Saving Families Money Since 2007
Silas helped me do a little freezer cooking last night.
We made Freezer-Friendly Pizza Dough.
I had planned to freeze half the dough, but the whole family ended up wanting to make their own pizzas. So we just went with it. 🙂
I was really unsure of how the Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies were going to turn out.
But I ended up being very impressed with them. We added chocolate chips and a few dried cranberries. They are addictive! 🙂
Recipe Links:
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
Your project for today is to clean your entryway, sweep your garage, and/or vacuum out your car.
Or, if you have extra time and energy, you can do all three things!
Come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
Well, today’s project was quick and easy…
Before {wasn’t too bad}
And after 10 minutes of rearranging and wiping down, here’s what it looked like.
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
I got an email from Emily from Our Frugal Happy Life and she said that she found the above display at her Aldi store with Gluten-Free Brownie and Baking Mix available for sale for $2.99 per box!
I can’t guarantee that you’ll find this at your Aldi store, but I thought I’d pass the news along to those of you with gluten allergies so you could be sure to check.
Let us know if you find this same deal!
I’m so excited to see Aldi jumping on the bandwagon with not only carrying organic food, but also now offering gluten-free mixes. Be sure to let them know that you are happy to see these options — and hopefully they’ll make them a long-term thing!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
Your project for today is to clean out your refrigerator and/or organize your pantry.
Is this a project you love or loathe? For me, it’s a little bit of both. I don’t enjoy doing it, but it always makes me so happy when it’s done!
Come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
My apologies that this is really late. I spent a few hours at the doctor’s office today and it threw our schedule out of whack. But such is life sometimes and you just roll with it. 🙂
I decided to time myself to see if I could do all the light switches in less than 5 minutes.
Just under the wire!
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
Today’s question is from Bobbie:
I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, the mother of a four year old and a night shift nurse. We recently moved and lately, I have noticed that my husband has picked up a lot of my slack. I really want to get back on track and ease his load, so I need to find a way to streamline my household duties, financial duties and menu planning all at once. I am committed to finding a system that I think will work for my family.
I am wondering if any of your readers have suggestions on places to find printables or systems that work for them?
Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
Your project for today is to wipe down your door knobs and light switch plates.
If you have children, they’d probably love to help you out with this project!
Then, come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
I ended up only getting the kids’ bathroom floors and baseboards done today.
Because it was really, really icky!
Yikes!
As I was cleaning the baseboards, I noticed that we now have a lovely boy bathroom smell in our kids’ bathroom… oh joy! Now I know what all you moms of boys have been talking about for so long. And I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks for dealing with this. Because it’s a whole new territory for me. 🙂
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
Your project for today is to deep clean your bathroom(s).
You can follow this list, if you find it helpful:
- Set the timer for 20 minutes and put toilet cleaner in each of the toilet bowls and let it soak.
- Remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom, put away items that need to be put away in the bathroom, empty the trash.
- Spray and wipe down the sink and tub.
- Finish swishing and cleaning the toilet.
- Shake the rugs outside (or throw them in the laundry) and mop or vacuum the floors.
- Wipe down the outside of the cupboards and clean the mirror.
- You’re done!
As for me, I’m planning on scrubbing the bathroom floors and baseboards — something that often gets a little overlooked.
Then, come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
Every Monday in 2013, I’ll be sharing a different way you can save $100 this year. If you do all of these things, you’ll be able to save over $5,000 this year alone! Many of these things will likely be things you’re already doing, but hopefully all of you will pick up at least a few new ideas or some inspiration from this series.
How many of you have a gym membership that you aren’t using regularly? If you’re not using it, that’s just money going down the drain every single month!
And even if you are using it occasionally, it could be really pricey for each visit. For instance, if you’re paying $40 per month for your membership and you only go once a week, that’s $10 per visit!
What if you cancelled your gym membership and committed to try other much more alternative options? Here are some ideas that have worked for me:
We have gotten great deals on workout equipment on Craigslist. If you wait until midyear — when everyone has long since forgotten their New Year’s resolutions — you may be able to get a fantastic deal on an almost-new treadmill or elliptical that someone just wants to get out of their house.
Garage sales are also great places to check for workout equipment. Know what you’re looking for, have patience, and you’re bound to find a deal.
YouTube is a treasure trove of free workout videos. I personally haven’t used a whole lot of them, but one I am very familiar with is Clare from Peak313.com. She has all sorts of fantastic workout videos, workout routines, and great fitness ideas on her blog — all for FREE!
If you have YouTube workout channels you recommend, would you post the link in the comments for us? Thanks!
