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Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #13 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

If you missed this morning’s assignment, you can see it here.

We had a good day today and I am so thankful to have gotten almost all of the trip preparations done so that I can go to bed early tonight. (As much as I try to plan ahead, I usually seem to be scrambling and throwing things into a suitcase at midnight before I’m supposed to leave on an early flight the next morning!)

The tops of the cupboards didn’t look to dirty…

…but looks were deceiving. Ick! There was a sticky film that required I scrub and rinse each area three times to get it completely cleaned.

The top of the refrigerator wasn’t too bad.

But the rubber seal was nasty! So glad I got up there and cleaned it today. It just feels good to know all that dirt is gone.

My 7 things I got rid of today. We’ve recently gotten a few new mugs as gifts, so I pared down our mug collection and got rid of a few that we’ve had since we got married.

How did you do on Assignment #13? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

My husband’s Target shopping trip today

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So, my husband generously offered to go to Target today on his way to a court appearance and pick up some tank tops and Starbucks coffee for me. Can’t you just picture an attorney all decked out his suit looking through the ladies’ clothing to pick out tank tops for his wife — and then using coupons at the register to boot?

Yes, I love that guy! 🙂 Here’s what he got:

Bought 4 bags of Starbucks coffee at $7.99 each
Used 2 $5/2 Starbucks Ground or Whole Bean Coffee Target printable coupon
Stacked with 4 $1/1 Starbucks Coffee printable manufacturer’s coupon
$4.50 per bag after coupons

Bought 2 Merona Ruffled Tank Tops at $6 each
Used 2 $3/1 Merona coupons
$3 each after coupon

See more deals at Target this week here.

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

Reader Tip: Buying from the bulk bins could have saved me over 70%!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Caren from The Prudent Pantry emailed the following tip:

While making pancake mix recently, I ran out of flax seed and purchased the prepackaged flax for $2.79. When I made a trip to a health food store later in the week, I realized how hasty I had been and how much it had cost me.

I had paid $2.79 for a 7-ounce package of organic flax seed. However, at the health food store, the organic flax seed is sold in bulk for $1.89 per pound. At $2.79 for a 7-ounces, that prepackaged flax seed cost $6.38 per pound.

Buying flax seeds from the bulk bins would have saved me over 70 percent. Not all savings are that spectacular, but they are savings none the less.

If your regular grocery store does not have a bulk section, check out the smaller specialty or health food stores in your area. My grocery store does not have a bulk section, but it is worth it for me to visit a local health food store occasionally to purchase items in bulk.

The bins are also great for items you just want to try, or for when you only need a small amount of an ingredient for a recipe. This is especially true of spices. You may only need a small amount of a particular spice for a new recipe you want to try. There’s no need to pay for an entire jar if you just need a teaspoon. -Caren

For more frugal encouragement and ideas from Caren, stop by The Prudent Pantry.

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

Ask the Readers: Quick, cheap, and healthful sack lunch ideas?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s question is from Vicki:

I commute to my college and need some ideas easy, cheap, and healthful ideas for me to bring for sack lunches. I don’t have access to a fridge/freezer or microwave. Also I’m getting bored of PB&J and lunch meat wraps. Any suggestions? -Vicki

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

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #13

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We’re leaving early tomorrow for Cincinnati so today will be a busy day of last-minute preparations. However, don’t feel like that means you get off the hook. 🙂

I actually worked ahead a little bit and have done most of the next few days’ assignments already so that I can continue posting this challenge when I’m gone. Yes, you all can thank me right now for making you work while I’m on “vacation”.

(I’m not sure that I’m ready to call speaking in front of thousands of people a “vacation”, but getting to meet many of you all in Cincinnati will make it worth dealing with my stage fright! And honestly, I’m learning that the more I just face my fears, jump out and do this stuff that used to scare me to death, the more I’m actually enjoying it — which is something I never dreamed I’d say about public speaking!).

At any rate, I’m hoping for a productive, focused, and calm day. And an early bedtime. 🙂

Day 13 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your bathroom. Need specific directions? Read this article on How to Clean Your Bathroom in 15 Minutes.

