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Shared Dec 9, 2014 comment

Yup, It Took Me Way Longer Than I Planned Today (aka Clean Your House for Christmas Challenge: Day 2)

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 9, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Y’all. You can just laugh at me. Because I clearly am overly ambitious.

I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon how you look at it. 🙂

I had every intention of getting every thing on my Morning Plan done today — at least by early afternoon. And, once again, that didn’t happen.

The good news? My house is cleaner than it’s been in a long time tonight and we got a LOT done today.

The bad news? I didn’t exercise or get my hair washed today. And don’t even ask me how many days it’s been since I washed me hair. We won’t even go there.

I woke up t-i-r-e-d today. I’ve been getting a lot of sleep (like 8-10 hours most nights) for the past 4 nights as I’m trying to recover from being sick, but despite all that sleep, my body still seems to be wanting more.

So I went back to bed for another hour this morning… which meant that I started my day behind. But at least I got a great night’s sleep!

I let the kids sleep in a little while I finished up my morning blogging work and then I got busy on my Morning Plan.

I’m almost finished with Addicted to Busy. It’s not the best book I’ve read on the importance of slowing down, but I’ve found some thought-provoking nuggets in it.

It was our day for oatmeal this morning. Everyone can fix their own oatmeal themselves — except for Silas needs a little help with it — so that made breakfast really easy.

I oversaw morning chores while cleaning up the kitchen and doing some laundry and then helped Silas with his Kindergarten lessons while the girls got started on their morning school.

Jesse had two morning meetings, but he popped by for a bit between meetings to grab some breakfast and check in to see how things we’re going.

It was Kaitlynn’s day to get her hair washed. She is growing her hair out (“to her knees” she tells me — we’ll see!!) so it’s always a rather big task to wash and brush through it. If I put detangler on it, brush it, and then braid it every day, it’s not too bad. But if I skip one day, it’s not so good!

After I was finished with her hair-washing and fixing, she got back to her school and I did some more clean-up, made my bed (!), and worked on the laundry.

I made a snack for Silas and me to eat (I typically eat small meals/snacks every few hours and Silas is happy to join me… he’s usually always up for eating! I think it’s a boy thing?? ;)) and then sat down to read to the kids.

They made bracelets and other creations with loom bands while I read to them. After a morning where there had been some attitude struggles, it was so nice to see them all getting along nicely and having fun creating together.

After our reading time, Jesse got home and I went upstairs to the office to work while he did lunch, devotions, and more school with the kids.

I had a podcast interview, two phone calls, and then it was the usual emails, blogging work, answering comments, overseeing social media, scheduling posts, and so on.

Before I knew it, it was 6:00 p.m.! I headed downstairs to help pick up before dinner and then we sat down to eat (Jesse made a delicious new recipe tonight — Cincinnati Chili Dog Bowls. I love all this experimenting he has been doing in the kitchen!)

After dinner, we finished putting the laundry away while Jesse cleaned up the kitchen. And then we all got started in on the Kids’ Room. After opening their closet and a few drawers, I could tell this was going to be a job that was going to take longer than my allotted 45 minutes. Oh well, such is life!

Kathrynne got busy going through all the CDs and DVDs and organizing them while I worked on the closet and cleaned out underneath the bed.

After about an hour and a half of work, we had this whole trash bag full of items to get rid of. Can you believe it??

While it might not look that much different, knowing that I’ve gone through every nook and cranny and organized everything in this closet feels so good.

And the CDs and DVDs got picked up…

And all organized! We also created a system and rules for their use and organization — to hopefully prevent them from getting so disorganized in the future.

Leave a Comment & You Could Win This Stack of Books!

In my cleaning today, I found some more books to get rid of, most all that are ones I’ve loved and just want to pass onto someone who could be encouraged by them! Plus, I threw in a copy of both my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and a copy of my new Choose Gratitude Blessings Journal!

Who wants to win them? To win, just leave a comment on this post and I’ll choose one winner tomorrow evening and will mail them to you so you’ll have them in time for Christmas. Some of these books are brand-new or in like-new condition and would be great for gifts for people on your Christmas list!

Did you work on cleaning your house today? If you blogged about participating in this Clean Your House For Christmas Challenge, leave the direct link to your post below that is specifically about this challenge. Or, leave a comment telling us how your cleaning went today.

The winner of yesterday’s stack of books is Kim (threekstrio@) — I sent you an email tonight to ask for your address.

Shared Dec 9, 2014 comment

5 Money-Making Ideas for Food Lovers

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 9, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Holly of The Work at Home Woman

It’s no secret that Americans are foodies! In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spent an average of $6,602 a year on groceries and eating out alone (source).

If you’ve been looking to launch your own home-based business and you love to create culinary delights here are 5 different food careers to consider:

1. Teach Cooking Classes

Do people always rave about your cooking? Then perhaps you should launch a home-based cooking class business. Gather individuals or small groups of people in your home and teach them how to cook or bake like a pro.

Don’t want to mess with a business plan and all the logistics of setting up a business? Consider joining Healthy Hands Cooking. It’s a home-based franchise that certifies instructors to teach kids how to cook healthy meals and snacks. Start-up fees are minimal and include training, certification, marketing tools, business materials, as well as ongoing support.

2. Create Gourmet Goodies

Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Then consider starting your own gourmet food business. Foodies not only love to consume delicious goodies, they also make make great gifts! From fancy gourmet sauces and treats, to healthy and specialty snack items.

Set up your own website or use an e-commerce platform like Foodoro and you’re ready to start selling your custom treats.

