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Shared Jul 19, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s $62 Grocery Shopping and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 19, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Health Food Store

I stopped by my local health food store this week right and scored quite a few good deals! I will be freezing a lot of these things so they will last longer.

5 pints Blueberries – $0.99 each (This is cheaper than Aldi!)

2 Organic Girl Greens – Marked down to $0.99 each

1 Super Crackers – Marked down to $0.99

1 Rudi’s Cracked Wheat Bread – Marked down to $0.99

1 Udi’s Gluten/Dairy Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread – Marked down to $0.99

1 pkg Pita Bread – Marked down to $0.99

Total with tax: $11.66

Aldi

1 dozen Eggs – $1.29

1 gallon Milk – $2.69

1 Cottage Cheese – $2.29

1 Carrots – $0.99

1 can Black Beans – $0.59

1 bag Oranges – $2.99

1 Celery – $1.19

1 Flour Tortillas – $1.19

1 Old Fashioned Oats – $2.29

1 Cauliflower – $1.69

3 Cucumbers – $0.59 each

1 Strawberries – $1.25

1 Salsa – $1.69

Total with tax: $23.48

Dillons

1 Welch’s Natural Jelly – $2.99

3 Chicken of the Sea Tuna – $0.79 each, used $0.75/3 printable – $0.54 each after coupon

1 Kroger Natural Peanut Butter – $1.67

2 Mott’s Fruit Snacks – $1.50 each, used $0.60/2 printable – $1.20 each after coupon and I will get $0.50 back from SavingStar

1 Angel Soft Bath Tissue – $1.25

1 Kroger Table Salt – $0.49

1 Kroger Baking Powder – $1.19

2 Chex Mix – $1 each, used $0.60/2 printable – $0.70 each after coupon and I will get $0.50 back from SavingStar (We have a vacation coming up in a few weeks and I thought these would be great for the trip. I always try to plan ahead and keep my eyes open for good deals on snacks starting several weeks before a vacation.)

1 Green Giant Sweet Potato Chips – $1, used $0.50/1 e-coupon – $0.50 after coupon

1 bag Kroger Brown Rice – $1

2.30 lbs Bananas @ $0.59/lb – $1.36

1 Red Leaf Lettuce – $0.99

0.55 lbs Broccoli Crowns @ $1.59/lb – $0.87

1 Kroger Detergent – $3.99, used Free coupon from mailer – Free after coupon

1 Suave Shampoo – $1.99, used $2/1 coupon from mailer – Free after coupon

3 Kraft Shredded Cheese – $2.99 each, used $1.50/1 e-coupon – $2.49 each after coupon (This e-coupon stated that I could use it up to 5 times in one transaction but it only came off once. I was terribly disappointed because I could have gotten the cheese cheaper at Aldi. Oh well!)

Total before coupons and sales: $50.52

Total with tax after coupons and sales: $27.31

Total for all grocery items: $62.45

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast/Eggs, Homemade Juice, Smoothies

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Tossed Salad x 2 with Cinnamon Raisin Toast, Fruit/Veggies/Crackers, Pita with Cheese

Dinners

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Tossed Salad

Spaghetti Pie, Blueberry Muffins, Tossed Salad, Green Beans

Black Bean Quesadillas, Steamed Cauliflower, Fruit

Salad Bar, Freezer Biscuits

Deer Roast, Carrots, Potatoes, Canned Peaches

Blueberry Waffles, Scrambled Eggs

Grilled Chicken, Tossed Salad, Steamed Cauliflower, Sliced Cucumbers

Shared Jul 19, 2014 comment

How To Save Money On College Textbooks

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 19, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Addi of Frugal Fanatic

Do you have a child starting college? Or are you going back to earn a degree? You may be shocked at the high cost of textbooks that are necessary for each class.

Well, there’s good news — even though you do have to purchase the books, you do NOT have to pay incredibly high prices!

Here are five ways that you can save money on college textbooks:

1. Avoid the school bookstore.

It may be the easiest route to take, but is always the most expensive way. Be sure to check online first. You may be able to find all the books you need for a lot cheaper than the bookstore.

2. Use Amazon.com.

Sites like Amazon often sell books for a discounted rate. There are a lot of sites out there that offer gently used books for a much lower price. Buying used books is a great way to save yourself a ton of money on your books.

3. Consider renting your books.

You also have the option to rent the textbooks you need for each class. You can find several websites that offer book rentals for a much smaller cost than buying the book outright. Most likely you will not need the book after the course is complete so this is a nice option to save some cash.