::Clean the top of your kitchen cupboards (if there is space between them and the ceiling) and the top of your refrigerator. If you have clutter on the top of your refrigerator, go through it and see if you can get rid of it or find a new home for it. Wipe down the outside of your kitchen cupboard doors.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At around 9 p.m. EST tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

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

Click here to sign up!

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #12 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

If you missed this morning’s assignment, you can check it out here.

So, do you all want to know the truth? I haven’t cleaned my oven since we moved to this house. I’ve wiped up a few spills, but haven’t given it a serious scrubbing since we moved in almost two years ago (wow, has it really been that long?!).

Some of you are probably reeling from shock just thinking of how horrific that is that I wouldn’t clean my oven on a weekly basis.

And maybe others of you are breathing a big sigh of relief that you’re not the only one? 🙂

At any rate, I got out the baking soda and started scrubbing this morning.

Honestly, it wasn’t that bad at all.

But I did find some burned on gunk on the racks that was very persistent. I finally gave up on getting it completely off (anyone have suggestions for how to miraculously take stubborn stuff off oven racks?!).

I also discovered this at the bottom of the oven. It appeared to be some kind of hard plastic. I’m not sure what it is or how long it’s been in there but you would think that if it were plastic, it would have smelled like plastic every time I used my oven recently, right? So I have no idea, but I’m glad to have it out of there.

I also cleaned out the drawer underneath the oven while I was at it. It was in dire need of cleaning as it seems to be one giant crumb catcher!

And finally, I tackled the stovetop and the microwave, neither of which were too bad since I do clean those on a regular basis.

My pile of 7+ things to get rid of today — mostly well, well used foil pans I found stashed in the drawer under the stove and decided were well past their prime.

How did you do on Assignment #12? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Think it's impossible to live on a tiny grocery budget? This post will inspire you otherwise and give you the tips & tricks you need to make it happen!

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

Is it possible to survive on a $30 per week grocery budget?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I am single and have about $30 per week for groceries which I find hard to do and get a balanced diet. I do go to multiple stores to get the best prices and use coupons the best I can. The thing that bothers me, is when a staple item I use is on sale, I normally don’t have an extra $5 (let alone more) to spend to purchase it. How can I stock-up on sale items when I have such a little bit to get by with anyways? -Renee

Contrary to what many people may tell you, I think you can definitely eat well on $30 per week — and you can find a little wiggle room to buy ahead, too.

My husband and I both lived on a $30 per week grocery budget when we were first married. This included all the ingredients to make 21 meals for both of us each week, plus all household products.

A Can-Do Attitude Is a Must

Don’t let yourself think, “There’s no way I can eat on this small of a budget.” Instead, decide that you’re going to do the best you can with the resources you have.

Make it a game, of sorts, to see how well you can do on a little. By challenging yourself to exercise creativity and think outside the box, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. And when you’re enjoying something, it no longer seems so difficult.

Make Short-Term Sacrifices

In order to be able to scrape together enough money to start buying ahead and building up your stockpile, I’d encourage you to commit to eating really simply for a few weeks. Cut your grocery budget back to $25, and save the extra $5 to invest in those rock-bottom, can’t miss deals — or to purchase almost-free toiletries and household products.

If you’re thinking there’s no way you can eat on $25 per week, here’s a grocery list and menu plan I came up with:

Sample $25 Grocery List and Menu

Prices are approximate and will likely vary a little by area. You may be able to beat these prices with great sales and/or coupons.

Regular Grocery Store, Aldi, or Walmart

1 canister of oatmeal –$2
1 gallon milk — $2.50
1 bag of apples — $3
1 bag of carrots — $1.50
4 bags of frozen vegetables — $4
1 bag of frozen chicken breasts — $7

Dollar Store

1 loaf of bread — $1
1 jar of peanut butter — $1
1 jar of jelly or honey — $1
1 bag of dried beans — $1
1 bag of rice — $1

Breakfasts:

Oatmeal with milk (add in some chopped apples, honey, or peanut butter to change things up a little)

Lunches:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples, carrots

Dinners:

