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Shared May 2, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s CVS Shopping Trip: Spent $6.51 for $28 worth of products

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 2, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

CVS Shopping Trip

My CVS had all their Easter stuff marked 90% off, so I picked up a few fun items for my guys. 🙂

2 packages CVS Diapers – $6.99 each (Buy 1, Get $1.99 ECBs)

Used 2 $2/1 printable

4 Russell Stover Marshmallow Eggs – Marked down to $0.09 each

1 M&M Egg – Marked down to $0.09

1 bag Sticker Filled Eggs – Marked down to $0.29

Used $5 ECBs (from my Beauty Club Rewards)

Total before coupons and sales and markdowns: $28.55

Total with tax ($0.64) after coupons, sales, markdowns and ECBs: $6.51, Plus received $4 ECBs back

Shared May 1, 2014 comment

A 15-Hour Trek to Nashville, our new rental home, and peek into our new kitchen!

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Wow! It’s been a L-O-N-G 24 hours. Long, exhausting, and beautiful all wrapped up into one big day.

We started our trek to Tennessee at around 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon. We had planned to drive as long as we could stay alert… we both decided we’d stop and get a hotel whenever we were starting to feel really tired.

By around midnight, we were still going strong. So we kept driving. And driving. And driving.

15 hours later, we pulled into Nashville. We were very tired, but very thankful to be at the end of our journey and ready to start a new journey!

Today was a whirlwind of catching up on sleep and getting everything squared away for our rental house. We hadn’t seen the rental house in person, so we weren’t exactly sure what to expect.

Well, it far exceeded our expectations! In fact, the house is everything we were hoping for — and more! Best of all, it was a few hundred dollars less per month than we had budgeted.

My favorite part of all is the beautiful kitchen! Yes, I may be just a wee bit excited about all of the scrumptious food, freezer cooking, and laughter and love awaiting this beautiful space in the months to come! 🙂

We ended today with a pizza party with some dear friends here. It’s such a blessing to already have community here. Plus, my children were especially excited to meet some new friends and some of the neighbor children! Yay! {Thank you so much for your prayers for them — they are settling in well already and that warms this mama heart so very much!}

By the way, I really appreciated all your encouraging comments on this post last night. Your kind words blessed me a great deal.

And now, I’m off for some much-needed sleep before we start tackling all the unloading and as much of the unpacking as we possibly can tomorrow. 🙂

Shared May 1, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s $50 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 Cantaloupe – $1.29

1 Blackberries – $1.29

1 lb Butter – $2.49

1 Cream Cheese – $1.29

1 bag Gala Apples – $2.99

1 Baby Carrots – $0.99

1 Tortillas – $1.39

1 loaf Bread – $1.29

2 cans Green Beans – $0.49 each

1 bag Carrots – $0.99

3 packages Strawberries – $0.99 each

1 Roma Tomatoes – $0.99

1 gallon Milk – $2.69

3 Cucumbers – $0.49 each

Total with tax ($1.65): $24.76

Dillons

2.6 lbs Bananas @ $0.59/lb – $1.53

2 Herdez Salsa – $0.79 each, used 2 $0.50/1 printable – $0.29 each after coupons

0.63 lbs Broccoli @ $1.59/lb – $1

1 Breyers Ice Cream – $2.99

1 Lettuce – $0.99

1 Clif Bar – $1, used Free catalina coupon – Free after coupon

1 Kroger Brown Rice – $1

2 Dole Fruit Squishem’s – $2 each, used $1/1 coupon from the 4/27 SmartSource insert – $1 each after coupons

3 Navel Oranges – $0.75 each (I’ll get $0.25 back from Checkout 51.)

1 Kroger Applesauce – $2.29

1 Green Pepper – $0.99

2 Pineapple – $0.99 each

Items a part of the Mega Sale (Buy 4, Get $4 off instantly):

4 Kraft Cheese – $1.99 each, used 2 $1/2 printable – $1.49 each after coupons

Total before coupons and sales: $42.44

Total with tax $1.68) after coupons and sales: $25.24

Total for all grocery items: $50

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Egg Sandwiches, Homemade Granola, Oatmeal and Applesauce

Lunches

Macaroni and Cheese, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cheese/Fruit/Veggies x 2, Scrambled Eggs

Dinners

BBQ Meatballs (using deer meat), Biscuits, Green Beans

Spaghetti, Tossed Salad

Beans and Rice, Fruit Salad

Pancakes, Eggs, Hashbrowns

Salad Bar, Homemade Bread

Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Fruit Salad

Leftovers

Shared May 1, 2014 comment

12 Months to a Healthier You: May Challenge

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

One of my goals for 2014 is to focus on my health. It’s easy to let our health take a back burner to everything else on our to-do list. But as I share in my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, I’ve experienced what happens when you put your health last… and it’s not pretty!