3. Become a Direct Sales Consultant

Would you love to own your own cafe or bistro but don’t have the funds to invest in a brick and mortar storefront? No problem. The direct sales industry has made it easier than ever to have your very own home-based business within the food industry.

Companies like the Traveling Vineyard, Tastefully Simple, and Dove Chocolate Discoveries offer home-based business opportunities selling products like wine, gourmet mixes, spices, desserts, chocolates, and gift sets.

As a direct sales consultant you will be paid a commission on each product that you sell. Most direct sales companies will also pay you a small bonus commission from consultants who you refer into the program.

4. Start a Food Blog

Do you enjoy writing? Do you love to test out new recipes? Then join the ranks of Julie Powell, who set out to cook all the recipes in Julia Child’s cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Not only did Julie’s blog quickly generate a huge following, but she went on to the write the bestselling book Julie & Julia, which was later turned into a movie. While you can make money through book sales, bloggers can also make money through direct ad sales, affiliate marketing, as well as working with brands.

Tip: Read more on how to make money blogging here.

5. Food Stylist

Do you have an eye for detail? Then working as a food stylist may be your calling. Food Stylists prep and prepare food items for displays, cookbooks, photo shoots, advertisements, and menus. Becoming a Food Stylist requires knowledge of the culinary industry as well as additional training or apprenticeship.

Denise Vivaldo, a seasoned food professional with over 27 years of experience has created workshops and classes for those who are interested in this field. You can also check out her book on Amazon, The Food Stylist’s Handbook.

For more information on ways to make money, visit The Work at Home Woman, where you can read about topics like how to make money completing short tasks, selling your used stuff online, and businesses you can start with no money.

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Shared Dec 9, 2014 comment

5-Day Clean Your House for Christmas Challenge (Day 2)

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 9, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Join Me For the Clean Your House for Christmas Challenge

Welcome to the 5-Day Clean Your House for Christmas Challenge. Otherwise known as: Crystal really needs to deep clean her house and she needs the public accountability to get it done. Ahem. 🙂

{Thank you for humoring me. If your house is in great shape, please just skip over these posts. I may be the only one who has kind of let my housework and decluttering slide a bit the past few months.}

I was planning to move on to another area of the house today, but since I didn’t get the Kids’ Room done yesterday like I’d hoped, I’m going to stick with that today in an effort to be a little more realistic. 🙂

If your bedrooms are spotless and clutter-free, pick another area of your house that you’ve been putting off and tackle that today. Maybe the coat closet or the office or the storage room… er, maybe not the storage room unless you have a LOT of time and ambition! 🙂

Here’s my plan for this morning (feel free to follow it somewhat, if you find it helpful… or you can get a laugh out of how detailed I am!):

This Morning’s Plan

1. Read my Bible, exercise, and shower.

2. Get dressed to my shoes. (Thanks, Flylady!)

3. Eat some breakfast, read aloud to the kids, start a load of laundry.

4. Morning chores with the kids. Put away laundry from yesterday.

5. Get the kids started on their schoolwork. Kindergarten with Silas.

6. Switch the laundry. Fold another load of laundry & put it away.

7. Attack the Kids’ Bedroom:

Pick up/remove clutter — either throw out or put in Goodwill pile.

Organize things that need to be organized.

Vacuum thoroughly.

Dust — especially fans/light fixtures.

8. Celebrate a job well done… maybe before 6:30 p.m. today?? 🙂

So, that’s my morning plan. I’m hopeful to have it all done before dinner time today — maybe even lunchtime if my morning goes perfect. Which never happens, but I can always dream that today might be the day!

I’ll take pictures and will post an update late afternoon/early evening to let you know how it goes.

Want To Join Me?

Are you joining me? If so, what room(s) are you planning to tackle today and what’s your morning plan? Let us know in the comments. If you are blogging about it, I’ll have a link-up that you can link your post to by late afternoon/early evening.

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Shared Dec 8, 2014 comment

It took me two hours, but my room/closet is CLEAN! {Clean Your House Before Christmas Challenge: Day 1 update}

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 8, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Okay, so you know how I promised that I was going to get this post up by 6 p.m. EST. Um, yeah.

And how I thought that I would get my whole morning list — including thoroughly cleaning out both of our bedrooms — done by noon? Ahem. I seriously have an issue with underestimating how long things are going to take me!

That said, the first part of the morning went along fairly smoothly and I mostly followed my Morning Plan to a tee.

{Well, except I never did make it out of my yoga pants. I just exercised, threw on a sweatshirt, and put my hair up. Kind of gross, I know, but sometimes that’s just life and I’m all about keeping it real here. However, I promise that I *will* shower tonight before bed.}

I started the day with finishing up the last lesson in the She Reads Truth Thankfulness study (yes, I’m a little behind!), reading a chapter from The Best Yes, and writing in my Gratitude Journal.

Silas was done with his morning chores and had already eaten breakfast, so he got to open a gift from the Blessing Box that my mom made for him to countdown to Christmas.

Each day, we read a short paragraph about something related to Christmas or an attribute of Jesus and then he gets to open a small gift that serves as a reminder of that. Today it was about Jesus being light.

When Jesse got home from the gym, he whipped up a batch of Protein-Packed Bacon Omelet Bites for breakfast. These turned out so yummy! I’ll post the recipe later this week. {And yes, I’m spoiled that Jesse makes breakfast like this many mornings!}

We’re on a new schedule now that my book is done and I’m overseeing breakfast/morning chores and homeschooling in the mornings while Jesse works and then we swap at lunch time and he takes over homeschooling and afternoon kid activities while I work.

We got a membership to a office-sharing space a few months ago and Jesse usually goes there in the mornings and I go in the afternoons. We sometimes work from home, too, depending upon the day.

