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Shared Oct 20, 2014 comment

Cutting Back on Caffeine… or maybe not?

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 20, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I had fully planned to stick it out through the end of the month with my Cutting Back on Caffeine commitment for October (cutting back from two cups of coffee per day to one cup per day), but it’s kind of really starting to stink. As in, it’s messing with my sleep patterns and habits.

You see, ever since I went down to just 1 1/4 cups, I have fallen asleep at least an hour or two before I was planning to and then have had trouble getting up in the morning when I planned to do so.

So, you might not think this is a big problem. Except it is, because I keep falling asleep before taking my contacts out, washing my face, or taking my pills before bed (I am currently on a few different medications because of some health issues + my usual vitamins)… and well, I keep waking up at 3 a.m. or so realizing that I accidentally fell asleep before doing my nightly routine. So then I have to get up and do my before bed routine and then that wakes me up so much that I have trouble falling back to sleep. Which, in turn, means I sleep in later than I was planning to and wake up feeling like I still need more sleep.

Yes, I know these seem like such trivial problems to have, but I feel like cutting back on that one cup of coffee is kind of wreaking havoc on my life. And it’s just not worth it… especially while I’m in the middle of mothering, developing relationships in a new community, running a business, and writing a book.

So, even though I’m not usually a quitter, I’m going to give myself grace and just say that this experiment has gone on long enough and I’m going back to my two cups of coffee per day.

Stay tuned for November’s 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge. 🙂

Shared Oct 20, 2014 comment

6 Goals For This Week + An Update on Last Week’s Goals

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 20, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m going to be out of town at a conference half of this week, so I’m keeping my goals short and sweet. 🙂

Last week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Finish reading Teddy’s Button aloud to the kids at lunch time. {We made an executive to stop this book and instead Kathrynne begged if she could start reading Sir Bentley aloud to us. I was happy to oblige. She’s been reading this series and loving it so much that she wanted to share it with us.}

2. Have a movie night with Jesse. {Does watching the Royals game together count?}

~~3. Write a love note to Jesse.~~

~~4. Start a new sewing or handwork project.~~ {I started knitting a scarf.}

Personal Goals

5. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1-3.

6. Finish reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), A Proper Pursuit, and a few other titles. {I made some good headway on my own book-reading this week, but I didn’t finish any books yet. Look for an update later this week, when I hopefully will have finished a few books and will have some short reviews to share. :)}

~~7. Run or exercise at least 5 times.~~

Business Goals

~~8. Continue to work on chapters 8 and 9 of my book manuscript.~~

~~9. Write answers to questions for an upcoming online interview.~~

~~10. Finish my first article for an upcoming magazine column.~~

This week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. At least 3 days, read aloud with the kids and/or listen to Kathrynne read Sir Bentley. {My plan is for her to read while we fold laundry. We’ll see if that plan pans out.}

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1-3.

4. Finish at least two books.

5. Run or exercise at least 4 times.

Business Goals

6. Finish chapters 8 and 9 of my book manuscript, start on chapter 10.

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 Oct 20, 2014 comment

Five Frugal Family Fun Ideas (+ Win a Copy of In This House, We Will Giggle!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 20, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Courtney of CourtneyDeFeo.com

The conversation starts so pure and with great intention. You are a fun mom, thank you very much! You want your kids to have fun – but you forgot one thing. When you ask your kids questions, you will get honest answers.

For instance: “Kids! How would like to have some fun today? What would you like to do?”

Child 1 – “Go to Disney?”

Child 2 – “Go buy new clothes?

Child 3 – “Go get ice cream?”

Child 1 – “Okay, fine, how about Six Flags?”

Child 2 – “Just a headband then?”

Child 3 – “Can we make milkshakes?”

And you just see dollar signs and exhaustion. Here are just a few simple ideas on how to have some family fun without spending money and or too much time.

1. Have Box, Will Create

The next time a box comes in your house (or you see a giant moving box around a friend’s house) – grab it! Save it!

