Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 69

Fewer Toys, More Meaning

This is a guest post by JoAnn of A Whimsicle Life

“Here’s what I’m asking Santa for Christmas,” my six-year-old tells me as she hands over her list.

I scan through at least 15 items: an American Girl, various Barbie accessories..I sigh. I glance at her bedroom floor behind her. There is no pathway from the door to her bed. Clothes litter the room. LEGO bricks dot the floor. Her stuffed animals have plunged from their designated shelf as if trying to join the giant toy party that obviously every toy in her room has been invited to. Why is she asking for more things?

I’m not a complete Scrooge, I simply want to teach my daughter how to be grateful for what she has. I want to encourage her to give to others. However, most kids under the age of 7, don’t yet have the developmental capability to think outside of themselves. How do you convince a young kid to think less of toys and more of other people? I swear it’s possible.

Here are five ways the whole family can keep the giving nature of the Christmas season at the forefront during December:

Save Allowance to Give to Charity

We started giving our daughter an allowance to teach her about money management and the value of items. She gets $5 a week. In return, we expect her to help out in the house and be a participating member of the family.

Children usually have no problem donating parent’s money. However, parting with their own becomes a little trickier. The best way to handle this is to set the example.

To convince my daughter to give to charity, we searched through the site OXFAM America Unwrapped together. This site is vibrant and full of compelling pictures which make it ideal for explaining to kids where their money is going. Here you can choose a symbolic gift -such as a pair of chickens or an emergency kit- to give to someone in the developing world. The gift represents the type of relief OxFam provides. My daughter helped me choose mosquito nets for the amount of $35.

Another spectacular site to view with kids is watsi.org. Here you can fund medical procedures for people in the developing world who can’t afford them. We scrolled through people’s pictures and she chose a 3-month-old baby in Kenya named Rian who needed brain surgery. She donated $10 of her own allowance to Rian. Watsi.org will send us an email when Rian receives his treatment.

Give to Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots collects toys for the children of military personnel serving away from home. I still remember buying a new and unwrapped toy every December with my family. My parents would pull into the driveway of our local fire station and we would drop it off each year.

Last year I donated for the first time with my daughter. I bought two large stuffed teddy bears at the grocery store then drove to pick her up from school.

When I told her of our plans, she begged to keep one of the bears. We parked in the parking lot of the local car dealership and she stomped out of the car. I ignored it and handed her the toys. As we entered the lobby and she saw the box, her heavy footsteps ceased. A few other people sat in the lobby and watched her as she entered. She stopped pouting, marched over and proudly put both bears in the donation bin.

Then she went home and told Daddy how we donated bears to Toys for Tots and how SHE put the bears in the box. She did, but you can see how it was not my easiest parenting move.

Christmas Angel Trees

I admit it. I lack follow through if I can’t complete something immediately. If you’re like me in that regard, Angel Trees in the mall are the perfect solution. You can select the tag of a needy child, immediately buy a gift and then donate it within an hour.

Angel Trees are both an excellent way to give during the holidays and a way for kids to participate. The child’s likes, dislikes and age are all listed on the cards hanging from the trees. We chose a 10 year old boy and bought him a Star Wars Clone shirt. Then we returned our present and tag to the Angel Tree station and they took care of the wrapping.

Volunteer

Not many places accept children as volunteers, even if parents agree to serve with them. This makes volunteering with young children difficult – particularly in the 5-8 year-old age range when they are super enthusiastic and able to help.

The solution: volunteer at a race! You can spend your morning as a family at a road side water station and hand out cups of water to sweaty runners participating in a charity event.

As a runner, I can tell you that aide station volunteers are gold! They not only hand out water, but they also provide endless streams of encouragement. When I’m sludging along at mile 3 and want to quit, a cheer from a volunteer helps me out immensely.

To find an event near you, click HERE and then look for races in your state. You’ll find links to the race ;website and contact info. Most sites also have an area for volunteers. If it’s a smaller race, I recommend contacting the race director and asking how your family can help.

