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Money Saving Mom

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Saving Families Money Since 2007

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Money Saving Mom
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?

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Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 15, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday: On Doing Less & Sleeping More

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Simply Tuesday: On Doing Less & Sleeping More

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Simply Tuesday: Day 2

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?

Simply Tuesday

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.

Simply Tuesday

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

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

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boredom-busters-copy

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.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 14, 2015 comment

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

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

Published: by on   |  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…

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!

Peace Treaty3. 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.

Love-Your-Body

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.

Last Chance to Get the Healthy Living Bundle!

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!

Last Chance to Get the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle!

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!

 

Last chance to get the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle!

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.)

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 14, 2015 comment

Simply Tuesday Review (Part 1)

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Simply Tuesday Review (Part 1)

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Simply Tuesday Review

After reading the first section of Simply Tuesday (pages 1-67), I feel like my soul just took a big gulp of fresh air.

Life has been full recently. Maybe more than full? Crammed might be a better word.

I didn’t realize how out-of-breath my soul felt. Squeezed. Pressed. Bordering on hyperventilating.

So I savored that fresh air. And I savored the words that spoke life into my heart and soul.

The words that challenged me to slow down. To embrace small. To let go of hurry.

I read a section on my Morning Motivation Show this morning that really challenged me. You can watch it here.

Of that entire section, this line was probably my favorite: “If the light of a Tuesday morning candle isn’t bright enough to light the room, a spotlight won’t be either.”

We tend to think the spotlight is where it’s at. That spotlights equal success.

But success comes in many shapes and forms. It might be serving your neighbor. Or putting a healthy meal on the table. Or rocking your baby. Or reading to a child. Or helping a co-worker. Or working in the garden. Or writing that blog post.

“When I want to climb the ladder, what if instead, I tore the ladder apart and used the wood to build a bench?“

Don’t chase after the spotlights and the success ladders. Invest in the work right in front of you. Invest in the people right next to you — in your home, in your child’s class, at your community center, at your church, at the office, on your block.

“But people don’t need fancy and flashy, they probably just want regular. They don’t need a fixer, they need a journeyer. They just need to sit on a bench with someone else so they know they’re not alone. I know this, because it’s what I need, too.”

This challenged me. Because I tend to want to be a fixer. I’m a person who loves to practically help. I like to trouble-shoot and problem-solve. But I’m learning that often people don’t need solutions; they just need a listening ear.

“What if we stopped asking God for big ways to serve Him and started walking with our friend Jesus into the next simple moment in front of us.”

Did you read the first section of Simply Tuesday? If so, I’d love to hear what sections impacted you or challenged you. Tomorrow, we’ll read section 2 (pages 67-116).

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 14, 2015 comment

My 6 Goals For This Week

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My 6 Goals For This Week

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My 6 Goals For This Week

So, as I shared about in my Morning Motivation Show this morning, last week was a hard week for me. But it was also a good week because I learned more about giving myself grace and not listening to the inner critic.

I’m feeling a lot better this week, but I’m intentionally deciding to continue to take it slow and get plenty of rest.

Last week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Finish reading one read aloud book with the kids.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

3. Have an at-home Movie Date with Jesse.

Personal Goals

4. Get at least 7+ hours of sleep every night.

5. Finish reading one fiction book.

6. Do the 5-Day Homemaking Challenge.

This week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Write a love note to Jesse.

2. Have an at-home Movie Date with Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Get at least 7.5+ hours of sleep every night.

4. Read and blog through Simply Tuesday.

Business Goals

5. Finish special downloads for my book launch.

6. Speak at MomCon (are you going to be there! If so, I’d LOVE to meet you at one of my two sessions!)

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives! You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

 

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Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 14, 2015 comment

12 Reasons You’re Spending More Than You Should

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12 Reasons You’re Spending More Than You Should

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spending more

Guest post from Jennifer of The Intentional Mom

If we are not careful, the money we earn can slip right through our fingers. Hidden fees, a lack of planning, or even failing to do our homework before purchasing something, in addition to many other things can be to blame.

If you are looking to keep more of your hard earned cash in your pocket, examine this list closely to see where your money could be going on a regular basis:

1. Using an ATM machine.

Using an ATM machine is a painless, often thoughtless, and an oh-so-convenient way to get access to our money at all hours of the day or night. This is rarely a good thing.

2. Not having (or not following) a budget.

When it comes to where your money is going, ignorance is not bliss.

3. Having no one to be accountable to.

If you don’t need to answer to anyone about the money you spend, it is much easier to spend it. Make your money more difficult to spend by asking someone to be your financial accountability partner.

