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An anonymous reader emailed in the following tip: I’m currently pregnant with my second child and I knew I wanted a carrier for this baby. However, after looking around, I knew I couldn’t spend over $100 on an Ergo or Boba. I remembered one of your readers commenting one time about writing to a company to ask for coupons, so I wrote to both Ergo and Boba asking if they ever ran specials on older models, returns, or older colors. Ergo was nice, but replied with a no. Boba’s rep said they ran a black Friday special, but if I was willing to write them with reasons I wanted a Boba carrier, they would be happy to put my name in a “lottery” of sorts for a free carrier. He said they read all the emails and the reps decide on a winner. Figuring it was a long shot (but still so nice of him to offer!) I sat down on my lunch break the next day and wrote how fussy my first daughter had been, but baby wearing was not a big thing then. I was honest and said I loved the carrier they offered, but simply couldn’t work it into my budget. I was blown away when a little over a month later, an email came through that I had won the carrier! I figured a basic model in black would arrive to my home, but I was shocked when they contacted me and asked that I pick whatever model carrier and color I wanted. I picked a lower priced carrier in a unisex pattern so I could pass it onto a friend when I was finished with it. I called the company to thank them and give them my choices. I was so very thankful. Not even four days later my carrier arrived in the mail, with a special gift of a matching carry bag AND a Boba mini in the matching pattern — they said it was so my daughter could carry a doll around just like mommy! So I guess it really can pay to write to companies and ask for special offers!
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Guest post from Gretchen of Desert Survivor Fall is one of my favorite times to go on a vacation, with the cooler temperatures, changing colors, and less-hectic pace. Camping can be one of the cheapest and most memorable ways to take a vacation. Here’s how to make it a successful venture: Get a Good Night’s Sleep If you don’t sleep well, you probably won’t be able to do other things well. If you have access to a camper, that can almost be like sleeping at home. However, sleeping in a tent can be a different story. Over the years, our beds at home have become more comfortable, with foam padding, pillow-top mattresses, and more. The ground has stayed the same: hard. And if you’re not used to hard, you won’t sleep well. So bring a sleeping pad. This could be the inflatable mattress you use for guests at home, a specially made camping pad, or a bunch of blankets folded up. It doesn’t matter, as long as you have something. Kids might not need anything. But as I’ve told my family numerous times, "I have hips." Women’s hips just need a little extra padding! Make sure you have appropriate covers — if it’s hot, you won’t need so many, but there’s nothing like being freezing cold to keep you from sleeping well. The covers don’t have to be fancy, just bring enough — and don’t forget that you might need one under you too! Finally, be sure the tent you’re in is adequate for the weather. There’s nothing worse than setting up your tent and then having a thunderstorm drench everything in it because the rainfly wasn’t on or adequate. A higher quality tent will provide more protection and last more years, but if all you have is a cheaper one, you can rig a tarp over it to help keep it dry. Two more tips for sleeping through the night: be sure to bring a pillow. It’s amazing how much that helps. And bring earplugs. They can help muffle noises that you’re not used to and help you sleep better. Plan Your Meals I’m not a very good meal planner at home, but when I go camping, I make lists. I want to make sure that I’m going to have something to eat. I’ve camped with a couple different types of campers: the gourmets, and the survivalists. Both have merits. Regardless of the type, both need some meal planning. As you can see with the two menus below, it’s possible to have a simple menu with a quick clean-up that’s not costly but still healthy. Breakfast: juice, yogurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee
Lunch: sandwiches, carrots, apples
Dinner: potato-carrot-sausage foil dinner, corn on the cob roasted over the fire, S’mores
Snacks: fruit, cut-up vegetables, homemade trail mix
Breakfast: homemade muffins, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, milk
Lunch: tortilla wraps, cherry tomatoes, oranges
Dinner: hot dogs, green beans, popcorn,
Snacks: nuts, dried fruit, granola bars
To keep food cool, instead of buying a bag of ice, I often freeze water in old juice or milk containers and put them in the cooler. The ice stays longer, and as it melts, I have additional drinking water instead of a soggy mess at the bottom of the cooler. If you have kids, have them help plan the meals, they will then be much more excited about helping to prepare it! As for a camp kitchen, I keep mine in a see-through Rubbermaid container. I have simple pots and pans, a can opener, plates, cups, eating utensils, spatula, matches, paper towels, aluminum foil, and spices packed and ready to go to make getting out the door easier. Sometimes we cook over a fire and sometimes we use a Coleman stove. Everything Else Camping can be as simple as eating and sleeping. You can add a few activities like hiking, fishing, star gazing, and wildlife watching. Games around camp that we enjoy are flashlight tag (those simple finger flashlights make for cheap fun!), hide ‘n seek, t-ball, frisbee, ring toss, and catching insects. Camping is a great way to unplug, spend some quality family time, and relax. Although camping can be frugal, the memories it makes are priceless. Gretchen Baker lives nearly in the middle of nowhere (it’s three hours to the closest shopping mall). Fortunately, she has a good Internet connection. She lives on a ranch next to a national park and blogs at Desert Survivor about how to survive and thrive in the desert environment.