Challenge your family to make it into a sailboat, rocket ship, school bus or playhouse. You would be surprised what a family can create together – just need imagination and household supplies.

2. Raid The Closets

Set the timer and tell the kids they have 1 minute to find their best outfit in mom and dad’s closet – they will have two minutes to prepare a song or dance for the group.

If they picked dad’s outfit – they must sing or dance like him. If they picked mom’s outfit – yep, they are impersonating mom. Respectfully, of course.

3. Hide That Treasure

Our family started this tradition years ago and it’s a winner.

We had an old antique “pink lady” that I strongly disliked as a child. I wanted it out of my room. So my mom hung onto it and planted it in my home as an adult. I discovered it and giggled. Then, I hid it back in her house and then it became a game.

Find an old treasure or trinket and keep moving it from house to house in your extended family. The hunt and thrill of the game becomes highly amusing among the cousins.

Or, play the same game with your immediate family members: hide an item somewhere in the house and then see who finds it first. When they find it, they have to re-hide it. And so on and so forth.

4. Sneaky Giving

There is something in your house that a neighbor would enjoy. As a family, make a surprise treat bag or donate a toy to a child. Go deliver to your neighbor’s porch with an anonymous note. All the family has to sneak together.

Don’t get caught! Generosity is more fun when it’s a surprise!

5. Kitchen Dance Party

Our family loves all of the free stations on Pandora. Get dad to play DJ and just pick your nightly dance spot. Challenge each family member to their best moves – the sprinkler, the worm, anything goes.

Remember, family fun doesn’t have to cost a dime. Just pick a tradition and go for it. Don’t forget to giggle!

Courtney DeFeo is the creator of ABC Scripture Cards featured on “The View” and author of In This House, We Will Giggle. She is a graduate of Auburn University and has worked in marketing for Chick-fil-A. Courtney and her husband, Ron, are the parents of two children. To connect with Courtney, visit CourtneyDeFeo.com.

Win a Copy of In This House, We Will Giggle!

Need some fresh ideas and inspiration for making virtues, love, and laughter apart of your daily life as a family? Check out Courtney’s new book, In This House, We Will Giggle. I got my copy recently and can’t wait to read it soon!

I’d love to give away a copy to three readers today. Just leave a comment telling us your favorite frugal family fun idea.

I’ll choose three comments on Wednesday and will send you a free copy of Courtney’s book!

Update ~ And the winners are:

Shanda (sgcwarren@)
Karly (mommy2boysx2@)
Jocelyn (providentmom@)

photo source

Shared Oct 17, 2014 comment

ALDI Named the Nation’s Low-Price Grocery Store for the Fourth Year in a Row!

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 17, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

As you well know, ALDI is hands down one of my very favorite grocery stores. I’ve sung the praises of ALDI over and over here on my blog.

A few reasons I love ALDI:

I love the low prices on staple ingredients — We’ve found that we’ll usually save at least $30 to $40 per week by shopping at ALDI over the regular grocery store. I love that we can consistently get low prices without having to even mess with pairing coupons with sales.
I love the simplicity — they only carry one brand/type of item to choose from so it streamlines my grocery shopping.
I love the small atmosphere — it’s so quick to get in and out of the store because it’s small. I can grab what I need,
I love the no-frills approach — ALDI is all about keeping the main thing, the main thing. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, which keeps their overhead costs down significantly and allows them to keep their prices low.
I love the produce prices — A 3-pound bag of Gala apples for $1.99? Yes, please! I love that I can count on ALDI to always have at least 2-3 really amazing produce sales each week!

Yes, my love for ALDI runs deep and wide! So I was excited to see that they were named the nation’s low-price grocery store for the fourth year in a row, according to a survey conducted recently.

Here’s the press release:

Batavia, Ill. – August 6, 2014 – Discount grocer ALDI was recognized as the nation’s low-price grocery leader for the fourth year in a row, according to a recent consumer survey* conducted by Market Force Information, Inc., the world’s leading customer intelligence solutions company. When asked to rank the top grocers offering low prices, consumers ranked ALDI ahead of competitors such as Costco, Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Consumers also named ALDI one of the top three favorite grocery store chains in America**.

