5 Things I'm Loving This Week and more...

Here's What's New 5 Things I'm Loving This Week The 6 Most Popular Posts From This Past Week Weekend Giveaway: One Year Subscription to Raw Spice Bar (4 Winners) :: 5 Things I'm Loving This Week So many, many of you said you loved the 5 Things I'm Loving This Week Feature from last week. And I loved how you shared your things that you're loving, too. Here's this week's installment of my 5 things I've been loving this past week: 1. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chips - I love me some peanut butter and chocolate chips on a spoon. Or, if I'm being completely honest, sometimes straight from the jar and bag. Anyone else do this, too? It's one of my favorite quick snacks or pick-me-ups! {The Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips or the Lily's Chocolate Chips are my favorite "healthy" brands. Both are very expensive, so they are only an occasionally-purchased treat using Amazon gift cards earned through Swagbucks.} 2. The Make Over Your Mornings Site - It is so incredibly rewarding to see months and months of hard work, brainstorming, tweaking, and editing come together and to be just two days away from the biggest product launch we've ever had on my site. Today, I spent a number of hours finalizing things and getting the Make Over Your Mornings site almost all finished (no, I didn't touch the design part of it, I just wanted to make quite a few edits and tweaks - and try not to break anything in the process! You can head over here for a sneak peek of it. And then don't forget to set your alarms or reminders to get in on the crazy low sale prices (hello, $5!) we're offering for the launch on Tuesday for those who are fast enough to scoop them up! Read all about the sale prices and times here. 3. Becoming a Sports Mom - At Silas' request, I wore my Game Day tee from Cents of Style (it's no longer available on their site that I could find) for his baseball game today. And it made me realize something: much to my surprise, I think I may be turning into a full-fledged sports mom. I never would have pictured myself as such, but I'm completely loving the character and life skills our kids are developing as a result of being involved in sports that I can't help myself. It's amazing how much your children's interests and passions change and impact you as a parent! 4. Turquoise Jeans - Also notice in the above picture that I have on turquoise jeans, which is definitely stepping out of my "fashion comfort zone". I've long wanted to try to find a pair that fit me well, but it felt like it was a hopeless search and I begin to think I should just stick with regular denim. However, I found a deal online on these on RueLaLa and took a chance and bought them using credit I'd earned months ago. I'm so glad I did, because I love them… they are so bright and cheery and comfy and fit me perfectly. Plus, I love that they can be dressed up or down. 5. Rain - It's rained a lot this week and I've loved it as it's been so refreshing and peaceful. (I kind of feel badly being happy for the rain, though, when so many areas are experiencing flooding as a result.) It rained at Silas' baseball game today, so while everyone else huddled under shelter, the girls had a dance party. I love how these girls inspire me to embrace and delight in the everyday moments! What about YOU? What 5 things are YOU loving this week? Tell us in the comments. (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.) :: The 6 Most Popular Posts From This Past Week A very, very special something that we've been working on for months… A Peek Into Our Summer Schedule The Ten-Item Wardrobe A Day in My Life 31 Tried and True Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals "I Want to Start a Blog, But Isn't the Market Already Saturated?" :: Weekend Giveaway: One Year Subscription to Raw Spice Bar (4 Winners) If you love unique spices and blends, you'll definitely want to enter this giveaway! RawSpiceBar is an LA based monthly subscription box that delivers perfectly portioned, freshly ground spices & blends created by top chefs from around the world. They are on a mission to eliminate the waste of pre-ground spice jars that many of us all have had sitting in our kitchen cupboards or on our kitchen countertops for too long. Here are some highlights about the Raw Spice Bar company: Freshly ground: ­Their spices are whole toasted, ground and blended just a few days before they ship directly to your door so you can have your spices the way you have your coffee (fresh!). Perfectly sized: ­Each of their spice blends are perfectly portioned to create a dish serving 8-12. Their recipes are kitchen tested and loved - and almost always will include an option for vegans, carnivores, and vegetarians. Discover new spices:­ Their blends are from old family recipes or their curated chefs - so you can explore new spice blends from experts all year long. We got to try a sample pack of Raw Spice Bar spices and loved how they smelled, how fresh they were, and how unique and different they were. They send recipes to use each of the blends in. I love the concept of this, but I have to say that it's probably not a great fit for our family since you don't know what you are getting and some of the recipes weren't really things we would normally eat, and at least one I knew would be something we wouldn't like. However, if you are adventuresome and you love trying new flavors and new recipes, this is definitely worth checking out. Plus, it would also make a great gift idea for a foodie in your life. If you sign up for a subscription, be sure to use coupon code MOM2015 for a free monthly spice box with a purchase of 6 or 12 month subscription. Would you like to win a FREE one-year subscription to Raw Spice Bar? Just click on the graphic below and type in your name and address to enter to win. Four winners will be chosen and posted next week. This giveaway ends Monday, June 1, at 11:59 pm, CST.   You received this email because you are registered on www.moneysavingmom.com with the email address panatllc1.kate@blogger.com. If you believe this has been sent to you in error, you can easily unsubscribe here. Money Saving Mom 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Suite 900 #313 Franklin, TN 37069 © 2008-2015 Money Saving Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.