4. Using a debit card to get cash back.

Much like using the ATM machine, getting cash back when using your debit card is a silent budget killer. This is especially tempting because we are usually asked in person and on the card machine itself. The power of suggestion in this case is quite powerful.

5. Paying fees.

This can be anything from late fees, to convenience fees, to choosing to be billed monthly rather than quarterly or yearly. Pay attention to what fees you are paying for what, and then eliminate whatever you can.

6. Burying your head in the sand.

Knowing you need to live more frugally but choosing not to pay attention to this concept as though this is not a reality will get you nowhere fast.

7. Not taking advantage of money-saving tools or programs that pay you for doing something.

Cash back apps, money offered by your employer for a 401K match, or having a loyalty card to various stores all qualify here.

8. Not asking for discounts or better prices.

This applies to everything you actually purchase to discounts offered by your doctor’s office. Asking for these things in everything you do could save you some serious dough.

9. Failing to look at your statements.

Bank statements, credit card statements, billing statements, pay statements, and everything in between. Read every single one of them every single time.

10. Paying for things you’re not using or don’t need.

Running your sprinklers in the rain, magazine subscriptions you don’t read, and keeping your heating and cooling set higher or lower than you really need it are just a few examples. Only pay for what you truly are using or need.

11. Failing to plan ahead.

This can be unexpected things or even the expected things that we just choose to pretend aren’t really happening.

12. Not doing your homework.

Even if you don’t buy on Amazon, it is a great place to read reviews on things BEFORE you buy them.

There are so many places that our money has to go, which is why it is so important to be aware of how we can lose it without even knowing it. Check this list to see why you may have less money in your pocket.

Jennifer is a busy homeschooling mom of seven who enjoys keeping a home, living an active lifestyle, and loving the little and not so little people in her life. Her mission is helping other moms find contentment in living intentionally every day. Check out her blog, The Intentional Mom.

photo source

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 13, 2015 comment

Enter to win a Vitamix + a $500 Amazon gift card!!

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Enter to win a Vitamix + a $500 Amazon gift card!!

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

Win-a-Vitamix-Pin
Who wants to win a Vitamix and a $500 Amazon gift card?!?!

I love my Vitamix and we use it almost daily — to make smoothies, frappes, iced coffee, sauces, and much more. It’s a great appliance to have in your kitchen to aid you in preparing yummy and healthful recipes.

And who wouldn’t want to win a $500 Amazon gift card? You can use it to by groceries, household items, Christmas gifts, books, or even a large ticket item.

I’m giving away a Vitamix AND a $500 Amazon gift card to one reader this weekend who helps me spread the word about the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle.

(Psst! Have you gotten your Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Go read all about this special offer here — it’s only available through Monday!)

Enter to Win a FREE Vitamix + a $500 Amazon Gift Card

It’s really simple to enter to win and will take you just a minute or two to do so…

Step 1: Choose one or more options to complete below. The more options you choose, the more entries you’ll receive!

Option #1: Post on Facebook.

Post on Facebook. Click here to share this post on Facebook on Why I Quit Trim Healthy Mama.

Option #2: Post on Pinterest.

Post on Pinterest. Click here to repin this pin on essential oils & the Healthy Living Bundle on Pinterest.

Option #3: Post on Twitter.

Post about the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle on Twitter. Click here to retweet this tweet on Twitter.

Option #4: Leave a comment.

Leave a comment on this post letting me know whether you’d prefer to win a Vitamix or the $500 Amazon gift card.

Step 2: Leave a comment on this post letting me know which options you completed to confirm your entry to win a Vitamix and a $500 Amazon Gift Card! Leave one comment per option, up to 4 separate comments.

The winner of the Vitamix is Amy (amy.j.sexton@). The winner of the Amazon gift card is Laura (montana.jayhawk@). You should have both received emails with details on claiming your prize.

Win-a-Vitamix-FB

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 12, 2015 comment

5 Things I’m Loving This Week

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5 Things I’m Loving This Week

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5 Things I'm Loving This Week

1. My Husband

I was reminded again how grateful I am for this man. He has loved and cared for me so much while I’ve been recovering from surgery this past week.

And then he spent part of his 35th birthday at the doctor’s office with me. {I had been experiencing a lot of pain so he said I had to call the doctor and they wanted me to come in. And then he worked his schedule so he could take me to the doctor.}

This is what love looks like after 12 1/2 years of marriage. He loves well, serves sacrificially, and gives generously. He completes me, challenges me, listens to me, inspires me, believes in me, and still makes me utterly twitterpated. I love you, Jesse, and would marry you all over again!!

