Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 62

21 Retail Tricks (and How to Resist Them)

A big part of fighting the flow of stuff in our lives is to never let it into our homes in the first place. Nipping clutter in the bud is the easiest and fastest way to keep stuff from taking over, but let’s be honest….

It can be a huge challenge.

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a good trip to Target. Every aisle is jam-packed with the CUTEST [fill in the blank] you’ve ever seen.  And I want it all. Target is my kryptonite.

Unfortunately, those carts full of stuff take over the space in our homes. The items we purchase have no meaning or value to us, and we don’t even have a need for them. Suddenly, we find ourselves with a shelf full of expired beauty projects or more cute little candles and throw pillows than we would ever need.

But the reality is that there’s no joy in a house packed to the gills with the stuff we’ve accumulated. It encroaches on our space, quickly becoming overwhelming and disorganized. Clutter can even lead us into debt, marital problems and stress.

We need to become Unstuffed.

It’s time to stop the flow. Head clutter off at the source. Resist the urge to buy!

Unfortunately, retailers are wise to our resistance. They spend tons of money on strategists, psychologists and planners who get to the core of how to best market and advertise products to shoppers like you and me, both in-store and online—and they don’t skimp on the details. Almost every store out there is laid out in a way that’s specifically designed to get you to spend money. From the moment you walk in, plans and tricks are in place, working to get you to spend, spend, spend.

To resist this ambush on our senses, we have to know what to look for ahead of time. Once you’re aware of these retail tricks and gimmicks, you’ll be amazed at how just a little bit of mindfulness can prevent major overspending.

In-Store Tricks & Tips:

1. Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Retailers spend big dollars on signage and advertising. It’s Marketing 101. Customers respond to large, obvious signage. Clearance signs are usually in bright yellow and sale signs are in a very noticeable red. It’s hard to resist being drawn to a sale rack when there’s a big red sign yelling “SALE” at you. These signs create a sense of urgency; they catch our eye and pull us in.

2. Big Shopping Carts Right at the Front of the Store

How many times have you walked into a store and lingered between the baskets and the carts for a moment? Perhaps you only need an item or two, but what if you “need” a cart when you start shopping? Retailers are well aware that customers will buy more when it fits in their cart. Plus, the roomier the cart, the less full it looks—and they know you’ll keep filling and filling that extra space as you go along.

3. Complicated Coupons

As an experienced coupon user, I can tell you: coupons can be tricky. Once you understand them, read all the fine print, and become a familiar user, you can really save a bundle. However, for the coupon newbie, sometimes the deals aren’t worth the trouble. For example, a store brand item might be cheaper than a name brand item—even WITH a coupon. Other times, coupons can have complicated combinations or require you to buy multiples or items you don’t need just to get the deal.

4. Buy One, Get One (BOGO)

What could ever be bad about buying something at half off or getting two for the price of one? Nothing of course, provided you need both items. BOGO deals are a great way the store gets you to purchase two of something, when you really only need one. Plus, this is another case where the name brand is usually more expensive than the store brand, even with the sale. Oftentimes, stores use the buy one, get one half-off combination to draw you in and get you to go home with multiples (spending 50% more than you had planned).

5. Expensive Items at Eye Level

Stores like to place expensive items right at eye level. Grocery stores do this with name brand soups, cereals and pricier treats, but almost all retailers use this trick in one form or another. Clothing stores often put new items right out front, where they will sell for full price. Sale items and clearance are in the back, hidden out of your initial view. A discerning shopper must learn to avoid these eye-catchers and seek out the item needed.

6. Pop Music

When we listen to music, we relax and we tend to feel like we’re having fun. It adds a little spring to our step and we’re suddenly tapping our toes and filling up our cart in time with the beat. While most of us probably aren’t quite THAT extreme in our musical response, popular music has an effect on each of us. It can create feelings of nostalgia and trigger an emotional response to the items we’re purchasing. It can make our retail experience more fun and thus more fruitful.

7. Complicated Store Layouts

Have you ever wondered why grocery stores put produce on one side of the store and meat/deli on the other? It’s so you have to walk AROUND the entire store to get from one side to the other. Almost all stores create some navigational blockers and strategic layouts, forcing you to go through several extra areas to get to popular items.

8. Tempting Endcaps

We all know retailers put the best deals on the endcaps, right? Well, not always, but because this is such a common perception, when we see stuff on the endcap, we assume it’s a better deal and fill up our carts. Endcaps are often filled with seasonal items and impulse buys—think holiday decorations and food at Thanksgiving, or sunscreen and barbecue supplies in the summer.

9. Center Aisle Displays

Similar to endcap displays, center-of-the-aisle displays create an actual physical “roadblock,” giving us the feeling they must contain a hot sale or good deal. That temporary emotional reaction spurs an urgency to buy. Plus, it’s right in the center of the aisle, so you can’t help but check it out as you walk by. If these items aren’t on your list, sail right past!

10. Sensory Appeal

Stores use a variety of techniques to appeal to your senses. They might offer samples of food to taste, perfumes to smell, and overhead announcements and ads to get you to buy, and to create a sense of urgency. From the moment you walk in, you’re offered a sensory experience that helps you connect with certain items. “Feel how soft this blanket is,” or, “Smell these candles.” Resist shopping when you’re hungry or feeling vulnerable (tired, emotional).

11. Vanity Sizing

It sounds unbelievable, but many retailers use what’s called “vanity sizing.” How many times have you purchased a pair of jeans because they were a “size 6”—yet you normally fit in a 10? Vanity sizing is a little boost of confidence pushing us to swipe the credit card on an item simply because of the number on the tag. In reality, we should purchase items because we need them, they fit, they’re well made, and they go with the other items in our closet. Ignore the number on the tag!

12. Flattering Lighting

Have you ever tried on an item in the low, flattering light of a dressing room, as you gaze into the mirror, surprised at how thin you look? Similar to vanity sizing, retailers use flattering lights and mirrors so you look really great in the items you try on. I know swimsuit shopping can be horrible, and every little self-esteem boost is appreciated, but bringing an honest friend can be much more effective than relying on tricky mirrors and lights, which won’t be there on the beach.

13. Ridiculously Low Clearance Deals

When a retailer marks items down to 75% off or more, it can be almost impossible to resist. Unfortunately, these “deals” are perpetuating the cycle of “stuff” we keep accumulating. Cheap, trendy items on super-clearance draw us in and we end up buying, not because we love the item, but because it’s so inexpensive. By the time a retailer marks something down that far, chances are the store is taking a loss and just trying to clear out the stock. Rather than clogging up your closet with items the store doesn’t even want, let them go.

14. Checkout Quick Buys

You’ve finally made it up to the checkout lane! But chances are you haven’t dodged all the retail tricks quite yet. Grab-and-go buys for just a few dollars (like candy bars, magazines, Chapstick and gum) are right at the checkout so you’ll quickly add them to your purchase, without a second thought.

15. Credit Card Offers

Still in the checkout lane, your cashier is about to ask if you want to sign up for a store credit card and “save 10% today.” What they don’t mention is the high interest rates on most of these credit cards. Save 10% today yes, but you’ll be spending 25% on interest paying off your purchase down the road. Instead, try bringing just the cash you need for your purchase.

Online Tricks & Tips:

Online retailers also use quite a few tricks to get us to buy. It might be a little different than the in-person tricks of retail stores, but most of them are using the same concepts to get customers to purchase MORE.

16. Free Shipping

I know I’ve been guilty of adding one or two items to my cart JUST so I can get free shipping on my order. Stores understand consumers want free shipping, so they often set the price-point just slightly higher than their average item cost, forcing you to add an impulse buy or one more item to your purchase. If you’re shopping online, consider using retailers who offer free shipping on all purchases. Look for coupon codes on sites like RetailMeNot.com, or consider consolidating your online purchases and signing up for a service like Amazon Prime.

17. Email Signup Deals

Another way online retailers draw customers in is by asking them to sign up for email alerts, allowing them to save a small percentage on their order. It can seem like an easy way to save a little money, but in truth, your inbox will become filled with email sales, ultimately leading to more and more spending. Resist the urge to sign up for emails, and if you must, make it a policy to unsubscribe after checkout.