Lessons Learned While in a Financial Valley and more...

Here's What's New Lessons Learned While in a Financial Valley How I find time to invest in things I love Chore Chart Door Hangers :: Lessons Learned While in a Financial Valley Guest post from Jennifer of The Intentional Mom While growing up, I experienced what many would consider a privileged life filled with numerous niceties… like a 34-foot power boat, annual vacations, and a closet full of clothes and various things. I was not given everything though. I had a regular job by the time I was in eighth grade since my parents instilled within me a strong work ethic and required me to work for some of the extras I desired. My parents also taught me the importance of budgeting and saving; but growing up with this privileged lifestyle provided me with a false sense of security and a warped idea of what I needed to feel satisfied. As a young newlywed I was working 60 to 70 hours a week as a hairdresser while my husband made a career in retail sales. A few years later, we were able to build a house and began looking toward having children. After being married for nearly seven years, we became parents and I reduced my work hours to just two short evenings a week. Shortly after our third child turned one, I left my job completely. Fast forward several years to this past fall as I sat surrounded by the bins of clothing that have passed down from one to the other among our now seven children. I opened the box of boys clothes labeled "4T/5T" and was taken aback. The tears began to flow like Niagara Falls, which soon gave way to heaving sobs. Inside the box were three neatly folded shirts on top of three neatly folded pairs of pants with one pair of pants covered in soot from the fireplace in our old house. Those clothes were worn in 2008 and 2009 - when we could only afford to buy our four young children three pairs of pants and three shirts that were mix and match styles so it wouldn't be obvious that we were… poor. It was during this time that we put a few measly Christmas ornaments on a large potted plant because we couldn't afford a Christmas tree. I also had only five dollars to spend on each child that year for Christmas. You see, it was shortly after I stopped working that the financial crisis hit, and my husband's well paying job in retail sales was no longer well paying. Not in the least. A with an eight year gap between my first and second sons, I hadn't seen the clothes in this bin since 2008. Those soot-covered pants were free from stains when I put them in the box, but over time old stains have a way of seeping from the fabric and becoming new stains again. Much like the deeply stained threads that had emerged once again, the emotions of the heart-wrenching journey we traveled rose to the surface again that day. During that time in my life, I learned to become humble and to swallow my pride, and I was forced to graciously embrace the gifts others gave us to help keep us afloat. I wept over the nearly empty box of clothes that day last fall because that season in my life was not an easy one, but it is the season of my life that I miss the most. This sounds completely counter-intuitive, I realize, but it was the season in my life when I lived, breathed, and learned to internalize the words of Paul when he speaks in Philippians 4:12 saying, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." As a family we were incredibly blessed during that drought that lasted for more than two years. We didn't lose our house, we always had food to put on the table, and we even had $1200 show up in our checking account completely out of the blue. We once opened the front door to find a gift bag with cash inside, we were given grocery money from a family member, and we had a different family member contribute towards car repairs that could no longer wait. It was the lessons I learned during this time in my life, however, that made my heart bleed red all over the inside of the box of clothes that day. I learned what it means to truly be content even while in that valley. Although losing our financial security felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me, I learned to find security in the faces of the little people I had been given to raise, love, and nurture. Traveling through the crisis of financial distress taught me that contentment cannot be found in what we have, but in who we