“It’s no surprise that ALDI continues to be recognized as the low-price grocery leader,” said Jason Hart, president, ALDI. “However, these latest survey findings prove that a growing number of consumers are choosing to shop at ALDI for more than just low prices.”

In addition to remaining the low-price grocery leader, ALDI maintained a top five ranking in the categories of Good Private Label Brands, Accurate Pricing and Tags and Sustainable Environment / Green Policies. ALDI also earned top-five rankings in three new categories: Courteous Staff, Fast Checkout and Nutrition / Health information.

“Our accelerated expansion plan is a testament to the millions of shoppers who have embraced the ALDI approach to offering the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices, in a simple and easy-to-navigate shopping environment,” added Hart. “Consumers are increasingly impressed with the high quality of our food and the fact that we offer a growing number of healthy, organic, gluten-free and better-for-you options, including nearly 70 varieties of fresh produce.”

ALDI announced in December 2013 that it intends to open 650 new stores across the country in the next five years.

This just makes me happy on so many levels. I’m happy that ALDI is receiving the recognition that they deserve for having such great prices. I’m happy that this means more people are saving money. And I’m thrilled that they are opening 650 new stores.

I’m really, really hoping that some of those 650 stores are going to be opened close to some of you who don’t have an ALDI nearby!

Not familiar with ALDI or need more convincing to try shopping there? Read my post on How Shopping At ALDI Saves Us Close to $1,000 Per Year.

Are you a fan of ALDI? Why or why not?

{Note: This post was underwritten by ALDI. All opinions are my own. As you well know, I’m kind of an ALDI groupie so I was more than happy to talk about this recent survey when they approached me about writing this post. 🙂 Read our disclosure policy here.}

Shared Oct 17, 2014 comment

How I Saved Today: My FREE order from ePantry.com!

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 17, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So, remember when I told you about the great deal ePantry was offering to my readers on Mrs. Meyer’s products and other natural cleaners and products?

Remember how I also told that for a few days only, if you shared about ePantry with your friends and they made a purchase through your referral link, you’d get a $20 credit to ePantry?

Well, a number of you ordered through my link and helped me earn quite a bit of ePantry credit. (Thank you!)

Above is a picture of what I ordered from ePantry with my referral credit. I am excited to not only be able to use some of these products for our family, but also to have extras to give away to others. We’ve already had fun blessing some people with Mrs. Meyer’s products!

Psst! Interested in getting the deal on Mrs. Meyer’s products? You can find a very similar deal to the one I was offering over on MomAdvice.com through Tuesday only.

~~Tell Us How You Saved & You Could Win a $50 Papa John’s Gift Card!~~

~~Who wants to have free pizza on me?? Leave a comment telling us how you saved today and I’ll choose one comment and send you a $50 Papa John’s gift card so you can have dinner on me!~~

The winner of this giveaway was Amber {minimouse216@}

The winner of yesterday’s Starbucks gift card was Jessi (admin@). You should have received an email with details on how to claim your prize.

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

Click here to sign up!

Shared Oct 17, 2014 comment

Brigette’s $57 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by Brigette on October 17, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 large Pumpkin (to cook up and freeze) – $2.99

1 gallon Milk – $3.69

2 packages bagged Italian Salad (@$0.99/each) – $1.98

1 quart Half & Half – $1.69

2 24-oz packages Zucchini (@1.39 each) – $2.78

1 3-lb package frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts – $6.49

1 3-lb bag Onions – $0.99

1 2-oz pure Almond Extract – $1.99

1 2-oz pure Peppermint Extract – $1.99

1 Cucumber – $0.49

1 3-lb bag Lemons – $2.69

1 24-oz package Roma Tomatoes – $1.19

3 1-lb packages frozen Ground Turkey (@1.69/each) – $5.07 (This is my first and probably last time buying these. I figured it was worth a try, since they are less than half the price of ground beef!)