Beans and rice with steamed veggies on the side
Chicken, rice, and carrot soup
Baked chicken breast on a bed of rice, steamed veggies
Rice, chopped chicken, and steamed veggies mixed together and sprinkled with salt
Homemade refried beans, baked chicken, steamed veggies
Chicken and veggie stirfry served over rice
Leftovers

Yes, this isn’t a very exciting menu. But if you’re willing to scrimp for a few weeks and eat very simply, it will free up that extra $5 or so each week to start buying a few extra things that are on a great sale (like a bag of flour, like that incredible deal on strawberries — some to eat now, some to freeze for later, or that fantastic special on beef).

As you invest some of your grocery money in the rock-bottom specials and deals, this helps you to build up more of a stockpile so that, over time, you’ll be able to have more and more variety without increasing your budget.

Want to cut your grocery budget? Go here and sign up (it’s free!) I’ll send you my 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By $50.

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

I Could Have Saved a Lot of Time and Money on Tax Preparations If I Had Used My Planner

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Tiffany of Don’t Waste the Crumbs

Do you have a planner? I do.

Actually, I have a pretty incredible planner (that I saw here on MoneySavingMom.com) and I write just about everything in it: meals, birthdays, to-do lists, chores, grocery lists, appointments, things not to forget. That is, unless I forget to write them down.

And in that case, nothing gets written in it, and then my planner isn’t so incredible after all. But I can’t really blame the planner now, can I? 🙂

Today is 2012 Tax Day. I celebrated by getting our taxes done. I know — nothing like waiting until the last moment, right?

Actually, I’m ahead of the game. I got our taxes done on Monday.

No need to remind me, I know I’m cutting it close. But at least I’m not late! (And yes, this is a reminder in case any of you forgot!)

As I was attempting to do them myself last week, I realized that I could have done them so much faster, with so much more information, and so much more accurately (and in turn, not needing to go have them done by someone else) if I had only kept up with my planner!

You see, I do write down a lot of information in my planner, but apparently, there’s a lot of information that I didn’t write down.

If I wrote down every doctor’s appointment for each member of the family, I’d know what doctors I needed to contact to get records of payments made to the office.

If I wrote down the reason why we had an appointment (wisdom teeth extraction — ouch!), I’d know whether or not there was a prescription to go with that appointment.

If there was a prescription, then (in theory) I would have written down how much was spent and where it was spent (since I write down everything we spend).

If I went to the eye doctor, it’s usually because I needed glasses or contacts. How little did insurance pay much did we pay for those again? Did we buy them online instead? What about that fitting fee?

Wait, didn’t my husband go to the eye doctor, too?

Exactly how much contact solution do we go through anyway?

This is just a glimpse into some of the thoughts that were spinning in my head, while seeking comfort in a bag of left-over Easter jelly beans last week.

I had a revelation: my planner was good for more than just properly managing my household day-to-day. Using my planner to its fullest could actually save me money.

Suddenly, I have a renewed interest in my planner and will do my best to do a better job of writing more details down in it to save me time and money come Tax Day 2013.

Tiffany is a full-time mom who teaches part-time and blogs at Don’t Waste the Crumbs, sharing ideas on kids, food, frugality, and making the most out of the small pieces of life.

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

Do It Yourself: Edible Finger Paint

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ItsGravyBaby.com shows you how to make edible finger paint.

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 Apr 17, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #12

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Day 12 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and vacuum the main living areas of your home.

::Clean your microwave, stove top, and/or oven.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At around 9 p.m. EST tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

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

Click here to download!

Shared Apr 16, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #11 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 16, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Okay, so I have a confession to make: I never made it out of my PJs today, nor did I exercise. I think that sort of means I failed today’s assignment–at least when it comes to the first project on the list.

I had every intention to run and take a shower, but after reading my Bible, making a list of goals for the week, making a to-do list, blogging, homeschooling, having a radio interview, more blogging, and taking care of a bunch of little details in prep for our trip, I finally decided late in the afternoon that it just wasn’t happening today.

The good news? I had a productive day.

I told you that my house was a mess this morning.