Give to Neighbors

Start your ovens! One of the best parts of giving is seeing the person’s face who is receiving the present. There is no quicker payoff then baking holiday treats for neighbors and delivering them door to door.

No one does this anymore! When we pull up to our neighbor’s front door with our wagon, they are so surprised. It makes us feel good to make someone else happy. That’s what I want my child to experience – the joy of giving and the look on another person’s face when you give them unsolicited treats.

If you are not a baker, Rice Cereal Krispy Treats work really well as a gift.

Encouraging kids to give during the holidays and finding opportunities is not always an easy task. I promise you that even the most stingy preschooler will experience the joys of giving with at least one of these activities.

 

JoAnn Crohn is a blogger at A Whimsicle Life, editor/author of the bookChristmas with Kids: Recipes, Activities & Crafts for Amazing Family Memories, former elementary school teacher and busy mom of 2. She aims to help moms find balance between parenting and pursuing their own dreams. JoAnn loves reading, photography and going on crazy adventures.

 

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White Chocolate Holiday Popcorn

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

This time of year having simple, “go-to” holiday treats is essential. With all there is to do over the course of a couple months who has time to spend all day in the kitchen? But I do believe that homemade food gifts are some of the most special gifts you can give. They are sentimental & definitely from the heart. In my opinion, if a gift isn’t from the heart, then there is no point in giving it at all. Everyone wants something that the giver is truly excited to give to them. But that doesn’t mean complicated recipes or a lot of time or money spent. As long as love & care goes into it, the recipient can see & feel that. Like this White Chocolate Holiday Popcorn I make with my kids every year.

It’s a tradition we started years ago when we moved far away from family. You see, for many years a particular family member would give us a tin of popcorn along with our gifts. When we moved it became an item that was just too large to ship to us & it quickly was omitted from the package. While it’s just a $5 tin of flavored popcorn that I could pick up just about anywhere, it was the fact that it was a gift from someone who knew just how much we loved certain flavors of popcorn that made it special. Now, I have to admit, my favorite flavor popcorn is cheese. But I have been unsuccessful in recreating that distinct flavor myself. So I decided to create my second favorite, white chocolate with some of my favorite candies mixed in too.

Here is what you need:

1 bag popped & salted popcorn (approximately 4 cups)
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 tbsp shortening
1 cup Holiday M&M’s
 
 
 

Step 1: Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Combine chocolate chips & shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on 50% power in 30 second intervals until melted, stirring in-between each round.

Step 2: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn & toss in about 1/3 of the M&M’s. Mix until the popcorn is evenly coated with the chocolate. Continue adding more M&M’s as you mix. The chocolate will cool & the M&M’s will stick to the popcorn instead of sinking to the bottom of the bowl if you mix them in increments.

If giving as gifts, this would be adorable wrapped in a cellophane bag or in a tiny pail with a gift tag.

If you are not giving this popcorn away as gifts, I recommend enjoying at least a little bit of it right away.  The heat from the warm chocolate melts the inside of the M&M’s but keeps the candy coating crisp. So it’s absolute heaven when you bite in. You can store in a paper sack at room temperature.

This is by far one of my all time favorite recipes to make with my kids. They love being in the kitchen with me & getting creative with what sort of mix in’s we will add to the next batch. That’s the best part- you can add your favorite goodies in there or the favorite of your recipient to make it extra personal.

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Recipe: White Chocolate Holiday Popcorn

Summary: This super simple and festive treat makes a great gift for teachers, neighbors and friends.

Ingredients

1 bag popped & salted popcorn (approximately 4 cups)
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 tbsp shortening
1 cup Holiday M&M’s



Instructions

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Combine chocolate chips & shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on 50% power in 30 second intervals until melted, stirring in-between each round.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn & toss in about 1/3 of the M&M’s. Mix until the popcorn is evenly coated with the chocolate. Continue adding more M&M’s as you mix. The chocolate will cool & the M&M’s will stick to the popcorn instead of sinking to the bottom of the bowl if you mix them in increments.