4. Ask about eBooks.

Be sure to check with your professor if an eBook is allowed for the course. You will often save more than 50% by purchasing the eBook version. Plus you won’t need to carry a book around with you each time you head to class.

5. Swap books with your friends.

Find friends who have taken the same courses and ask them about swapping books. If you are able to trade books with a group of friends you can save a ton of money on your books.

These are just a few ways to save on the cost of college text books — I’d love to hear any other ideas you might add to my list.

Also, keep in mind that you can usually re-sell your textbooks when the class is over and put that money towards your books for the next semester!

Addi Ganley is a work-at-home mom of 3 young boys. Her blog, Frugal Fanatic, focuses on how to live a frugal lifestyle. She is passionate about saving money and believes that if you save where you can then you can spend where you want to. Frugal Fanatic is her way of helping other people learn how to manage their finances in every day life.

Shared Jul 18, 2014 comment

Brigette’s Bulk Foods Grocery Shopping Trip

Published: by Brigette on July 18, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We’ve been traveling the past few weeks, visiting family and friends, so I haven’t done any weekly grocery shopping. I DID, however, visit a couple of my favorite places while we were back in Michigan (where we used to live).

We discovered the Amish bulk foods store by accident one day, years ago, when driving around. It is not advertised and doesn’t have a phone number or website! It is the cheapest place I have ever found wheat kernels (no tax or shipping!), and I have been a loyal, happy customer for many years.

I divide the 50-lb bags into ziptop bags and store them in the freezer

Countryside Bakery and Bulk Foods

(2204 29 Mile Rd, Homer, MI 49245)

1 50-lb bag Prairie Gold Hard White Spring Wheat Kernels – $27.95

1 50-lb bag Oats – marked down to $16.95

1 3-lb bag Cocoa Powder – $14.95

(16 oz Cinnamon – $2.49) My sister-in-law actually bought this for me and gave it to me ahead of time – but I am including it in the picture because it came from this store and I was planning on purchasing it.

4 oz. Ground Ginger- $1.99

Total: $61.84

J and D’s Honeybees

(13521 Allman Road, Concord, MI 49237)

1 gallon (12.5lbs) of Raw Honey – $37.50 (We actually bought four gallons while we were there, but only one is for us. This is the best, cheapest place I have ever found raw honey. We’ve paid as little as $25 a gallon over the years we’ve been buying from them, but apparently this was a really bad year for the bees and there is a shortage of honey so the prices are up. It’s still worth it to this honey-loving family!)

Total: $37.50

Sam’s Club

2 (54-oz) jars Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil @ $15.00 each – $30.00

Total: $30.00

Grand Total for all Bulk Purchases: $129.36

I didn’t plan a weekly menu this week as my kitchen is undergoing a major renovation over the next few days and it’s almost impossible for me to cook in it right now. My older three children are staying with grandparents all week, so my husband and I are kind of in eat-whatever-you-can-find-that-doesn’t-require-kitchen-prep mode, supplemented by the occasional out-to-eat treat. 🙂 Looking forward to getting back to a more normal schedule soon!

Shared Jul 18, 2014 comment

Swagbucks Pays for my Gluten-Free Flours

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 18, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s Swagbucks success story is from Mallory

I love to bake, so when I found out I was allergic to wheat and gluten about two years ago, it was a rough transition. I eventually found some good recipes and resources — the next challenge was finding the right ingredients.

It’s difficult to find gluten-free flours for a good price in our small town, but after doing some research, I found a good deal on Bob’s Red Mill brand cases of gluten free flour on Amazon.com and starting ordering from there.

Then, a little over a year ago, I learned about Swagbucks and how it worked here on MoneySavingMom.com!

When I first signed up with Swagbucks, I didn’t really know what I was doing and felt like I was doing well if I earned enough for a $5 gift card every month. Now, I am able to get $15-$20 per month by doing the following:

1. Doing the NOSO every day

2. Answering the poll and doing to corresponding activity

3. Using the toolbar

4. Running videos for a large chunk of the day

5. Using the search bar

This has been a great help and has paid for many cases of gluten-free flours. Now I can continue to bake and feed good food to the people I love!

Shared Jul 18, 2014 comment

When Your Grocery Budget is Tight, Don’t Forget About Bartering!