With this in mind, I’m committed to making my health even more of a priority this year. And I’d love to have you join me for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge.

We’re be focusing on one challenge area each month — all with the goal of being in a healthier place as a person by the end of next year. My hope is that as we work on instilling one new healthy habit each month, these won’t just be month-long challenges, but lifelong changes.

12 Months to a Healthier You Focus Areas for 2014

Here are the focus areas I’ve planned out for 2014:

January: Exercise Regularly
February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies
March: Drink More Water
April: Cut Back on Sugar
May: Get More Rest
June: Create a Morning Routine
July: Read More
August: Go to Bed Earlier
September: Declutter Your Home
October: Cut Back on Caffeine
November: Keep a Gratitude Journal
December: Simplify & Say No

How This Challenge Works:

At the beginning of the month, I’ll introduce the focus area and encourage you to set a small goal for that specific area and I’ll share my goals.

Then, every Friday, I’ll have a check-in post where I’ll encourage you to share your progress & struggles and I’ll share mine, as well. If you want to blog about your progress, I’ll include a link-up at the end of the post so you can share your blog posts on this challenge.

Are you on social media? You can also share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter by using hashtag #12MonthstoaHealthierYou.

My Get More Rest Goal for May

My goal for May is to get at least 7.5 hours of sleep every night. I’m also hoping to keep up with January’s habit of exercising at least 4-5 times every week, February’s goal of eating a big salad at least six times a week, March’s goal of drinking 8 glasses of water every day, and April’s goal of eating dessert once a week.

Will you be joining me for this May Challenge? If so, leave a comment letting us know you’re planning to join and what your get more rest goals are for May. Remember to keep them simple and doable!

Shared May 1, 2014 comment

Swagbucks Gave Our Porch a Makeover!

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s Swagbucks success story is from Sydney:

Four years ago my husband and I purchased our first home. It was a definite fixer-upper but it was in the area we loved and a price we could actually afford. We knew fixing it up would be a slow process as we saved for the projects as well as making sure we could pay all our monthly bills.

At first, we were able to get a lot of the cosmetic and small things done, like patching holes in the walls and painting. The larger things, however, had to be put on hold while we saved up a little more money.

The house had a nice screened-in back porch and I was excited to spend a lot of time out there. I imagined dinners and relaxing afternoons reading books while taking in the nice view of our yard.

I soon found out, however, that because the screen was in such bad shape (there were holes in it everywhere and some was even missing) that it was almost impossible to enjoy being out there without being assaulted by the hundreds of mosquitoes and other bugs that were drawn to the light in the evenings or just me during the day. Soon I found that the porch was only used as a means to get to the back yard.

During the next four years, the plan to repair the porch got put on hold as other, larger expenses, such as replacing the furnace and air conditioning units and having our first child, got moved to the front of the line. I began to get discouraged with getting the “fixer-upper” part of the house done as things were breaking more quickly than we could fix them.

So when I discovered Swagbucks last year, I decided I would pick a home project that I wanted to “treat” myself to. Being a stay-at-home mom, I had a little flexibility in my time but also wanted to make sure to spend most of it with our son.

I decided to dedicate one hour each day to Swagbucks: taking surveys, completing offers, watching videos, and doing searches. I started to really rack up the points and eventually was able to turn them in for gift cards to Lowes and Walmart.

I finally got enough to give that porch the makeover it deserved!

With new screens, new paint, a new fan, and new patio furniture, our back porch is now a place we can really enjoy. We love having family dinners out there, and I can relax and read… or even do my daily Swagbucks surveys and offers there!

I finally feel like I was able to do something to fix up the house — which felt like a real win — without completely destroying our regular budget. -Jen

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Shared May 1, 2014 comment

Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: Paid $3.01 for $15 worth of products!