are when our current securities are ripped away, leaving us completely raw and vulnerable. I discovered that my contentment is found in the unconditional love and acceptance of my God, my husband, my children, and the loved ones who extended a helping hand along that rocky path. I cherish that season of my life because it was then that I learned what I truly need to be satisfied, which is a lesson that could only have been grasped while in the valley. Do you find yourself in a valley today? Do not be anxious, do not fear. The lessons you learn while in your own valley just may be the lessons you will one day treasure the most. Jennifer is a busy, homeschooling mom of seven who enjoys keeping a home, living an active lifestyle, and loving the little and not so little people in her life. Her mission is helping other moms find contentment in living intentionally every day over at her blog, The Intentional Mom. photo source :: How I find time to invest in things I love I'm so honored to be featured in this month's edition of The Fringe newsletter that just went out today. In this issue, I share about things I'm passionate about, how I find time to invest in things I love, plus three things I'm really digging right now. You can go here to read it. Psst! My Instagram link is incorrect in the issue. It's actually Instagram.com/themoneysavingmom - I'd love to have you follow me there, if you aren't already! By the way, if you want to sign up for future editions of The Fringe newsletter, you can go here to sign up. I've loved the issues I've received! :: Chore Chart Door Hangers Want to encourage kids to get their chores and other projects done this summer? Check out this Chore Chart Door Hanger system from Whisk Together. Her post is full of lots of practical ideas! You received this email because you are registered on www.moneysavingmom.com with the email address panatllc1.kate@blogger.com. If you believe this has been sent to you in error, you can easily unsubscribe here. Money Saving Mom 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Suite 900 #313 Franklin, TN 37069 © 2008-2015 Money Saving Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.

How to Get Free Products In Exchange for an Amazon Review and more...

Here's What's New How to Get Free Products In Exchange for an Amazon Review Brigette's $54 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan Coming next week: A very, very special something that we've been working on for months… 10 Easy Ways to Save on Baby Stuff at Target :: How to Get Free Products In Exchange for an Amazon Review Kelly emailed in the following tip: I recently discovered something I think others should know about… There are several FREE groups you can be a part of that allow you to buy products on Amazon for free or highly discounted as long as you leave an honest review on Amazon in return. This works best for prime members, otherwise you may have to pay for shipping. I have received several amazing beauty products and kitchen products for free or nearly free! My favorite groups are: - SnagShout.com - EliteDealClub.com - AmazingDealsGroup.com You can also sign up for emails at OzNaturals.com & InstaNatural.com and they will send you opportunities to try their full size beauty products in exchange for an honest reviews. :: Brigette's $54 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan Aldi (I didn't buy as much at Aldi this week since we still have a lot of leftover produce from last week that needs to be used up.) 1 16-oz bag Mini Sweet Peppers - $2.29 2 16-oz bags Baby Carrots - $1.98 1 6-oz can Tomato Paste - $0.39 1 8-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream - $1.89 1 32-oz tub Nonfat Greek Yogurt - $3.69 2 16-oz pkgs Ground Turkey (which ended up in the wrong picture :)) - $3.78 1 head Cauliflower - $1.99 1 20-oz box Raisin Bran - $1.79 1 Dijon Mustard - $0.79 2 16-oz cartons Egg Whites - $3.98 2 18-oz boxes Corn Flakes - $2.98 1 15.3 box Honey Wheat Puffs - $1.79 2 3-ct pkgs Romaine Hearts - $3.98, plus receive $0.25 back from Checkout 51 - $3.73 after rebate Total after Rebate: $30.07 Harris Teeter 2 dozen Eggs - $2.50, plus receive $0.30 back from Ibotta - $2.20/2 after rebate 1 24-ct box Lipton Iced Tea Bags - $1.49, used $0.75/1 Lipton Tea Bags, K-Cup, Tea & Honey or Iced Tea Mix, exp. 6/14/15 (RP 05/17/15 R) (doubled), plus $0.40/1 Harris Teeter evic - $0.40MM after