We’re learning what works and what doesn’t as we go… but overall this both of us sharing the homeschooling/housework/business responsibilities has been a true win for our family at this season of our lives.

I got in a quick run on the treadmill, and then Jesse left to go work and I cleaned up the kitchen while the kids finished breakfast.

While I finished up the kitchen and some laundry, the girls finished their morning routine and chores and then got busy on their school projects for the day.

I helped Silas with his kindergarten workbooks while the girls worked on their morning schoolwork. He is eating up school like it’s the best idea ever invented… which makes teaching him a lot of fun! 🙂

For the most part, the girls are able to work pretty independently on many of their projects. Jesse grades everything every night and goes over what they missed/are struggling with. He’s SUCH a great teacher and I love watching him patiently working with them on math problems or science experiments or helping them research something for an essay they are writing.

After Silas finished his Kindergarten lessons, I worked on the laundry and finished a few cleaning projects and then we all sat at the kitchen table and eat lunch while I read today’s devotional and a chapter from our current read aloud book.

I had planned to get started on the bedrooms after this, but it was almost noon and I needed to leave with Jesse to drop him off at the car shop to pick up his car (it’s been in the shop off and on for the past week because of some weird issues it’s been having — we are hopeful that it’s finally fixed!). Jesse got home right around noon, we all loaded in my car, and drove to the shop. I dropped them all off and drove home while Jesse took the kids to Kathrynne’s swim team practice.

I’m sill recovering from a head cold today and not feeling 100% at all, so I decided to work from home this afternoon instead of going into the shared office space to work. I had a podcast interview at 1:30 p.m. and then emails to answer, projects to work on, posts to draft, comments to respond to, and lots of other little projects to attend to.

Before I knew it, it was 5:30 p.m. and I still hadn’t gotten the bedrooms clean. So, I finished up my blog work for the day and got busy on the bedroom…

At first glance, the bedroom doesn’t look too bad.

{Yes, don’t freak out that our bed is unmade… I try to make it every day, but it doesn’t always happen. Still working on developing that habit!}

But look closer in the closet and you’ll see it needs LOTS of help.

There’s a suitcase that I never fully unpacked from last week’s trip, a box of some odds and ends of winter hats and gloves that I only recently pulled out from storage… and has been getting all sorts of things tossed into it as it’s sat in our closet!

And there’s an overflowing tub of CD’s and DVD’s that desperately needs to be gone through.

I went through all the shelves, the overflowing tub, all the dresser drawers, unpacked the suitcase, organized all the shelves, and found a LOT of things to get rid of.

After an hour and a half, it looked SO much better!

Kaitlynn and Silas busied themselves helping me organized my jewelry. 🙂

Then I dusted — including dusting the fan blades that had never been dusted since we moved here.

Yikes! They were BAD! This was just from one blade!

I cleaned the floor, made the bed, and lit a candle. And it looked worlds better.

And it didn’t just look good, it felt so good because I had found this entire box full of stuff to donate to Goodwill!

I didn’t even make it to the Kids’ Room today, but 2 hours of deep cleaning was enough for one day. I’ll try to tackle it tomorrow!

Leave a Comment & You Could Win This Stack of Books!

In my cleaning today, I found this stack of books that I’ve been meaning to give away on my blog for about a month now. Who wants to win them? To win, just leave a comment on this post and I’ll choose one winner tomorrow evening and will mail them to you so you’ll have them in time for Christmas. Most are brand-new or in like-new condition and would be great for gifts for people on your Christmas list!

Did you work on cleaning your house today? If you blogged about participating in this Clean Your House For Christmas Challenge, leave the direct link to your post below that is specifically about this challenge. Or, leave a comment telling us how your cleaning went today.

This giveaway has ended.

Shared Dec 8, 2014 comment

10 Experience Gift Ideas

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 8, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Mridu of Life Is Organized

It’s no surprise to hear that experiences mean more than things. Material items bring us immediate, yet fleeting, joy. It’s memories and feelings that stay with us forever. But figuring out how to create a memory can leave you overwhelmed, and cost a pretty penny.

Here are 10 easy ways to create memorable holiday gifts, that are low on cost and high on value:

1. Create a coupon book.

Print (or write) 5-10 coupons for your loved one and staple them together to make a small booklet. These can be tasks that get someone “off the hook” like No Dishes For A Week, or a Free Bed-Making Pass. It could also be “treats” like A Massage or Sundaes For Dinner.

2. Make a conversation jar.

Decorate a jar with ribbon, get small notes of paper and a card with instructions that say: “Start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. Then, on New Year’s Eve, open it and read what awesome things happened over the year.”

3. Show off your culinary prowess.

The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, right? Bake or cook a family favorite and spoil someone you care about.

TIP: Place your freshly baked goods in a decorative tin that can be reused throughout the year.

4. Create a night out.

Why not invite friends and/or family for a night of fun at your place? Create an invite for a memorable way to enjoy time with your loved ones after you’ve recovered from the holiday madness.

5. Give a gratitude journal.

Help someone create an experience for themselves all year long. Often times people have the intention of starting this meaningful habit, but need the tools to get it started.

6. Make a themed gift basket.

Add fun and useful items to create an enjoyable memory for someone special.

– Movie baskets including popcorn, a couple of DVDs, a box of M&M’s, and a soft blanket or fuzzy socks.
– A Family Night basket with a board game, a pack of cards, a bag of chips, and a liter of lemonade.
– A Girl’s Night basket including nail polishes, magazines, drinks, and furry slippers.