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Walgreens Shopping Trip

2 Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish at $1.69 – On Sale Buy One Get One 50% off
Used 2 $1/1 printable

2 Revlon Eye Shadow at $2.99 – On Sale Buy One Get One 50% off
Used 2 $1/1 coupon from the 4/27 SmartSource insert
AND used $1/1 Walgreens coupon from the May booklet (took off $2)

3 Milky Way Bites – $1 each (had to buy 3)
Used 2 $0.50/1 printable

Total before coupons and sales: $15.03

Total with tax ($0.72) after coupons and sales: $3.01

Shared Apr 30, 2014 comment

We’re Headed to Nashville (+ some changes coming to the blog!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

It’s been a long few days of last-minute moving details and tying up loose ends, but the truck is all packed up and we’re headed to Nashville! We’re hoping to make it to Kentucky tonight and then spend tomorrow and Friday moving into our new home in Tennessee.

Thank you so much for all your prayers for us. The past few weeks were hard with all of the goodbyes, but we have been so blessed by your support and prayers for us. You truly have no idea what your comments and emails have meant. Thank you for how you love our family!

The Start of New Things

This move marks the new start of many things for our family. We’ve long dreamed of being able to work together more as a family unit — instead of me having my own business and Jesse having his own business.

With this move, we’re excited to be able to pursue that dream together. We don’t know how it’s all going to pan out or exactly what it’s going to look like long-term, but we are thrilled to be on this adventure together, trusting God one step at a time.

Going Back to My Roots as a Blogger

I’m especially excited, because one of the big changes for me with this move is that I’ll be going back to my roots as a blogger. The past few years, things have grown and expanded here, and I’ve felt unsettled as to how to balance blogging, running a business, and keeping my family and health a priority.

To be honest, while the growth of this blog has been exciting, it’s also been hard for me. It’s been far beyond what I could have ever dreamed and navigating it all while seeking to have my heart and priorities in the right place has been a challenge.

I’ve done a lot of experimenting, praying, and soul-searching over the past year. My husband and I have had a lot of discussions. And I’ve asked for counsel and input from trusted friends.

While I hope to impact as many people as possible with this platform God has given me, more than anything, I just want to live a vibrant life and to blog from the overflow of that life. I’ve missed sharing more personal, every day life type posts here. I’ve missed sharing my grocery shopping trips. I’ve missed giving you more of a peek into our lives.

If I’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that I’m most fulfilled when I stop trying to please everyone and just be who God has made me to be. This blog can’t be all things to all people — that’s why there are millions of other blogs out there!

What You Can Expect For the Future

So while I still plan to keep posting the best deals, freebies, and coupons, you can expect to see a lot more real-life posts around here. Such as:

Posts about my grocery shopping and menu-planning.
Posts about recipes I’m trying and freezer cooking I’m doing.
Posts about money-saving triumphs and failures.
Posts about DIY projects I’m attempting.
Posts about our homeschooling adventures.
Posts giving you more of a peek into our everyday lives.
Posts about struggles I’m facing and lessons I’m learning.
And the usual smattering of Q&A posts, books I’m reading posts, goal-setting posts, business advice posts, and whatever else comes to mind. {You know me, I can be pretty eclectic! :)}

Thank you for the constant encouragement and inspiration you all are to me. I appreciate each and every one of you so much and I’m excited to be back to more of where I started when I first began blogging. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!

The packed truck: we were able to get everything we needed to take to fit (whew — all that de-cluttering paid off!!)

Shared Apr 30, 2014 comment

Ask the Readers: Summer Meal Ideas?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s questions is from Christy:

It’s warming up here in Missouri and I am wondering what kind of meals you make to avoid heating up your house more than it already is. We are trying to avoid using our air conditioner this summer to save money, but every evening when I turn on the oven, the temperature rises. I would love some helpful recipes and tips! -Christy

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Shared Apr 30, 2014 comment

How 30 Minutes on the Phone Saved Us Over $50!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Liza emailed in the following tip:

You and your readers have been so helpful to me in the past, I just wanted to share a discovery I made in the hopes it will help other families.

In the past, when I have received medical bills, I have always just paid them.