18. Pop-Up Ads and Smart Ads

Whenever you visit a site, “cookies” are stored in your web browser. This is why you get all those little reminders of items you looked popping up on your Facebook page, in your email, and on Google. Clearing your cookies periodically can help eliminate pop-up ads and banners. Once you resist a purchase, it’s oh-so-frustrating to have it continue to haunt your web browser.

19. Similar Items (Look What Others Bought)

Another online retail trick: offering up other items you might be interested in, based on your purchase. Once again, we can start to make associations, like, “I need this item to ‘go with’ the item I bought because other people are doing it.” It might not even be a conscious association, but these deals create the feeling that you need to get in on this deal and join the crowd. Stick to your list and get only what YOU came for.

20. Only 1 Item Left

When looking at shoes, clothes or makeup online, how many times have you been told there are only one or two left in stock? These tricks create a false sense of urgency. In reality, we have no idea how many items the retailer actually has available, and we don’t know what their stock really looks like. We feel like we’ll miss out if we don’t “act now.” In most cases, there will still be plenty of items available, even if you resist the sale.

21. For a Limited Time Only

One of the oldest tricks in the book is “available for a limited time only.” We hear it at restaurants, in the grocery store, and at movie theaters. This indication of exclusivity and urgency causes us to purchase impulsively so we don’t “miss out” on our chance. Often, the time limit is vague and undefined. If there IS a time limit, think back to “limited time only” purchases you’ve resisted in the past, and ask yourself how many have truly haunted you after the fact? I’m guessing we can all admit the answer is hardly any.

Hopefully by identifying a few of these retail tricks, you can resist the urge to spend and stop the flow of stuff before it even starts!

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Corn & Black Bean Salsa

This is a guest post from Gina of Kleinworth & Co.

This time of year I sure love to eat a little lighter. I have shared a lot of sweets here since I started contributing almost a year ago. Sweets are always a favorite for me, but as the temps rise I like to enjoy new & refreshing recipes that seem to be more on the snack side of things. So this time I wanted to share with you one of my favorite warm weather snacks, Corn & Black Bean Salsa (aka:street corn). It’s really simple to make & works great for an afternoon relaxing in the yard with friends or adding to a salad, burrito or even mixing into a casserole.

It comes together by sauteing your corn medley with your spices & a little butter. Then at the end you mix with a little mayo & lime juice to give it sort of crema flavor. Oh wow, it’s so good. We love to enjoy it like a salsa most of the time. Just serve with some tortilla chips & you have a snack that everyone has a hard time walking away from.

Here is what you need:

1 (14oz bag) Ultimate Southwest Blend frozen pack (contains corn, black beans, chilies, red peppers & roasted onions)
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chives
Salt/Pepper to taste
 

Step 1: Combine corn blend, butter & seasonings (except chives) in a large skillet & saute for 7-10 minutes, or until corn starts to crisp & brown on the edges & beans are softened.

Step 2: Add in mayo & lime juice & stir well.

Step 3: Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with chives & serve with tortilla chips.

We decided to add this to a pot of steamed rice for dinner. I have to say, it was a delicious deconstructed casserole. It made enough to allow the kids to have seconds, which they definitely took advantage of. If you love a flavor-packed twist on traditional salsa, this recipe is one you don’t want to miss.

 

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Recipe: Corn & Black Bean Salsa

Summary: This is definitely one of my favorite lite snacks. Perfect for lunch, an afternoon snack or lite dinner.

Ingredients

1 (14oz bag) Ultimate Southwest Blend frozen pack (contains corn, black beans, chilis, red peppers & roasted onions)
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chives
Salt/Pepper to taste



Instructions

Combine corn blend, butter & seasonings (except chives) in a large skillet & saute for 7-10 minutes, or until corn starts to crisp & brown on the edges & beans are softened.
Add in mayo & lime juice & stir well.
Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with chives & serve with tortilla chips.

Prep time: 2 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 2 cups

 

 

Gina, author of Kleinworth & Co, is a busy homeschooling mom to 3 great kids ages 12-18. She likes to find new ways to make life simple & streamlined on a budget. She loves to share easy DIY projects, fun crafts with the kids & a whole lot of recipes, with a few photography tips sprinkled in occasionally too.

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Three Gifts Every Mom Should Give Herself

This is a guest post from Becky Kopitzke of www.beckykopitzke.com

Last week I forked over a ridiculous amount of cash for junior art camp. Why? Because my nine-year-old adores painting and crafting and all things Mod Podge. So I willingly invested in her artistic enrichment.

My six-year-old, on the other hand, is more of a kung-fu type kid. So we enrolled her in karate, including a uniform, belt fees, and of course one of those snazzy logo T-shirts they sell at the check-in desk—cha-ching, cha-ching.

And seriously, let’s not forget swimming lessons, piano lessons, and hey did anybody see the big sale running at Gymboree? Half-price shorts and leggings, people! My children need those!

So my wallet shrinks even as my daughters’ grateful smiles expand.

Yours, too?

We’re moms. We give our children what they need and some of what they want, and we justify the cost as part of our God-given job to nurture and teach, love and protect. I get that.

But what I don’t get is why, when it comes to our own enrichment, our own fulfillment, our own bodies—which have quite possibly not worn new clothes since maternity pants—we pass. No need. Nothing for me, thanks. I can do without.

Really?

I learned the hard way that giving without taking is not actually selfless; it’s senseless. When we deprive ourselves of the same grace we extend to our families, we become cranky, burnt out, restless and resentful.

Is that the kind of woman you want raising your kids?

Here are three gifts we moms can give to ourselves—without spending a single penny.

A break

Oh sure, wouldn’t it be great if we could all schedule a night out with girlfriends or an hour of peace and quiet to read a novel poolside. But in reality we’re more likely wrestling kiddos into pajamas or changing wet swim diapers, with no break in sight. For many women, a physical escape from the trenches of parenting is nearly impossible to find.

So stop looking for it.

Instead, focus on giving yourself a mental break—from all the demands you place on yourself.

You know what I’m talking about, moms. It’s the long list of “good mom” standards we collect—from parenting books, moms’ groups, friends and sisters, pins and memes, even our own misguided imaginations. Then we slap those rules onto ourselves like handcuffs.

Good moms don’t buy sugary cereal.

 Good moms don’t let their kids wear pajamas past noon.

 Good moms pack organic lunches.

 Good moms rotate toys.

 Good moms prohibit their children from shooting straw wrappers at McDonald’s.

 Wait, no, good moms don’t eat at McDonald’s in the first place!

 Good moms play Barbies and LEGOs and Candy Land all day long and they ENJOY IT!!!

Aaaaack!!! Please, someone help me! I cannot BREATHE under all these rules!!

No wonder we mothers are stressed out. When your own “good mom” standards start to strangle your spirit, for heaven’s sake, give yourself a break. Most kids won’t die from eating a Froot Loop. Pajama pants are kind of trendy these days. Kiddos can benefit from constructing that LEGO airplane all by themselves, without your constant input. So pick a day to bend the “rules,” watch TV, serve popsicles for breakfast and popcorn for lunch. No mom guilt. No constant policing and barking at little people to make sure they reflect well on your mad mothering skills.

You are a good mom.

Because you love your kids.

And sometimes love looks like broccoli and discipline, sure. But sometimes it looks like Happy Meals and pillow fights and Cocoa Puffs stuck to the rug.

When we loosen up those suffocating guidelines we’ve built for ourselves and our kids, we just might find we don’t need so many breaks from parenting in the first place.

Forgiveness

So you yelled at your kids yesterday? Forgot the Muffins with Mom event at school? Turned off your phone ten minutes before the sitter called to announce your child was puking—which you discovered two hours later in a voice mail?

Yep. Momma mess-ups are hard to swallow.

But so is forgiveness. Which is why many of us moms choose to beat ourselves up over our parenting mistakes and to dwell on our shortcomings, rather than taking God up on his offer of crazy grace.

What would today look like if you forgave yourself? For that moment of frustration over lost Velcro shoes. For snapping at your husband last night in front of the kids. For hitting the snooze button one time too many, until you were the one to blame for your child’s tardy slip.

We all mess up. It’s just part of life. No mom is the perfect parent. Only God gets those bragging rights—and even His kids misbehaved (hello, apple)! So it’s time we stop holding grudges against ourselves. Imagine what an example that can set for our children, who desperately need freedom to make mistakes, too.