{By the way, the pain was from a small infection that they are now treating. After one day of antibiotics and a LOT of sleep, I feel worlds better. But I’m going to take it really, really easy for the next few days so that I can give my body time to completely recover!}

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

2. Smoothies

I was nauseous for a few days because of the anesthesia and smoothies were one of the few things that tasted good to me. And I was so grateful for them!

Our friends, Stephanie and Ryan (who are currently in Nashville for two months with their kids), brought me a smoothie on two different days. Just because. They also brought our family dinner and took our kids to the skate park. And this week was one of the busiest weeks of the year for them since they are running the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle.

This is just one example of the many, many friends who reached out, made big sacrifices, and poured into us this week. Local friends brought meals, friends from across the country paid to have dinner delivered, other friends sent flowers, other friends watched our kids, other friends sent cards, so many friends prayed, or sent texts, or listened to me vent when I was discouraged, or sent me texts to make me laugh, or offered to do anything we needed done…

It has been humbling, overwhelming, and deeply moving.

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

3. Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum

This is our first year to do Sonlight and we are just loving it so, so much! I am teaching Sonlight Core D to the kids in the morning and Jesse is teaching Math, Language Arts, and Science to the kids in the afternoon (we’re using Monarch from Alpha & Omega for those subjects).

Jesse and I spent a lot of time looking at curriculum this year and thinking through what would be a good fit for our kids and our teaching styles and what we landed on has just been such a great fit. I’m also grateful for Sarah Mackenzie’s book, Teaching From Rest, as it really infused new enthusiasm in me as I approached homeschooling this year.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

So while I told you that I thought some of the parts of this book were weird, I was so inspired by so many of the other parts.

The first two sections of the book were especially good and thought-provoking. I’ve been looking at things around our house in a new light. Does this thing on my wall, this thing on my shelf, this thing in my pantry, this book, this shirt: does it spark joy?

Jesse asked me what “spark joy” meant to me and I told him it was something that uplifted me instead of bringing me down. Something that encouraged me, something that sparked creativity in me, something that made me feel happy and inspired.

I realized that one thing in my life that was not “sparking joy” at all was the big stack of books I have had next to my bed for months. This stack of books was making me feel defeated. Every time I looked at it, I would think about how I should be reading more, how I wished I had more time to read, and on how many books I want to read!

So what did I do this week when I discovered this? I got rid of the book pile! As in, I moved all of the books, save a few, back to the book shelf. It was such a simple thing, but it was so liberating for me! Now, when I see the little pile, it feels doable and realistic, and I find myself wanting to read more!

5 Things I'm Loving This Week

5. Opportunities to Give Myself Grace

As I mentioned earlier, it’s been a week of lots of resting and learning to give myself grace as I recover from surgery. I’ve discovered I’m not really good at this resting thing — especially when it’s taken me days longer to feel better than we had expected it would.

I’m impatient. I don’t like to be needy. I don’t like to take it easy.

But I’ve learned a lot through it. I’m developing new compassion for people who struggle with chronic fatigue or chronic illness. I’m learning to gratefully and willingly receive from others instead of saying, “I’m fine” or “I can do it myself.”

I’m learning that it’s hard to admit weakness but that doing so encourages others who are also struggling. And most of all, I’m realizing how much I have to be grateful for.

So even though part of me wishes that I had bounced right back from surgery and that anesthesia hadn’t done such a number on me, the other part of me is so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned while being “down and out.” I hope I don’t soon forget them.

Bonus: Periscope

So I know I’ve been mentioning this a lot, but I am just LOVING this new way of connecting with you all. I love that I get to interact with you live. I love that it’s raw and real and unedited. I love that it allows me to go deeper and foster much closer connection with you all. And it’s just fun!

Here’s a sample of one of my live shows from this past week (you can’t see the comments on this video so if I’m referring to something randomly, it’s a comment someone just left):

You can see replays of all of last week’s Morning Motivation Shows here.

And be sure to download the Periscope app and search for @MoneySavingMom or Crystal Paine and follow me so that you can be notified each morning when I go live (it’s usually around 7 to 7:15 a.m.-ish CT). You can also watch the replays from the app on your phone for 24 hours after the live broadcast.

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

Money Saving Mom
Shared Sep 12, 2015 comment

Yes, I Love Essential Oils, But I Will Never Sell Them

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Yes, I Love Essential Oils, But I Will Never Sell Them

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

Why I Will Never Sell Essential Oils

If you’ve been reading here in the last year or two, you know that I love me some essential oils. I slowly started dabbling with using them after rave reviews from people I trust.