Last week, I got a bill from a medical lab for an $80 blood test my doctor ordered as part of my routine annual checkup. Routine checkups are supposed to be covered in full by my health insurance, so I called to ask what was going on. They told me that the test wouldn’t be covered because I’m not 30 yet — even though I will be in 6 months!

I asked to appeal the insurance company’s decision, and it was surprisingly easy to do over the phone. When we finished my appeal, the health insurance person said, “Well, if we do cover this cost, we’ll only pay the lab $27.22, not $80. Why don’t you call them and offer to pay $27.22?”

I called the lab and offered to pay $27.22, rather than $80. They immediately agreed! Also, if the insurance company accepts my appeal, I’ll get my money back in about 60 days. If not, I’m only out $27.22, not $80.

Thirty minutes on the phone saved my family at least $52.78.

In the future, when I get a medical bill, I’m going to:

1. Call my insurance and ask them to cover it.
2. Appeal it if they don’t.
3. Ask how much they WOULD pay the provider, if they DID cover it.
4. Call the provider, and offer to pay them that (lower) amount.

I wish I had known this years ago! Health insurance and medical companies don’t play by the same rules as everyone else — prices seem to be VERY negotiable. The bottom line is, don’t pay your medical bills without calling to see if they’ll accept a lower payment.

photo source

Shared Apr 29, 2014 comment

The Day I Blew It as a Mom

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 29, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A few days ago, one of my children had a melt down over something another child had accidentally done. It wasn’t pretty (are melt downs ever, though??!) and they lost a significant privilege as a result.

As we were discussing the situation, this child blurted out, “But it isn’t fair, because so-and-so did ____ to me!” I reminded this child that what the other child did was an accident and even if it had been done purposefully, the melt down wasn’t warranted.

We went on to talk about how we often can’t choose our circumstances. Life happens, people hurt us, friends disappoint us, we struggle, we get knocked down, and things don’t always go our way.

But no matter how difficult or frustrating our circumstances, we can always choose our response to our circumstances. We can choose to be upset, angry, stressed, and frustrated. Or we can choose to be calm, courageous, and kind.

Our response is always our own choice.

We had a good talk about this and I was feeling fairly good about how things turned out. And then I blew it.

You see, Jesse had done something that was hurtful to me. He didn’t mean to hurt me, but instead of talking through it with him to understand his point of view, I got upset. And I lashed out at him with my words — in front of our kids.

Pretty soon, everyone was frustrated. And in the middle of it, my own words came back to eat at me: “You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can always choose your response.”

Argh! That stopped me right in my tracks.

How could I expect my kids to have a right response, when clearly I’m not setting an example of a right response in front of them? The realization cut me to the core.

I had to go in my room and cool down for a bit, but then I came out and asked each member of my family to forgive me. It was humbling to have to confess to my children that I wasn’t practicing what I was preaching.

I was so sad to have upset them and hurt my husband with my frustrated words. But in the end, I think we all learned a powerful lesson: It might feel justified to respond by lashing out at someone, but it never solves any problems — it only magnifies them and does more damage.

It’s always worth it to choose to have a right response.

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Shared Apr 29, 2014 comment

Swagbucks Helped Pay for My Mini Fridge

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 29, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s Swagbucks success story is from Sarah

After graduating from high school 10 years ago, I started my own home business selling decorated cakes. Sales started slow and stayed that way for quite some time, with just a handful of cakes sold each year.

In 2012, I really had the desire to get my name out there more, as well as expand my offerings to all types of baked goods and sweets. I was accepted to our local farmers’ market and was excited to prepare everything for my booth.

One problem was that I intended to sell cheesecakes, cold pies, and cupcakes that needed refrigeration. I started to research refrigerators that would be small enough to transport every week, yet not be a low-quality dorm style that doesn’t maintain cold enough temperatures for food safety.

After finally finding a well-reviewed mini fridge, I checked several different retailers for the best price. Home Depot came out on top and had the added bonus of offering Swagbucks gift cards!

It had been 3 years since I joined Swagbucks, and I had accumulated enough bucks through searches and the daily poll to purchase 4 Home Depot gift cards. It wasn’t enough to cover the entire cost, but I was so happy to have a large chunk subtracted from what I had to pay out of pocket.