Preparation time: 3-5 minutes

Cooking time: 3-5 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield):4-6

Gina, author of Kleinworth & Co, is a busy homeschooling mom to 3 great kids ages 11-17. 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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How to Stock a Gift Closet

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine found herself headed to a housewarming party on a last minute invite. She said she was running around trying to come up with a gift in ten minutes and how happy she was to have candles and wine tucked away in her “gift stash.”

This got me thinking about my own gift “stash” or “closet” and why everyone needs to have a gift closet of their own! It’s so convenient and saves you a bundle. How many of us have spent an exorbitant amount on a gift, simply because we were pressured to purchase something quickly?

We’ve all been there. Moms of kids and tweens know all about the last-minute birthdays, sleepovers and parties. While I try to encourage my girls (and myself) to give meaningfully, mindfully and practically, sometimes you find yourself with no time to make a craft or bake cookies. Suddenly you’re off to Target to grab something quick on the way to the party (plus paying too much for a gift bag and card to go with it!)

A well-stocked gift closet solves these problems, and allows you to give a thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gift every single time….without going over budget.

Here are a few guidelines for creating a gift closet of your own:

Make a List of Occasions

You probably already have a birthday list or calendar somewhere loaded with important dates for family and friends—anniversaries, graduations, birthdays. Make a list of all the possible times when you might need a gift. Do you have some bridal or baby showers on the horizon? Maybe your nephew’s approaching graduation?

Obviously, you can’t predict everything, so last-minute invitations happen (just like my friend with the housewarming party). Add a few occasions to your list to cover these “pop-up” celebrations—parties for your kid’s friends, housewarming parties, welcome gift for new neighbors, etc. Hostess gifts are always good to have on hand.

Once you have your list, copy it to your phone or put it in your family command center. This is a list you’ll want to have at the ready, so you can check it whenever you happen upon good deals.

 

Assemble Your Assets

Many of us already have a “gift stash” or closet in some form or another. Perhaps you just put extra items in your pantry or in the top of your closet. Pull them all out and assess what you already have on hand.

Go ahead and get creative! Go through gift cards, Swagbucks, Amazon gift cards, Inbox Dollars…any “free money” you already have that might be useful for purchasing gifts. You’ll probably end up with more than one item that might make a good gift itself, like a Groupon for a massage or mani/pedis. You’ll be surprised at all the good gifts you have on hand!

Bring out any homemade gifts you’ve crafted for gifting. If you’ve scored some flea market/thrift shop vases or baskets, add those to the mix. A vintage vase with some sweet flowers from the garden can make a beautiful gift (and costs virtually nothing).

If you’ve purchased extra items on sale, during Christmas, back-to-school or summer sales, add those to the mix as well.  The great thing about having a gift closet is you have plenty of time to add extra thought and little inexpensive touches, which add so much more to the gift.

Take Inventory and Organize

Ok, so by now your gift list should contain an inventory of all the items you already have on hand. You may find by simply pairing gifts with recipients, and organizing and taking stock of your on-hand items, you already have a hefty gift closet ready to go! What a relief!

Your gift list inventory is going to be your go-to list when you’re out shopping, especially when you run into great deals. It doesn’t hurt to jot down notes on your gift list either—remember your mother-in-law LOVES anything with butterflies on it and your niece is size medium and “way into” music.

Your inventory can also help you plan your crafting and DIY endeavors. I know when I find a cute idea on Pinterest, I often mark it and then try to think, “Who can I make this for?” Add craft plans to your list, then you can keep your eye out for supplies.

You should also inventory all of the gift bags, cards, wrapping, bows, and baskets you have on hand. Baking some homemade bread is a lovely gift, but it becomes a showstopper when it’s in a festive bag, tied with a bow and given in a charming basket with a jar of homemade jam. Salt scrub is awesome, but in a bag with a bow and a handmade gift tag it becomes really special.

Pick an out of the way, but accessible storage spot, like under the bed in a bin, in the basement, in a storage closet, or any other convenient place. The idea is to have the items organized and inventoried, so you can find them and have them ready when the time comes to give! If your kids are on your list, pick a spot to store items where they won’t peek or accidentally stumble on their presents early.