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 18, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Amanda emailed in the following tip:

I just had an exciting frugal occurrence and I wanted to share! My husband and I are on a tight budget as we just started our own business. This week, we had an unexpected $200 expense (not work related) and that made our grocery budget extra tight.

As I was looking over our pantry and fridge, I realized I had an abundance of coconut oil and coconut flour. I posted the extras to my local moms group on Facebook asking if anyone would be willing to trade some meat for either of those items. Today I met with another mom who traded me for a chicken, 3 packages of bacon, and 6 pounds of ground beef (all pastured-raised, grass-fed)!

Apparently she had been planning to purchase a gallon of coconut oil anyway, so we both left feeling like we had helped each other and saved money at the same time!

I just wanted to encourage other families in tight situations to remember that bartering can be an option! -Amanda

photo source

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

Click here to sign up!

Shared Jul 17, 2014 comment

Six Ways to Guarantee You’ll Have a Bad Day

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

Tuesday was one of those days.

You know the kind… where it feels like you wake up behind, you feel frustrated, there are countless interruptions, and the more the day goes on, the worse it gets.

By the grace of God, I didn’t fly off the handle at anyone, but I certainly felt like it could happen at any moment. I was anxious, unsettled, and just plain irritable.

The house was messy, the kids were needy, I got some discouraging feedback on a project I’d put a lot of effort into, and I never made it out of my PJ’s.

Late afternoon, I had a conference call with my managers about a contract we’re negotiating. Since they are like family, when they started the conversation asking me how I was, they got the honest answer.

“Well, I’ve not showered today. I’m still in my pajamas. And I basically feel like I’m failing at everything in life… I’m a failure as a wife, as a mom, as a friend, and as a businesswoman.”

Overly dramatic and almost entirely unfounded, I know, but that’s just how I was feeling that day.

I want to be honest in my relationships instead of sucking in my feelings and pretending everything’s okay. Plus, confiding in true friends and letting them pray for you and encourage you can often be the best remedy when you’re having a tough day.

After we got off the phone call, instead of wasting more time and making my day even worse by beating myself up over having a bad day, I decided to assess what went wrong so I could help prevent the rest of the week from going downhill, too.

As I analyzed my day, I realized there were six key things that were major contributing factors to my bad day. And I thought I’d list them as a reminder to me (and anyone else) for the future.

So here are six ways to guarantee you’ll have a bad day:

1) Don’t Get Enough Sleep the Night Before

I stayed up way too late the night before… and it wasn’t because I was working on some world-changing project. Nope, I was mindlessly browsing the internet. I know, sooo noble and worth losing precious sleep over.

2) Don’t Have a Plan for the Day

I woke up late and tired. Without a plan. And just let life hit me as it came.

Eventually, I got around to writing out a to-do list for the day. But by that time, I was so behind it was just more discouraging than it was helpful.

3) Don’t Shower or Dressed

Yup. It’s true. I was still in my PJ’s at 5 p.m. and I finally just gave up hope of changing out of them.

So I felt gross and messy and unkempt all day… which totally makes you feel cheerful and excited about life. Or not.

4) Don’t Stay Focused

Some interruptions came my way and I let them suck way too much time and energy from me. Instead of waiting to answer that non-urgent email and phone call until I had a time block to deal with it, I let the inbox and phone control my morning — which is always a recipe for my day getting out of whack.

And it was a recipe for complete chaos and frustration when my day was already off to such a poor start.

5) Don’t Count Your Blessings

I spent too much time fretting over a negative comment someone made and let that frustrate and irritate me until I couldn’t see any of the blessings of my day. Which then, in turn, only made the day seem clouded over with more frustration.

6) Do Beat Yourself Up for All the Ways You’re Failing

This final point is KEY for having a bad day. Take a lot of time to mull over everything single last thing you’re doing wrong and every area of your life that needs improvement. It will seal the deal for you and your bad day.

So there you have it! Six guaranteed ways to have a bad day. Did I miss any points? If so, let us know in the comments.

And do yourself and your family a favor: don’t try this six-step plan at home.

Shared Jul 17, 2014 comment

One-Hour Freezer Cooking: Skinny Chocolate, Energy Bites, and Whole Wheat Pancakes

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

I’m f-i-n-a-l-l-y getting around to telling you about my very successful one-hour freezer cooking session that I did recently.

So this Peppermint Skinny Chocolate was a winner. I was kind of hesitant about how it would turn out, but I followed the recipe exactly — including the tips the blog suggested — and it was delicious. In fact, it was so good that I was tempted to literally lick the bowl out. Instead, I scraped it clean (see above).