7. Give a gift certificate or lessons.

Base this gift on hobbies your friend or family member is interested in — a sewing class, dance lesson, painting class, or cooking lesson. It’s especially memorable when it’s something they’ve never tried, but have wanted to do.

8. Create a photo calendar.

Grandparents can’t get enough of these! It’s not only customized and meaningful but useful throughout the year.

TIP: If the thought of picking a bunch of photos is overwhelming, get the type of calendar that has just one photo that you can use for the whole year.

9. Monogram anything.

No matter what item anyone has, a monogrammed version of it makes it so much more memorable. It can be as simple as a pair of hand towels or a beach bag.

10. Wow them with tickets.

If tickets for movies, concerts, plays, amusement parks, sporting events, and museums are personalized to a person’s likes, they’re always appreciated.

TIP: You can get discounts on movie tickets and some events if you buy in bulk at places like Costco or Sam’s Clubs and then split them up for different friends.

“Experience gifts” evoke a distinct feeling of love, care, and thoughtfulness. And if the gift is an event you can both participate in, it becomes a shared memory, something far beyond what a physical gift can offer.

What experience can you create for someone this holiday season, without breaking the bank?

Mridu Parikh is a Simplicity and Organization Junkie for women who are tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. She’ll show you how to get your life running smoothly – without the drama. Prepare to smile, get uber motivated and take action with Mridu’s 5-day free organizing series.

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Shared Dec 8, 2014 comment

Clean Your House For Christmas Challenge (Day 1)

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 8, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to the 5-Day Clean Your House for Christmas Challenge. Otherwise known as: Crystal really needs to deep clean her house and she needs the public accountability to get it done. Ahem. 🙂

Today, I wanted to pick an easier room. But then I realized that I should probably save the easier stuff for the end of the week. So instead, we’re starting with one of the hardest rooms… or at least the rooms that have been the most-neglected for me these past few months.

And that is… drumroll… the bedrooms!

{I’m trying to sound all cheery about it to psyche myself up for this job that I’ve been avoiding and even dreading for too long! :)}

If your bedrooms are spotless and clutter-free, pick another area of your house that you’ve been putting off and tackle that today.

Here’s my plan for this morning (feel free to follow it somewhat, if you find it helpful… or you can get a laugh out of how detailed I am!):

This Morning’s Plan

1. Read my Bible, exercise, and shower.

2. Get dressed to my shoes. (Thanks, Flylady!)

3. Eat some breakfast, read aloud to the kids, start a load of laundry.

4. Morning chores with the kids.

5. Get the kids started on their schoolwork. Kindergarten with Silas.

6. Switch the laundry.

7. Attack the bedrooms:

Pick up/remove clutter — either throw out or put in Goodwill pile.

Organize things that need to be organized.

Vacuum thoroughly.

Dust — especially fans/light fixtures.

8. Celebrate a job well done… by noon, hopefully!

So, that’s my morning plan. I’m hopeful to have it all done before lunchtime. I’ll take pictures and will post an update late afternoon to let you know how it goes.

Want To Join Me?

Are you joining me? If so, what room(s) are you planning to tackle today and what’s your morning plan? Let us know in the comments. If you are blogging about it, I’ll have a link-up that you can link your post to this afternoon. It should be up by 6 p.m. EST.

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Shared Dec 8, 2014 comment

10 Goals For This Week (+ an update on last week’s goals!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 8, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So we got back in town last Monday evening and stayed in town the entire rest of the week (which is the first week I’ve been home all week in quite a few weeks). And guess what? Even though we had out-of-town guests and lots of meetings and then most of us got sick with head colds, I got every single thing done on my goals list!!

It felt SO good to have a quiet weekend at home. I slept, read, we watched a few Christmas movies, and we hung out as a family. And it was incredibly relaxing and just what we needed.

I am grateful for the opportunities to travel and be stretched personally this past year, but I’m also thankful that we have a 5-week break from travels (except for Christmas travels). I forgot how much I enjoy quiet days at home!

Last week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

~~1. Start reading Unwrapping the Greatest Gift with the kids.~~

~~2. Write a love note to Jesse.~~

~~3. Have a movie night with Jesse.~~

Personal Goals

~~4. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1-4.~~

~~5. Finish the She Reads Truth Thankfulness study (yes, I’m a wee bit behind!)~~

~~6. Finish at least two books.~~

~~7. Run or exercise at least 3 times.~~

~~8. Get back on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.~~

Business Goals

~~9. Have end-of-year meetings with my executive team & map out big business goals for 2015.~~

~~10. Answer interview questions for an upcoming magazine interview.~~

This week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Continue reading Unwrapping the Greatest Gift with the kids. Finish reading Nobody Loves Me.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

3. Have a movie night with Jesse.

4. Watch a Christmas movie as a family.

5. Take the kids to The Gift of Christmas Tour.

Personal Goals

6. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1-5.

7. Finish at least two books.

8. Run or exercise at least 4 times.

9. Continue on with the Trim Healthy Mama plan.

10. Clean the house from top to bottom and blog about it (look for a post coming in just a bit with today’s assignment!)

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.

Shared Dec 6, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s $76 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Gretchen on December 6, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Homeland

8 cans Libby’s Vegetables – $0.50 each, used $1/4 coupon from the 11/16 RedPlum and $1/4 printable (no longer available) (doubled) – Free after coupons

2 Pillsbury Brownie Mixes – $1 each, used $1/2 coupon from the 11/2 RedPlum insert – Free after coupon

1 Challenge Butter – $3, used $1/1 printable (doubled) – $1 after coupon

1 bag Malt O Meal Cereal – $2.50, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $1 after coupon

1 Jennie-O Turkey Sausage – $2.99, used $1/1 printable – $0.99 after coupon

1 Old Orchard Juice – $1.50, used $0.50/1 printable (doubled) – $0.50 after coupon

Total before coupons and sales: $34.25

Total with tax ($0.79) after coupons and sales: $4.28

Dillons Trip #1

Our store ran a 4 day sale after Thanksgiving so I ended up going to Dillons twice this week so I could take advantage of both ads. I spent over my $60 budget so I could stock up on chicken breasts so I will spend less the next couple of weeks.

