest manner possible. I turn down many opportunities on a daily basis to promote things because I only want to promote the best of the best here.

So here’s what I need you to do: If you are not in a financial place to purchase the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, will you do me a huge favor and just skip this post? The last thing I want to do is to encourage you to buy something that you can’t afford.

Why I’m Endorsing the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle

For the rest of you, though, I want you to carefully consider whether purchasing the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle is a good deal for you. And I want to share a few compelling reasons why I can rubber-stamp this deal and stand behind it:

1. It Will Give You Step-by-Step Help to Transform Your Family’s Health

Do you want to help your family eat better and feel better but you’re just overwhelmed by all of the information out there? The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle comes with hands-on help ebooks like the Detox Your Home Handbook, Three Weeks to Vitality, Eating for Energy, and Your Grace-Filled Journey to Real Foods.

Value: These 4 resources mentioned are worth more separately than you’ll pay for the entire bundle. And the money you could potentially save on doctor’s visits and medication could be substantial. But not only that, think of the gift you’ll be giving your family by helping them live healthier lives!

2. It Will Clear Up Your Confusion Over Essential Oils

There are a lot of confusing and conflicting viewpoints about essential oils out there with different people telling you different brands are superior to others or the only safe ones to use. Going through the Essential Oils for Families course will educate you on why essential oils work and how to use them. Best of all, the course is done from a completely non-biased perspective when it comes to essential oil brands.

Value: The Essential Oils course is a value of $135! And you get it + all of the other resources in this bundle for just $29.97! That’s definitely what I call a deal!

3. It Will Help You Sleep Better

Okay, so I can’t completely guarantee this one, but it’s been true for me! One of the bonuses you get with the purchase of the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle is a choice of a free 2-oz liquid herbal formula from Trilight Health. I’ve ordered the Peace Treaty as a bonus with a previous bundle and I have quickly decided this stuff really, really works. In fact, if you need to get up really early for some reason, don’t take it before bed, because it truly knocks you out.

I experimented with taking it and can tell a significant difference in how well and how deeply I sleep when I take it as compared to when I don’t. Your results may differ from mine, but for me, I think this stuff rocks!

Value: You do have to pay shipping — which is around $3-5 per order — but getting a bottle of this herbal formula for just a few dollar was very worth it to me. I likely would have never tried it and discovered how well it worked had it not come as a bonus with the bundle!

4. It Will Inspire You to Lose Weight & Stick With Your Fitness Goals

Do you wish you could find a way to stick with exercise goals and actually lose those persistent pounds? There are 13 different fitness and weight loss products included in this bundle — close to a total of a $400 value!

The Fit2B course in this bundle might be a great help to you! It contains 5 lessons with 5 videos outlining 5 days of different routines containing 5 exercises done 5 times for 5 sets! And best of all, you can do these lessons in 10-15 minutes!

The 7-Day Diet Plan will teach you how to drop a dress size while enjoying filling, delicious green smoothies.

The Thrive 90 course is a step-by-step program in the comfort of your own home for only 15-30 minutes per day and immediately start to enjoy renewed energy, watch stubborn flab melt away, develop lean, toned muscle, and more.

Plus, you’ll get access to the Mash Up 45-Day Challenge Digital Bundle — 21 Mind/Body, Agility & Strength, and High-Intensity Interval workouts you can add to your exercise routine.

And I think that the book, Love Your Body, looks especially worth reading and it’s one I can’t wait to dive into.

Value: These resources are regularly priced at more than the cost of the entire bundle! Plus, you won’t have to pay for a gym membership or any fancy workout equipment.

5. It Will Save You Money on Gifts For Others

One of my very favorite things about the Healthy Living Bundle is that you are allowed to gift any resources or bonuses you don’t plan on using or reading. Yes, you read that right! So if you only are interested in 10 of the ebooks, 2 of the courses, and 2 of the bonuses, you can give all the others away!

You could use these as gifts for a friend’s birthday or an upcoming special occasion. You could split them up as gifts for multiple friends. Or, you could just share them as a way to bless someone who is interested in healthy living.

The bonuses would especially make great gifts! The Lexie Naturals Gift Set would make a really fun and unique gift for a friend who loves all-natural things. Shipping is only a few dollars and it’s well worth it for these high-quality products!

