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Shared May 2, 2013 comment

Clutter-Busting Challenge Day #2: 5 things plus a stack of magazines

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 2, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Every week day in May, I’m challenging my readers to try to find at least 7 things to get rid of. These can be big or small things, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you actually throw them out, sell them, donate them, recycle them, or find someone else who can use them. Think you’re up for the challenge?

Most of today’s clutter consists of junk — and I’m not even sure why we still have these items.

But here’s what I got rid of:

Tray
Lid that doesn’t have a tub to go to it
Binder dividers — I don’t even know where these came from!
Speaker that no longer works
Dry erase board that is so old and used it doesn’t work anymore (why was this still in my basement?!? :))
Stack of kids’ magazines that have already been read/used/looked at

How did your clutter-busting go today? Link up your blog post and/or Instagram pictures below. Or, leave a comment telling us how many things you got rid of. Let’s clear our homes of clutter so we can be more productive and efficient!

Shared May 2, 2013 comment

Q&A: What do you do when you’ve already given up?

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 2, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

What do you do when you can’t even remember what your dream is or used to be, or I guess when you’ve already given up? I’m sure I’m not the only person to feel that way, so I would love your thoughts on this. -Jennifer

{Hugs!} Jennifer! I’m so sorry that you’re feeling discouraged and struggling right now. I can’t promise any magic pill or quick fix answers, but here are some thoughts I had:

1. Schedule a Doctor’s Visit

If you’re feeling depressed and down for longer than a few weeks, I recommend scheduling a visit to your doctor for a routine check up and bloodwork. You may have a nutritional deficiency, or some other medical problem that is making your feel lethargic and unmotivated.

And even if your bloodwork doesn’t show that there’s anything abnormal, your doctor might be able to give you some advice or suggestions to help you start feeling more upbeat and energetic.

Note: If you’re constantly feeling exhausted and worn down, I’d also recommend reading my series on 15 Ways to Have More Energy.

2. Stop the Negative Self-Talk

You matter. You are worthwhile. Don’t allow yourself to believe lies that say anything else. Camp on the truth.

Anytime you start feeling like there’s no reason to have hope, challenge yourself find three things to be thankful for. Focusing on your blessings will remind you of how blessed you are — even if life is hard. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

3. Set a Microscopic Goal

You need something to live for — even if it isn’t some amazingly audacious goal. Maybe you set a goal right now to write for 5 minutes a day, or to work out for 10 minutes five days a week, or to read a few pages from an encouraging book.

Think of something that feels doable and don’t worry if it seems “small”. Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

4. Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

You need cheerleaders around you who believe in you, want the best for you, and who will support you when life is hard. Cultivate relationships with people who will build you up, not tear you down.

5. Celebrate Your Success

Every week, take time to celebrate the progress you’re making — even if it’s just that you spent five minutes working out. Whatever it is, celebrate it.

This will motivate you to keep going the next week. In addition, it will encourage you as you realize that you are making progress, even if it’s small.

What advice and suggestions do the rest of you have for Jennifer?

Shared May 2, 2013 comment

Do It Yourself: Personalized Alphabet Book

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 2, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

AndreaDekker.com shows you how to make a Personalized Alphabet Book for a child or grandchild.

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 May 2, 2013 comment

Yesterday’s Health Food Store Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 2, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I ran into the health food store on the way home from an errand yesterday just to see if there were any great deals. I’m so glad I stopped by because they had great deals on grapefruit and I found some gluten-free tortillas marked down to $0.99!

Health Food Store Shopping Trip

8 Grapefruit — on sale 4 for $1
4 Ataulfo Mangos — on sale 4 for $1
5 packages of tortillas — marked down to $0.99 each
Total with tax: $8.53

Shared May 1, 2013 comment

A Mother’s Day List

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Victoria of Snail Pace Transformations

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and as it gets closer and closer, the ads on TV are pushing purchases of jewelery, fine chocolates and store bought cards. And Pinterest is full of cute ideas of decorated flower pots and homemade cards.

Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate (and I have yet to receive a homemade gift from my children that I did not love) but I think that sometimes we forget it’s the simple things that make the most memorable gifts.

I don’t remember the exact Mother’s day. I don’t remember even why I picked that Mother’s day to give this gift, but I have been forever touched by it’s impact.

That year I grabbed a dollar store card, and in it, I place a simple list written on plain paper. Little did I realize how much my mother would cherish that list. Perhaps if I did, I would have chosen nicer paper. Perhaps I would have used my best handwriting, but then again, I doubt that would have changed the cord it struck in my mother’s heart.

On the list, written with the ink of a inexpensive dollar store pen, were 10 things my mom held dear.

What were those 10 things? What was that list? Why did it touch my mother’s heart so?