Permission to dream

Motherhood is a role we play. Not THE role. Granted, wiping runny noses and calculating math homework might take up the majority of our time and energy, and rightfully so. To be a mom is a high and holy calling. But it may not be our only calling.

Do you dream of writing a blog, running a business, training for a marathon, traveling to a faraway country? Or maybe you did once upon a time, before kids, before responsibility, before piles of laundry and soccer gear and orthodontist bills took over your space.

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to dream?

It’s easy for us moms to lose ourselves in parenting. We think we’re supposed to sacrifice every muscle and moment to the critical job of raising the world’s next generation of useful people. But before we were moms, we were children, too. Created to do God’s work. Parenting is a big part of that work now that we’re grown up, for sure. But it doesn’t necessarily end there.

Our dreams and our family lives do not have to be at odds. Imagine how your pursuit of a passion could actually enhance your family relationships—by making you more fully who you were meant to be.

My daughters will continue enjoying art projects, karate classes, and enough popcorn to fill their bellies daily. But alongside their needs, I’m going to consider my own. And I hope you will, too. Because when we give ourselves these three priceless gifts—a break, forgiveness, and permission to dream—we become better equipped to keep on giving our children what they really need most.

A totally awesome mom

 

Becky Kopitzke is the author of The SuperMom Myth: Conquering the Dirty Villains of Motherhood (Shiloh Run Press). As a writer, speaker, Bible study leader, lunch packer, boo-boo kisser and recovering perfectionist, Becky believes parenting is one of God’s greatest tools for building our faith, character, and strength—even when it’s messy. Connect with her on www.beckykopitzke.com.

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7 Reasons You Need the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle

Friends, there are just a few days to grab this year’s Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. It is a pretty incredible resource—93 eBooks & eCourses worth over $1,000 that you can snag for just $29.97.

It almost seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?

But if you are on the fence, I totally understand why. After all, 93 eBooks and eCourses is a LOT to take in. How is anyone realistically supposed to read that many books or take that many courses?

The truth is—you’re not. (Unless, of course, you are Superwoman, in which case, more power to you!) You’ll have to pick and choose which books and courses seem most interesting to you, or which ones will help you with whatever issue you happen to be struggling most with right now.

But that’s also the beauty of it. It is like your own little personal library of homemaking resources, right at your fingertips. You get the ability to pick and choose what will be most beneficial at any given time.

Still not convinced?

Here are SEVEN very good reasons you need the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle:

You can gift the books you don’t plan to read. Yep, that’s right—you don’t have to keep them all for yourself! You can not only use this bundle to enhance your own life, but to bless others as well!


It will help you get your budget back on track. There are some AMAZING budgeting and money-saving resources included in this bundle, including the Family Budget Challenge by Shannon Brown at Growing Slower, which is a $37 value all on it’s own. This powerful course will teach you not only how to make a budget, but how to stick to it!


It will help you create a home you love. I don’t know about you, but I adore Myquillen Smith (AKA “The Nester”) & find so much inspiration in the simple, but purposeful way she decorates. Another one of the eCourses included in this bundle is Myquillen’s Cozy Minimalist Mom, and this one course is worth the cost of the bundle alone. In it, she shares 10 simple strategies for creating the home you want, even when your kids are determined to mess it up! But that’s not the only great home resource–the bundle also includes great books like Simplifying Home by Trina Cress and The Modern Girl’s Guide to Homemaking by Kalyn Brooke.


It will help you get your life back on track. Another person I find incredibly inspiring is Tsh Oxenrider (AKA “Simple Mom”). Her Upstream Field Guide eCourse is intended to help you hone in on your purpose and create a life that makes sense. This course alone normally sells for $59—double the price of the whole bundle! But the value doesn’t stop there. Crystal Paine’s Make Over Your Calendar eCourse will help you apply that purpose to your calendar in just seven days.


It could help you lose weight. I’m just going to keep it real here—I’m personally pretty darn excited about the Weight Loss Success Plan from Sarah Robertson and the Housework Action Pack from Jennifer Hoffman that helps you turn housework into exercise! Combined with the 80 Green Thickies smoothie recipes from Katherine Kyle, you’ll be on your way to a much slimmer physique in no time!


It will make cooking & meal planning easier. You guys, there are some AWESOME cookbooks included in this bundle! You already know I am a huge fan of both freezer cooking and slow-cookers (especially when I can combine the two), and this lineup does not disappoint, starting with the Slow Cooker Freezer Meals Vol. 1 & 2 by Tiffany, which include meal plans, shopping lists, and assembly There’s also 81 Quick and Easy Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes by Jordan Page, Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes by Kelly Roenicke, Crockpot Chicken Freezer Meals by Kelly McNelis & Jill Petrush Rogers, and many more!


There is a 100% money back guarantee. Yep, that’s right. Once you purchase, you have 30 days to look through all the resources, and if you’re not completely satisfied, you will get a full refund, no questions asked. You literally have nothing to lose.

Basically,  for less than the price of going out for dinner, you get 93 eBooks and eCourses PLUS a whole bunch of FANTASTIC bonus products that will feel like icing on the cake—all in all, a more than $1,300 value for just $29.97.

 

But only until Monday. And then this year’s Ultimate Homemaking Bundle goes away for good.

Here’s the thing–I don’t promote a lot of outside products here at LWSL. In fact, this is really the only one. Because it’s that good, and I because I truly believe I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t let you know about it.  So check it out today–I promise it will not disappoint!

 

Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

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8 Surprising Effects of Stress

Stress.

We all have it.  After all, we’re all busy—facing changes, responsibilities, and problems we need to solve, and the reality is we will never be able to fully rid our lives of stress. Even the most zen among us haven’t actually learned to eliminate stress. Instead, they find balance and strength to cope with stress in healthy ways.

When we think of balance, most of us think about how we might evenly partition out sections of our lives. For example, we might try to evenly split up our home life, our church life, our work life, our school life—whatever pieces comprise our responsibilities and interests. We think of how we can evenly attend to each area and essentially keep all the balls we’re juggling in the air.

However, in practice, we usually can’t do it all. It’s almost impossible to evenly disperse ourselves or give each area equal attention and diligence. Sometimes we might need to skip out on one responsibility or give more attention to another. Life happens, and no matter how regimented our routine, the unexpected will always show up. The car will break down, we will get sick, a friend or loved one will face an issue or a loss, and we will need to cope.

The truth is that we’ll never find balance from trying to juggle all our balls, because balance comes from rest. It comes from taking the opportunity to do whatever renews our spirit and speaks to our heart. We can find rest and solace in time alone or in time with friends, or while in service to others or within our own “me time.” However you find your point of balance, it’s important to make it a priority.

Stress is one of those sneaky things that can creep up on us and have a profound and even devastating effect. It can wreak havoc on our health, our sleep rhythms, even our personality. It can spill over into our friendships and even cause us to distance ourselves from our loved ones. In our darkest and most stressful times, we may even distance ourselves from God.

Recognizing when it’s time to take a break is the key to finding balance. In my new book Unstuffed I share some very practical tips for how and when to set limits—and not just limits on tangible things, but limits on the stress and toxicity we allow into our lives.

Learn these signs of stress to help identify those moments when it’s time to give yourself some extra TLC.

1. Frequent Illness and Lowered Immune System

Maybe it’s not so surprising, but stress can have a profound effect on your health. When you’re in distress, it can be much more difficult for your body to heal from even simple injuries. Blood pressure rises, your heart rate increases, and when all this happens in combination with other side effects (like poor sleep and nutrition), you could be setting the stage for a perfect storm for serious, ongoing health issues.

I once spent over a year battling colds, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and just generally feeling crummy. When I finally stepped back, I realized my illnesses were all a result of too much stress. I was taking on too many things and trying too hard to be “perfect” in every area of my life—the best mom, wife, Christian, teacher, blogger, friend….

Unfortunately, no one can be the absolute best at everything they do. Just remember, we’re naturally imperfect and at the mercy of God’s grace. It’s okay to let yourself off the hook for some of those too-high standards we set for ourselves. You don’t have to throw the perfect party every time or “pin” every craft and dinner to Pinterest. You don’t have to compare yourselves to everyone else on social media (who by the way, are also putting only their very best face forward)!

