I wanted to use the $10/$40 coupon that was available to print last week so I bought a lot more at Aldi than I usually do. I splurged on a few items that will be so nice to have around.
3 Frozen Strawberries – $2.29 each (We love smoothies for breakfast!)
1 Frozen Blueberries – $2.29
1 Cream Cheese – $0.99
1 Frozen Whipped Topping – $0.89
1 Frozen Peas – $0.95
1 gallon Milk – $1.99
1 Butter Quarters – $1.69
2 lbs Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $5.99
2 Pomegranates – $0.49 each
1 Salsa – $1.69
1 Parsley – $0.99
1 Chocolate Chips – $1.29
1 Sugar (4 lbs) – $1.89
1 Walnuts (1 lb) – $6.89
1 loaf Bread – $0.99
1 Pineapple – $1.29
1 Parmesan Cheese – $2.39
1 Celery – $1.29
1 Tortillas – $0.99
Used $10/$40 printable coupon (no longer available)
Total with tax ($3.03): $35.37
Dillons Shopping Trip
Items a part of the Mega Sale (Buy 10, Get $5 off):
2 Lever 2000 Body Wash - $2.99 each, used $3.75/2 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert - $1.11 each, Got back $2 catalina (like $0.12 each after coupon and catalina)
4 Betty Crocker Cake Mix – $0.79 each, used 1 $0.75/2 printable and 1 $0.85/2 coupon from the 9/29 SmartSource insert – $0.39 each after coupons
2 Betty Crocker Mac & Cheese – $0.49, used 2 $0.25/1 coupon from the 10/20 SmartSource insert – $0.24 each after coupons
4 Campbell’s Soup – $0.49 each, used $0.40/4 coupon from the 11/3 SmartSource insert – $0.39 each after coupon (I usually always make my own from scratch but these will be nice to have handy during the holidays.)
4 Gerber Puffs – $1.39 each, used 2 $1/3 printable - $0.89 each after coupons (My toddler LOVES these and I was so excited to surprise him with some.)
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, Garden Delight or Smart Taste Pasta – $0.69, used 2 $1/2 printable - $0.19 each after coupons
Total with tax ($3.19) after coupons and sales: $28.57
Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Smoothies, Toast, Cereal, Oatmeal
Lunches
Tossed Salad, Cheese Quesadillas, Scrambled Eggs, Baked Sweet Potatoes (I got a few that were marked down at the Health Food store about a week ago.), Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Dinners
Chicken Noodle Casserole, 30 Minute Rolls, Green Beans, Fruit Salad
Spaghetti, Tossed Salad
Salad Bar, Baked Potatoes
Venison Stew (We were blessed with the meat from an entire deer a couple of weeks ago! My freezer is completely full with venison right now.) , Banana Muffins
Leftovers, Peaches (I canned these earlier this year.)
When you become a parent, your dreams don't just disappear. You might want to pursue a new career, become debt-free, grow in your relationship with God, get in shape, or maybe even all of the above. But you're already overwhelmed — how do you pursue a dream while being a parent?
Here are five steps to help you achieve your dream.
1. Think about where you are.
Be realistic about your situation. Don't hold back. Ask your spouse and your closest friends for their input.
Spend some time in silence and pray about it, too. It's essential to know where you are before you map out a route to the destination.
2. Have a support system in place.
Get your spouse on the same page with you. If you are a single parent, reach out to family and friends.
Moms need support from other moms and dads need support from other dads. This could mean a phone call, meeting for coffee, or sending a text message. Don't overlook the power of encouragement!
3. Pursue smaller, achievable goals.
A dream not broken down into specific goals is not clear enough. Life happens, time goes by, and you get off track. When you have laser-like focus, you get more done.
4. Remember life is seasonal.
If you have a newborn, sleeping patterns will be inconsistent, so you'll have less time and energy for your dream. Over time, as your baby adjusts to a sleep schedule, you will too.
The same goes for when your family plays the "pass the cold around" game. It's normal to feel discouraged. Use your support system to get a needed lift.
