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Shared Sep 21, 2015 comment

A book I enjoyed this weekend

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A book I enjoyed this weekend

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The Bronte Plot ebook

I finally had a quiet afternoon to really get into reading The Bronte Plot this weekend. And I truly enjoyed it.

While I didn’t feel like the plot and story engaged me quite like Dear Mr. Knightley did, it engaged me enough that I wanted to keep reading even though I’d planned to take a break and finish a few other projects.

The Bronte Plot is a story of redemption in spite of past mistakes and a story of becoming a victor instead of a victim of our circumstances. It’s a lighter read and I got through it in one afternoon.

I received a pre-release copy of it. The book officially releases on November 3, 2015. You can pre-order the ebook for $4.99 right now.

I also enjoyed Lizzy and Jane and adored Dear Mr. Knightley — both also by this same author. If you read only one book by this author, definitely read Dear Mr. Knightley.

What have you been reading recently? Any great book recommendations for me?

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 21, 2015 comment

How I Quit Smoking (The Frugal Way)

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How I Quit Smoking (The Frugal Way)

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quit smoking

Guest post from Mary of Adventures In Frugal Land

This is one the hardest posts I’ve written. Not because I need to do a lot of research for it. It’s hard because I’m going to admit to something that I’ve been ashamed of for years.

I began smoking a few years ago.

I wasn’t a teenager; I was an adult who knew better. I can’t rely on “peer pressure” as an excuse. No, I began smoking because of a choice I made, not because of anyone else.

For the past few years, I struggled with the shame of it. I would carry perfume and mints with me everywhere. I would try to hide it when I went to church. I felt like I was the biggest hypocrite. I hated it and I hated myself.

I’m sharing this post because I know there are other people who wish they could quit smoking but feel as if they can’t. I know that if I was able to beat the addiction and begin living again, you can do it too!

1. I purchased Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking book.

This book really helped me get in the right mindset. Allen Carr’s method is to show you the psychologically behind a smoking addiction and tools to beat it. You can do it without the book.

2. I set a date.

I chose the day after I finished reading Allen Carr’s book. Do not set the date too far away from now. Try to schedule your quit day within the next week or two. It’s helpful to arrange it so it’s on a weekend or another day you’re off from work.

3. I loaded up on supplies.

Epsom salt, essential oils (if you like them), a ton of good books or movies, snacks, LOTS of water, and mints or gum. When you’re purchasing snacks, try to find things that are easy to snack on throughout the day such as peanuts or sunflower seeds.

4. I didn’t tell everyone that I was quitting.

This step is very important. Once you tell everyone, then you’re going to get constant questions about how you’re doing. Wait at least a week to tell the “non-essential” people in your life. Essential people to tell may include the family you live with, your children (powerful motivators!) and one or two close friends.

5. I actually quit on my quit date.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP OF ALL. Once you quit: say NOPE. Not One Puff Ever. That’s it.

6. I cut myself some slack.

You will get irritable (at least I did!) It’s not going to be the easiest thing to accomplish. Don’t try to plan many activities during the first few days. Try to stay home and relax.

7. I took many hot Epsom salt baths.

I’m not sure why this helped me so much. But whenever I got a really bad craving in the first few days, I would drink a glass of water and get into a hot Epsom salt bath until it passed.

Some days, I took multiple baths. I believe it did help release the nicotine out of my system quicker. But that may be just my brain thinking that. It helps. I don’t know why.

8. I set reminders in my phone.

The first three days, I had alerts going off every half hour telling me phrases like “Tomorrow isn’t going to be easier than today. Get it over with now”, “Is the craving worth the health ramifications?” and “Be a good example to your daughter”.

I also kept a written list of reasons I was quitting with me. I referred to it often.

9. I refrained from talking with people who never smoked.

I envy those people, I really do. I love them… but they don’t get it. So instead of getting frustrated, I just stayed away from those people for the first few days.

You might not need to do this, but it really got on my nerves when people who have NO CLUE try to give advice when I’m in withdrawal from nicotine.

10. I treated myself to something nice.

A new book you’ve wanted to read, an outfit, or a haircut. Take the money you would have spent on cigarettes and use it for something fun.

I found it interesting that even after purchasing the supplies I deemed “necessary” and my “treat”, I still spent under what I used to spend on a month’s worth of cigarettes.

I understand some people feel that using nicotine patches and gum are beneficial to quitting; however, I do not believe they are helpful, at least not for me.

I’ve tried them in the past. All they do is prolong the quitting process. At some point, you WILL have to go into withdrawal. Whether it’s from a cigarette, a patch, gum, or an e-cig, it’s going to happen if you truly want to kick the habit. I like to see results, so I opted for doing it all at once.

If anyone needs any support or has any questions about the process, I am here and more than happy to help.

If you have successfully quit, what tips do you have for everyone else?

Mary is the mother of an energetic four-year-old daughter. She is passionate about bringing awareness to thyroid disease. You can find her blogging at Adventures In Frugal Land about thyroid disease, motherhood, frugal living and whatever else pops into her head!

photo source

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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}

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

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5 Things I'm Loving This Week

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!

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

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.

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

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.

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

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 Things I'm Loving This Week

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.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 20, 2015 comment

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

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

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Simply Tuesday

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!

Simply Tuesday

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.}

Simply Tuesday

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.

Simply Tuesday

#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.

Simply Tuesday

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!

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Shared Sep 19, 2015 comment

5 Quick Fix Dinners to Save You Time and Money

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5 Quick Fix Dinners to Save You Time and Money

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

Chicken and Asparagus for book promotion

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.

gce 30 cover shot

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.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 19, 2015 comment

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

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

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IMG_3357

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

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

Reader Tip: Why It Never Hurts to Ask

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Reader Tip: Why It Never Hurts to Ask

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asking

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

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

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

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

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

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

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

Published: by on   |  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.

Trolls and Cyber-bullying

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.

Cyber-bullying

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!

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Shared Sep 18, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday: Community, competition, and cheerleading

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Simply Tuesday: Community, competition, and cheerleading

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Simply Tuesday

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.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 16, 2015 comment

How one simple email turned around my entire day

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How one simple email turned around my entire day

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How 1 Simple Email Turned Around My Entire Day

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.

How One Simple Email Turned Around My Entire Day

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.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 15, 2015 comment

3 Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

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3 Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

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3 Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

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.

Three Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

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 Marks of a Healthy Financial Relationship

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?