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy chocolate recipe, I recommend this Peppermint Skinny Chocolate.

I cut it in small pieces and stored it in the freezer and it’s the perfect treat on a hot day!

Next up, I made a batch of Homemade Energy Bites. These are the snack of choice for my kids this summer. And I love it that they are packed with pretty healthy ingredients.

One batch lasts the three kids about a week. But I can’t always keep up with the demand, so Kathrynne asked me if she could learn how to make them, too. See pictures of how her batch turned out here. 🙂

And while I was busy making Skinny Chocolate and Energy Bites, the guys were whipping up a batch of Whole-Wheat Pancakes.

I love baking and cooking together in the kitchen as a family. And now that we’ve overhauled our lifestyle with the move to TN, it’s becoming a fairly regular occurrence around here — which is so much fun!

Recipes made:

Peppermint Skinny Chocolate
Whole-Wheat Pancakes
Homemade Energy Bites

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

12 Books I Plan to Read in July + 3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to the Kids

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

As I shared in January, I’m changing the way I’m approaching my reading goals in 2014. Instead of picking books for the whole year, I’m just choosing books a month at a time.

Here’s my list of what I’m planning to read in July:

12 Books I Plan to Read in July

I also am reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.

3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids

What books are you planning to read in July? Leave a comment and let us know — and then you can come back at the beginning of August to tell us what you ended up reading and what you thought of the books you read!

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

How to Make Delicious Homemade Lattes — Without an Espresso Machine!

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

I’ve heard rave reviews of this Homemade Latte Recipe ever since I posted it. And I’ve wanted to try it, but I was happy with my regular coffee with cream and sugar so I figured, why change it?

Well, in the last few months, I’ve been slowly weaning myself off of most sugar in my diet. And a few weeks ago, I stopped using sugar in my coffee altogether.

{Can we all take a moment of silence? Did you read what I just wrote? This girl who has had a lifelong sweet tooth, STOPPED USING SUGAR IN HER COFFEE?!?

I’m not even sure that I can communicate the magnitude of that statement. Next thing you know, I’m going to start a blog about doing car repairs or something. Well, I may need to first learn the name of the car I drive (babysteps, babysteps…). But hey, if I can do something I never thought would be remotely possible — drink coffee without sugar and like it — who knows what I might do next?! :)}

Good Girl Moonshine

Bulletproof Coffee

At any rate, as a result, I’ve been experimenting with different kinds of coffees and drinks, including Good Girl Moonshine and Bulletproof Coffee.

{If you Google the recipes for those, please promise me you won’t write me off as total crazy. Because I liked both recipes and have made them multiple times. I know… I may be going through a midlife crisis or something. ;)}

As I experimenting with different recipes, I remembered this Homemade Latte Recipe and knew it was high time I try it. I used some of my Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks to purchase the Aerobie Aeropress and AeroLatte Frother.

I’d never made espresso before and was super impressed with how easy it was to make!

When you pull the Aeropress off the cup, the most amazing coffee smell wafts up. Love it!

(Also, totally unrelated: but notice how I’m keeping my nails painted thanks to the encouragement from some of you in the comments here. And it’s been over a week and it’s totally working to kill my nail-biting habit. And it makes me so happy to look down and see my red nails. I have hope that they are going to grow out all pretty, long, and strong… but for now I’m celebrating the little victories.)

This frother is absolutely so much fun!

And there you have it! An amazing cup of Homemade Latte for much, much less than you’d pay at the coffee shop and without using an Espresso Machine.

You can find the detailed recipe here. Also: if you want to make a Breve Latte, just substitute Half and Half for the milk, like I did. And then don’t go look up the calorie count after you make it like I did… yikes! 😉

What are your favorite at-home coffee drinks to make?

Shared Jul 16, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: Spent $1.76 out of pocket

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

Walgreens Shopping Trip

2 Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadows – $2.99 each (On Sale Buy One Get One 50% off)
Used 2 $1/1 coupon from the 6/15 SmartSource insert
And used $1/1 Walgreens coupon from the July coupon booklet (took off $2)

1 Schweppes Water – $1 (Buy 1, Get $1 Register Rewards)

2 Crunch Candy – $0.39 each
Used $0.50/2 coupon from the 7/13 SmartSource insert

Total before sales and coupons: $9.77

Total after sales and coupons: $1.76, Plus received $1 Register Rewards

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

Click here to download!