To combat sickness brought on by stress, practice all of the good, healthy-for-you things you know you should be doing. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, water, healthy foods and rest. Relax and take a break. If you don’t, your body will force you to take one whether you like it or not.

2. Skin and Hair Issues

Stress can cause hair loss, acne, dry skin and flare-ups of a number of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. It makes sense, seeing as your skin is your largest organ, and it undergoes and absorbs much of the environmental toxins and stress surrounding you.

When your body’s immune system and defenses are down, your skin will be one of the first places it will show. You might first notice a certain dullness—a complexion that doesn’t seem as bright or looks grey. Even your hair might seem oilier, limp, thin, or just not as shiny and healthy.

Water, sleep and nutrition can be the best ways to combat skin and hair issues. Of course, if you feel you’re losing a large amount of hair, or if you can’t get skin issues under control, visit a dermatologist who can help you find a solution to flare-ups. These issues can be symptomatic of a thyroid disorder or other concern. Our skin can be susceptible to infection when we have rashes, acne and dry patches. It’s better to head them off quickly, before they become a much larger problem.

Make sure you’re eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain many of the vitamins (A, C, D, iron and protein) that help with hair growth and skin health.

3. Panic Attacks, Depression and Anxiety

Panic attacks and anxiety are very real and very frightening. If you have panic disorder, depression or anxiety, you may need to seek medical help. That said, stress can certainly exacerbate these issues and even cause them to spiral out of control.

As many of you know, I battled depression for several years. I know when my stress gets out of control, those feelings can start creeping back in. From a scientific point of view, stress causes your body to go into “fight or flight” mode, so the adrenalin and other hormones released can cause the rest of your brain chemistry to get a little out of whack. Suddenly, you may find yourself having panic attacks when you haven’t had one in years, or you might feel looming symptoms of depression.

Again, exercise, sleep, a healthy diet and meditation can help you keep these symptoms at bay. Taking care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually is so important when your mental health is on the line.

Cut back on caffeine and alcohol as these can increase feelings of instability. Talk about your feelings and write about them. Getting them out in the open can help keep them from overtaking you. Examine your life for any other causes such as allergy medicine, hormonal birth control and some blood pressure medications, which can also increase these feelings. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

4. Withdrawal, Social Fears and Isolation

You may find yourself becoming less social when you’re under stress. If a too-full social calendar is part of the trigger, then cutting back is healthy and recommended. However, if you start hearing friends ask, “Where have you been?” you may want to do a little self-check. Are you cutting back because it’s increasing your stress, or are you isolating yourself and withdrawing because you’re too overwhelmed to cope?

It’s a fine line and a balance. One of the most important factors is the quality of your social time. If you leave your lunch date with a friend feeling emotionally lighter and happier, then make a point to make similar social activities priority. If you dread a party because you know you’ll leave feeling worse or it won’t elevate you emotionally or spiritually, then skip it.

Connecting with friends and loved ones helps us combat stress. We all need a sounding board—someone who can objectively listen to us. Keep your social circle filled with people who bring you up and connect with you on a deep level. Make time for friends—and if you know you’ll feel better after a social date, keep it!

5. Memory Loss and Inability to Concentrate

Stress can make us feel foggy and unclear, clouding our minds. Even though you feel your thoughts are going a mile a minute, you might find yourself forgetting simple things. (What the heck did I come into the kitchen to get? What was I about to say?)

If you find your memory and concentration are often making an exit, look at your stress levels. Are you getting enough sleep and hydration? The brain can actually shrink under stress. Our risk-perception even becomes skewed when we’re constantly in a state of high alert. So suddenly we might find we can’t focus on things that really matter, like a work deadline, driving directions to pick up our kids, important dates, etc.

If you find your concentration and memory are suffering, try doing some brain training exercises like Sudoku or download an app like Lumosity to help practice your focus. Not only do these brain games help you increase your memory and concentration, but they also relax you and give you a break from analyzing and worrying.

6. Anger and Short-temperedness

I’m sure I’m the only one who has EVER snapped at my husband or my kids because I was stressed out, right?

We’ve all been in a situation where we’re upset about something or worried, and instead of productively dealing with it, we take it out on our nearest and dearest. Stress lowers our tolerance for noise and can cause headaches and exhaustion, so we start to feel frazzled and easily annoyed.

If you find you’re in a state of constant anger or annoyance with your kids (or your spouse), it’s time to take a step back. Don’t beat yourself up about what a “terrible” mother or wife you are! Just take a moment to recognize the precious lives and personalities of your children and how they can be crushed by unkind words and anger.

Spending and enjoying time with your kids and finding the joy in every day can counteract the effects of stress and frustration. Learn to play with your kids and have conversations with them. Enjoy a family dinner and really listen when they talk about their day. Take a tech timeout to connect with each other and enjoy quality time together.

7. Sleep Interruption

Are you counting sheep for hours each night? Does your sleep seem unrestful? Do you toss and turn, suffer from nightmares, or just wake up feeling less-than-refreshed?

Sleep is greatly affected by stress, and yet, it’s so important in combating it and strengthening our coping skills. Practice good sleep hygiene and techniques. Avoid staring at your smartphone or tablet in bed. Go to bed at a consistent time and wake up regularly (even on weekends). Avoid caffeine after 2pm and heavy foods in general. Sleep in a dark, cool room, and use a white-noise maker or fan if you live by a busy street.

If you find you’re endlessly reviewing your to-do list or stressing out about something late at night, take a pen to paper and write it out. Sometimes simply getting it out of your head helps you let it go so you can deal with it in the morning. Tell yourself you will set time aside tomorrow first thing to tackle the problem or address it when you feel fresher. There really aren’t that many problems that can be resolved at 3am.

8. Appetite Loss or Increase

Some of us eat junk food to cope with stress—chocolate, cookies, chips or whatever you find soothing. (I don’t know anyone who finds broccoli soothing, but if you do more power to you!)

Others might find their appetite severely suffers under the effects of stress. Stomach distress is a common side effect. Stress can cause nausea and diarrhea, and both of those combined with headaches can make anyone’s appetite head for the hills.

In caveman times, we might have eaten more to prepare for winter or stressful times when there might be a scarcity of food. Similarly, if cavemen were on the run from a predator, their appetite would be suppressed so they weren’t distracted by the need to eat. Both of these evolutionary tricks have an impact on the way stress affects us today.

If you notice a sudden unexpected weight loss or gain, take a look at your stress levels. Even positive stress (like a full social calendar, wedding planning or a new baby) can cause weight gain or loss. Changes in appetite and digestive issues can also signal greater health concerns, so always visit a doctor if you experience a dramatic increase or decrease on the scale or if you notice a lot of GI distress.

The best way to beat stress is through rest. Give yourself time to do the things you find renewing and soothing—like reading, singing, meditation, exercise, or cooking. Whatever makes your heart feel lighter and brings joy into your life needs to be priority. If you really love a manicure or spa-time, give yourself a day of pampering (even at home). If you love a good page-turner, take half an hour and lose yourself in a book.

Make time for rest and renewal and you’ll find you can fight the effects of day-to-day stress! Watch for the signs and head it off before it takes over.

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Don’t Miss the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle (6 Days Only!)

Hi Friends!

Once a year, for just a few days only, there is a resource for us overstressed, overworked mamas & homemakers that is SO amazing, I can’t NOT tell you about it. In fact, it is a resource SO good that it is actually the only outside product that I promote all year long!

Because here’s the thing that most of us have figured out by now–homemaking is hard work!  Between the cleaning, the cooking, the meal-planning, the child-rearing, and all the other things on our plate, it sometimes feels like there is just too much to do an not enough time to get it all done!

If you’re anything like me, I bet you wish your home felt more put together and peaceful, you kept up with housework better, you were more consistent about serving healthy, homemade meals and you weren’t running ragged so much of the time.

Because these families of ours? They matter more than anything else. Our job is so important, and we really want to do it right. But so often, we end up feeling discouraged and even like we’re failing.

Maybe you wonder how you can keep up with it all and still have the energy and intentionality to be the kind of mom, wife and woman you want to be.

Now, I know as well as you do that homemaking is never going to be stress-free (though it sure sounds nice). But what if you had more (and better) tools to help make it stress-less?