My mini refrigerator is still going strong, and I am now in my third season of the farmers’ market. There are several regular customers who come every week just for my cheesecake and mini pies, so it has been an investment well worth it! Thanks, Swagbucks!

Shared Apr 28, 2014 comment

6 Goals For This Week (and it’s MOVING week!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 28, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

After anticipating it and planning for it since November, it’s finally moving week! Our house is all packed up and almost all the last-minute details are done, so we’re excited to load up the moving truck, drive to TN, and start the adventure!

Since most of this week will be spent moving and unpacking boxes and settling into our new home in TN, I’m just going to set six goals again for this week:

Last Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

~~1. Finish packing up the house.~~

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

~~3. Take the kids on a fun outing.~~

Personal Goals

4. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-29.

5. Exercise four times. {I only got in exercising three times, but does packing boxes count for something?! ;)}

6. Finish reading Secrets of Dynamic Communication, The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight, and Chasing Francis. {I basically didn’t pick up a book all week long — I think that may be some sort of record! And one I hope to break this week! ;)}

This Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Move! 🙂

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

3. Read Captured on the High Seas aloud to the kids (while in the car driving to TN).

Personal Goals

4. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-29.

5. Exercise four times.

6. Finish reading Secrets of Dynamic Communication, The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight, and Chasing Francis.

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 Apr 28, 2014 comment

50 Family Fun Ideas For $10 or Less

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 28, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from AnnaLaura of AnnaLauraBrown.com

Having fun with the family is important to increase family bonds; however, it can also get expensive if you aren’t careful. Here are 50 ways you can have fun with your family for $10 or less:

1. Go to the dollar movie theater.
2. Rent a Redbox movie.
3. Go swimming at the community pool.
4. Go ice skating at the community rink.
5. Play at the park.
6. Do chalk art on the side walk.
7. Play Frisbee.
8. Go rollerblading.
9. Go bowling.
10. Have fun with bubbles.

11. Play with silly string.
12. Get some books at the library or go to a library reading time.
13. Make homemade play dough.
14. Dance to music.
15. Play with paper dolls.
16. Explore community gardens.
17. Run through the sprinklers in your swimming suits.
18. Make homemade ice cream.
19. Play Pictionary.
20. Play hangman.

21. Have a Long Jump contest.
22. Play a card game.
23. Make edible playdough.
24. Bake cookies.
25. Plan a scavenger hunt.
26. Play foursquare.
27. Jump rope.
28. Make homemade flubber.
29. Act out a scene from a play.
30. Play hopscotch.

31. Paint with water colors.
32. Make paper airplanes and see how far you can throw them.
33. Play marbles.
34. Play a game of tennis together.
35. Have a teddy bear tea.
36. Learn some magic tricks and then have a magic trick competition.
37. Find a free puppet show to attend. (Libraries and community centers have them all the time.)
38. Get cheap craft supplies and create your own puppets.
39. Learn how to juggle.
40. Go bobbing for apples.

41. Make marshmallow & toothpick structures.
42. Play with silly putty.
43. Have a pillow fight.
44. Make Homemade Oobleck.
45. Make a tent with boxes and blankets and play house.
46. Go camping in the backyard.
47. Have a water balloon fight.
48. Find a children’s museum with a free admission day.
49. Make soup for someone who’s sick and take it to him or her.
50. Write letters to someone who is in the military or far away from home.

What other ideas would you add to this list?

AnnaLaura Brown is a health and wellness coach who loves helping people get healthy and save money. Learn more about her on her blog at AnnaLauraBrown.com and get your free audio and over 100 healthy and inexpensive recipes.

photo credit

Shared Apr 26, 2014 comment

5 No-Cost Ways To Transform Your Home

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 26, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Mridu of Life is Organized

Wouldn’t you love HGTV to show up at your door for a surprise makeover? Reality check. It’s probably not going to happen. The good news is you can still experience a transformation without new furniture or adding a master suite.