Bows, ribbon and wrapping paper can be easily stored in bins or even in hanging closet organizers (like the kind you use to organize shoes). There are under-the-bed wrapping paper bins, but you can also do just as well by rolling them up and taping a piece of paper around each to hold the wrapping together. Stack baskets and boxes inside one another and fold bags flat in a file folder.

Shop Smart

Is your closet totally stocked? If not, keep your eyes open for great deals and unconventional gifts while you’re out and about. You’d be surprised at how many garage sales, rummages and thrift sales offer literally “new with tags” items—even in the package! I’ve found games, books, puzzles and craft kits for under a dollar—brand new!

My favorite time of year to find great deals on gifts is definitely November & December–I make a habit of checking the Amazon Deal of the Day page every morning, just to see what I can add to the stash!

Another smart habit is to stock up on school supplies (colored pencils, pens and crayons) during back-to-school sales. Coupled with some coloring books or art paper you find on clearance at Michaels or Hobby Lobby can make a great kids’ birthday gifts for nearly zero. The trick is in the planning.

Keep your eye on clearance racks and shop smart. Those baby clothes might be adorable, but if you don’t have any babies on the horizon (according to your gift list), maybe hold off. Avoid trendy or dated items and look for quality, universally appealing and classic gifts. Candles, frames, vases and pretty bowls and tea towels make lovely hostess gifts. Buy your home team’s logo gear after the season is over and you’ll have it ready for next year’s pre-season birthday party. Same goes for summer items—they’ll be cheap in the fall, but the recipients will be excited to use them in the spring!

During your inventory, you may have found you’re also low on wrapping supplies. First of all, get creative and think of ways to save on wrapping paper. You can use maps, newsprint, or craft paper to create lovely packaging for your gifts. Put items in baskets, boxes, or mason jars to add charm. Stock up on ribbon, twine and other accessories you find on sale. After Easter, “basket grass” is often priced to sell and it makes great filler for gift baskets later on.

Right after Christmas, you can find huge rolls of wrapping paper and solid colored bags and boxes. Stock up! Even red and green won’t look like Christmas in July when you add a cute piece of floral tissue. Metallic items are always good choices. You can really soften their sharpness when you add black, pastels or jewel tones.

I love to make cards from photos, which cost almost nothing to put together and look SO personal. If arts and crafts aren’t your thing, you can find clearance cards after nearly every season. When you run across a funny birthday card or greeting capturing the sentiment you’d like to send to your mom, pick it up and mark it off your list! Many stores have .99 card racks and the Dollar Tree has plain and blank cards packaged for just a few cents apiece. It’s really about the message you write inside anyway, right?

The whole idea of a gift closet is to help you save by being prepared for any festivities or invitations life brings your way. It can be a HUGE time and money saver and by simply organizing your closet (or cupboard, wherever), you may find you have quite a few gifty items already on hand.

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Introducing….the Living Well Planner™

Do you know the one thing LWSL readers crave most of all?

Several months ago I sent out a reader survey, which is something I try to do at least once a year. I think it is really important to hear what’s working, what’s not working, what can be improved, and even what should be eliminated altogether here at LWSL.  It is always very enlightening to see what you all have to say!

But this year I added two questions that I had never asked before. I asked, “what is the biggest source of stress in your life right now,” and “what is the biggest thing you would like to accomplish in the next year.”

Your answers stunned me.

Far and away, the most common answers to the first question about stress were things like “I don’t have enough time” or “being too busy” or “too much going on.”  But there was one single answer to the second question that blew all the other answers out of the water. Can you guess what it was?

BALANCE.

We’re desperate for it.

And, quite honestly, it is a struggle and a desire I understand all too well. In fact, last December, as my team and I were sketching out our company goals for 2015, balance was a word that came up a lot. So much, even, that we decided to make it our theme for the year.

Our primary goal was to develop a tool for ourselves and our readers that could help us achieve this ever-elusive goal of balance and organization. A resource that could not only help us manage our schedule, but help us stay focused on our goals and priorities and allow us to navigate the day-to-day responsibilities like meal planning and budgeting all in one place.