1 jug Pumpkin Spice Creamer (Bad me, I know! I have been craving this stuff and between nursing a big baby and training for a half marathon next weekend, I am consuming massive amounts of calories. I am trying for healthy calories overall, but this is my splurge :))

1 3-ct package Green Peppers – $1.29

1 2-lb bag Carrots – $1.19

1 16-oz bag frozen Strawberries – $2.19

1 bunch Bananas (2.85lbs @ $0.44/lb) – $1.25, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51

Total: $41.44, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51

Harris Teeter (Trip #1)

1 jar Sharwoods Curry Sauce – $1.99, used $1/1 printable (doubled), plus $1/1 Harris Teeter evic – $1.00 MM after coupons

6 packs Trident Gum (@$1.00 each) – $6.00, used 3 $1/2 off Trident Singles exp. 11/22/14 (SS 10/12/14) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 boxes Muellers Hidden Veggie Pasta (@$1.00 each) – $2.00, used $1/2 Mueller’s Pasta Product, exp. 11/20/14 (SS 09/21/14 R)(doubled) – FREE after coupons

1 tube Colgate Optic White Toothpaste – $3.00, used $1/1 printable (doubled), plus $1/1 Harris Teeter evic – FREE after coupons

1 can Vidal Sassoon Hairspray – $3.49, used $2/1 Vidal Sassoon Shampoo or Conditioner, exp. 10/31/14 (SS 09/21/14) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 4-pk Dannon Yogurt (@2 for $4.00) – $4.00, used 2 $1/1 (These were insert coupons, but I am not seeing them in the database, so I am not sure where I got them from!) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 jars Earth Balance Coconut Peanut Butter – (@2 for $5.00) – $5.00, used 2 $1/1 printable (doubled) – $0.50 each after coupons

1 box Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch – $2.09, used $0.75/1 printable (doubled) – $0.59 after coupons

2 jars Smuckers Natural Fruit Jam (@2 for $4.00) – $4.00, used $1.50/2 Harris Teeter catalina (doubled) – $0.50 each after coupons

2 12-oz packages Sorrento Stringsters – $6.00, used 2 $1/1 printable (doubled) – $1.00 each after coupons

2 Bird’s Eye Voila Alfredo Chicken (B1G1) – $5.69/2, used 2 $1/1 Birds Eye Voila Variety, exp. 11/13/14 (SS 07/27/14) (doubled) – $1.69/2 after coupons

2 18-ct cartons Eggs (@$1.77 each) – $3.54

Total after all Sales, Coupons, and Tax: $9.03

Harris Teeter (Trip #2)

1 container Dole Garden Soup – $2.50, used $1.00/1 printable (doubled), plus $1.00/1 Harris Teeter evic – $0.50 MM after coupons

4 packages Maruchan Bowls (@$1.00/each) – $4.00, used 2 $1/2 coupons (SS 08/17/14) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

4 packages Yakisoba Noodles (@$1.00/each) – $4.00, used 2 $1/2 coupons (SS 08/17/14) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 single El Monterey Burritos (@$1.00 each) – $2.00, used $1/2 printable (doubled) – FREE after coupons

4 cans Healthy Request Campbells Soup (@$2.15/each) – $8.60, used 2 $1/2 printable (doubled), plus $1.00 Harris Teeter evic and $0.50 Harris Teeter evic – $3.10/4 after coupons, plus receive a $1.00 catalina for buying 4 (which should doubled to $2.00 if I use it before next Wednesday)

1 jar Vlassic Farmer’s Garden Pickles – $2.50, used $1.00/1 printable (NLA) (doubled) – $0.50 after coupons

1 package Campbells To Go Soup – $3.19, used $1.00/1 printable (doubled), plus $1.00/1 Harris Teeter evic – $0.19 after coupons