Here are five no-cost and simple ways to makeover your home:

1. Rearrange your furniture.

Explore around your home and look at each piece with a new eye. Ask yourself:

Is the item being used effectively? When your decorative hallway table has become a dumping ground for clutter, removing it might be your best bet. Use it in your family room to showcase your long-forgotten frame collection.
Can it be used for another purpose? Don’t be married to what a furniture piece is intended for. Reconsider your buffet table as your TV stand. Or an armoire as your china cabinet.
Is there too much furniture in a given room? A bookshelf, side table, and dresser may be a bit much for one child’s room. Purge one of the larger pieces and use it for storage in another space.
Can you change current layouts to cozy things up? Face chairs and sofas toward each other to encourage conversation. Cozy key seating pieces up to the fireplace.
Can you give the impression of more space? In small rooms use fewer furniture pieces of a slightly larger scale to maximize floor space and opt for tall pieces that add volume.

2. Clean your stuff

Bring forgotten gems back to life. Dust off and wipe down old items from the back of the garage or attic, like rugs, vases, or artwork. Polish your barely used silver and use it to decorate your home. Your antique tea set or candlesticks will add a new and refined look to any space.

Use a fresh coat of paint on worn furniture, cabinets, or walls. Change colors, add design, or simply freshen up. This is one of the easiest ways to home transformation.

3. Simplify

Purge your spaces (rooms and closets) and make way for more space and freedom in your home. Ask yourself tough questions about everything you own like:

When was the last time I used this item?
If I haven’t used it a long time, what is the likelihood I will start using it now?
Is this item getting in the way of my ability to find what I need, when I need it?
Is it broken, and if so, am I really ever going to fix it?
Do I love this item?
What’s the worst that would happen if I got rid of this item?

If you’re brutally honest, you’ll find yourself surrounded with only things you truly need, use, or love. And beyond the emotional and mental benefits of this exercise, your home will have a completely refreshed look and feel.

4. Use functional storage

Move storage from one area to another or invest in vertical solutions. Make the most of square footage with a wall of shelves that provide storage for a variety of uses: office supplies, games, crafts, china, linens, or books. Consider freestanding pieces in smaller rooms and wall-to-wall built-ins in larger rooms.

Store everything by like items, whether they are in open or closed containers, from your blankets in a closet to your remotes in a basket on the coffee table. Effective storage can double the size of your space and freedom.

5. Change your room function. Just like that!

Are you using your rooms the way you really want to or how you think you should be using it?

If you use your dining room once a year but create a “make-shift office” on your kitchen table daily, it’s time to consider a change. Convert your dining area into the office of your dreams. As for that annual formal affair, dress up your kitchen table or rent a table and chairs for that one event.

Changing your rooms to suit your needs and habits is a rejuvenating feeling and one that will compel you ask, “why did I wait so long to do this?

Do you have any other no-cost transformation tips?

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 Apr 26, 2014 comment

Eating From the Pantry: Day 5

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 26, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Yesterday was a hard day. We had to say goodbye to a very dear friend who is one of my children’s closest friends. They’d been dreading this day for quite awhile, so I tried to come up with some fun things we could do to cheer them up. I decided we’d make a run to Sonic for drinks… not exactly eating from the pantry, but it definitely helped cheer some sad children up.

It was also one of those days that was full and busy and eating good meals altogether at the table didn’t really happen. It was more one of those eat-on-the-run days. It isn’t what I’d recommend, but it’s just what happens sometimes.

What we ate (yes, I know, kind of a pathetic list of unhealthy foods… just keeping it real here, though!):

Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal

Lunch: Chips, Muffins (from a friend), Salad

Snack: Ice Cream Cake, Drinks from Sonic

Dinner: Chips & Salsa (Jesse was gone, I was tired, and well, my plans for making pancakes & eggs just didn’t pan out!)

Are you eating from the pantry this week? If you are, leave a comment telling us what you ate today. Or, if you’re blogging about this challenge, leave a link to your direct blog post below that details what you ate for the Pantry Challenge today. I can’t wait to see your creative ideas!

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

CVS Shopping Trip

Aldi

Dillons

Menu Plan for this Week

Breakfasts

Lunches

Dinners

12 Months to a Healthier You Focus Areas for 2014

How This Challenge Works:

My Get More Rest Goal for May

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Walgreens Shopping Trip

The Start of New Things

Going Back to My Roots as a Blogger

What You Can Expect For the Future

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

What other ideas would you add to this list?

1. Rearrange your furniture.

2. Clean your stuff

3. Simplify

4. Use functional storage

5. Change your room function. Just like that!

Do you have any other no-cost transformation tips?

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