coupons 1 40-ct box Tetley Tea - $1.59, used $1/1 coupon (this was an insert coupon, although I can't find it in the database for some reason), plus $0.75/1 Harris Teeter evic - $0.16MM after coupons 2 boxes Cookie Crisp - $4.00, used 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled), plus receive $0.75 back from SavingStar and $0.30 from Ibotta - $0.05MM after coupons and rebates 2 12.25-oz jars Smuckers Ice Cream Topping - $4.00, used 2 $0.55/1 printable (doubled) - $1.80/2 after coupons 4 64-oz cartons Silk (2 Almond, 2 Cashew) - $10.00 (must buy 4 to get this price), used 2 $0.75/1 Silk Half Gallon, exp. 6/30/15 (RP 05/17/15 #2) (doubled), plus 2 $0.75/1 printable (doubled) - $4.00/4 after coupons 2 6-ct pkgs Cobblestone Bagels - $3.98, used 2 $0.55/1 printable (doubled) - $1.78/2 after coupons 2 8-oz pkgs Kraft Shredded Cheese - $3.65, used $1/2 Kraft Natural Cheese, exp. 6/10/15 (RP 05/10/15 R) - $2.65/2 after coupon 1 5.5-oz bag RiceWorks - $1.49, used $1/1 Riceworks Gourmet Rice Snacks, exp. 6/20/15 (SS 05/10/15 R) - $0.49 after coupon 2 8-ct pkgs Gwaltney Hotdogs - $1.94, used $0.75/2 Gwaltney Hot Dogs, exp. 6/20/15 (SS 05/10/15 R) (doubled) - $0.44/2 after coupon 1 1-lb bag Lemons - $0.99 1 gallon Milk - $2.99, plus receive $0.30 back from Ibotta - $2.69 after rebate Total after all Coupons and Rebates: $16.43 Farm Market 1 huge box of Zucchini, reduced - $5.00 1 large bunch of Rhubarb, reduced - $2.99 Total: $7.99 Weekly Total: $54.49 Weekly Menu Plan Breakfasts Zucchini bread, Oranges x 2 Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Hard Boiled Eggs Oatmeal and Strawberries (from the freezer) x 2 Cereal x 2 Lunches Baked Zucchini Fries, Apples, Sliced Cheese Baked Potato Bar (Cottage Cheese, Shredded Cheese, Butter), Sautéed Zucchini Pick-Me-Up Smoothies, Raw Veggies, Easy Whole Wheat Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on Easy Whole Wheat Bread, Watermelon (we are still working on eating up the watermelon I bought last week), Carrot Sticks Veggie Omelettes, Oranges, Easy Whole Wheat Bread Leftovers x 2 Dinners Fried Egg/Cheese Bagel Sandwiches (meatless meal), Orange Smoothies, Steamed Broccoli Three Cheese Baked Spaghetti (I had this on my menu last week, but ended up not making it), Roasted Cauliflower, Tossed Salad, Homemade Garlic Bread Baked Chicken and Zucchini, Brown Rice, Orange Slices, Rhubarb Crisp Chicken Gravy over Homemade Biscuits, Green Beans, Watermelon Build-Your-Own-Burritos (using homemade tortillas), Tossed Salad, Fruit Leftovers x 2 Snacks Zucchini Bread, Rhubarb Crisp, Frozen Grapes, Raw Veggies and Ranch Dressing, Easy Peasy Chocolate Torte (bringing this to the reception after my children's piano recital) :: Coming next week: A very, very special something that we've been working on for months… For years, people have asked me how I am able to do everything I do: have a strong marriage, homeschool three kids, maintain close friendships, read avidly, stick to a budget, keep a clean and clutter-free house, run a very successful online business, write books, and speak at events around the country. The truth is, I don't do it perfectly (at all!), but my secret to doing multiple things while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having time to spend doing things I love is that since the time I was 11 years old, I've committed to get up and be intentional about how I spend the first two hours of my day. It's a simple thing, but I've found that using my morning hours well, sets up my whole day for success. I get more done. I have more energy. And I have more breathing room in my life. Because people are constantly asking me for more details on my morning routine and how I accomplish all I do, I've long had a dream of creating an online course with step-by-step help, doable projects, personal stories, inspiring encouragement to help you get into the habit of using your mornings well. For many months, this idea was just a dream. But in November of 2014, that dream started to grow legs and become more of a reality. Our team began brainstorming, praying, researching, writing, editing, tweaking, and brainstorming some more. In March, we had a few days of intense filming for the course. And then we spent more time tweaking, editing, cutting, re-working, and polishing things up. I've never invested so much $$ or time into any project as far as I can remember. But it was