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

10 Books I Read in June (and My Top 3 Favorites!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

While I didn’t quite get all the books read in June that I hoped to, I DID get in more reading than I had in April and May, so that’s progress!

10 Books I Read in June

I’m also reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.

3 Books I Read Aloud to My Kids

Devotional: Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines
The Saturdays

My Top 3 Favorites

The Nesting Place — Confession time: I’ve never nailed anything on a wall on any house I’ve ever lived in (friends & family have taken pity on me and done it for me), but this book moved me at a deep level. I want to stop making excuses that “I’m not a decorator” — borne out of my own insecurity and concern over what people will think or that I’ll do it all wrong.

Instead, I just want to be free to experiment, take risks, and try new things — not only when it comes to our home decor, but in all areas of my life. It’s time to say goodbye to performance, perfectionism, and people-pleasing… And to start living with braveness and boldness.

Love Idol — I highly, highly recommend this book if you find yourself (like me) having perfectionistic, people-pleasing tendencies. It’s well-written and engaging, but more than that, the message is powerful, freeing, life-changing!

Rhinestone Jesus — The title of this book alone was enough to challenge me. But the contents were even more convicting. I don’t want to “play it safe”. I want to step outside my comfort zone, even though it’s uncomfortable and hard. I only have one life to live. I want to live it to its fullest. Reading Kristen’s story in the pages of this book stirred me, moved me, and challenged me to not be complacent, comfortable, or content with mediocrity.

Runner Up: Carry On, Warrior — If you didn’t get to yet, be sure to read the post this book inspired: I’m Done With Being a People-Pleaser.

What books did you read in June? What were your favorites? Any books that you’d highly recommend for me?

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Business owners & bloggers: I’d LOVE to meet you in Colorado in November!

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Are you a blogger or a business owner who would love some insider tips, secrets, and encouragement for skyrocketing your success? You MUST check out the Platform Conference.

I went to this conference last year hoping I’d pick up some new ideas and inspiration for how to continue growing my platform. Instead, I left the conference with a completely new plan of action and approach for my business.

The speakers and attendees were not only inspiring, but they challenged me to think far outside of my current business strategy. I only wish I had learned this information sooner! It has transformed the way I think and the way I approach business and blogging.

Without a doubt, I can say that the money I spent to attend the Platform Conference was truly the best money I’ve ever spent on any conference in my life. Yes, it’s that good!

I’m honored to be speaking at the Platform Conference this year, along with an incredible line-up of other amazing speakers. I cannot wait to sit and soak up wisdom from them and be re-energized and re-inspired as a business owner and blogger.

The Platform Conference will be held November 9-11, 2014, at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort and Spa in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This event is for anyone and everyone who has something to say, share, or sell. This includes public speakers, authors, bloggers, business owners, entrepreneurs, sales people, pastors, nonprofit leaders, and more.

Save $200 When You Register By August 1, 2014

If you register by August 1, 2014, you’ll get the Early Bird Rate — which is $100 off the regular price. Plus, if you use coupon code CRYSTAL, you’ll get an additional $100 off. The coupon code CRYSTAL is valid up until conference registration is closed, but the Early Bird Rate ends August 1, 2014.

Do yourself a favor and go sign up for the Platform Conference. I’d LOVE to meet you there!

Sign Up for a FREE Group Mastermind With Me & My Husband

As a special bonus, if you sign up using my coupon code, my husband and I would like to invite you to an exclusive FREE one-hour Group Mastermind we’ll be hosting on-site. This will be an opportunity to get to meet with us and pick our brains with any business or blogging questions (or even life questions) you have. It will be fun and informal — a time for us to get to know you and encourage you in your business endeavors.

To be invited to this exclusive Mastermind with Jesse and me, just sign up for the Platform Conference using coupon code CRYSTAL at checkout. Then, forward your registration confirmation email to registration @ moneysavingmom.com and we’ll be in touch with further details on when and where the Mastermind will be held. We hope to see you there!

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

Part-Time Work-At-Home Position Available

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

All About Worship asked if I’d shared their part-time work-at-home position with you all since I know some of you are looking for at-home work opportunities. Here are details on the position taken from their blog post:

Are you tech AND social media savvy? Are you self-motivated and super organized? Do you have a passion for worship? Are you looking for a part-time, work-at-home job that’s not only flexible, but rewarding? Do you want to be a part of an organization that impacts worship leaders/teams worldwide and is focused on advancing the Kingdom of God?

