OG LORI Dolls at Target... and Im in love!

My daughters spotted these darling little dolls at Target a couple weeks ago.  I have heard about them almost daily ever since :)  I decided to take my littlest one out today to spend some of her birthday money and learn a little more about these sweet dolls she can't stop talking about. 

Playing at dusk, with Buzzsquito bands!

These late, warm summer nights are my favorite.  May they never end!  Hanging around on our property will always be one of my favorite things to do.

Saving $5,000 on your period....

Did you know women spend an average of $120 a year on period related protection?

i love my Freebies!

I've found myself with a little spare time this morning so Im signing up for some freebies!  They are great for travel or even just using at home!

The products I am reviewing.... and how you can too!

I signed up with this brand new company a few months ago...  they have since grown and are now a part of my daily and/or weekly life!

I had SO much fun reviewing these essential oils!

Tuna; but cheaper!

We love tuna in our house.  'They say' tuna is cheap.  Its not when you only like the good stuff.  We don't like cheap tuna in our house, the quality cans are about $2 each.  For lunch the 4 of us would need 3 cans, making the base of the meal start at $6 before additions, bread, veggies, etc.  That is unfortunately out of our budget.

Insert creativity!

Pantry Challenge, Organization & Menu Plan Monday

Day One!  I printed out my 'No Waste' menu planner as discussed yesterday.  A couple trips to the pantry and freezer and I was able to fill it out.  As you can see I squeezed in 2 more days, making it a 9 day week, getting us through the end of this month.  A little thinking and thumbing through Pinterest and I came up with our plan!  I will only need 3 things at the grocery store this week: cat litter, a jar of pasta sauce and some celery!  Thats a WIN!

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End of Month Pantry Challange! No preparation needed!

A handful of circumstances have led me to wish not to spend any money for the rest of this month, a short 8 days, we can do this!

Am I getting ready to wear a swimsuit?!?!?!

Well,  its June already and I have one month 'til I will be forced to wear a swimsuit.

I have learned so much since I started with newly learned healthy-lifestyle back in December.  I have shed a lot of extra fat, gained muscle and best of all I have MAINTAINED it, for the most part!

6 reasons why YOU need a Whatever Wednesday

Ive been a stay-at-home-mom for nearly 8 years.  I have relaxed only a handful of times since. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much.

i heart crafting.

yes.  We were out of soap...

Menu Plan Monday: Clean Eating & back to Budget: full week of dinner for 4 just $29

Menu Plan Monday; Candida Diet Style

My youngest has been showing small signs of yeast overgrowth for a long time, something she struggled with since birth...  I took an anti-biotic late in pregnancy and they generally cause this issue.....

Long story short, I think it would do my whole family some good to do an anti-yeast diet all week!

My progress...

A plan, a team and support.  

I started my journey back to health last December, right before Christmas.  While I take credit for this success I could not have done it without my Team.

Fast, Easy and Cheap DIY Chore Chart

We believe in chores in our house.  My children have a small list of 'daily tasks' they are responsible. My goal in life is to create happy, healthy and responsible little people who are also financially smart and secure.

Shakeology recipes

Here are a few of my favorite recipes for my favorite super-food drink!  I actually frequently enjoy my beverage mixed with just water...  but there are days that I do indeed want a treat...  and this is what I do....

Berry Chocolate Shakeo

March 27- Month End!! Did we do it?

The end of our last full week in this No-Spend month we received our Architect bill.  This bill is what sparked a last minute 'no-spend' month.

Days 21-26th, a busy week!

A busy week and the spending was low!  Thriftiness and creativity at its best!

Freebie Friday

Saving money doesn't mean I can't enjoy some fun treats on occasion if I work for them!  So many different companies like to send out samples, simply for signing up!  Heres what I got in the mail over the 2 past weeks!

Rewards Survey is totally my favorite place to earn free magazines!  Find out how HERE.  Its so easy :)

Day 18, 19 and 20: spending my savings

A few easy days and a little treat.

Awesome In April

Have the desire to be fit and healthy, get that eating under control and feel awesome?  Need some encouragement, a plan AND daily accountability?  I have the program for you!

THIS CAN BE YOU!!!

day 15, 16 &17 St Paddys Day and almost out of money!

Day 15 was a special day for hubby and I.  

A rare date for us, we had signed up previously to do our local Poulsbo Beer Run.  It was pouring, i mean POURING rain, 45 degrees and 4 miles of running AND beer with our small community.  It could not have been more fun!  Such a special bonding experience that we desperately needed.  A rare chance without our darling, but needy children.  As we had previously paid our admission, that was covered. My parents were available to watch the kiddos, thanks to pre-planning so technically we didn't spend money this month for this event :)

Ive come a Long way on this journey!