Say hello to the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle

It was created to give you a plethora of amazing, high-quality resources to take some of the stress, overwhelm and difficulty out of homemaking and mothering.

To make you feel like you’re winning more often.

And to bolster you in the work you’re doing, because every awesome, hard-working mom deserves a little help sometimes.

What’s IN the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle?

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle includes 93 hand-picked eBooks, eCourses, and printables, on topics that matter to moms such as:

organization, routines & creating a cozy home
recipes, grocery shopping and meal planning
budgeting and saving money
motherhood (no matter what age your kids are)
cultivating a strong marriage
faith (for you & your kids)
and even self-care (like exercise, weight loss, life planning and coloring books!)
and much more…

You have a full year to download the eBooks and printables and take the online eCourses, and everything you’ve downloaded becomes part of your permanent library, so you can go back to it whenever you need it.

Is the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle worth it?

In a word… yes!

The creators of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle work all year long to make sure they are putting together the very best homemaking resource anywhere.They dig through hundreds of websites and connect with dozens of authors and teachers (including me!)  And then we all work together to make these resources the most affordable possible.

Now I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same thing: “Sure, it sounds like a great deal, but what on earth would I do with that many books all at once? I would be overwhelmed just by the thought of reading them all!”

In fact, it is that exact thought that has held me back in the past from purchasing a previous bundle. But that was before I found out that you are allowed to gift the books you don’t plan to read! Say what? It’s a game changer!   Now I can focus on the books that really interest me, and share with friends and family the books that I know I probably won’t get to. Talk about a win-win!

And after taking a peek at what this particular bundle has to offer, I can tell you that there are several books that I am super interested in. These few alone make the bundle well worth the price.  Check it out:

Upstream Field Guide by Tsh Oxenreider at The Art of Simple ($59). The 8-lesson Upstream Field Guide eCourse will help you discover who you deep-down really are, hone in on your purpose, and create a life that makes more sense.

Family Budget Challenge by Shannon Brown at Growing Slower ($37).  Finally–a course that will teach you how to make a budget and stick to it at last!  Take the Family Budget Challenge to see lasting changes in your financial life.

Cozy Minimalist Mom by Myquillyn Smith at Nesting Place ($29).  In this life-changing eCourse, the Nester shares her 10 simple concepts for creating a Cozy Minimalist home–even with kids! This one is a total game changer!

Jumpstart Your Creativity by Jennie Moraitis at Little Girl Designs ($24.98). The seven-day Jumpstart Your Creativity eCourse will help you reassess, gather insight, and make a plan for making creativity a priority all year round.

My Weight Loss Success Plan by Sarah Robinson at Sidetracked Sarah ($17). The Printable My Weight Loss Success Plan helps you create and keep a plan to succeed at your fingertips, as well as provides motivational cards for your journey.

The Housework Action Pack by Jennifer Hoffman at Healthy Moving ($19.97). Discover healthy moving you can do while you clean your house.  Take care of your body and your home all at the same time, and have fun doing it!

80 Green Thickies Recipes by Katherine Kyle at Green Thickies ($29).  Get 80 green smoothie recipes and discover fully balanced meal replacement shakes that skyrocket your health and effortlessly fit into your crazy life.

Make Over Your Calendar by Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom ($10).  Crystal is one of the most productive people I know, and her simple Makeover Your Calendar eCourse might be just the tool you need to take control of your schedule for good!

Slow Cooker Freezer Meals Vol. 1 & 2 by Tiffany King at Eat At Home ($19.97). Slow Cooker Freezer Meals Volume 1 includes 12 meal plans, each with 6 dinner and side dish suggestions, plus color coded grocery lists, assembly instructions, and tips.  Volume 2 includes 12 MORE meal plans, along with grocery lists, assembly instructions, and tips.

Your Retreat: A Guide to Giving Yourself a Personal Planning Day by Erin Odom at The Humbled Homemaker ($3.99).  In Your Retreat, Erin offers encouragement, motivation, and a complete how-to on creating your own personal planning retreat, plus 35 printables to guide you through your own retreat.

Building a Framework: The Ultimate Blogging Handbook by Abby Lawson at Just a Girl and Her Blog ($25).  Have a blog or want to start one?  Take the guesswork out of growing your blog with this Ultimate Blogging Handbook.

The “Get Your Life Back” Organizational Bundle by Whitney Cornelison at Beauty in the Mess ($4.99).  This life-saving bundle includes 10 colorful printables to help you organize your days, weeks, and months.

All this and MORE…

The result? This collection is a fraction of the price of what someone would pay for each resource individually!

For a short time, the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle… a complete library of:

70 eBooks
9 eCourses & audio downloads and
14 printable packs

…93 carefully selected resources designed to help you nurture the beauty and productivity in your home and family relationships… is only $29.97.

That breaks down to 32 cents per resource.

Your 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

If for any reason, you decide that the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is not for you, then please send an email to customerservice@Ultimate-Bundles.com and we will refund 100% of your investment. No questions asked.

Don’t Forget the Bonuses…

Of course, no Ultimate Homemaking Bundle would be complete without the generous, inspiring gifts donated by companies that understand homemakers like you. Every gift is yours to keep and enjoy.

FREE Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap, Mrs. Meyer’s Multi Surface Spray, Grove Collaborative Spray Bottle, Grove Collaborative Scrubber Sponges and FREE 60-day VIP trial with FREE shipping from Grove Collaborative ($30 value)

FREE Online Class from Craftsy ($29.99-$69.99 value)
FREE Kids Discovery Box from GreenKidCrafts.com ($24.95 value)
$15 Gift Certificate to InkWELL Press ($15 value)
$15 Credit to Hope Ink Shop PLUS Two FREE 8×10 Art Prints with Any Purchase ($71)

FREE SPOT Treatment for Acne & Eczema OR a $15 Gift Certificate from Bloom Naturals ($15 value)
FREE 90-Day Pro Membership to ListPlanIt.com ($30)
FREE 1-Year MollyGreen.com Membership ($29 value)
FREE Hand Massage Routine Videos from Melt Couples Massage ($24 value)

Now It’s Your Turn

The proven, simple, and effective skills you need to transform your house into a home are all waiting for you in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle.

This is your chance to get all the love, support, guidance and inspiration you need to nurture the beauty and productivity in your home and family relationships with proven, simple, and effective tools that really give you a boost as a homemaker.

It’s available for just 6 days – from now until Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. That’s why the Ultimate Bundles team can offer so much, because they only have permission to sell it for such a short period of time. (So don’t wait or you will miss out!)

The total value is an astonishing $1000 (plus over $300 in bonuses), but you get it for just $29.97. That’s 97% off what it would cost to buy everything individually!

Get your bundle now!

If you think getting all those homemaking helps for less than $30 sounds like a steal, then make sure to go HERE to see exactly what it includes and grab yours before this deal ends!

Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

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How to Ruthlessly Purge & Become Clutter F.R.E.E.

Do you ever feel like you’ve become a slave to STUFF?  Acquiring it, organizing it, working to pay for it, and feeling it weigh us down–clutter can literally smother our lives.

And while logically most of us understand that more stuff won’t make us happier–and in fact might just make our lives more complicated–for many of us, our addiction to stuff an emotional attachment. We remember the joy a new pair of shoes or a new dress brought us, so we learn to associate shopping and purchasing with happiness. We continuously seek that high by bringing in more and more.

Some of us go through a loss of a loved one, a divorce, or other traumatic event and then associate the things left behind with happier memories. We feel scared to let go of items because we don’t want to feel the loss of those closest to us, or because we’re trying to hold onto happier memories and times.

For others among us, we’ve developed an attachment to stuff because perhaps we grew up not having enough. We know the fear of scarcity, so we attach a false sense of value to items when we acquire them.

Whatever our reasons for holding onto items, it can often be difficult to realize it’s time to let go. It means facing some internal, emotional and very tough stuff we may be avoiding.

But the reality is that getting rid of clutter can help us feel freer. We no longer feel overwhelmed by the items in our home and buried by the insurmountable task of cleaning and organizing everything. We come to see the effects of too much stuff lessen in our children as they come to value experiences rather than items. We start to feel emotionally lightened, we begin to find our schedules more manageable, and our lives are just easier with less stuff to deal with.