4 packages Tyson Frozen Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 lbs each) – $4.98 each

2 Hodgson Mills Gluten Free Flour – Marked down to $1.89 each (I have a lot of friends/family members who can’t eat gluten so I know this will come in handy during Christmas baking.)

1 gallon Dillons Milk – $2.50

1 gallon Dillons Chocolate Milk – $2.50

2.44 lbs Bananas @ $0.59/lb – $1.44

1 dozen Dillons Eggs – $1.69

1 Green Pepper – $0.99

0.72 lbs Tomatoes @ $1.29/lb – $0.93

1 bag Carrots – $1.69

Total with tax ($2.71): $38.15

Dillons Trip #2

1 Cucumber – $0.79

1 Celery – $1.49

1 Kroger Rice Cakes – $1.49

1 pkg Kroger Bath Tissue – $3.29

1 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99

1 dozen Dillons Eggs – $1.34

1.13 lbs Tomatoes @ $1.49/lb – $1.68

1 Kroger Frozen Orange Juice – $1.59

0.77 lbs Broccoli Crowns – $1.30

1 bag Kroger Frozen Green Beans – $1

1 gallon Dillons Milk – Marked down to $2

1 Kroger Italian Dressing – $1.50

Mega Sale Items (Buy 4, Get $4 off instantly):

2 Mr. Bubble Body Wash – $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50/1 printable – $0.49 after coupons

2 pkgs C&H Sugar – $1.29 each, used $0.75/2 printable – $0.91 each after coupon

1 pkg Thomas English Muffins – $1.99, used $1/1 printable – $0.99 after coupon

2 pkgs Listerine Floss – $0.99 each, used 2 $1/1 printable – Free after coupons

2 Honey Nut Cheerios – $1.49 each, used $0.50/1 e-coupon and $0.50/1 printable – $0.99 each after coupons

1 Hormel Natural Turkey Breast – $2.49

1 Smucker’s Natural Jelly – $1.99

1 Yoplait Go-Gurt (16 ct) – $2.99

Total before coupons and sales: $65.22

Total with tax ($2.86) after coupons and sales: $34.55

Total for all grocery items: $76.98

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Bacon and Scrambled Eggs, Toast, English Muffins & Juice, Homemade Granola

Lunches

Turkey Sandwiches, Peanut Butter & Jelly on Ricecakes, Turkey/Cheese/Crackers/Fruit/Veggies x 2, Leftovers

Dinners

Italian Chicken, Rolls, Baked Potatoes

Hamburger Vegetable Soup, Texas Roadhouse CopyCat Rolls

Pancakes, Eggs, Fruit

Hamburgers, Steamed Broccoli, Homemade French Fries

Salad Bar, Toasted English Muffins

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Tossed Salad

Leftovers

Shared Dec 6, 2014 comment

Brigette’s $43 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on December 6, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I thought about skipping a blog post this week, but decided I needed the accountability to get back on track. The last 2 weeks have been full of disruptions: Thanksgiving break and illnesses, plus a car accident that totaled our car and resulted in minor-but-painful injuries. I’m very thankful for help from friends who brought meals, and a husband who made a couple of grocery store trips for things we needed (and came home with a bunch of things we DIDN’T need too, of course). I am looking forward to having a budget and a plan again this week! I even tried a new-to-me grocery store. 🙂

Aldi

(I was thrilled to discover reduced gallons of milk for $0.79 each! I will freeze of the gallons for future weeks.)

2 packages Baby Carrots (@$.99/each) – $1.98

2 dozen Eggs (@$1.59/each) – $3.18

1 3-ct package Romaine Hearts – $1.99

1 3-lb bag Tangerines – $1.69

3 1-lb packages frozen Ground Turkey (@$1.89/each) – $5.67

1 12-oz package fresh Cranberries – $1.19

2 1-lb boxes Butter (@$2.29/each), $4.58/2, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51

2 24-oz containers Cottage Cheese (@$2.29/each) – $4.58

1 3-lb bag Gala Apples – $2.99

1 bunch Bananas (2.9lbs @ $0.44/lb) – $1.28, plus receive $0.25 back from Snap by Groupon

4 gallons Milk (@$.0/79 each!!!) – $3.16, plus receive $1.00 back from Snap by Groupon

Total after Rebates:$30.79

Harris Teeter

1 jar Polaner All-Natural Fruit-Only Jam – $2.00

2 1-lb packages Butterball Sausage (@$2.50/each) – $5.00, used 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $2.00/2 after coupons

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $4.47

1 dozen Land O Lakes Brown Eggs – $3.99 – used $0.55/1 insert coupon (doubled), plus receive $0.25 back from ibotta – $2.64 after coupon (for my nine-month old)

2 packages Sargento Tastings Cheese (on sale B1G1) – $2.99, used 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupons

1 bag of Winter Squash, reduced – $0.49 (I have no idea what these gourd-like objects are! However, I like trying new things, and they had stickers on them with a website offering recipe ideas, so I assumed they are not decorative. ;))

1 3-lb bag Grapefruit – $1.49

2 16-oz bags Birds Eye Recipe Ready Vegetables (@$1.94 each wyb 2) – $3.88, used 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.88/2 after coupons

1 box Horizon Graham Crackers – $2.50, used $0.75/1 catalina (doubled) – $1.00 after coupons

1 2-oz bottle Tabasco Sauce – $1.50, used $0.50/1 printable – $0.50 after coupon

used 3 $5 Walgreens Register Rewards (GREAT way to use up leftover RR from Black Friday sales at Walgreens!)