5. Don't compare with others.
Comparison leads to jealousy. Focus on your attitude and take note when it gets negative. A great way to avoid falling into this trap is to compliment others.
Let's apply these concepts in a real-life example:
Meet Mike and Jenny Willis. Mike is a full time engineer working 50 hours a week. Jenny stays at home with their two kids: Jimmy, 3 years old and potty training, and Jonny, 6 months old and teething. Mike and Jenny are $55,000 in debt. Their dream is becoming debt free.
1. Think about where you are.
Mike and Jenny are in a very challenging place right now. Until they get control of their finances, the debt will not just go away by itself. Mike is working a lot of hours and this must be taken into consideration too.
2. Have a support system in place.
Mike and Jenny need to support each other, both talking things through and coming to an agreement about getting out of debt. They also need to reach out to friends who can encourage them — another family who has become debt free could provide guidance.
3. Pursue smaller, achievable goals.
Working out a budget and then filling it in with actual numbers at month's end would be a fantastic first step. There is an easy-to-use free website called Mint or a free spreadsheet template like these here. The next step could be knocking out the smallest debt owed.
4. Remember life is seasonal.
The financial situation will improve. Jonny will stop teething. Jimmy will soon be potty trained. Mike's hours could decrease if he asks for help at work or finds another job that pays more or has less hours.
5. Don't compare with others.
Mike and Jenny should keep their goal in mind and not be discouraged by the amazing meals and desserts in their Instagram feed.
Yes, pursuing a dream is difficult, but know it will be worth it. Remember good things do not happen overnight, so doing great things take even more time.
As you develop good habits, you'll reshape your routine—and this will help you build momentum and grow. Challenges will come, but with support and intentionality, you can achieve amazing things.
Need more help with setting and achieving goals? Jim Woods and Erik Fisher have just released an ebook called Beyond The To Do List: Goals. It is a step-by-step practical guide featuring advice from Crystal Paine, Andy Traub, Jon Acuff, and more! All MoneySavingMom.com readers can purchase this book for only $2.99, now through 11:00am on 11/14/2013.
Jim Woods is a writer, dreamer, husband, and dad in Nashville TN. His passion lies in helping others turn ideas into action. He’d love to connect with you on his website or on Twitter @jimwoodswrites.
Please note that the price of these ebooks is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to verify before checking out that it is still free.
These ebooks are specifically for Kindles, but you can go here to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
As a way to say thank you, Cents of Style is bringing back this hot deal on the Paula T-Shirt Infinity Scarf. You can purchase one for just $7.95 with free shipping when you use coupon code SCARFLOVE at checkout. This sale offer is good through November 16, 2013.
There are 11 different colors to choose from and these would make great gifts, as well as wonderful additions to your fall and winter wardrobe. Just use coupon code SCARFLOVE to get these for only $7.95 shipped.
Snapfish has a great holiday offer for you. Get 150 4×6 prints for free, all you’ll pay is the shipping — which is around $8 to $10, depending upon where you live.
These prints regularly cost $13.50. Offer good for new customers only.
What a great gift idea! Order a one-year subscription to Woodcraft Magazine for only $7.99 when you use coupon code MONEYSAVING at checkout. You can order up to 2 years at this price!
About Woodcraft magazine: Woodcraft Magazine is a bimonthly publication for woodworkers of any skill level. Each issue is filled with do it yourself projects, profiles of talented craftsmen, product reviews, industry news. Woodcraft Magazine brings you personal stories and informative articles that will inspire you to create. This magazine subscription is a great addition to your woodworking shop.
This offer expires Tuesday night, 11/12/12 11:59 PM EST.
Are you looking for other magazine titles? You can use coupon code MONEYSAVING to save 20% off of most titles at DiscountMags!
From now until December 24, 2013, Walmart will match a local competitor’s printed ad on an identical item. Bring your printed ad and your receipt to your local Walmart’s Customer Service Desk to receive a Walmart Gift Card for the difference.