Value: If you used three of the bonuses/ebooks as gifts for friends for upcoming occasions, that could pay for the cost of the bundle itself — because you wouldn’t need to spend any money on gifts for those three occasions!

6. It Will Give You New Recipes for Special Diets & Allergies in Your Family

If you have a child or another family member who is gluten-free, diary-free, Paleo, or diabetic, this bundle is a goldmine of great resources and help! If you need recipes, encouragement, or inspiration for how to cook, bake, freezer cook, and menu plan when you have allergies, you’ll find a plethora of help in the ebooks like: Beyond the Cereal Box: Gluten-Free and Family-Friendly Recipes for Breakfast, The Grain-Free Lunchbox, The Grain-Free Snacker, Go Grain-Free e-Course ($199 value!), and more!

Value: Not only will you no longer have to scratch your head and throw up your hands in despair wondering what you’re going to cook or bake, but you’ll no longer feel so alone. These ebooks will come alongside you and help you to feel like you can do this! You can find recipes to cook and meals to make — even with strict diet restrictions!

7. It Will Help You Plan Healthier Menus for Your Family

Do you struggle to stick with meal-planning and wish someone could help you get a better handle on it?

The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle comes with some fantastic menu-planning resources including an ebook I have especially loved for a long time — Plan It, Don’t Panic. Plus, you’ll get access to the Tired & Hungry Cook’s Companion which gives you two free months to a comprehensive meal plan, including 65+ meals each month!

You also get a $32 credit to Once a Month Meals — a site that offers everything you need to plan your freezer cooking and once a month cooking sessions! They offer done-for-you menus, shopping lists, instructions, and more in the following categories: Paleo, Traditional, Whole Foods, Gluten/Dairy Free, Baby Food, Vegetarian, Diet, and others.

Value: If you end up eating at home instead of eating out one or two nights as a result of the menu-planning helps offered in the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, this bundle will have paid for itself and then some!

8. You’ll Get 3 Bottles of Essential Oils for Just $6.95 Shipped!

Have you had your eye on essential oils for awhile and weren’t sure what to order first? Well, help is on the way!

When you purchase the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, one of the free bonuses you’ll get is 3 bottles of Essential Oils from Plant Therapy, one of my favorite essential oil companies. You’ll just pay $6.95 shipping — which is a steal of a deal!

9. It Is a Risk-Free Purchase With a Money-Back Guarantee!

If you are still sitting on the fence right now wondering whether or not you should take the plunge and buy the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, here’s why you should: it’s a risk-free purchase.

That’s right! There’s a 100% money-back guarantee on it for up 30 days! So if you purchase it and then decide it’s not as helpful as you’d hoped or that it’s not worth the price you paid, you can get a full refund — no questions asked.

So what are you waiting for? Click below to purchase your Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle while there’s still time!

P.S. Remember, this offer ends tonight — September 14, 2014 — at midnight! Get it while you can!

(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

1. Guilt-Free Friendships

2. Makeup

3. Two Big To-Do’s Crossed Off My List!

4. My Little Scrambled Egg Maker

5. This Intensely Focused Child

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

1. Quesadillas

2. Breakfast for dinner

3. Quick Chicken Saute

4. Soup

5. Rice and Beans

Dillons

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

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

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Weekly Total: $52.94

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Snacks

Personally Speaking…

The Email That Made All the Difference

I Needed An Attitude Adjustment

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

1. You’re on the Same Team

2. You’re on the Same Page

3. You’re Willing to Compromise

What do YOU think are some marks of a healthy financial relationship?

I’m Giving This My Best Shot — While I Still Have a Chance!

Will You Promise Me This, Though?

Why I’m Endorsing the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle

1. It Will Give You Step-by-Step Help to Transform Your Family’s Health

2. It Will Clear Up Your Confusion Over Essential Oils

3. It Will Help You Sleep Better

4. It Will Inspire You to Lose Weight & Stick With Your Fitness Goals

5. It Will Save You Money on Gifts For Others

6. It Will Give You New Recipes for Special Diets & Allergies in Your Family

7. It Will Help You Plan Healthier Menus for Your Family

8. You’ll Get 3 Bottles of Essential Oils for Just $6.95 Shipped!

9. It Is a Risk-Free Purchase With a Money-Back Guarantee!

So what are you waiting for? Click below to purchase your Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle while there’s still time!

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