Total after Rebate: $1.22

Publix

This is the first time I have shopped at a Publix store. I was impressed with the friendly customer service and cleanliness of the store; however, I figured out the hard way that they do NOT double coupons (I so feel for all of you that live in places where NONE of your stores double coupons!). I doubt I will be back very often since I left the store paying quite a bit more than I thought I was going to pay, but it was still fun to try something different. Live and learn. 🙂

2 double roll 6-ct packages Quilted Northern Toilet Paper – (on sale B1G1) – $4.99, used 2 $0.75/1 Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong, exp. 12/16/14 (RP 11/16/14) – $3.49/2 after coupons

2 boxes Duncan Hines Decadent Cake Mix (on sale B1G1) – $3.29, used 2 $0.75/1 printable – $1.79/2 after coupons

2 bags Dole Frozen Blueberries (on sale B1G1) – $4.69, used 2 $1/1 printable – $2.69/2 after coupons

1 12-ct box Orville Redenbacher Popcorn – $2.23, used $2/1 Orville Redenbachers Gourmet Popcorn, exp. 12/31/14 (SS 10/26/14) – $0.23 after coupon

2 boxes Honey Maid Graham Crackers (on sale B1G1) – $4.19, used 2 $0.50/1 printable, plus receive $0.50 back from ibotta – $2.69/2 after coupons

Total after Rebate:$11.24

Weekly Total: $43.25

Weekly Meal Plan

Breakfasts

Oatmeal and Fruit, Toast and Eggs, Veggie Omelettes, Smoothies, Cereal, Oatmeal Pecan Pancakes

Lunches

Build-Your-Own Salad; Baked Potatoes with Cheese/Raw Veggies and Dip; Leftovers x 2; Peanut Butter and Honey on Rice Cakes/Grapefruit/Carrots; Grilled Cheese Sandwiches/Apples; Macaroni and Cheese/Bananas/Carrots

Dinners

Turkey Pot Pie, Fruit Salad

Chicken Barley Soup, Raw Veggies and Dip, Blueberry Muffins

Spaghetti (I use homemade sauce from the freezer and ground turkey), Homemade Dill Bread, Tossed Salad

Skillet Hash (Potatoes, Green Beans, and leftover Smoked Pork), Apples, leftover Dill Bread

Meat Potato Quiche (without the meat! :)), Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists, Steamed Broccoli

Taco Salad, Orange Slices

Leftovers

Snacks

Popcorn, Cottage Cheese Pie (a family recipe on my husband’s side – not my favorite, but he LOVES it!), Fruit, Sweet Mini Muffins

Shared Dec 5, 2014 comment

7 FREE Ways to Create a Memorable Family Christmas

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 5, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Becky of My Ink Dance

I’d like to say that December only brings cozy opportunities for family bonding and reflecting on the meaning of the season. The reality is, however, that we are bombarded with long lists of things to do. And the list is only part of the problem. The tightened purse strings make it feel even more difficult to shower people with love.

If you’d like this coming December to be different, you can! Here are 7 ideas to show your children how much you love them without throwing out your list or digging deeper in your pockets.

1. Read to Them

This is about more than homework reading assignments. This is about time and bonding.

There are few things more special than reading a book with your little (or not so little) one. Take 10 minutes, because usually that’s about all it takes, and snuggle up. Get close, grab a blanket and share a great Christmas story. You can find plenty at the library to enjoy together. You can even wrap a library book for a special surprise.

Some of our family’s favorite books are:

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado

2. Have a Winter Picnic

Who says picnics are just for summertime? Not kids!

Make some hot chocolate or some tea and put it in a thermos. Bundle up and head outside with a big blanket or two and some mugs. You don’t have to go anywhere fancy; we’ve even done this on our back deck! Just enjoy being together in the fresh air.

The kids may give you a crazy look at first, but giggles are soon to follow. For an extra special treat, try doing this under the stars.

3. Enjoy a Candlelight Dinner

Think about what everyday life was like when Jesus was born. Enjoy dinner by candlelight and feel how peaceful it can be to sit by the warm glow of a flickering flame.

Kids are sure to love blowing out the candles when you’re done… so make sure to have a candle for each child!

4. Give a “Gift for a Day”

Before you think this involves reaching for your wallet, keep reading.

My kids are almost always asking to use something that belongs to my husband or me. Maybe it is a lip gloss or a flashlight or tool. It could be a pretty scarf or even a special mug.

Wrap up the coveted item and give it to your child with a note reading, “This is something of Mommy’s that is usually just for me. I’d like for you to use it today because you are special as can be.”

5. Bake Together

The holidays usually have us mixing and baking at some point. Take some extra time and hand over the wooden spoon.

Sure, it may take longer. Yes, it will be messier. But letting children help shows that you value their abilities, and that they are more important than a stress-filled to do list.

And I’ve never met a child (young or old) who doesn’t like to lick the spoon!

6. Enjoy the Lights

There are few things that evoke squeals like twinkling Christmas lights. You don’t have to make a big night of searching for lights (although that’s fun too!) Just take time to enjoy the ones you see.

Maybe take a different route home from basketball so you can see the great lights on the street you don’t usually drive on. Go a block or two out of your way to drive by the town tree.