I will be the first to admit that it’s not an easy process, and to be perfectly honest, I’m still working on it myself! It really requires a certain diligence and a commitment to the “unstuffing” mentality. But once you have it, it really does get easier. I promise!

While my new book Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind & Soul digs much deeper into these concepts, here are the basic principles to remember, so you can begin to F.R.E.E. yourself from clutter and commit to an unstuffed life.

F: Fight to Stop the Flow

Stop clutter before it even makes it past the threshold of your home. When you’re out, avoid stopping at extra stores, don’t browse the back endcaps of aisles for “sale items,” and stick to your list. Consider a month of zero-spending to really get the mindset to stick.

When a birthday or special occasion is coming up, ask your guests and friends to consider giving a donation in your name to a favorite charity. Ask for experiences rather than gifts. Tell friends you’d love to schedule time to simply sit down one-on-one with some good coffee, or ask if they’d like to take a class with you. When it comes to your children, encourage relatives and friends to engage in an activity with your child, rather than giving a gift.

Several years ago, long before “The Great Toy Purge”, I remember looking around my kid’s room, and just feeling completely overwhelmed. It was strewn with Legos, doll clothes, Littlest Pet Shop animals, and all the accessories and “stuff” to go with them. Whenever we went to the store, my girls would tease and whine for more things to add to their collections—there was no joy or value in their belongings. Everything they had was simply “stuff” to be acquired, briefly played with, and then forgotten.

As much as I would like to believe it was just a kid thing, I too was guilty of acquiring and accumulating stuff simply to have it. The things we had were no longer needed or loved. They were just “there” because we wanted them in the moment.

Once we scaled back and cleaned out, we underwent an amazing transformation as a family. When we went to the store, we made it through entire trips with NO WHINING! My girls didn’t ask for a new toy to take home, but instead took joy in the moment. My husband and I were quickly on board as well.

It’s important to get your entire family on your side, so everyone is fighting the flow of stuff together. To avoid excess spending on items you and your family really don’t need, talk about the difference between needs and wants. Explain how, for most of us, our needs are already being met, every day, and explain the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. Think of new activities and experiences your family can engage in, rather than buying items. You can build a lot more memories together with a day at the amusement park or fair, by going out to a kid-friendly dinner, or by heading out to a movie as a group.

R: Reduce by Ruthlessly Purging

Go through your home and clear the clutter. Set up a weekend or a few days to dedicate yourself to the process. Go through every drawer, cupboard and closet, and be brutally honest with yourself about your needs. For each and every item in your house, ask yourself: Do I really use this? Does it work? Do I really like it and want it? If you haven’t used the item in a year, if it doesn’t bring you joy, or if it’s not useful, don’t keep it.

Remember: our memories are not tangible. We hold onto items because we attach feelings or meaning to them, when really the meaning is in our hearts and minds. If there’s something you don’t love, but you’re keeping it out of guilt or fear of letting go, think of a way to preserve the memory instead. This may mean taking a photo or writing down the memory. Then, give those items new life by donating or selling them to someone else who can enjoy them more fully.

Items can be donated to charity, sold to earn some extra cash, or given to friends and neighbors who might be able to give them a new home. Hold a garage sale or list items on neighborhood swap boards to find people who can put your stuff to use.

E: Establish Strict Limits

We live in a world where everything is bigger, better, faster and MORE. In reality, many of us have as much as we need (if not more). Set up strict limits based on your needs. Most of us don’t need more than three sets of sheets per bed, a set or two of dishes, and so on.

When it comes to clothing, set limits on what you have space for. (I recommend a 40-hanger closet.) Every time an item goes in, make a commitment that another item goes out. This mentality will keep you from purchasing items you don’t need (to store in space you don’t really have)!

Base your limits on what you need and use, and also on what items you really love. For example, if you have a set of special Christmas dishes, but they bring you great joy and you really use them over the holidays, it’s reasonable to keep them. However, having a set of dishes for every holiday (requiring storage, cleaning and constant rotation) is likely more effort than it’s worth. Whatever the items, set your limits and be realistic and reasonable.

Just like our children, we can get into the “collect all twelve” mentality, purchasing a nail polish in every shade, a blouse in several colors, or candles in different scents (especially if they’re on sale). If you don’t need it, just enjoy the single item on your list. I know this is something very hard for me personally. When I make an online purchase, a single item in my cart looks so empty—I start to think I should throw a few things in there to save on shipping. In reality, it’s just more things to add to the clutter. Buy only what you need!

E: Emphasize Quality Over Quantity

In our parents’ and grandparents’ days, handcrafted items were high quality. They were built to last and withstand the test of time. Clothing was made carefully, using quality stitching and attention to detail. Items often cost a greater percentage of their income (even though by today’s standards, they might seem much less expensive). When grandma bought a new coat or blouse, she expected it to last for several seasons.

Nowadays, clothing has become much cheaper and much more disposable. Not only is the human cost greater on these imports (with less-than optimal working conditions for factory workers), but the environmental impact and waste is felt around the globe. We live in a culture where low-quality shirts can be purchased for under $10 each, worn one or two times, then disposed of without another thought.

Part of fighting the flow means purchasing quality items made to last—and not just when it comes to clothing and furniture. Toys, office supplies, kitchen items and décor are often imported and made cheaply and unsustainably. When you purchase a new item for your home, give careful attention to the quality. Consider the usefulness of the item and examine it to see if it seems well crafted.

It can also mean getting those great shoes resoled or tailoring a pair of pants rather than letting them get all ripped up on the bottom. We’ve become accustomed to a “use it up and throw it away” mentality. Consider instead the long-term value in having a quality item repaired or adjusted so you can continue to use it.

Reupholster a piece of furniture that has great “bones,” or add a fresh coat of paint to a frame or a planter needing some sprucing up. When the items you purchase are made from quality materials and built to last, they can have a much longer life.

As you begin to free yourself from clutter, you’ll learn to become more discerning with all your purchases and to make do with what you have whenever you can. You’ll be amazed and surprised at the areas of your life you can declutter, leaving you more appreciative and freer to enjoy the things that really matter.

P.S.  Unstuffed is now available in bookstores everywhere, and if you’ve been feeling weighed down by clutter, it might just be the message your heart needs to hear!  Jam-packed with inspiring personal stories as well as practical tips you can implement right away, it is a guilt-free, stress-free guide to taking our life back from all the STUFF weighing down our lives.

Plus, when you order right now you can also get $75 in exclusive tools & resources, including a digital copy of our bestselling challenge, “31 Days to a Clutter Free Life,” access to the Unstuffed App, and our Home, Mind & Soul Workbook, which is the perfect tool to help you implement the lessons in the book and clear the clutter for good.

Here is what to do to get your bonus resources:

Order the book at  Amazon  or  Barnes & Noble  (or any other bookseller)
Fill in the form to get your bonus HERE
Check your email in a few minutes for access to our bonus website

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How to Plan a Debt Free Vacation

I am always happy to welcome back my friend Cherie Lowe from the Queen of Free, who has graciously joined us here at LWSL as a regular monthly contributor.  Cherie is the author of the amazing book, Slaying the Debt Dragon, which she wrote after paying off more than $127,000 in debt!  I love being able to bring her wealth of knowledge & experience on this subject to LWSL–please join me in making her feel right at home!

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This is a Guest Post from Cherie at Queen of Free

My daughter begins high school this year. Even typing the words makes me slightly uncomfortable and nauseated. Those of you who have already walked this path (and have children much older than mine) might dismiss the difficulty of my admission that the babe I once held is navigating through her final four years of life lived in our home as unremarkable. Those with much younger children could feel like this reality exists a million miles away for you (I assure you, it goes much more quickly than you’d think). In less than two months, she’ll change schools and up her academic requirements. I’m both wildly excited and a little bit terrified at this beginning of the end.

About a month ago, my husband Brian found himself shocked at the notion of this new stage of parenting and family life. “Four more Spring Breaks,” he mumbled. “Four more fall breaks, four more summer breaks, four more Christmas breaks.” The time, it seems is a little bit fleeting. Obviously, we’ll still be able to see Anna after she moves on from our home. It’s not like she’ll pack her bags for Siberia immediately following high school commencement. Oh God, please don’t let her move to Siberia after high school graduation. Can you really fault a mother for such prayers? But we instantly came to the recognition that we’d like to share a bigger part of the world with her and we’d love to make some family memories traveling, making the most of those ever quickly passing school holidays before they vanish before our eyes.