Why yes, that’s a box of Annie’s mac & cheese on our bedroom floor. You mean you don’t store those on your bedroom floor?? Ahem. I’m not sure how it got there!

And I certainly wasn’t kidding.

But it’s clean tonight — thanks, in part, to my husband and children pitching in to get it all picked up.

So. much. better!

And I also got the silverware drawer cleaned — though it wasn’t too messy to start with since it had been cleaned out not too long ago. But I found a few things to get rid of and some crumbs to wipe out.

My 7+ items to get rid of — mostly from the silverware and utensil drawer.

Tomorrow, I promise I’ll make getting out of my PJs a priority — especially since I really want to head to Target to buy some Starbucks coffee before our store is cleaned out. 🙂

How did you do on Assignment #11? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Shared Apr 16, 2012 comment

8 Goals for This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 16, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last week was a good week and it was encouraging to realize just how much was accomplished today when I went to update my goals list today. Yay for productivity!

Since we’re traveling to the Cincinnati Conference later this week, my big focus this week is to rest up and prepare for a few whirlwind days of speaking, meeting many people, and running our booth. Now that most of prep work is done for the conference, I’m getting really excited about it — especially since so many of you have written in to say you’ll be attending!

Last week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

~~1. Read five chapters of Quest for Truth:Taken aloud to the children. Start Thomas A Edison: Young Inventor.~~

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

~~3. Meet friends at the park for a playdate.~~

Personal Goals

4. Finish reading One of Us Must Be Crazy and I’m Pretty Sure It’s You. Start reading The Three R’s.

~~5. Complete week 10 of the Couch to 5K program.~~

6. Finish listening to The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers.

Home Management

~~7. Follow my Spring Cleaning plan & blog about it every weekday.~~

Business Goals

~~8. Finish & practice my talks for the Midwest Homeschool Convention.~~

~~9. Finish & print handouts for the Midwest Homeschool Convention.~~

~~10. Create Powerpoints for my talks for the Midwest Homeschool Convention.~~

This week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

1. Read five chapters each of Quest for Truth:Taken and Thomas A Edison: Young Inventor aloud to the children.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Finish reading One of Us Must Be Crazy and I’m Pretty Sure It’s You and The Three R’s.

4. Run at least two times.

5. Finish listening to The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Start listening to Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality.

Home Management

6. Follow my Spring Cleaning plan & blog about it every weekday.

Business Goals

7. Continue practicing my talks for the Midwest Homeschool Convention.

8. Attend and speak at the Midwest Homeschool Convention.

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 16, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #11

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 16, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Missed some of the first assignments? See the links at the bottom of this post for Assignments 1-10.

It’s Monday and that means we’re back to cleaning and organizing our homes again. And boy does our home need some cleaning and organizing!

It was a bit of a crazy weekend around here — especially with all the stormy weather and tornadoes. In light of the tornado damage and destruction others experienced this weekend, I can hardly complain about a messy house.

But I still need to whip this place back into shape. I think it may look worse than these mess house photos I posted last month!

Day 11 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and make a list of weekly goals. I’ll post my goals along with a link-up around 1 p.m. ET this afternoon.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and quickly pick up your house and put things back into order after the weekend. If your house looks like mine, you might need to spend longer than 15 minutes. 🙂

::Clean out your silverware drawer. Remove all items, vacuum out the crumbs with your vacuum’s attachment, wipe down the drawer with a damp cloth, get rid of anything you don’t need or no longer use, and then put everything you’re keeping back into the drawer in an organized manner.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At 9 p.m. ET tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

Shared Apr 14, 2012 comment

8 Ways to Save on Medical Necessities

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 14, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Rachel who blogs at RachelWojo.com

As mother to a child with a long-term, life-threatening illness, innovative methods of securing medical supplies have been crucial to our family’s financial sustainability. Obviously the following list is not comprehensive, but perhaps you will get a fresh idea or two that can practically assist you during high-demanding medical crises.

1. Use your private health insurance for every doctor’s visit, prescription, and therapy.

This point may seem like a no-brainer, but often consumers will forget to provide current information, especially at the beginning of a calendar year, or insurance plan year.