worth it, because the finished product is amazing. Truly. I've never been more excited about something we've put together. And today, I'm thrilled to get to introduce you to the Make Over Your Mornings Course - a 14-day online course that includes videos, a workbook, and step-by-step projects. This 14-day course is designed to help you revolutionize your productivity, streamline your routines, invest your time in things that truly matter, and find more joy and peace in the process. If you've ever wished that you could figure out how to get more done, have more organization in your life, and find time to spend on things you love, the Make Over Your Mornings Course is for you. It's not about following a one-size-fits-all system (because every woman and family is different!), but about creating a morning that is in line with your life, your strengths, your family's needs, and your unique situation. You Won't Want to Miss Our Launch Sale on Tuesday I'll be sharing more about the course and unveiling the site with all of the details on Monday, but for now, I wanted to let you know that it is coming and also to give you the heads up about our low-low-low launch day special prices we'll be offering. In all honesty, knowing how much we invested in this course, my team wanted to charge more for the course. And I know we could. But I am very committed to making this course affordable and accessible for every woman - not just those who have a lot of wiggle room in their budgets to invest in online courses. So, the course - including all the videos, the workbook, and the projects - will regularly retail for just $17. However, because I wanted to do something really special on launch day, we're going to kick off this course with the following special prices - some of these are the lowest prices you will ever see on this course. Period. So get 'em while you can! The Crazy-Can't-Miss-Low-Low-Low Launch Sale Prices: 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET on June 2, 2015 - just $5!!! {This is worth getting up early for!} 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. - just $7! 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. - only $10! 5 p.m. - 12 a.m. - only $13! 25% Of All Sales on Tuesday Go to South Africa You all know that when I visited South Africa in January, I left part of my heart there. But I also came back so stoked because I realized that we could use opportunities like this Make Over Your Mornings course launch to make a huge impact in the poorest communities there. So here's the deal: the greatest needs right now are for a two-classroom facility and two Enviro-Loo toilets at the Reagoboka Centre (read more about our visit there here). The cost of both of these combined is $14,000. On Tuesday (June 2, 2015), when we launch this course and offer a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime deal, we will be donating 25% of ALL direct purchases from our site to the the ministry in South Africa. And since I'm a big, big dreamer, I am praying that on Tuesday, with the sales through our site, we'll raise $14,000 for South Africa. Will you join me in praying for this? That will make every single long hour and day poured into this project so very worth it. Best of all, I hope it encourages you to know that by purchase the course, you're not just making a difference in your own life - you're helping provide basic necessities for some of the neediest children in South Africa, many of whom don't have parents and are barely eeking by. So mark your calendars, set aside the money in your budget, and get ready to change your mornings - as well as change hundreds of lives halfway around the world! P.S. Would you like to share this course to your friends, on your social media channels, and/or on your blog and earn 50% of all sales through your referral link? Sign up here to become an affiliate. :: 10 Easy Ways to Save on Baby Stuff at Target The Savvy Bump has a great post up with 10 Easy Ways to Save on Baby Stuff at Target. You received this email because you are registered on www.moneysavingmom.com with the email address panatllc1.kate@blogger.com. If you believe this has been sent to you in error, you can easily unsubscribe here. Money Saving Mom 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Suite 900 #313 Franklin, TN 37069 © 2008-2015 Money Saving Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.