Years of focusing on paying off debt ($127,482.30 to be exact) honed our ability to get along without weekend getaways or fancy trips. Now, four years on the other side of that mammoth goal, we’ve taken a few debt free vacations. Taking a trip that is unfettered by the use of credit or the fear of overspending puts the “reeeeelaaaaax” into relaxation. You don’t return home in a tizzy, scurrying off to sell a kidney to repair the damage you’ve made on your bank account.

I often get asked if it is really possible to vacation without debt. Absolutely. Here’s how we’re beginning the path to make some family memories and kick back, without sacrificing our financial goals or spending money we don’t have.

Begin By Establishing a Savings Account

If you plan on taking a trip without charging it on a credit card, you need to do plenty of advance planning. Spontaneity and debt free vacations aren’t exclusive; however, few of us have an extra thousand dollars laying around when we get the itch to jet away. Our family unit functions on less than we make. About half of our income is used for living – to pay our mortgage and utility bills, to feed and clothe our family, to tend to the maintenance of our cars and home, to cover the cost of gasoline, insurance, kids’ activities, and everyday living. The second half of our income we meticulously save – for retirement, in college funds, in a health savings account, and more. In fact, we have more savings accounts than you can shake a stick at – an emergency fund for when crisis comes, a fund for gifts and to be generous when a need arises, a fund for Christmas, a fund to purchase a new car, and a vacation fund.

When income that we don’t use for living arrives, I quickly parse out percentages into the proper accounts. My mantra has long been “If you leave any extra money in your checking account, it will grow legs and walk to Target.” And so, I cannot emphasize enough that time is of the essence when it comes to saving for vacation. For our budget and needs, we settled on 7.5% of the extra income to be deposited into our vacation fund until it reaches the amount we need for a set trip. That means if I we receive $100 (our income fluctuates and isn’t always predictable), I literally transfer $7.50 into the designated savings account. It sounds ridiculous, but we paid off debt $0.19 at a time and we have saved for more than one debt free vacation in equally small parts.

You could save for your debt free vacation by collecting money in a jar or setting up a specific bank account. You could save whatever percentage of income you’d like. Depending on where you’re going or what you’re doing, the destination may even have a savings plan of their own. I love the Disney Vacation Account where you might be rewarded with up to $500 in Disney gift cards for saving your own money to spend on your own vacation over time, depending upon how much you spend. Read how the program works here. Those gift cards can be used on dining, souvenirs, and more when you’re in the park.

If your income is stretched to its limits already, get creative on funding your trip. Hold a garage sale. Pick up an extra short term job. Take items to consignment sale or shop. Sell old books on a site like half.com. Put that treadmill on Craigslist. Or scale back on your lifestyle. Give up restaurants for a set period of time or cut your cable bill, putting the money you’d typically spend toward your vacation.

Research Your Destination

Before you book your flight or hold your hotel room, you should be an expert on your destination. This again, requires advanced planning on your part. I often head to Pinterest to scour for money saving posts on places we’d like to visit. However, even a simple Google search can yield a great results. Is it most advantageous to visit an all inclusive resort or pay as you go? Should you stay at a hotel or rent a home? What are your food options? Are there extra attractions of historical or entertainment value nearby? Begin bookmarking sites online or creating a special Pinterest board with options for lodging, travel, attractions, dining and more.

If you know someone who has recently traveled to your desired vacation spot, set up a time to ask them questions about their trip. What did they love? What did they wish they would have done? What can you skip? Most people love to share the ins and outs of their experience, giving you valuable advice. You could also consider a travel agent (especially if you’re planning a trip abroad) but keep in mind any potential fees or added expenses.

I always love to visit a city’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) or Convention and Visitor’s Association (CVA) for local tips and calendars – many which include free events in and around the area you’re visiting.

Time Your Booking

Getting the best deal requires a fine art of timing when you book your travel plans. The best deals on flights are found further out in advance. Researchers claim the best prices are to be found around three months in advance of your trip. Try to book less than a month from your departure date and the rates skyrocket. Similarly, discount hotel booking sites like Hotwire and Priceline increase in rate the closer you get to your travel date (by the way, I love to use the online forum BetterBidding.com to get an estimation of where we’re staying when I use these sites).

On the contrary, if you plan on renting a home, you might score a much better deal if you wait until the last minute to book your stay. Privately owned homes listed on VRBO or Home Away would rather take a lower offer than have a vacant rental, so there may be room to haggle if you wait things out. Of course you run the risk of having fewer availabilities so this might not be the best option for you.

Use Cash or Gift Cards While Traveling

Last year, we traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando. I chose to both book the entire trip and budget our daily dining, souvenir, and entertainment budget with Disney Gift Cards. I purchased the cards at Sam’s Club where you can get $150 for around $142. You can also score a great deal using Target’s Red Card (Debit of course!) or Kroger’s Fuel Rewards programs. This strategy is two fold. Not only do you save money on the face value purchase, but carrying the gift cards instead of using debit or the ever-so-tempting “charge to your room” option, helps set up boundaries on your spending. You could achieve the same goal by bringing cash only to spend or purchasing gift cards for other destinations. This way, you stay exactly in your budgeted amount rather than dipping into your checking account.

There are plenty of other ways to save money on vacations – purchasing souvenirs ahead of time, staying with friends and family along the way, and bringing your own water bottles or snacks instead of dining out. However, determining exactly how much you will spend, saving that amount in full, and setting realistic expectations for yourself and your kids are the best way to vacation debt free. While not overly complicated, all of the above can be challenging because trips are so much fun. But you can do it! Having taken more than one trip without dipping into our checking account or charging it up, I can tell you it is worth it.

Now back to planning that fall break getaway . . .

 

Cherie Lowe is an author, speaker and hope bringer. Her book Slaying the Debt Dragon details her family’s quest to eliminate over $127K in debt in just under four years. As her alter ego the Queen of Free, Cherie provides offbeat money saving tips and debt slaying inspiration on a daily basis.

 

 

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Honey Sriracha Chicken

It’s no secret that we LOVE quick & easy freezer meals around here, especially ones that use budget-friendly chicken!  Believe it or not, this tender, juicy, flavor-packed Honey Sriracha Chicken is a winner.  It’s uses mostly basic ingredients, whips up in minutes, then goes straight from the freezer to the crockpot to the table, all while tasting like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen!

To make it as part of a freezer cooking day, just split the sauce & chicken into multiple bags, then throw it right into the freezer–no cooking required!

You can use any type of chicken but my family much prefers the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are a darker, juicier meat and also tend to be cheaper than the boneless skinless breasts.

Here is what you need:

¼ cup olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup honey
¼ cup Sriracha sauce (more or less to taste!)
3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
red pepper flakes (optional; for cooking day only)
cooked rice (optional; for cooking day only)
 

Step 1: In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and Sriracha.

Step 2: Divide chicken into 2 gallon size freezer bags (be sure to label bags first!). Then divide mixture into bags over chicken; freeze until needed.

Step 3: On cooking day, place frozen contents of bag directly into crockpot. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Serve over rice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

 

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Recipe: Honey Sriracha Chicken

Summary: Looking to kick up your chicken recipes? Then this is a must try!

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup honey
¼ cup Sriracha sauce (more or less to taste!)
3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
red pepper flakes (optional; for cooking day only)
cooked rice (optional; for cooking day only)



Instructions

In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and Sriracha.
Divide chicken into 2 gallon size freezer bags (be sure to label bags first!). Then divide mixture into bags over chicken; freeze until needed.
On cooking day, place frozen contents of bag directly into crockpot. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Serve over rice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: On high in crockpot for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours

Number of servings (yield): 4

 

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20 Fast & Easy Cleaning Hacks

Okay, I’ll admit it–cleaning is rarely “fun.”  But tricks and hacks that can make cleaning easier?  I’m all over it! Often, these simple solutions don’t cost much at all, and they’re based on ingredients and items you already have right on hand.  Even better, they are often huge time savers! And anything I can do to make my cleaning and home care a little easier is totally worth it.

The modern dictionary defines a “hack” as “a tip, trick, or efficient method for doing or managing something,” or “a clever solution to a tricky problem.”