And so, in one very big AHA moment, the Living Well Planner™ was born.

Friends, can I just tell you how excited I am about this planner? Not only is it absolutely beautiful, it is carefully designed to help each one of us get all those details out of our heads and into one organized space. In other words, it is literally the sanity saver we have all been waiting for!

And while I’ve been talking about it on social media and via email for the past few weeks, it occurred to me that I should probably take some time to share in detail here in the blog exactly what this amazing tool has to offer here.

Goal Setting That Works

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you already know that goal-setting is a recurring theme!  I am a firm believer in the power of written goals and in putting those written goals in a place where we can see them every single day.  I also believe that the most effective way to accomplish those big, long term goals is to break them up into manageable bites that can be accomplished one month, one week, and one day at a time.

The Living Well Planner™ is designed help you set those long term goals, as well as to help you break them down into monthly goals.  The long term goals page is the very first page of the planner, which means that each time you open it, this is the first thing you see–and a powerful daily reminder of all those big things you want to get done over the next year.  Likewise, the monthly goal setting pages are the first page of every month, helping to you strategically prioritize what needs to get done.

Comprehensive Weekly Planning

As busy wives and moms, it is sometimes hard to juggle all the different aspects of a busy life–from appointments and obligations to tasks that need to get done to meals that need to be planned.  Our weekly planning pages make sense of all these different hats and put them in one easy-to-use space that allows you to keep track of your schedule, organize your to-dos, and plan your meals at a glance.  It is purposefully designed to keep things simple, and intentionally streamlined in order to keep it from being overwhelming.  Each month includes five weeks of planning pages so that you never run out of space.

Integrated Budget Tracking

Keeping track of your monthly budget and telling your money where to go is one of the most important things you can do for your family AND your sanity, and the Living Well Planner makes this easy to do as well.  Each month features a colorful, 2-page cash flow budget plan to help you quickly and easily sketch out your money plan for the month.  There is also a budget tracker page available to help you keep track of exactly what you are spending.

Month at a Glance

The 2-page monthly calendar spreads offer plenty of space to plan out your month in detail in order to see exactly what is coming next.  Better yet, each square is lined to help keep things neat and tidy as you write!

Year at a Glance

The 2-page “Year at a Glance” spread located at the beginning of the planner is the perfect way to keep a big picture overview of the coming year.  Use it to plan out vacations, big events, birthdays, and big projects so that you never feel overwhelmed or like everything is happening all at once.

Additional Features

There are so many other little features of this planner that I just love–from the colorful dividers, each which feature an inspirational quote and a pretty pattern to the “Thoughts & Thanks” page in each monthly section that is the perfect place to keep track of prayer requests and people to remember to other helpful pages like a master to-do list, password tracker, and essential information page.  There are also LOTS of note pages scattered throughout the planner as well!

Preorder by November 30th to Save $14

The Living Well Planner™ will be available to ship in just a few days, on December 1st, but if you preorder by November 30th you can take advantage of our introductory price of just $45 PLUS get a free label set when you use promo code BYE2015. On December 1st, the price will go up to $49 for the planner, and $10 for the label set.

PREORDER YOUR PLANNER HERE

It is possible to create more balance in your life, and I truly believe that this planner is the perfect tool to help you do just that. In fact, that’s exactly what it was created for.

P.S. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our free Best Year Ever mini course!  With four powerful lessons devoted to becoming a better goal setter, finding financial peace, planning your meals, and organizing your mornings, it is the perfect motivation to make sure that 2016 really is your best year yet!  To have all four lessons sent straight to your inbox, simply click the button below!

START MY BEST YEAR EVER!

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Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

I don’t know how things are in your house, but around here, come Thanksgiving, PIE becomes a hot topic of conversation.  We take our Thanksgiving menu very seriously, and nothing is more important to the success of the meal than the finale!  Our choices are usually the classics–Pumpkin, Apple, and–my all-time favorite–Pecan, but since my husband isn’t a huge fan of nuts, Pumpkin and Apple usually win out.

But not this year my friends.