2 Yellow Squash, reduced – $0.49

2 8-oz packages Kraft Cheese (@$1.69/each) – $3.38

Total after all Sales, Coupons and Tax: $7.16, plus receive $1.00 catalina back

Total for all Groceries for the Week: $57.63, plus receive $1.25 back in rebates

Weekly Menu

Breakfasts

Oatmeal x 3 (My kids have been BEGGING for oatmeal for breakfast recently! I stir in frozen fruit which they love and it helps it cool off faster!), Eggs and Toast x 2, Cereal x 2

Lunches

PB&J on Homemade Bread/Cucumbers/Apples; Leftovers x 2; Build-Your-Own-Salad Bar; Veggie Omelettes/Bananas; Tuna Sandwiches/Carrot Sticks; Baked Potatoes with Cheese/Green Pepper Slices

Dinners

Taco Salad, Peas

Venison in the Crockpot (The last of the venison from last year…REALLY hoping my husband gets some venison this year as well!), Sautéed Zucchini, Pumpkin Crescent Rolls

Out to Dinner with Friends

Best Chicken Pot Pie, Tossed Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing, Apple Slices

Leftovers

BBQ Chicken Pizza (without cilantro), Carrots

Three Cheese Baked Spaghetti, Steamed Broccoli, Leftover Pumpkin Crescent Rolls

Snacks

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Baked Apple Oatmeal

Shared Oct 17, 2014 comment

The Long Road Bag Tutorial

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 17, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Abi of The Modern Prairie Girl

This bag was made for those LONG road trips.

It holds everything, while still being slouchy enough to get crammed into the car with everything that’s brought along for a vacation! The Long Road bag is super quick and fun to make – so let’s get started!

Walk through it carefully, so you don’t miss anything that might be needed. Lay out your fabric pieces as you go, so it comes together without any mishaps!

I give you some ideas about what fabric choices that would be extra fun to use when you decide to whip up this bag. The handle is really unique. Having the knot or bow option leaves way for it being sized for a petite, regular or tall lady. You can adjust the length of your bag for a cross body style or if you just want it to hang from your shoulder.

The Long Road Bag

Finished flat measurements: 12” wide x 14 ½” tall x 2 ½” deep
Handle strap: 35” to 56”

Required Supplies:

fabric straps
- for outside bag two pieces 13”x10” top half
- for outside bag two pieces 13”x 6 ½” bottom half
- for lining two pieces 13”x 15 ¾”
- for handles two pieces 4”x36”
13” piece of lace (optional)
sewing machine
scissors
sewing pins
matching/coordinating thread

Notes on fabric:

I love to play with my fabric combinations, and I would encourage you to do it also! This bag would be super cute out of burlap, cotton velveteen, or a cotton home décor as well as a fun quilting weight cotton print.

Also, play off of your special piece of lace that you want to show off on your Long Road bag. Sew, have fun!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Sew outside bag pieces, right sides together, along the 13” side. Press seam open. Pin and sew optional lace down to front of bag along the middle seam.

2. Sew outside bag right sides together. Turn bag to the side, matching bottom seam, with side seam. Pin both corners of bag.

Using a ruler, make a straight 2 ½” line. Use a pencil or marker to make your line. Sew down line and cut off excess peek of fabric. Turn bag right side out.

3. Take handle strips. Take one short end of each strip and turn the fabric in on itself ½”. Press. Turn the long sides in to meet in the middle of your strip. Fold over again, so raw fabric edges are encased. Sew along both long sides and the finished short end at 1/8”. Repeat with other strip.

4. Sew handles at each side of finished outside bag.

5. Take lining pieces and sew right sides together, leaving a 3” gap in the middle of the bottom of the bag. Repeat making gussets from step 2 for your lining.

6. Put finished outside bag inside lining. Stitch bag around the top at 5/8”. Clip off excess fabric around the top.

7. Pull outside bag through gap. Sew gap closed and push lining into the outside bag.

8. Topstitch around the mouth of your bag at ¼”. Put your bag on your should and knot or bow your handles at the top.

Your Long Road Bag is finished!

Keep in mind that this bag isn’t just for road trips, but any good times!

This bag is a great Christmas or birthday gift – especially if the recipient loves a beautiful handmade gift!