Samsung Galaxy S4, $49.99 with Qualifying 2 Year Plan FREE $50 Visa Gift Card with Qualifying 2 Year Plan (New Activations Only) As low as Free after Gift Card!
iPhone 5S 16GB Cell Phone, $199.99 with 2 Year Plan ($549.99 with No Contract)
iPhone 5C 16 GB, $49.99 with Qualifying 2 Year Plan ($449.99 with No Contract)
Kindle Fire HD, $139.99 Features 7″ Screen, 8GB Memory Free $10 Gift Card with In Store Purchase $129.99 after gift card!
Asus Laptop (X401A-BCL0705Y), $249.99
Toshiba Laptop (C55DA5372 NB), $349.99
Philips Blu-Ray Disc DVD Player (BDP2105), $49.99
Garmin n vi 50LM 5″ Receiver, $89.99
Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto Zoom Lens, $199.99 $50 with Purchase of Canon Rebel TS3 Digital Camera
Nikon Coolpix S6500 16MP Digital Camera, $169.99 Includes Free 8GB SDHC Card and Case
SanDisk 16GB SDHC Memory Card, $9.99
SanDisk 32GB Cruzer USB Flash Drive, $7.99
Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones, $179.99
Roku 2 1080p Streaming Player, $59.99
Mach Speed Eclipse MP3 Player with Camera, $14.99
RC Execuheli Helicopter, $14.99
Apex 32″ 720p 60Hz LED HDTV (LE3242), $199.99
Xbox 360 4GB Kinect Bundle, $199.99 Includes 4GB Console, 2 Kinect Games, Wireless Controller, & the Kinect Sensor
Playstation PS3 12 GB Move Bundle, $199.99 Includes Playstation Move and Move Motion Controller, Dual Shock Wireless Controller, Sports Champions 2 Game, Built in Blu-Ray Player
Apple TV 3rd Generation, $99.99 Free $20 Gift Card with Purchase of Apple TV $79.99 after gift card
Apple 16GB iPod Touch, $229.99 Free $30 Gift Card with In Store Purchase $199.99 after gift card!
Here are some of the best educational deals and freebies available right now from Katie who writes at Cincinnati Cents:
LeapFrog Explorer Brave Learning Game for $9.99: Amazon has their LeapFrog Explorer Brave Learning Game on sale for $9.99. This game teaches life science, earth science, logic and reasoning, and is appropriate for children ages 5 to 8 years old. There are several other LeapFrog Games on sale for $9.99 as well including Dora the Explorer, Pet Pals 2, Phineas & Ferb, SpongeBob SquarePants, Disney Fairies, and Cinderella.
ALEX Toys My Giant Busy Box for $25.22: Amazon has their ALEX Toys My Giant Busy Box on sale for $25.22. This set enables children to make 16 different projects, and includes 2 plastic frames, 4 animal punch outs, 10 colors of dough, 2 peel-and-stick tissue art pictures, extra tissue paper, glue, easy to follow instructions, and more.
Free Kindle e-Books for Kids: There are several free Kindle e-Books for kids available for download including Heart of a Hero, The Mystery of Adventure Island, 101 Horse Facts, Maddix the Spunky Monkey’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble, How to Be Prepared for Emergencies, Thanksgiving: A Special Celebration, Asking for Trouble, I Say Thank You, My First Book of ABC and 123, Nature’s Patterns, Thanksgiving Dinner, and George Washington: Just the Facts.
Skip Hop Zoo Kids’ Backpacks for $11.03: Amazon has their Skip Hop Zoo Kids’ Backpacks on sale for as low as $11.03 each. These backpacks include an insulated pouch for snacks, an adjustable mesh bottle pocket, and adjustable shoulder straps. The following varieties are on sale – Dog for $12.71, Ladybug for $11.03, Monkey for $13.05, Penguin for $12.63, Frog for $11.89, and Fox for $12.24.
Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pads for $3.99: Purchase a Melissa & Doug Habitats Reusable Sticker Pad for just $3.99. This set includes 5 scenes (a farm, a prehistoric landscape, an African oasis, a jungle, and the ocean) and over 150 reusable stickers. These easy-to-peel vinyl stickers can be removed and repositioned for hours of play. There are two other sticker pads priced at $3.99 as well – the Play House Sticker Pad and the Dress Up Sticker Pad.