If little ones cry, “I didn’t get to see it,” like mine sometimes do, make a quick u-turn and go back by again. You’ll only be losing minutes, but it sure adds up to them. And the squeals are worth it!

7. Designate Family Movie Time

Christmas is filled with all kinds of movies. Whether you’re looking for something funny or heartwarming, taking an evening and watching a Christmas movie together is a memory worth making.

There is a bonding that occurs when you sit together and enjoy a holiday movie. So don’t worry about addressing the Christmas cards for a night. No one will remember when they got the card anyway.

A tradition of the family watching a Christmas movie together will be held dear for years to come. Whether it’s Buddy the Elf, Charlie Brown, or A Wonderful Life, you’ll feel good knowing you took the time to be together.

These are just a few of the ways we’ve been able to show our children love and create memorable family Christmases without spending a dime. However, I’d love to know…

What would you add to my list?

Becky is a wife and mom of three who believes the things that matter don’t cost a lot of money. After all, she’s just as happy with Hershey as Godiva. A juxtaposition of head and heart, Becky explores life at My Ink Dance.

photo source

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Click here to download!

Shared Dec 5, 2014 comment

Why We Love Magazine Subscriptions As Gifts

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 5, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Looking for a last-minute gift idea? How about a magazine subscription?

Magazines make such great gifts — not only do they not take up a lot of space in someone’s house, they are a gift that can be enjoyed all year long.

My husband and I love to get a few different magazine subscriptions (His favorite? Outdoor Life. Mine is currently Fast Company.)

Our kids also LOVE magazine subscriptions. I love that it encourages them to read and learn and they love the anticipation of getting a new issue in the mail each month.

This weekend’s magazine sale from DiscountMags is a wonderful opportunity to find something for just about anyone on your list! PLUS, you can order MORE years which will add additional savings to the yearly price of each subscription!

The DiscountMags Multi-year Magazine sale has a wonderful selection and the more you purchase, the more you save! There are over 100 titles in this sale and all gift subscriptions comes with a free e-card that you can schedule to be emailed out at a specific date and time.

You can purchase these magazines for yourself, as gifts for others and you can even extend existing subscriptions!

Go here to see all of the magazines in the sale!

Sale ends Sunday night, December 7th, 2014. No coupon codes needed!

(Note: The links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here.)

Shared Dec 5, 2014 comment

“Do for one what you wish you could do for all.”

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 5, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

She came up to me as I was walking off stage after speaking at a conference recently.

“I’m so sorry to bother you, but my aunt, Mary, is a long-time reader of your blog. When she found out I was going to be at a conference your were at, she was SO excited.”

She paused and then said, “I hate to ask this of you, but is there any way we could get our picture taken together and you could hold up a piece of paper in the picture that says, ‘Hi, Mary!'”

“Of course”, I replied. But then I thought for a second and said, “However, what if I were to write her a note instead? Maybe that would be more meaningful?”

The conference attendee looked taken aback. “You would do that??”

“Absolutely!” I replied. “But since I don’t know your aunt, could you tell me something I could write to her that would be meaningful?”

It was then that I was taken aback because this sweet woman in front of me all of a sudden got very misty-eyed and choked up.

Finally, she managed to get the words out, “Could you tell her that there are no small ideas? That her ideas and dreams matter?”

I wanted to know the story behind that request, but the next session was starting and I didn’t have time to ask. I grabbed a pen and paper and went to sit down at the back to compose a note.

I wasn’t sure what to say, but I prayed that God would give me the words that this woman needed to hear. And then I just started writing.

My note was something like this, “Dear Mary, I don’t know you, but I want you to know that your ideas matter. The world needs you. We need your gifts and your talents. We need your ideas. God has uniquely gifted you and equipped you. So keep dreaming, don’t give up, and know that there is no idea that is too small. They all matter. You matter. You have a purpose and a story. I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to use you and your ideas. I am cheering for you! -Crystal”

When I was finished, I took the note over to the woman. I bent down and handed it to her and whispered to her to ask her if she could read it to make sure it was appropriate — since I didn’t know her aunt or her aunt’s situation.

She read through it and, as she did so, tears started flowing. She looked at me, gave me a huge hug, and said, “This is perfect. You have no idea how much this will mean to my aunt.”

I walked away with a spring in my step, knowing that the short amount of time I just invested to write that note could possibly change someone’s life — or at least give someone the exact boost they needed to keep moving forward and not give up.

It also made me wonder how many opportunities like that I have overlooked or walked right past — all because I was so focused on my tasks and to-do’s. There are opportunities to reach out and bless someone like this all around us, if we just take the time to see those opportunities and act on them.

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.

So today, I challenge you as I’ve been challenging myself, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all.”

Together, let’s make a difference in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our communities… and around the world.

Photo quote above from the post on How to Be a Light This Christmas — go read it; it’s excellent.

Shared Dec 4, 2014 comment

4 Tips to Get Crafty on a Budget

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 4, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from SK Bell of Nursing, Naps, Nostalgia

Although I’ve only recently called myself a crafter, I’ve been working on a project of some kind for most of my adult life. I’m a long-time MoneySavingMom.com reader and we proudly use a cash envelope system. We recently added a craft fund to our list.

I’ve noticed crafting can be really expensive. The first week, I spent the whole fund on fabric and didn’t get any other supplies I needed. I wasn’t able to work on any projects for the rest of the pay period. That was disappointing since I’ve discovered this outlet is important to me.

I’ve since learned a few tricks to stretching that budget — and I’m sharing them with you today!