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Today only (August 22, 2013), you can get a copy of my friend Erin’s comprehensive cloth-diapering ebook for just $1! It's a HUGE ebook, so this is a very, very good value in my opinion. If you are considering cloth diapering, I highly recommend Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert. Erin has extensive knowledge and experience — and she shoots it straight. In fact, I'd say this ebook talks about pretty much everything you'd ever need to know about cloth diapering. In this ebook, Erin addresses fears and concerns you may have surrounding cloth diapering. She also gives you step-by-step information on: - how to choose which cloth diaper is right for your situation
- how to build your cloth diaper stash on a budget
- how to make sure you get the right cloth diaper fit for your baby and toddler
- how to wash your diapers properly
- how to keep your cloth diapers stink-free
- how to trouble-shoot cloth diaper issues
- And so much more!
While I've cloth diapered exclusively in the past and have done a lot of in-depth research on cloth-diapering as a result, I still learned a lot from this ebook and feel it is well worth the price. Read more reviews and details on Erin's ebook here. Get your copy of Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert today for just $1 — no coupon code needed!
(Note: Some of the links in this post are my referral links. Read our disclosure policy here.) Got student debt? Sign up for SmarterBucks (for free!) and earn rewards that help pay down your student loans. Click here to learn more.  Related Stories 
Beginning August 25, 2013, CVS will have a deal where if you buy $30 worth of Huggies, Scott, Revlon, Kleenex, M&M, or Poland Water products, you’ll get $10 ECBs (Limit 1). You’ll want to print your coupons now to get a great deal on diapers. Here’s how it can work:
Buy 3 Huggies Jumbo Pack of Diapers at $8.99 each
Buy 1 Scott paper towels
Use 3 $2/1 Huggies Diapers printables or $1.50/1 Huggies Diaper printable (or use $2/1 coupon from the 8/18 Red Plum insert)
And use $0.50/1 printable or $.50/1 coupon from the 8/11 Smart Source insert
Pay $25.46 out of pocket, Get $10 ECBs
As low as $3.87 each after ECBs and coupons
Thanks, Passionate Penny Pincher! (Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.) Got student debt? Sign up for SmarterBucks (for free!) and earn rewards that help pay down your student loans. Click here to learn more.  Related Stories 
This week, I'm joining Jeff Goins for his Slow Down Challenge. If you want to participate, sign up for the free Slow Down Challenge email list. Also, you might consider grabbing a copy of his book, The In-Between. Jeff is such an inspiration to me as a writer and I highly recommend reading all of his books, if you have a chance!
I’ve been reading The Myth of Multitasking recently. It’s a really simple read, but it’s been very thought-provoking. I always thought I was a pretty good multitasker. Now I’m not so sure. You see, according to the book — and I’m beginning to be persuaded it’s true — there is no such thing as true multitasking. 
Instead, the author makes the case that what we call “multitasking” is really just an inefficient way of switch-tasking. When we are trying to do two things at once, we’re really just switching back and forth between two different things — taking a much longer time to do both. (The author does say that there’s such a thing as background tasking, where you are listening to music while cleaning, etc. But when it comes to tasks that require concentration, he makes a strong case that multitasking is a misnomer.) 