Sew… what are you waiting for? Have fun and please share your success story with me on the Modern Prairie Sewing facebook page.

designed & made by Abigail A. Long, author of Modern Prairie Sewing: 20 Handmade Projects for You & Your Friends. Head on over to her blog: The Modern Prairie Girl.

Shared Oct 16, 2014 comment

How I Saved Today: Making Starbucks Hot Cocoa at home!

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

You can take the girl out of Kansas but you can’t take the Kansas out of the girl. Representing our Kansas City Royals in the new shirt Jesse bought me and cheering them on as they head to the World Series!!

So, I’ve been a little quiet here the past two days.

Tuesday we had some big meetings here in Nashville with a team of people to discuss some future projects we’re working on (I’m just about ready to burst with excitement — more details coming soon!) and then we went over to hang out with some friends and watch the Royals game.

Our Nashville friends are {mostly} all rooting with us for our boys from Kansas City with us and we keep getting multiple generous offers to please come hang out while the games are on so that we can watch the games on real cable TV instead of our creative non-cable solution. 🙂

Wednesday morning, I got up in the wee hours of the morning to finish two business projects that were due yesterday. And well, by the time they were done, I was so tired, that I went back to bed at 8 a.m. and slept for a few hours. I guess my body was behind on sleep!

At any rate, it was so nice because we stayed home all day long yesterday. I never even made it out of my yoga pants. And a quiet day at home was just what my soul needed.

The highlight of yesterday was definitely the Royals winning and making it to the WORLD SERIES! If you know my husband, you know what a HUGE deal this is. I’m just so happy for him… this has been a dream of his since he was a little boy and he never believed it would actually happen. And it HAS!

Today, I finally got around to making the Starbucks Inspired Hot Cocoa that reader, Amber, shared with me a few days ago. She’d left a comment saying that they had made it and loved it… so naturally, because I love all things Starbucks, I asked her if she’d share the recipe. She graciously emailed it to me along with details.

I took the recipe and Trim Healthy Mama-fied it. So here’s the original recipe + my tweaks:

Starbucks Inspired Hot Cocoa

3 cups whole milk (I used one cup half and half + 2 cups almond milk.)
6 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
4 Tablespoons sweetener of choice (I used Xylitol.)
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 oz. espresso
Pinch of Kosher salt

Put it all in Vita-mix and use the hot soup option (or start on 1 and gradually increase to 8 and leave there for 5-7 minute, until hot). If you don’t have a Vita-Mix, I’d recommend bringing it to a boil on the stove top, stirring constantly.

Serve immediately. Makes 4-6 servings.

We all agreed that this was very yummy! And it is definitely something I’ll be making again. It was so easy to make and such a fun treat — and much less expensive than Starbucks!

Tell Us How You Saved & You Could Win a $50 Starbucks Gift Card

How did YOU save today? Just for fun, I’m giving away a $50 Starbucks gift card to one reader who leaves a comment on this post telling us how you saved. I’ll choose and post a winner tomorrow.

This giveaway is over with and the winner is Jessi (admin@). You should have received an email with information on how to claim your prize.

The winner of this week’s earlier Mrs. Meyer’s giveaway is Riza {missriza@}. You should have received an email with details on how to claim your prize.

Shared Oct 16, 2014 comment

6 Books I Hope to Read This Week + 2 Books I Read Last Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Books I’ve Finished Recently:

Love, Skip, Jump — I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, but it encouraged me to continue to look for ways to be a giver in my everyday life.

Chaos to Clutter-Free — This ebook was a great refresher on the need for organization in our homes and the difference it makes. If you need some step-by-step organizing help, this would be a great place to start.

Books I Hope to Finish This Week

I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) — I’ve had this one started for quite awhile, and it’s good. It’s just deep and it’s taking me awhile to get through!

A Proper Pursuit — I’ve not started this book yet, but am really hoping to finally get this book read this week!

Nurturing the Soul of Your Family — This book was one I found when I was searching for another title and the premise resonated with me so I decided to pick it up. We’ll see what I think of it after reading it!