Oh no, this year we are all about the Pecan Pie, and not just any old pecan pie recipe either.  Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie.  Mmmmmmmmmm…..can you taste it?  Me too.

It’s not too late to pull it together before the big day, and it comes together pretty quickly & easily too.  Pecan lovers, unite–join me in the fight to take back Thanksgiving this year!

Here is what you need:

1 pre-made pie crust
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cups pecans, chopped (for filling)
1 cup pecan halves, toasted ( for top of pie)
1 jar salted caramel sauce
 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F.  Beat sugar, butter, corn syrup, cocoa powder, salt and eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk or hand beater until well blended.

Step 2: Stir in chopped pecan pieces.

Step 3: Pour into pre-made pie crust.

Step 4: Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set (if crust begins to brown too fast, use a piece of foil as a shield to cover the entire pie).

Step 6: After removing the pie from the oven, allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes. Top with toasted pecan halves. Then heat caramel sauce in warm water or microwave; drizzle desired amount over top of pecans. Serve pie with ice cream and enjoy!

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Recipe: Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie

Summary: This classic pie is made extra special with the addition of chocolate and caramel.

Ingredients

1 pre-made pie crust
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cups pecans ,chopped (for filling)
1 cup pecan halves, toasted ( for top of pie)
1 jar salted caramel sauce



Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Beat sugar, butter, corn syrup, cocoa powder, salt and eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk or hand beater until well blended.
Stir in chopped pecan pieces.
Pour into pre-made pie crust.
Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set (if crust begins to brown too fast, use a piece of foil as a shield to cover the entire pie.)
After removing the pie from the oven, allow it to cool for approx. 10 minutes. Top with toasted pecan halves. Then heat caramel sauce in warm water or microwave; drizzle desired amount over top of pecans. Serve pie with ice cream and enjoy!

Preparation time: 6-10 minutes

Cooking time: 40-50 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 8-10

 

 

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12 Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making

There’s nothing I love more than having a clean house, but more often than not, before I can even enjoy my celebratory glass of wine, I’ll spot something I missed–a dusty shelf over here, a streaky window there, or a stray cobweb up in the corner.  No matter how hard I try, those little cleaning tasks are seemingly never done.

Chances are, we’ve all been there! Whether you are a housework perfectionist or a cleaning protester, there are times when we just have to let a few dust bunnies go. Even so, there may be a few key cleaning steps might be missing, ones that are actually creating more work for you later.  Even worse, certain cleaning mistakes can even be harmful to your family’s health.

The next time you clean, take some time to consider if you’re guilty of any of these cleaning mistakes. With just a few changes, you’ll be able to kick up your feet and enjoy that glass of wine sooner than you think!

 

1. Mixing Cleaners

Never mix bleach with well, pretty much any other cleaner. Mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol can create a dangerous chemical reaction, resulting in harmful fumes, and skin and eye irritation.

If you’re looking for some natural alternatives to the more caustic store-bought cleaners, never fear! Try one of our DIY home-cleaning solutions without worry. Combine vinegar, lemon juice, and other common household items with essential oils to craft cleaners that you and your family can feel good about using.

2. Not Letting Cleaner Soak In

If you’re like me, you’re usually in a hurry. But, as it turns out, the “spray and wipe” method isn’t the most effective way to get things clean. Commercial cleaning products often have a suggested soak time to allow the product to soften grime and dirt. The recommended time is usually found on the label and is typically only a minute or two for most sprays…but those 60 seconds can make the difference between a surface wipe and a deep clean. Allowing the spray to set also gives the cleaner more time to kill germs and bacteria. Carpet cleaner and pet stain remover usually take even longer, so be sure read the recommendations on the package.

The next time you’re cleaning, do your spraying first, then move on to another area before coming back. Resist the urge to spray and wipe and you’ll get a more thorough clean.

3. Taking the Term “All Purpose” Too Literally

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a truly “all purpose” cleaner. Though some cleaners work on many surfaces, some areas of the house need special attention.