While I think some of the claims about them you’ll read on the internet are way over-dramatized (i.e. “MY DOG WAS CURED OF CANCER BECAUSE OF OILS!!!”), I have fallen madly in love with a number of different oils and we use them on a very regular basis.

Here are three reasons I especially love essential oils:

1. I Love That They Last Seemingly Forever

Okay, so technically I have used up a few bottles of essential oils over the past two years, but because you only need a few drops (or less than that!), one bottle can last for months and months and months.

2. I Love That They Have Multiple Uses

I love that one bottle of essential oils can be used for dozens of different things. You can mix it with coconut oil and rub it on the bottom of your feet, you can diffuse it, you can put a few drops in your bath, you can make homemade cleaners with it, you can use it in homemade personal care products, and on and on it goes.

3. I Love That They Are So Inexpensive

Because they have multiple uses and because they seem to last just about forever, essential oils truly can be a very frugal alternative to paying for over-the-counter drugs or other herbal remedies.

Some of the bottles and brands can be quite pricey. But there are other kinds and brands on the market that are very reasonably priced.

Why I Will Never Sell Essential O

Why I Don’t Sell Essential Oils

With my self-proclaimed love of essential oils, so many people have been shocked to discover I have no interest in selling them. I have been strongly encouraged over and over again by various consultants of essential oil companies to sign up under them and sell oils.

But unless some major something or other swoops in and completely and drastically alters my life, I don’t foresee myself ever selling oils.

Why I Will Never Sell Essential Oils

There are a number of reasons why I don’t sell oils:

I don’t need to start another business. My life is plenty full without me signing up with a company and then having to mess with all the details involved with running that oil business.

I know that it’s been a great business for some of my friends, but most of them only do oils as their business — not oils plus writing and speaking and blogging. I may sometimes try to push too hard, but I do know my limits on this one.

I am not passionate enough about oils to sell them. I think that it’s fantastic that some of my friends are making an amazing income selling oils, but almost every single one of them who is, is intensely passionate about essential oils.

They love them fiercely. They love talking about them. They can’t not talk about them. I like essential oils, but not enough to live and breathe them as a business.

Why I Will Never Sell Essential Oils

I don’t think anyone should sign up to sell something just to make money. Unfortunately, one of the big reasons people have tried to get me to sign up to sell essential oils is so I can make “a lot of money”. I’ve had people tell me I am just throwing money away to not sell them.

I’ve had people even yell at me saying I was being ridiculous to not sell them because I could make so much money to give away. If you have a choice, I don’t think you should ever do something just to make money. Period.

If there’s not heart and passion behind it, there’s no fulfillment that comes from that. And it’s a very quick way to set yourself up for being miserable and exhausted.

Why I Will Never Sell Essential Oils

I love my friends too much — and wouldn’t want to hurt relationships. So here’s one of the big reasons I don’t sell essential oils: I have good friends who sell different brands. I’m not brand loyal and like multiple brands. So how would I ever be able to choose which brand to sign up under?

Regardless of what brand I signed up with and who I signed up under, I think it could potentially hurt relationships or cause awkwardness. Like I were playing favorites with people I love dearly. It’s not worth it for me to hurt relationships I hold dear just for the sake of earning an income.

I am not brand loyal. I mentioned it above, but it deserves it’s own paragraph. I could never choose which brand to sign up with, because I like some of the oils from some brands and other oils from other brands.

I like to be able to pick and choose my favorites from among the brands instead of feeling like I can only stick with one brand because that’s the brand I sell.

Would you like to try out essential oils and you’re wondering how to get started with them? Well, I’ve got GREAT news for you!

Through Monday only, you can download The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle at the low, low price of $29.97. That is 97% off the $1900+ value!

This bundle is filled with inspirational ebooks, e-courses, and free bonuses to help you feed your family better, get healthier, and feel more energetic.

Best of all, there are some fantastic resources on essential oils, including:

And yes, I am promoting a Healthy Living Bundle that I will make money off of if you click through my link and purchase. My ebook is a part of this bundle, so that’s one reason.

But I am not just promoting this bundle because I make money off of it… I really and truly believe it is an AMAZING collection of resources.

Even if you only download the e-courses on essential oils + grab the three free essential oils (just pay $6.95 shipping!), it is every bit worth the low, low price of $29.97!

Go download your Healthy Living Bundle here.