1. Price Shop.

I’ve seen Mod Podge at the dollar store. When a local quilting store went out of business, I snatched up three of the most expensive items on my list since their prices had been reduced to less than 50%.

I am signed up for text coupons through Michael’s and JoAnn’s. Those, mail coupons, and coupons at the door/cash wrap will help get you through when you combine with sale prices.

2. Go Used!

My favorite and first stop is the thrift store. I recently paid $.50 for enough fabric for two projects already on my list.

Thrift stores have inexpensive shelves and picture frames for painting and re-purposing, fabric remnants, linens, already-cut sewing patterns, embroidery hoops, yarn, half-full jars of glitter, etc. etc.

3. Research First.

I recently found inspiration from an Instagram account, @DollarTreeCrafts. I often see cute, affordable crafts on other blogs that I’d like to try for myself and save a picture to a folder on my computer.

I am constantly finding free or very inexpensive Pinterest projects (like the wood pallet bookshelves we’re working on for our children’s room and many kid crafts using recycled items!) The library also has a lot of great books (some sewing books even come with patterns on a disc).

If I have an idea of my own in mind, I’ll draw it and brainstorm it, talk to my husband or a friend about it, and see if their fresh perspective might remind me of a less expensive item I can use, a cheaper way to do it, the best place to buy the materials.

4. Take Your Time

This one is easy for me at the moment, since I’m chasing a toddler around all day and rubbing my tired, pregnant belly in the evenings… but there have been times I found myself burning the midnight oil to finish a project I was excited about.

Now, I allow myself a little optional crafting time every day, and then I move on so a project lasts longer. Sometimes taking a break gives me new perspective any ways!

I’m curious… what are your tips for crafting inexpensively?

What have you made recently that fulfilled your crafting need but didn’t break the bank?

SK Bell is a happily married mother who enjoys traveling, crafting, and doing both frugally. She blogs positively about marriage and parenthood at Nursing, Naps, Nostalgia.

photo source

Shared Dec 4, 2014 comment

12 Goals for 2014: November’s Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on December 4, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My-12-Goals-for-2014

Jesse and I spent time really discussing what my focuses should be for 2014 and we nailed down four areas that are my priorities for this year:

Marriage: to continue to invest time and energy to strengthen and nurture our marriage and make it one of the greatest priorities
Mothering: to continue to invest in our children with the goal of teaching them character, life skills, and raising them to be responsible adults
Myself: to make my health a priority and to invest in my personal growth as a Christian, business owner, writer, speaker, and leader
MoneySavingMom.com: to invest time into blogging — not just overseeing the business and my team, but making writing content pieces one of my top blogging priorities

Having these specific areas determined at the beginning of the year is really helping me to prioritize and giving me much clearer direction on when, where, and what to say no to this year.

Here’s an update on how I’m doing (or not doing, as is the case with many of these!) on my goals this year:

Marriage Goals

1. Read 6 marriage books. (I’ve finished 5 marriage books so far.)
2. Write 50 love notes to Jesse. (I’ve written 45 love notes so far.)

Mothering Goals

3. Read 40 books aloud to the kids. (We’ve finished 9 chapter books so far — yes I’m probably going to fall woefully short on this goal this year.)
4. Finish memorizing Romans 1 together.
5. Go through a cooking course with the kids. (I have been teaching the kids quite a few different cooking skills the past month. We haven’t done any official course, but they’ve learned a lot more cooking skills this year.)

Personal Goals

6. Read through the Bible. (I paused this goal to instead dive into the She Reads Truth Hospitality & Thanksgiving studies. I am LOVING these — and it’s been a great change after years of just reading straight through the Bible.)
7. Memorize Romans 2. (I’m working on this.)
8. Run a 5K race and go through P90X again.
9. Read 150 books/ebooks. (I’ve read 76 books so far this year.)

Blogging Goals

~~10. Write 150 substantive content pieces for the blog.~~
11. Write 50 DIY/Recipe posts for the blog. (I’ve written 38 DIY/Recipe posts so far.)
12. Blog about/participate in the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge.

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

If you’ve posted an update on how you’re doing on your goals for 2014, I’d love for you to share your link in the comments. Or, if you don’t have a blog, feel free to just leave a comment with an update on how you’re doing on your goals. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!

If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.

Shared Dec 3, 2014 comment

Free December Menu Plan

Published: by MSM Team on December 3, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Download a Free December Menu Plan from Frugal Homeschool Family.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Leave a Comment & You Could Win This Stack of Books!

1. Teach Cooking Classes

2. Create Gourmet Goodies

3. Become a Direct Sales Consultant

4. Start a Food Blog

5. Food Stylist

This Morning’s Plan

Want To Join Me?

Leave a Comment & You Could Win This Stack of Books!

1. Create a coupon book.

2. Make a conversation jar.

3. Show off your culinary prowess.

4. Create a night out.

5. Give a gratitude journal.

6. Make a themed gift basket.

7. Give a gift certificate or lessons.

8. Create a photo calendar.

9. Monogram anything.

10. Wow them with tickets.

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

This Morning’s Plan

Want To Join Me?

Homeland

Dillons Trip #1

Dillons Trip #2

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Aldi

Harris Teeter

Publix

Weekly Meal Plan

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Snacks

1. Read to Them

2. Have a Winter Picnic

3. Enjoy a Candlelight Dinner

4. Give a “Gift for a Day”

5. Bake Together

6. Enjoy the Lights

7. Designate Family Movie Time

What would you add to my list?

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

1. Price Shop.

2. Go Used!

3. Research First.

4. Take Your Time

I’m curious… what are your tips for crafting inexpensively?

Marriage Goals

Mothering Goals

Personal Goals

Blogging Goals

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

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