Addicted to Busy — This was another book that I found when looking for another title and thought it looked like a good read. Have you read it?

You and Me Forever — Multiple readers have said that I MUST read this book, so I’m excited to dive into it!

Me Before You — My friend, Ginger, told me this was one of her very favorite books so I knew I had to read it. 🙂

What I Listened To:

The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown — I’m slowly working my way through these CDs and gleaning so much. I especially have been contemplating her thoughts on shame versus guilt (Guilt says, “I did wrong.” Shame says, “I am wrong.”) Lots to ponder!

Movies We Watched:

Dispatches From the Front — My mom gave us this DVD and we watched it as a family on Sunday. It’s always so fascinating to learn about other cultures and beliefs and to see how God is moving and working in lives around the world.

And, of course, we’ve been watching lots and lots of baseball. How about our Kansas City Royals?? We can’t wait for the World Series. Even if our boys in blue don’t win, we’re so proud that they made it farther than most anyone thought possible this season.

What have you read recently? What are you planning to read this week? Any good book recommendations for me?

Shared Oct 16, 2014 comment

Snap App: Are you having trouble getting your rebates?

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A reader emailed in yesterday:

I, like a lot of other couponers, have been having HUGE issues with Snap lately and I’m thinking it would be great if you ladies could get someone from Snap to answer some questions about the SLOW processing times, rejected receipts, money disappearing from accounts, etc. You’ve probably already heard about all the issues they are having but if not just check their FB page. -Alison

I am trying to get to the bottom of this, because I’ve not had any trouble with the Snap App personally. However, I don’t want to be promoting something if there are a bunch of issues with it or people aren’t going to get their money.

So let me know: what has your experience been with Snap? Have you had any trouble with getting your cashback?

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

Click here to download!

Shared Oct 16, 2014 comment

Do It Yourself: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 16, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

TheLemonBowl.com shows you how to make homemade roasted pumpkin seeds.

Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Shared Oct 14, 2014 comment

This Week’s $91 Grocery Shopping Trip + Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 14, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I was excited that we were able to stay well under our new grocery budget this week. Jesse and I made the grocery list together — looking at where to get the best deals on what we were planning to buy — and then he offered to go shopping on Monday morning after his workout at the gym.

Here’s what he bought:

Kroger

Smoked Turkey — $19.60
Kroger Peanut Butter — $1.79
Kroger Whole Milk — $2.99
3 dozen brown eggs — $2.99 per dozen (got $0.50 back from Checkout51)
2 packages of Kroger bacon — $2.99 per package

Total: $42.18

ALDI

2 packages of Broccoli — $0.99 each
2 tubs of Ham lunch meat — $2.49 each
3 Avocados — $0.99 each
Egg Whites — $1.99
Butter — $3.49
2 packages of Boneless Chicken Breasts — $6.49
3 bags of Gala apples — $1.99 per bag
2 bags of Sweet Potatoes — $1.99 per bag
Bananas — $0.44 per pound — $2.42 total
2 bags of multi-colored peppers — $2.49 each
Total: $49.17

Total spent: $91.35

Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Bacon & Eggs or Oatmeal (I also ate Healthy Blueberry Crisp.)

Lunches

Sandwiches or Leftovers

Snacks

Popcorn
Fruit/Veggies
Cheese
Apples with Almond Butter
Snacks sent to us from Wild Oats Organic
Protein Shakes
Healthy Cake in a Mug

Dinners

Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Italian Sausage with Potatoes and Vinegar
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Sweet Potato Fries
Marinated Chicken
Dinner Out

What’s on YOUR menu this week? Tell us in the comments!

Shared Oct 13, 2014 comment

How I Saved Today: Working out at home (+ share how you saved today and you could win a Mrs. Meyer’s gift box!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 13, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to our at-home gym… currently residing in our garage. The walls are scuffed and it can be a little humid at times, but I love being able to work out at home.