The past year has been full of changes for me.  Maybe its the fact that my children *nearly* sleep through the night now and I once again can think with a clear head.  Maybe its just getting older.  Maybe its my new life as a mom and property owner, we've been stationed here for almost 10 years now and are truly a part of the community now.

I don't know.  But I like it.

3 months of work!  ...plus birthdays, wine and Christmas, no starving, only fun to get these results!

day 12, 13 & 14: keeping it thrifty!

A few easy days here.  I simply followed my menu plan for the week and don't spend a dime!

I check the pantry and freezer frequently for items to get creative with and use up!

G for gross. being cheap doesn't always pay off!

day 9, 10 and 11: Birthday Time!

Monday was easy, getting to work and school on time with Daylight Savings time was enough to keep everyone focused.  Hubby usually leaves about 5:30 so we certainly did not see him on this morning!  I managed to get a healthy breakfast into both my girls and get them to their schools on time.  A win for me!

all wrapped up and ready to go!

day 7 and 8; weekend fun!

We are blessed with a beautiful Pacific Northwest weekend.  Surprisingly warm, actually.  Mid 60s and sunshine.  We are thankful its not raining and cold.

Saturday consisted of lounging around the house, doing some clean up and then going to the park to enjoy the weather for a couple hours.  Beyond beautiful!

day 6: fun friday

Man oh man we seem to go through a lot of produce!!!

I hit up Safeway this morning and got some bargains. After tax the total was just $15 for all this. 

day 4 & 5; a little treat!

Wednesday is early-release day in our school district and I love to use that extra time to do something fun with my kiddos.  They have been asking for ice cream lately so I knew we were upon a good opportunity!  Our Dairy Queen has half-priced milk-shakes until 4pm so on early-release day we can make it just in time for the bargain!

both kiddos choose cherry milkshakes!

day 3: free haircut

Heading into Day 3 I knew I had to visit Costco.  Produce was really low and our poultry was too.  

Last summer when we did a no-spend month we just sucked it up and lived on beans and rice and pasta and homemade breads.....  and what other home-made carbs can I add to this list?  I know I gained a few pounds that summer and didn't have much energy.  We are not willing to go to that extreme this time, trying to focus on our health as well....  its a tough balance!

day 2: spending and one big cut!

The realization hit that we indeed needed some non-carb protein for the week settled in and I accepted the fact that I had to go to the grocery store.  I knew I could hit up Safeway and stick to my budget while finding what I needed.

Day 1

 

March 1st, Day 1.  

I am organized and ready to save every penny this month.  We have a deadline, and its major!  Here is the beginning of our financial journey, Phase 2: adding on to the home.  We will clearly be financing the construction but need to pay cash for many things.  This month we need to save the remainder of our Architect fees.  ....and its a LOT!  

Emergen-C Review, lots of flavor options! and FREE sample!

I've had Emergen-C in the past, maybe only a couple times.  I was lucky enough to be chosen to do a review for them and received a wonderful variety to try!

Menu Plan Monday... No-Spend March!

Whew- the best solution to organize my meals for the entire month was to just do it.  I printed out a calendar from a free site and got to work!

No-Spend March... getting ready!

For some personal reasons we NEED to do a no-spend month.  We need to come up with some extra money, a LOT of extra money actually, for a very large home project.  We've been saving, but we need a little more.  Here is our push.  Its real, its NOW.

Menu Plan Monday- 21 Day Fix= all clean eating!

Monday starts The 21 Day Fix, and I'm so excited to say my hubby is joining me this time!  Its my 3rd round with this program and I love all Im learning from it.  Changing my habits to healthy ones, making portion control automatic now.  Love, love, love!!  Here is what the whole family will be eating this week.....

Avoiding the 'Danger Food' zone

I am generally a fairly controlled eater.  I generally like most healthy foods.  I generally don't eat so much I make myself sick.  Generally.

With a lot of my recent health and food education with Beachbody I feel pretty confident that I am choosing what is best for my body most of the time.  My portions are generally ideal for me and not often do I do any emotional eating any more.

There are a couple exceptions and I refer to these as my 'Danger Foods'.

What do I do with 14lbs of chicken.....

Ran to the Military Commissary and for the first time in my 15 years of shopping there I saw discounted chicken!  So, yeah, I got 14 lbs!

Friday Night Pizza Night!! my healthier version!

My children are now at that age where they expect pizza every Friday night.  I guess we have started a tradition.  Traditions are wonderful and important for children, they build security, self-confidence and strength.

Menu Plan Monday- Dinner for 4 at $25 a week!

I did all my grocery shopping for this pay-period yesterday. That post here!  I spent about $180 and will use those groceries along with what we already have to organize our Menu for the next 2 weeks.  This leaves me still $100 to pick up produce and other items (dog food!!) 'til the 15th.  I will make this work- no problem!