When it comes to cleaning, seemingly one-trick-ponies (like dryer sheets) can actually have a handful of great cleaning uses. Your dishwasher can be used to clean a myriad of items beyond just your dishes. You can eliminate smells and get rid of mildew in new and better ways. You can even lighten your cleaning task list by setting up certain tricks to ensure an easier chore next time.

Here are twenty of the easiest cleaning “hacks” our team has found, plus a little video we made of  our top seven favorite tricks! We’d love to hear what tips and hacks you use too, plus ways you’ve found new jobs for old items!

1. Use Dryer Sheets to Freshen and Dust

Dryer sheets seem like one of those items with just one use, they’re actually super versatile. Personally, I prefer to buy natural dryer sheets or those with as few chemical ingredients as possible. Did you know dryer sheets can be used to dust? Bonus: they actually leave behind a dust repellent! Dryer sheets can be used to eliminate static from your hair, or wipe one over your skirt and tights to prevent them from riding up. They can be placed in drawers to freshen things up, or soaked in a pan of water to remove caked-on food.

2. Use Vinegar…for All Sorts of Things

There are a million (and I might not be exaggerating) uses for vinegar. It cleans tons of stuff; plus, it’s an acid, which means it kills bacteria. Vinegar removes stains and it’s gentle enough to use in most household applications. Distilled white vinegar is cheap and effective for removing water spots from faucets and surfaces. It whitens your toilet bowl and cleans marks off your sink. Vinegar can be used to help dye set, to clean your coffee pot, and to remove water buildup.

I like to make my own natural cleaning spray using vinegar, water and essential oil. It disinfects countertops and surfaces, plus it softens my laundry.

3. Use Ammonia to Clean Your Oven Rack and Burners

The next time you need to clean your oven racks, or when you have caked-on gunk on your burners, try pouring ammonia over them, then letting them sit in a plastic garbage bag overnight. Open the bag in a well-ventilated area, while wearing gloves. Your oven grates will be as clean as new. You can also use this cleaning hack to clean grill racks, as well. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to eliminate any smells or traces of the ammonia.

4. Use Aluminum Foil to Save on Cleanup

One of my favorite cleaning hacks? I use tinfoil to keep pans, the crockpot, and other cookware clean. It’s wonderful to simply recycle the aluminum foil and not have to scrub pans for days. Plus, your cookie sheets will stay beautiful. You can even get a second use out of the foil by balling it up and using it to scrub any stubborn gunk leftover during dish washing.

5. Use Paper Towels or Press ‘N’ Seal as Shelf Liners

Using paper towels, waxed paper, or Glad “Press ‘N’ Seal” as liners for your fridge drawers and shelves helps keep your fridge clean and free from spills and drips. I use paper towels as shelf liners in my bathroom cabinets, as well as under my plants to catch drips. They also make great placemats in a pinch.

6. Clean Plastic Toys in the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher can clean more than just dishes, you know. Place Legos and other plastic toys in a laundry bag, then wash in the top rack of your dishwasher. Use the low-heat cycle if you’re washing items made of softer plastic.

7. Use a Lint Roller to Dust Lampshades

Lampshades can be magnets for dust and pet hair. One of the easiest ways to remove that dust is with an adhesive lint roller. Simply run it over the lampshade and it will pick up everything. You can also use lint rollers to clean up beads if a necklace breaks. (Trust me, it’s much easier than trying to sweep them up and sort!) Lint rollers also work well for cleaning up glitter in craft or projects areas.

8. Use Rubber Gloves to Collect Pet Hair

Hey, pet owners! Use either a squeegee or a rubber glove to pick pet hair off upholstery like a breeze. The rubber really grabs the hair and removes it in a way other items can’t. Another option: use a pumice stone (like you’d use to remove calluses from your feet). Run the stone over fabrics to pick up hair—or even use it to remove pilling from sweaters.

9. Dry Clothes Faster with a Towel

Throw a dry towel in your dryer with your wet clothing, and clothes will dry much more quickly than if they went in on their own. The towel pulls the moisture from the clothing and speeds up drying time dramatically. If you’re really in a pinch, try a lighter load—small batches always dry faster than large ones.

10. Clean Your Blender with Dish Soap

If your smoothie-maker or blender is a pain to clean, try pulsing a little water and dish detergent. This will get rid of anything hiding in the nooks and crannies of your blender. After, simply rinse and let air dry.

11. Use Shoe Polish to Fix Leather Furniture

If your leather furniture is looking beat up, even with scratches, try shoe polish. Use a little polish to spruce up your furniture and hide any marks, scuffs, stains or scratches. Once the polish is absorbed, buff it with a chamois cloth or a soft lint-free cloth to take up any remaining polish or color. (You don’t want your guests to sit on the couch and end up with shoe polish on their seats!)

12. Use Alcohol on Microfiber Furniture

If your microfiber sofa is looking a little worse-for-wear, use alcohol to remove any stains or spills. Simply use a spray bottle to spritz the area that needs to be cleaned. Use a clean sponge (white or natural) to absorb the spill (blot it), and then use an upholstery or scrub brush to buff and eliminate any areas that look shiny.

13. Use a Walnut to Fix Scratches

One of the oldest cleaning hacks in the book? Use a walnut to remove a scratch on wooden furniture! Yes, good ol’ walnuts, just like you eat for a snack. Take the nut and rub it over the scratch, then allow it to sit for a few minutes. Use a soft cloth to polish the wood in a circular motion. Scratches will improve, and might even be eliminated completely.

14. Use Hairspray to Remove Ink, Lipstick, and Other Stains

The alcohol in hairspray makes it ideal for removing ink and lipstick from clothing, fabric and other stainable places. If a pen breaks in your pocket, or if your lipstick ends up somewhere it shouldn’t be, spray the area generously with hairspray and rinse it out. Follow our stain guide to tackle tougher stains.

15. Use Pledge on Stainless Steel and Shower Doors

Anyone who’s accidentally sprayed furniture polish on the floor knows it makes things SUPER slick. Try spraying it on your stainless steel doors (refrigerator, stove) to really make them shine and appear polished. You can also use a little Pledge (or other furniture polish) on your glass shower door to keep water spots at bay and keep your door looking clean.

16. Clean Your Mattress with Vodka

This one seems…well, odd, but it really works. Spray vodka over your mattress to eliminate smells and disinfect. We all know that vodka is relatively odorless. When it’s sprayed onto fabric, it also absorbs other odors and quickly evaporates. You can add a few drops of essential oil to the spray if you really want to freshen things up.

17. Clean Your Microwave by Boiling Water

Forget spraying, scrubbing, or chiseling off the baked-on goop that accumulates in your microwave—eww. Simply place a cup of water or lemon-water in your microwave and boil it for about three minutes. Let it sit in the microwave for another minute or two as the steam works its magic. Cleaning the microwave will be as simple as wiping it out with a paper towel.

18. Remove Oil with Oil

When oil splatters on your cupboards or backsplash, it may seem counterintuitive to use more oil to get it off. However, just like oil and water don’t mix, using a water-based spray won’t clean off the splatter. Instead, use a bit of cooking spray or an olive-oil-moistened paper towel to rub off the splatter. Wipe with a fresh cloth until the oily residue is no longer detected!

19. Line Your Garbage Can with Newspaper

Use newspaper to line the inside of your garbage can. It’s simple, plus it will absorb any spills or leaks that seep into the can and cause nastiness. When you replace the bag, you simply toss the newspaper into your compost and use a fresh piece: simple, easy and clean.

20. Hide Floor Scratches with Melted Crayon

Nothing is more sickening than seeing a big gouge in your hardwood floor. The next time a piece of furniture, a rock, or some other foreign object leaves a mark on your beautiful floors, don’t fret! You can easily use a matching melted crayon to cover the mark. Either shave or grate the crayon, or simply microwave at ten-second intervals until the crayon is pliable (but not liquefied). Then, rub the wax into the scratch. Use a credit card to remove any excess wax and then buff with a cloth—the scratch will be hardly detectable.

Cleaning hacks can really save you time and headaches. Some may seem obvious, but these tried-and-true cleaning ideas and solutions will save you money and resolve many of the cleaning conundrums you may face. Happy Cleaning!

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