Free Jesse Tree Printables: 1+1+1=1 has a free set of Jesse Tree Printables available for download. This set includes Jesse Tree ornaments, an e-book, and calendar connections.
Shelby’s Snack Shack Game for $14.71: Amazon has their Shelby’s Snack Shack Game on sale for $14.71. This game helps develop number, counting, and early math skills, and it received a 5-star review from 30 reviews.
Free Digraph Word Ladders: Download a free set of Digraph Word Ladders from 3 Dinosaurs. This set includes the following digraphs – ch, ck, gh, gn, kn, ng, ph, qu, sh, th, wh, wr, tch.
Crayola Crayons (64 ct.) for $2.97: Purchase a 64-ct. of Crayola Crayons for just $2.97. This set comes complete with a built-it sharpener to keep your crayons sharp as well.
Free Psalm 23 Bible Bingo Game: 123 Homeschool 4 Me has a free Psalm 23 Bible Bingo Game available for download. This set includes 17 unique boards, sheep marker squares, and calling pictures.
HedBanz Game for $7.99: Purchase the HedBanz Game for just $7.99. This goofy guessing game of "What am I?" encourages kids to think creatively to figure out what they are to win.
Free P is for Police Car Pack: Download a free P is for Police Car Pack from Royal Baloo. This pack includes such skills as sight words, tracing, graphing, matching, counting, and more.
Erector Super Construction Set for $44.99: Purchase the Erector Super Construction Set for just $44.99. This set comes with a 6V battery-operated motor, 643 parts, and instructions for 25 Fully Detailed Models. Plus this set is interchangeable with all other Erector sets, and it ships for free with Super Saver Shipping.
Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game for $9.99: Amazon has their Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game on sale for $9.99. This fun math adventure game for children typically retails for $18.99, and it received a 5-star rating from 150 reviews.
Free Expanded Thanksgiving Unit: Download a free expanded Thanksgiving Unit from 2 Teaching Mommies. This unit includes such skill as letter sorting, a number maze, cutting practice, graphing, and more.
Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe Set for $8.44: Amazon has their Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe Set on sale for $8.44. This set typically retails for $29.99 (a savings of 72%), and it covers pronunciation, speaking and listening, reading and writing, simulated conversation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head for $5: Purchase Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head for $5 each. These classic toys come complete with a variety of parts and accessories to create your own stylish spud and help little ones discover basic body parts.
Free Christmas Around the World Unit Study: Download a free Christmas Around the World Unit Study from Confessions of a Homeschooler. This unit covers Christmas traditions in a variety of countries – Japan, China, Russia, Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Mexico.
Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup – $0.65 Use $0.40/2 coupon from the 10/6 SmartSource insert Or buy 5 and use $1/5 coupon from the 10/6 SmartSource insert Stack with 5% Target Cartwheel.com coupon $0.41 each after coupons
Del Monte Vegetables – $0.65 Use $0.75/1 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert Or buy 2 and use $1/2 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert As low as $0.52 each after coupon
Did you find a great deal at Target? 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 Target deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Target deals post will be deleted.
Dave Ramsey is offering a free membership to Financial Peace University Online to the first 2,000 honorably discharged Veterans that create an account and register for FPU online.
Here’s how to get this free membership to Financial Peace University Online:
1. Log onto: Daveramsey.com and look for the Honoring our Heroes logo. If you don't see the logo, please click here. 2. Fill out the form and click submit. 3. You’ll receive an email with instructions, a link, and a promo code to register for one Free Financial Peace Online membership. 4. Register and enjoy your membership.
This giveaway ends after the first 2,000 Veterans register, or at 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.
::Be sure to opt out of all the upsell offers so that you don't incur extra charges.
::Go to check out and you should pay only $5 for shipping!
And there you have it! This is perfect for Christmas cards — or even to give as a gift! Don’t need address labels? These can also make great gift labels and more.
Please do note that VistaPrint is notorious for sending you lots of email after you order from them so I'd recommend either unsubscribing from their emails as soon as you start getting them or giving them an email address which is not your primary address.
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