Tips for Shopping and Bulk Cooking; A quick Saturday Project

I plan my families menu every single week.  I don't just plan out what sounds good to me.  Nope.  I scan my pantry, fridge and freezer to see what I have on hand, sort through my recipes then hit the grocery store.  I ONLY buy what is a true bargain.

While at the store my husband texted me and asked for granola.  There was none on a discounted price so I didn't buy any.  Thats how I shop.  We have other food and will make due.  When granola is on clearance again I will stock up.

New leggings on the 1st!

Im starting to learn more about Fabletics as each month goes on....  I have just put 2 and 2 together and discovered that a few BRAND NEW styles come out on the 1st of each month!  With new styles comes a fully stocked size selection.  I was able to grab these darling leggings in MY SIZE this morning!  Im so excited for their arrival!  

And now I really think I need some new sneakers to go with them.....  hmmmmmm......

Allow me to INVITE YOU to Fabletics.  Their referral system is also awesome.  But even without it I will solely buy their workout gear from now on.  Basically priced the same as TJMaxx stuff but touting quality like Lulu(which I cannot afford by the way).  They are awesome.  High quality workout wear comfy enough even for sleep.  Oh, and they look fantastic on!  I have reviews of them here, if you wanna learn and see more :D

No go put your workout gear on and get some exercise!  .....or just clean the house.

(and may i add a note here...  i just had an issue trying to enter a gift card i received so i called in to customer service...  yes, at 7:30am on Sunday!  i was only on hold for a few minutes and was quickly helped by a very sweet girl who was both competent and friendly.  she actually logged onto my account and did everything for me.  A+ Fabletics, A+!)

23 Intense ways to SAVE TONS OF MONEY for an already Frugal Household

Scratches, dings and dents...

My $20 shopping trip.  Saving money IS what I do.

Menu Plan Monday! A week of Dinners for 4 just $27

Menu for this week..... will be BUDGET ORIENTED!  My car need almost four thousand dollars of service.  Holy Ouch!  Gonna pull the drawstrings in and tighten back up our food budget...  saving money this week will make me feel much better about my car bill!

Skinny Cinnabon White Russian

Its Sunday. Isn't that a good enough reason to celebrate?

My journey to health and fitness continues...

This week marks Month #2 with my journey.  I have learned so much!  I feel I now have the knowledge and skills to keep this up easily.  This now is a total lifestyle change and I LOVE IT!  The best part?  Its easy and hardly changes a thing in my daily life.....

Veggie Spiralizer, was $40 NOW $2.95!

Order quick- I'm not sure how long Amazon will keep this price...

going for a jog...

took 20 minutes for myself today and went for a jog. i actually really didnt want to but made myself. and i felt awesome afterward!

Free Protein Bar Treat from NOW Foods

I like this company, and even more do I like free healthy snacks disguised as decadent treats.  Oh,  I will be saving this one for myself!  Sign up here- and if you don't already get a newsletter from them you will have to sign up for it (they will let you know).  I hope its as good as it looks!  Get yours HERE.

Free Dog Treats and Toys from SurpriseMyPet!

Wow!  Free treats and toys from a new upcoming company...  FOR DOGS ONLY!

Menu Plan Monday, ultra clean eating week!

Its monday again??  What?!?!

Im finishing the last week of my Beachbody Challenge and am planning on eating super pure, packed with nutrients, healthy and with low salt this week!  Want my final weigh in results to be AMAZING!

fast frittata for the freezer!

Easy and fast, this 'recipe' can be adapted to pretty much anything you have on hand!  Eggs.  You do need eggs for this one!  Everything else is pretty much flexible ;)

Fabletics again! and why I keep coming back....

I was tempted by the bargain-basement deals promised by Fabletics a while back...  so I gave them a shot.  Lots of washes and wears later I have now found my new favorite comfort/workout wear company...

check this out!

Bargains a plenty at Grocery Outlet.

I had about 7 things on my grocery list today...  so I went to Grocery Outlet.

Quinoa.  They didn't have any dang quinoa.  I didn't get quinoa.

But I only spent $46.  And my shopping cart was full.

Full of awesome, healthy and mainly organic food that WILL get eaten!

Want to see some deals and why YOU should be going to Grocery Outlet??  Keep reading....

Fast Wheat Drop Biscuits with herbs

This is one of those things I usually throw together last minute- and the family usually thinks I slaved over it....  these are divine!

Don't tell them how simple they are or I will have to make them daily....

Saturday morning cozy kids activities...

We love fun, educational activities!  Some of our favorites are printable worksheets.  These always bring on spur-of-the moment fun.

I came across this darling Valentines Day set....

13 Dollar Store Deals for the Natural home

I never was a dollar store shopper before I had children...  I wouldn't exactly call myself a frequent shopper, but I do on occasion, and for specific items!

There truly are some great deals to be had there!  No- its NOT all terrible toxin-leaching, cheap plastic crap! Who knew!?!?!