The title read “10 Reasons Why I am Glad You Are My Mother”.

Each point I thought about, some were simple “I love your habit of backwards dinners” some were more deep “thanks for providing the best you could for me with what you had”.

My mom and me

Never was a thank you said, never was the list even mentioned until one year when my mom knew her time on earth was coming to an end. She said, “honey, the best Mother’s day gift you ever gave me was that list. In fact, I still have it an read it often”.

Words (not things) have lasting power.

This year, why don’t you include your own list of reasons why you love your mother with your gift or card ?

Victoria writes at Snail Pace Transformations with the mission of helping moms find the time and money they need to pursue their passions while still maintaing harmony in their homes. This Mother’s day you will find her eating ice-cream before dinner in memory of her mother.

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Shared May 1, 2013 comment

Clutter-Busting Challenge Day #1: We got rid of 32 things!

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Every week day in May, I’m challenging my readers to try to find at least 7 things to get rid of. These can be big or small things, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you actually throw them out, sell them, donate them, recycle them, or find someone else who can use them. Think you’re up for the challenge?

So, I challenged my girls to see how many things they could find to get rid of today. I told them I’d pay them $0.25 for everything they got rid of.

They were highly motivated and went through their room, the toy closet, and the craft shelves and came up with this big box of items! We counted and there were 32 items in all! It’s amazing how a little incentive works so well! 🙂

How did your clutter-busting go today? Link up your blog post and/or Instagram pictures below. Or, leave a comment telling us how many things you got rid of. Let’s clear our homes of clutter so we can be more productive and efficient!

Shared May 1, 2013 comment

One of my favorites from The Homemaking Bundle: Implementing a Cleaning Routine That Sticks by Clean Mama

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Each day this week I’m going to be featuring one of my favorite ebooks from The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle.

I almost paid full price for this ebook a few months ago, but I decided to wait. And I’m glad I did, because I was able to get Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine That Sticks as part of The Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Bundle.

This ebook has a lot of practical step-by-step ideas for creating routine and order in your home and life. We have a fairly good routine going and things stay pretty clean around here, but after reading Pulling Yourself Together, I was highly motivated to take things up a notch and get an even more consistent cleaning schedule going.

I loved how doable the author, Becky, made it seem. She didn’t overwhelm you or make your feel inadequate. She gave you steps to start right where you are and be successful.

In addition, I loved the deep cleaning routine ideas she gave. After last month’s 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge, I realized that there are some areas around here that we’re not regularly deep cleaning. And that’s something I Becky inspired me to work on.

If you love printables, you’ll appreciate the beautiful printable cleaning routine and daily routine printables this ebook has at the back. I love my system right now, but these were so cute that I was tempted to chuck it and go with these instead! 🙂

Get Pulling Yourself Together for Just $0.31 When You Buy The Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Bundle!

If you’ve not checked out The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle eBook Sale, be sure to hop on over to here to see how you can get $640 worth of ebooks and bonuses for just $29.97! You can get Pulling Yourself Together plus 96 other ebooks for about $0.31 each this week only!

Shared May 1, 2013 comment

Yesterday’s Dollar Tree Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I ran by Dollar Tree yesterday to see if they had bread in stock since we’re completely out. They did — and they had bagels, too. My favorite Cinnamon Raisin bagels. They haven’t had these for weeks and, of course, as soon as I go off of gluten, they get them in.

Oh well. I guess it’s a good opportunity to practice self-discipline. 🙂

I bought two packages anyway, since I knew the rest of my family would enjoy them. I stuck all the bread/bagels in the freezer and it should last us for at least a few weeks — especially since I’m not eating bread right now.

I love that Dollar Tree sells Nature’s Own bread for just $1 per loaf. Yes, I can make homemade bread for less than that, but it’s so nice to have in the freezer for sandwiches or to use for making Freezer-Friendly Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches.

Shared May 1, 2013 comment

Free samples in my mailbox

Published: by Crystal Paine on May 1, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Here are the free samples I’ve gotten over the past week:

Free bottle of Excedrin

Free Fiber One Protein Bar

Free Folgers coffee sample

Free Woolite detergent sample

What freebies have arrived in your mailbox this week?

By the way, if you want to start getting great freebies in your mailbox, just start signing up for the freebies I post every day that interest you. Within 4-6 weeks, your mailbox will start filling up with great freebies!

Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

52 Different Ways to Save $100 Per Year: Grow Some Of Your Food {Week 17}

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Every week in 2013, I’m 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.

We all know that it’s usually much less expensive to grow our own food, than to buy it at the store. But it’s also a lot of work. And time is money, too.