You can find dozens — or even hundreds — of workout videos at your local library. I love Jillian Michael’s DVDs — especially her 30-Day Shred. If you are wanting something a little more low impact, try Leslie Sansone.
If you find a DVD you especially like, it’s probably worth buying it instead of constantly renewing it at the library. 🙂 But I love how you can “try before you buy” via the library.
Getting outside and exercising — whether running, jumping rope, chasing your kiddos around playing tag, or taking your baby out in the stroller for a brisk walk — is one of the best ways to exercise. Not only do you not have to mess with purchasing exercise equipment or DVDs, but you get fresh air and sunshine at the same time!
More Fitness on a Budget Ideas:
3 Inexpensive Ways to Make Exercise Fun for Your Children
Now, it’s great to have these gym alternatives. But you actually have to follow through with them to make them worth anything! So here are three suggestions I have for staying consistent with exercising:
Make a plan and write it down. It could be as simple as saying you’re going to take 3 15-minute walks this week. Or that you’re going to complete 4 days of the Couch to 5K program.
And don’t just plan what you’re going to do. Plan when and how you’re going to do it as well. Will you take your kids on a bike ride after school? Or will you hop on the treadmill first thing in the morning?
Knowing what you’re planning to do and how you’re planning to do it will be a huge step in the direction of success.
If you’re struggling to stick with your exercise plan, I highly recommend getting an accountability partner. Find someone to run with every morning or to come over and do a workout DVD with you three times per week.
Or, just ask a friend if she’ll be willing to keep you accountable every day to following through with exercising. This means that you’ll text her, call her, or email her to let her know what you did. It’s amazing how motivating accountability can be!
It’s very encouraging to keep track of your exercise each week — and to see the progress you are making over time. You can use something like Nike+ or log your exercise on a site like SparkPeople. If you’re more of a pen and paper person, you can use one of these free Fitness Planning Printables.
What are your best tips and ideas for staying fit on a budget? I’d love to hear!
During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.
My kitchen looked like it was in pretty great shape today.
But looks can be deceiving.
Yup. All that was hiding in the cracks and crevices of the kitchen floor — including a fake nail from Kaitlynn’s beauty set. 🙂
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
Last week’s goals:
Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals
1.Read 20 pages of Rascal by Sterling North aloud to the children. Read four chapters of Paddington at Large with Kathrynne, read four chapters of Life With Lily with Kaitlynn, read four chapters Little House Christmas Stories with Silas.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.
Personal Goals
3. Memorize Romans 1:9-10.
4. Exercise five times.5. Finish reading:
One Question, While We’re Far Apart, 24/6, Start, and When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box.Homemaking Goals
6. Follow the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge.7. Work on my embroidery project for at least 30 minutes.
8. Try three new homemade cleaning recipes. {I only made one — the Homemade Tub & Tile Cleaner.}
Business Goals
9. Finish tweaking recipes for my new recipes page.
10. Finish all my manuscript edits per my editor’s suggestions.
This week’s goals:
Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals
1.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.
Personal Goals
3. Memorize Romans 1:9-10. {I really am hoping to make some progress on this this week!}
4. Exercise five times.
5. Finish reading: While We’re Far Apart, 24/6, Start, and When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box.
Homemaking Goals
6. Follow the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge.
7. Work on my embroidery project for at least 30 minutes.
8. Try one new homemade cleaning recipe (I’ll post about it if it turns out any good.)
Business Goals
9. Finish tweaking recipes for my new recipes page.
10. Finish editing five chapters for the second round of edits on my manuscript. {Yes, it seems like this is a never-ending process!}
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.
Well, I know I was supposed to tell you about my freezer cooking last week. But I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder area on Wednesday and I was down and out for a few days while letting that heal.
I did make the Healthy Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars. And I attempted to make the The Easiest Loaf of Bread You’ll Ever Bake, but I found that it wasn’t all that easy. In fact, I forgot to bake it and left it on the fridge all night long! So I ended up throwing out the batter — and decided maybe I ought to just stick with my bread machine recipes. 🙂
Breakfasts
Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit
Lunches
Mac & cheese, fruit
Snack-y lunch
PB&J, carrot sticks, apples
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Leftovers x 3Snacks
Fruit/veggies
Popcorn
Freezer Cooking {I’ll share how this goes later this week!}
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Freezer-Friendly Pizza Dough
Baked Chicken
Dinners
Mexican Chicken Lime Soup, fruit, tossed salad
Bean & Cheese Burritos, fruit, veggies
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ham, veggies
Homemade Pizza, fruit, veggies
Breakfast for dinner: Pancakes, fruit, scrambled eggs, and leftover Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ham
Dinner out
Dinner with extended family
What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.
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