2. Take advantage of Flex Spending Plans.

If your employer has a medical flexible spending plan available, be sure you take advantage of this avenue to save from paying taxes on your necessary medical supplies. There are guidelines and restrictions as to the covered items, so be sure to identify the items and coverage you need from the flexible spending plan before you commit to it.

3. Determine if the prescription or therapy is truly medically necessary.

Often something as simple as the location of therapy changes the cost dramatically (such home versus facility). Get a second opinion if you are not confident.

4. Use a medical supply mail-order company for long term prescriptions.

Purchasing a 90-day supply over a 30-day supply will usually save money in the long run. Many companies have free shipping and you save time and money on pickup and gas.

5. Ask for samples.

When looking at medical supplies, weigh both quantity and quality. Ask for samples and test them before committing to a box of 500.

6. Use generic.

Ask the doctor for a generic brand prescription instead of the brand name.Whether the item is medication or testing supplies or whatever, often the generic will serve the same purpose while saving money.

7. Be proactive in asking others about their medical/financial strategies.

Social workers, clinical workers, nurses, fellow parents…you never know who has information about a program or benefit of which you are unaware.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for a payment plan.

If you owe a medical bill you cannot immediately pay in full, make payments. Most medical billing companies try to prevent turning the bills over to collections as long as the consumer is faithfully making payments, regardless of the size.

Many people encounter serious financial difficulty due to unexpected medical issues and it can be discouraging. My hope is that this list will promote new ideas that evolve into long-term solutions for you or your loved one’s continual medical care.

How do you save on medical bills?

Rachel Wojnarowski is originally a small town country girl who converted to a suburban mother of seven by way of life happening. She and her husband, Matt, enjoy caring for their busy family, whose ages span 9 months to 21 years and include a special needs daughter. She loves to inspire others through her blog by sharing faith, family, and fun.

photo credit

Shared Apr 14, 2012 comment

The Life-cycle of a Cardboard Box In The Frugal Household

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 14, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Lucky of Making My Own Luck

This is the life-cycle of a cardboard box in our very frugal household!

Day 1:

The Amazon deals posts on Money Saving Mom have turned me into a fan of the Fisher Price Happy Days and Happy Nights diapers. I used to love Pampers but my baby’s chubby thighs fit in the Fisher Price diapers better. I order them through subscribe and save, and they come every month like clockwork in a great big box.

I’m working from home when I hear the delivery truck chugging up the hill and the telltale thud of the box on my door step. I lug the box into the house, take the diapers out of the box, and put the diapers away — leaving the box in the middle of the living room floor.

The baby plays on the floor while I work in the kitchen. I look up. Where’s the baby? Inside of the box, laughing happily.

Day 2:

My 3-year-old wakes up at the crack of dawn asking to paint something, play with play dough, go to the park, wash the car, and make a birthday cake all at once. I ask him if he would like to color on this nice box instead.

He claps and gets to it. The box has now been transformed from a low budget play pen to a race car. I enjoy my coffee while helping him draw racing stripes on the side.

Later, he asks me to ride in the car with him. While he’s pretending to strap me into my car seat, I crash through the back of his race car/cardboard box. He gets out his play tool box and spends a long time with his saw and a roll of tape playing auto mechanic. The race car is as good as new.

That night as I’m getting ready for bed, I see that the cat has decided to take over the box and is curled up in a big gray lump, and dreaming kitty dreams.

Day 3:

The kids have moved on to playing with canning rings and empty milk jugs. As usual, most of their actual toys go unused. It’s my turn to use the box and I stuff it with outgrown clothes for next spring’s consignment sale.

I challenge you to find me any “real toys” that could have this many uses!

Lucky is the mother of two young kids and a carb-intolerant kitty. Read about her adventures of balancing kids, work and life with making her own bread at Making My Own Luck.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

Day 13 Assignment

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

A Can-Do Attitude Is a Must

Make Short-Term Sacrifices

Sample $25 Grocery List and Menu

Day 12 Assignment

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

Day 11 Assignment

How do you save on medical bills?

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

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