So if you have more time than money right now and you have the space for a big garden, definitely go for it. However, if a big garden is just not feasible, here are a few money-saving options that might work for you:

1. Plant an herb garden.

Fresh herbs are so delicious and nutritious. Best of all, they are easy to plant and care for, too!

Growing up, I had an herb garden for a number of years and loved experimenting with different herbs, different recipes, and different drying techniques. I recommend choosing herbs that you use often in cooking. Otherwise, you’re going to end up with a lot of excess herbs that you might not really have a use for.

Tip: Here’s a quick way to freeze fresh herbs.

2. Only plant a few things.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but I think we often can get ambitious with gardening and then end up biting off more than we can keep up with.

Instead of planting 27 different things, think about what vegetables you use the most and consider just planting your top 3-4 favorites.

Sure, you won’t be able to fix entire meals mostly from your backyard, but if you don’t have to buy lettuce, tomatoes, or onions all summer long, that will help cut down your grocery bill some.

Tip: If you’re short on space, you might also look into Square Foot Gardening.

3. Look into community gardening.

Want to have a big garden, but don’t have the space or hours of time to devote to it? Consider starting or participating in a community garden.

These are all run differently, but basically it’s just a group of people who all go in together and work together to plant and take care of a garden — and then split the produce that grows.

This might be something you could do with extended family or a few neighbors or friends. Or, you could see if your community already has a community garden project that you could participate in.

4. Have your children plant their own gardens and then pay them for the produce.

Growing up, one of our favorite things about summer was planting our own little garden plots. It never seemed like work and I loved watching my plants grow and produce.

If you have children who will have free time this summer, this might be something to consider. And you can offer to pay them a dime or some similar small amount for every item they grow.

This can be a win-win situation: you get to enjoy garden fresh produce for much less than what you usually pay for it at the store, your kids stay busy, and they have a way to earn money, too!

5. Barter with someone who plants a garden.

If you don’t have any space or desire to plant a garden, another option for inexpensive produce is to barter with friends who have big gardens. Maybe you bake bread for them, or babysit, or mow their grass, or fix their appliance (or whatever your skills are) in exchange for their extra garden produce. I’ve also heard that many people find free garden produce offers on Craigslist and Freecycle.

Do you plant a garden? Why or why not?

photo credit #1, photo credit #2

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Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #30 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy 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.

We made it to the finish line — woohoo! And today’s electronics cleaning project was quick and easy.

Thank you to everyone who so faithfully joined me in this challenge. I’m excited to start the Clutter-Busting Challenge tomorrow, aren’t you?

Join in the Chatter

::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!

Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

Today’s Walgreens Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My Walgreens shopping trip wasn’t much better than my Dillon’s shopping trip.

I had a little trouble locating the Happy & Healthy magazine where the battery coupon was in. But it wasn’t by the front door. Instead, they had them at the photo counter and the checkout counter.

So if you haven’t been to Walgreens yet to get the battery deal, just know that you might need to scout out the store a little to find the Happy & Healthy magazine (the battery coupon is at the very back, by the way).

Our store only had a few packs of batteries left, so I got two of them. Maybe I need to start shopping on Monday. 🙂

Here’s how the deal works:

Walgreens Batteries are on sale Buy One, Get One Free this week. Plus, there is a coupon to get Walgreens batteries for $0.99 per package in the Happy & Healthy coupon booklet. So you can pair these two deals together and get batteries for just $0.50 per package!

In the end, I paid $1.09 (including tax) for the two packages of batteries. Not bad!

See more deals at Walgreens this week here.

Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

Today’s Dillon’s Shopping Trip

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Ever have shopping trips that feel pretty much like a bust? That was my shopping trip at Dillon’s (Kroger affiliate) today.

I stopped by because I was hoping to pick up some of the free Veggie Chips. But alas, the Veggie Chips were priced at $2.99 (if I’m remembering correctly. Whatever it was, it was definitely not $0.99!). I’m hoping maybe they go on sale tomorrow when the new ad comes out?

In addition, I was hoping to pick up some $0.99 Finish Powerball Tabs. But the Finish was on the very top shelf and all the ones with peelies on them were at the very back of the shelf and impossible for a short person like me to reach.

I thought about asking for someone to help me, but there were no tall people in sight and I hated to flag down someone at the store to get them for me just so I could get the ones with peelies on them… since there were plenty without peelies on right within easy reach. I guess I have limits as to what I’ll do for the sake of saving money — especially if it involves a little bit of a strange request from a store worker. 🙂

But I did find the Rice Dream priced at $2.29 and I still had the $2/1 coupons. I know it’s supposed to be free at Walmart and that you can make your own Homemade Rice Milk for pennies, but I was planning to use rice milk in the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free waffles tonight, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to pick them up. And then at least my trip wasn’t entirely in vain.