Today’s project for the Slow Down Challenge was to focus completely on one task until it was finished. I chose the task of writing four handwritten cards that I’ve been meaning to write for two weeks. The project has been on my to-do list for two weeks and it was high time I finish it. So I got the cards out, set the timer for 20 minutes, and jumped in. I did really well at focusing for 20 minutes, but I only had written 1 1/2 cards by then (yes, these were long handwritten notes — I had a lot I wanted to express in them!). I kept plodding along, but I realized that I had a lot of trouble staying completely on task after 20 minutes. I finally finished up the cards at the 50-minute mark. And it felt really, really good to have them done, but I also realized that I need to work on my concentration more. Or, maybe just accept that I need to split my tasks up into 20-minute blocks since that seems to be about my maximum time-frame for working with focused intensity? Confession time: I did stop one to briefly talk with Jesse and I also checked my email on my phone a few times. But I promise it was after the 20-minute mark.  By the way, if you missed Carrie’s post on time management from earlier today, you should go read it. Lots of great food for thought there on staying on task. What project did you try to tackle and finish with full concentration today (read today’s challenge details here)? Tell us in the comments or blog about it and leave your link below.
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Do you wish you could do something extraordinary with your life but you just feel like you don’t know where to start? Well, I think you need to get a copy of START by Jon Acuff. Here’s what Jon says about the book: Growing up, we dreamed. And our dreams always painted the portrait of the adult us living an awesome life… as an astronaut, a pro wrestler, a movie star, a bee keeper, or insert your dream here. We don't set out for average. But that's exactly where we end up after listening to our fears day after day, year after year. Our dreams take a back seat and eventually are left stranded by the side of the road. That's why I've written START. Your dream is calling, and it's closer than you might think. It's time to go after your purpose. Every awesome life goes through five stages. Learn what they are. Do them. Start.
I’ve gotten to know Jon a little bit personally over the past two years and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate him and his message. He’s not only hilarious, he’s also incredibly inspiring. And I owe a lot to him. Not only has Jon challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, he’s also helped me to punch fear in the face. Because of how highly I respect Jon, I was absolutely giddy to discover START had made the New York Times Bestsellers list the week it launched. I was sitting at the kitchen table checking Twitter when I saw someone post the news — I think I squealed, hollered, and called Jesse right away to tell him! I was not really all that surprised, though, as START is an amazing book (read my full review here). That’s why I’m so excited to be giving away 10 copies today! PSST! I’ve also got a great deal on START through the end of the week — get both the book and audiobook for just $13.99 when you order through this link use coupon code MSM16 at checkout.
Also, you can download a free chapter from START here. And be sure check out my interview with Jon Acuff that I posted earlier this week — it’s packed with nuggets of wisdom! To enter to win a free copy of START, just click on the graphic below and type in your name and email address. This giveaway ends Friday, August 23, at 11:59 pm, CST. 10 winners will be chosen and posted on Tuesday. 
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Didn’t you love yesterday’s interview with Jon Acuff? Jon is one of the most inspirational people I follow online. Not only does he make me laugh, think, and ponder, but he challenges me to action. It's not enough to know what I'm about, Jon motivates me to do something about it — like going out and punching fear in the face. Jon's latest book, START, is an amazing book. And I don't say that lightly. It's easy to read since Jon has a way of drawing you in with his words and stories. But it's not an "easy read" since Jon won't let you lounge in your recliner and ponder your world-changing ideas for years on end. No, he makes you want to jump up and go make something happen. My hands down favorite part of START was Jon's vulnerability. His candid stories of his own insecurity and failure will help you to know that you're not alone in your crazy fears