I don’t have to pay for a gym membership. I don’t to spend time driving to a gym and back. I don’t have to figure out childcare. I don’t have to worry about looking somewhat presentable. 🙂

I can just walk out to the garage, hop on some equipment, and get in a quick workout. At this season of my life, it’s the perfect solution.

And it’s a way that I save money and time every single day.

~~Tell Us How YOU Saved & Enter to Win A Mrs. Meyer’s Gift Box!~~

~~Share something you did today to save money — either in a little way or a big way. I’ll choose one comment to win a free Mrs. Meyers gift box courtesy of ePantry.com! This gift box includes:~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day dish soap~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day hand soap~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day countertop spray~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day dishwasher tabs~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day surface wipes~~

~~1 Meyer’s Clean Day scented candle~~

~~1 Casabella sponge~~

This giveaway is now over with and the winner is Riza {missriza@} The winner of the $50 Starbucks gift card from Saturday’s post was Becky {t_3_st@}

Shared Oct 13, 2014 comment

10 Goals This Week + an update on last week’s goals

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 13, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Finish reading Teddy’s Button aloud to the kids at lunch time.

~~2. Have a movie night with Jesse.~~

~~3. Write a love note to Jesse.~~

~~4. Write thank you notes for my birthday gifts.~~

~~5. Work on another craft/sewing project with Kaitlynn.~~

Personal Goals

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

7. Finish reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), A Proper Pursuit, and ~~Love, Skip, Jump~~.

8. Run or exercise at least 5 times.

Business Goals

~~9. Work on chapters 8 and 9 of my book manuscript.~~

10. Work on draft of my first article for an upcoming magazine column.

Last week’s goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Finish reading Teddy’s Button aloud to the kids at lunch time. {I’m determined to actually accomplish this goal this week! We’ve struggled through this book & it’s not been my kids’ favorite, so that’s contributing to how slowly we’re getting through it… and also we’re changing our read aloud time to breakfast because we recently added in extra swimming and ice skating lessons/practices for the girls that were cutting into our previous read aloud time.}

2. Have a movie night with Jesse.

3. Write a love note to Jesse.

4. Start a new sewing or handwork project.

Personal Goals

5. Work on reviewing and memorizing Romans 1 and Romans 2:1-3.

6. Finish reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), A Proper Pursuit, and a few other titles that I’m still picking out and will share in my book post tomorrow.

7. Run or exercise at least 5 times.

Business Goals

8. Continue to work on chapters 8 and 9 of my book manuscript.

9. Write answers to questions for an upcoming online interview.

10. Finish my first article for an upcoming magazine column.

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 Oct 13, 2014 comment

Cutting Down on Caffeine (I survived another week!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on October 13, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Bulletproof Coffee

So, I’m working on cutting back on caffeine this month, as part of the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge. And while last week was harder, I was excited that this week wasn’t as hard. Yay!

This week, I cut back from 1 and 3/4 cups per day to 1 and 1/2 cups per day. And I didn’t really even notice that I’d cut back a little. I am drinking a few cups of herbal tea, too, and I think that helps.

I’ve already decided this may not be a habit I decide to stick with, but I’m committed to following through with cutting back for this month.

How are YOU doing on cutting back on caffeine?

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

1. Have Box, Will Create

2. Raid The Closets

3. Hide That Treasure

4. Sneaky Giving

5. Kitchen Dance Party

Win a Copy of In This House, We Will Giggle!

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Aldi

Harris Teeter (Trip #1)

Harris Teeter (Trip #2)

Weekly Menu

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

Snacks

The Long Road Bag

Required Supplies:

DIRECTIONS:

Your Long Road Bag is finished!

Starbucks Inspired Hot Cocoa

Tell Us How You Saved & You Could Win a $50 Starbucks Gift Card

Books I’ve Finished Recently:

Books I Hope to Finish This Week

What I Listened To:

Movies We Watched:

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

Kroger

ALDI

Menu Plan

Tell Us How YOU Saved & Enter to Win A Mrs. Meyer’s Gift Box!

How are YOU doing on cutting back on caffeine?

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