Sometimes, my shopping trips don’t turn out like I plan, but that’s okay. One good thing is that the not-so-good shopping trips make the great shopping trips seem even better! 🙂

Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

Ask Jesse: Are there risks involved in using an online site to create your own Last Will & Testament?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Hi, Jesse! I know you are an attorney and you guys are fans of Dave Ramsey. I saw Dave Ramsey’s website has a link for a recommended site for doing your own Last Will & Testament. I would appreciate your opinion on how to go about setting up a will, including guardianship/trustee for children.

I have heard attorneys say those online ones can have inaccuracies which would make the whole document void. I definitely need some guidance in this and I don’t want to go cheap just to save money on something so important. The one attorney I asked for a price said it would cost $900-$1000 to set this up and that sounded like a lot! Thank you! -Beth

Hi Beth,

Whether someone can or should do their own will with a kit or with a discount online company is one of the questions I get most often. And you touch on one of the main reasons that I discourage it generally: the possibility of mistake.

Every estate is different. In addition, every state is different. As such, it is my opinion that if someone is looking at getting a will or estate plan done, they should at the very least talk to a qualified professional who can offer help or some sort of direction.

For some background, Last Wills and Testaments have been around for hundreds of years for devising property to subsequent generations. Generally, it was a matter of common law, or tradition, as to what laws applied and what didn’t.

As we developed as a country, the various states developed its own laws pertaining to land and property within its own state and what constituted the proper documentation to make the transfers. In Kansas, for instance, anyone making a will must have it witnessed by two people and must attest to it, stating before a notary that the will expresses their desires. If it is handwritten and notarized, it is improper and will be invalidated.

Each state is different. There are some states where these handwritten wills (called “holographic”) are fine and will be honored. This said, many of the kits and discount websites are geared toward specific states and, at the very least, should meet the minimums necessary to be valid.

This, though, brings me to my second objection: lack of personal attention. Everyone has individual needs and circumstances for planning and goals and just filling in blanks on a website or on a form is very impersonal and consultation with a legal professional that is knowledgeable in this area may highlight issues not addressed by these kits and sites.

It seems Congress is constantly changing the estate tax threshold, which no doubt is good for business for the high-end estate planners. Nonetheless, it is my opinion that everyone needs to know exactly what they have and exactly where they want it to go and choose whatever route is best for you and your family. I will caution that you to be careful not to get overcharged or up-sold for these services, though, and shop around.

Jesse Paine is a licensed attorney who owns his own law firm. He’s married to Crystal and is the numbers nerd of the MoneySavingMom.com team! If you have a question you’d like him to answer in a future column, you can submit it here.

The content of this column intended for informational use only and is not to be construed as providing legal, investing, accounting, or other professional advice. Your situation is factually specific and you should accordingly seek qualified professional counsel concerning your specific legal, investing or accounting needs.

photo from Big Stock

Shared Apr 30, 2013 comment

Good Reads: Embracing Beauty by Trina Holden

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 30, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I royally surprised myself. Because I loved Trina’s ebook, Embracing Beauty.

You all know I’m not a fashionista. I like looking put together, but I hate messing with trying to shop, match, coordinate, and figure out what things work together.

It takes so much time and effort and it drains me instead of energizing me. In fact, on the rare occasions that I do go shopping, I usually leave feeling frustrated by how fruitless the trip seemed to be.

{Yes, I know, all of you who love beauty and fashion and putting outfits together likely think I’m a little bit weird! I often wish I could be like you all!}

Trina’s ebook was a breath of fresh air for me. I loved her perspective on beauty from a Christian standpoint in the beginning chapters. In fact, it really challenged some of my preconceived ideas and beliefs–which I appreciated.

In addition, I loved her simple and frugal ideas for how to figure out what your style is and how to create beauty from the wardrobe you already have. Plus, her thrift store shopping tips were very helpful.

If you’re a Christian mom — and especially if you’re in the season of life when you are pregnant and nursing and caring for little people all day — I think you’ll be blessed and inspired by Trina’s ebook.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

1. Schedule a Doctor’s Visit

2. Stop the Negative Self-Talk

3. Set a Microscopic Goal

4. Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

5. Celebrate Your Success

What advice and suggestions do the rest of you have for Jennifer?

Health Food Store Shopping Trip

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

Get Pulling Yourself Together for Just $0.31 When You Buy The Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Bundle!

1. Plant an herb garden.

2. Only plant a few things.

3. Look into community gardening.

4. Have your children plant their own gardens and then pay them for the produce.

5. Barter with someone who plants a garden.

More Gardening Articles:

Do you plant a garden? Why or why not?

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

Join in the Chatter

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