If you answered “yes” to ALL of these questions, you may be just who we’re looking for!

JOB TITLE: to be determined

REPORTS TO: Wisdom Moon (Founder of All About Worship)

PURPOSE: Supports the organization’s objectives by managing the day-to-day operations with minimal supervision. You will work from home (aka telecommute) with periodic in-person (if in Nashville area) and/or skype meetings with supervisor. This position will require about 2-4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Work hours are flexible, but require at least some availability during regular business hours.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Be a part of creating & implementing fresh new ways to influence more worship leaders/teams worldwide

Plan, schedule, and coordinate articles and music reviews with contributors

Proofread, edit, and publish articles and reviews

Write (minimal) content for the site

Complete some basic, simple graphic design

Manage multiple social media accounts: curate relevant content, schedule posts, respond to comments, engage with the audience

Promptly respond to email inquiries

Maintain relationships with current advertisers and actively develop new relationships

Invoice advertisers and follow-up

and other duties as assigned

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Thorough understanding of worship ministry and the needs of worship leaders/teams

Familiar with current worship music and resources

Strong follow-through and follow-up

Amazing people skills

Very tech-savvy

Basic graphic design

Great with grammar, spelling, and writing

Previous experience with using a CMS (Content Management System) preferred

Proficient in the use of social media as an organization, including but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and Google+

Basic understanding of how digital advertising and invoicing works

Type at least 30 WPM

COMPENSATION: Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities (base pay + commission). This is a part-time, telecommuting contractor position.

APPLY: To be considered for this opening, email your resume and any supporting portfolio or works to office[at]allaboutworship.com

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

How to Afford Real Food on a Budget

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m so honored to be guest posting over on 100 Days of Real Food today. If you are interested in how to afford real food on a budget, be sure to click over and read my post.

Also? If you’re interested in making the switch to more real foods, I highly recommend following the blog, 100 Days of Real Food. It’s packed with all sorts of great inspiration, ideas, and recipes for eating fewer processed foods (or eliminating them completely!)

Shared Jul 15, 2014 comment

12 Goals for 2014: June’s Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on July 15, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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 my progress on my 12 goals for 2014:

Marriage Goals

1. Read 6 marriage books. (I’ve finished three marriage books so far.)
2. Write 50 love notes to Jesse. (I’ve written 22 love notes so far.)

Mothering Goals

3. Read 40 books aloud to the kids. (We’ve finished eight books so far — I’m really hoping to catch up on this goal over the summer since we’re quite behind!)
4. Finish memorizing Romans 1 together. (We’ve been working on this!)
5. Go through a cooking course with the kids.

Personal Goals

6. Read through the Bible. (I’m mostly on track with this.)
7. Memorize Romans 2. (I started this this week.)
8. Run a 5K race and go through P90X again. (We’re currently looking into races for this Fall and hoping to sign up for a couple.)
9. Read 150 books/ebooks. (I’ve read 50 books so far this year.)

Blogging Goals

10. Write 150 substantive content pieces for the blog. (I’ve written 100 substantive content pieces so far this year — woot!)
11. Write 50 DIY/Recipe posts for the blog. (I’ve written 25 DIY/Recipe posts so far.)
12. Blog about/participate in the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge (I finished June’s 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.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Health Food Store

Aldi

Dillons

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

1. Avoid the school bookstore.

2. Use Amazon.com.

3. Consider renting your books.

4. Ask about eBooks.

5. Swap books with your friends.

Countryside Bakery and Bulk Foods

J and D’s Honeybees

Sam’s Club

Grand Total for all Bulk Purchases: $129.36

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

So here are six ways to guarantee you’ll have a bad day:

1) Don’t Get Enough Sleep the Night Before

2) Don’t Have a Plan for the Day

3) Don’t Shower or Dressed

4) Don’t Stay Focused

5) Don’t Count Your Blessings

6) Do Beat Yourself Up for All the Ways You’re Failing

Recipes made:

12 Books I Plan to Read in July

3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids

What are your favorite at-home coffee drinks to make?

Walgreens Shopping Trip

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

10 Books I Read in June

3 Books I Read Aloud to My Kids

My Top 3 Favorites

Save $200 When You Register By August 1, 2014

Sign Up for a FREE Group Mastermind With Me & My Husband

Marriage Goals

Mothering Goals

Personal Goals

Blogging Goals

Did you set goals for 2014 yet?

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