or mistakes. He's been there, too. He gets you. And his stories will give you courage and hope. I had high expectations for START because I knew that Jon and the Dave Ramsey team had poured days, weeks, months, and years into it. But it far exceeded my expectations. It wasn't just good; it was great. Now, I do want to mention that if you're looking for a clearly laid out game plan for launching a business or idea, this book is probably not the best one to pick up. It's more an inspirational message than a step-by-step how-to. That said, I truly believe everyone can learn from and be inspired by Jon's message. SPECIAL 3-DAY OFFER! Because Jon Acuff is one of our featured monthly sponsors in August, his team is offering a very special 3-day-only deal for my readers. When you purchase a copy of START through this link and use coupon code MSM16 at checkout, you’ll get the book plus the audiobook for just $13.99! Hurry! This offer is only valid through Saturday, August 24, 2013. Got student debt? Sign up for SmarterBucks (for free!) and earn rewards that help pay down your student loans. Click here to learn more.  Related Stories 
Aldi Shopping Trip 1 Flour Tortillas – $0.99 2 Canned Green Beans – $0.49 each 1 Cantaloupe – $0.99 1 Grapes – $1.58 1 Grape Tomatoes – $1.49 1 gallon Milk – $1.99 1 Canned Chili Beans – $0.59 1 Brown Sugar – $1.29 1 Sour Cream – $1.29 Total with tax ($0.80) – $11.99 
Dillons Shopping Trip 1 lb Sterling Silver Ground Beef – $3.99 1 Kroger Chicken Drumsticks (4.14 lbs) – $4.10 2 Kroger Cheese (Shredded & Block – 24 oz each) – $4.99, used $1/1 Super Sale e-coupon (took off $2) – $3.99 each after coupon 1 Ham Steak – $2.79 0.80 lbs Broccoli Crowns @ $0.99/lb – $0.79 1 Kroger Frozen Hashbrowns – $1.99 2 Santa Cruz Organic Strawberry Lemonade – $1.50 each, used 2 $1/1 printable - $0.50 each after coupons 1 Pillsbury Gluten Free Cookie Dough – $4.49, used Free coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon 1 Kroger Applesauce – $2.19 1 Kroger Just Fruit Jelly – $2.15 1 Kroger Cream of Mushroom Soup – $1 1 Dillons Large Eggs (dozen) – $0.99 1 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99 1 Nature’s Harvest Loaf Bread – $2, used $0.55/1 printable (doubled to $1) – $1 after coupon 1 Red Mill Wheat Bran – $1.69 2.33 lbs Bananas @ $0.52/lb – $1.21 Total before sales and coupons: $58.75 Total with tax ($2.92) after sales and coupons: $36.78
Total for all grocery items: $48.77 Menu Plan for this Week: Breakfasts Cereal, Toast, Bananas, Oatmeal Lunches Tossed Salad, Leftovers, Cheese Quesadillas, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Scrambled Eggs Dinners Chicken & Veggies in Crockpot, Bran Muffins Tacos, Fruit Salad Steaks on the Grill (gift from Crystal), 30 Minute Rolls, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans Pop-Up Pizza Casserole, Tossed Salad Spaghetti with Garlic Gravy and Lemon Chicken, Gluten-Free Oatmeal Spice Muffins, Steamed Broccoli Hashbrown Casserole, Green Beans, Cantaloupe Work Party Got student debt? Sign up for SmarterBucks (for free!) and earn rewards that help pay down your student loans. Click here to learn more.  Related Stories  Here are the best deals at Walmart right now with thanks to Heather from Passion for Savings for her help in compiling them. The prices below are based on Northwest Arkansas region. Please keep in mind that Walmart deals vary by region so the prices listed here will not be valid at all stores.
La Victoria Tortillas – $1.78
Use $1/1 coupon from the 8/18 SmartSource insert or printable
$0.78 after coupon French’s Flavor Infuser – $1.97
Use $1/1 printable or coupon from the 8/18 SmartSource insert
$0.97 after coupon C&H Light Packets – $1.92
Use $2/1 coupon from the 7/14 RedPlum insert
Or use $1.50/1 coupon from the 7/14 RedPlum insert
As low as free after coupon Tums (36 ct) – $1.74
Buy 2 and use $3/2 coupon from the 8/18 RedPlum insert
$0.24 each after coupon Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer or Starter Kit – $1.38
Use $1/1 coupon from the 8/18 SmartSource insert or printable
$0.38 after coupon Friskies Cat Treats – $1.50
Buy 2 and use $1.10/2 printable
$0.95 each after coupon Totino’s Crisp Crust Party Pizza – $1.25
Buy 5 and use $1/5 printable
As low as $1.05 each after coupon See the full list of Walmart deals here.
 Did you find a great deal at Walmart? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. To make it easy for everyone to navigate quickly through the links, your link must link directly to your Walmart deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Walmart deals post will be deleted.
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