If you have expensive or absorbent surfaces, it’s worth investing in cleaning products intended for them. Natural countertops such as granite or marble, wood furniture, and electronics all need specific cleaning products. The same is true when cleaning or treating wood flooring, antiques, or suede and other upholstery. The result of selecting the wrong cleaning product for any of these surfaces could be a thousand dollar mistake.

Also bear in mind that you’ll get a better clean if you use products for the purpose they’re intended. You’ll find streaks and spots if you use dishwashing soap instead of dishwashing liquid, or counter spray instead of window spray. Many natural cleaning solutions still vary depending on the surface. Vinegar might be fine for a bathroom, but too harsh for wooden door frames. Do a little research beforehand and you’ll save yourself a lot of heartache later.

4. Trying to Tackle Everything at Once

Always go into cleaning in an organized manner. Remember what I said before about boycotting perfection? Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like you’re unprepared in the face of an insurmountable task.

Instead, try creating a cleaning schedule. This will help you tackle bite-sized chunks of work each day rather than the whole shebang at one time. If you aren’t sure where to get started, try reading my Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning. Though it may seem silly to read about cleaning, if you’ve ever seen a college dorm room, you know not everyone goes out into the world knowing how to actually clean. It’s not an inherent talent. For those of you who’ve been cleaning since you were a youngster helping mom with chores, it never hurts to take a refresher course. I’ve learned some nifty tricks to save time and money while cleaning over the years. Either way, it’s important to take an organized approach and divide and conquer! You can do it!

5. Ignoring Mildew and Mold

Yuck—no one ignores mildew and mold on purpose, of course. But anyone can be surprised by how quickly mildew can form. It’s a major problem for many households and can emerge in some surprising places, potentially making you and your family ill.

According to the CDC, kitchens and bathrooms are the most common areas for mold and mildew. But, any area of your house can be subject to them if you have a humidity problem or lack proper ventilation. Be sure to always put items away completely dry, including towels, laundry, shoes, jackets, and any other fabric. Mold can grow on carpeting, upholstery, paper, drywall, and other porous or soft surfaces.

You should also check the seals on your windows, caulking around your shower and sink, and any area that suddenly appears gray, gold, black, green or brown. Even appliance seals, like those on front-loading washers, refrigerators and freezers, can cause house mold.

Try to keep your home well ventilated and quickly clean up any leaks or spills. Check basements and areas around windows. Ceilings and crawl spaces can also be common mildew areas, so watch for any staining or other suspicious signs. Call an expert if you suspect something is seriously awry.

Most people think bleach is the best way to rid your home of mold. Not true! Bleach actually only kills surface mold you can see—but on porous surfaces, mold has stubborn roots bleach simply cannot reach. Instead try Lysol Disinfectant Spray to keep that mold from coming back.

 

6. Using Fabric Softener with your Towels

What?! Yes, it’s true. Using fabric softener causes towels to be fluffy and soft, but it coats them in a chemical that won’t let them absorb a lick of water. Next time you do a batch of towels, try adding a little splash of vinegar instead. Your towels will come out smelling just fine, plus they’ll be soft and they’ll still get you dry.

Also watch out for fabric softener with microfiber cleaning towels. These towels buff surfaces to a beautiful shine, but they no longer do their job after one cycle with fabric softener.

7. Washing Windows in the Sunshine

Can you think of a better time to wash windows than a bright sunshine-filled morning? You can almost hear the bluebirds as you channel Snow White and make your house sparkle. Unfortunately, Disney princesses must have magic window cleaner as well. Sunshine and heat make cleaners evaporate almost the moment they hit your window, leaving streaks behind.

Avoid fighting an uphill battle against your windows and Mother Nature and instead pick a day that’s a bit cooler and overcast. You may not feel quite the same zest for cleaning as you would in the sunshine, but your sparkly windows will make you feel much happier in the end.

 

8. Spraying to Disinfect (Before Cleaning)

When you spray cleaner on a surface, first make sure there aren’t any crumbs or dirt on the surface. Disinfecting spray kills germs but it doesn’t magically dissolve crumbs and food particles. Not only that, but babies, small children and pets may ingest these chemical-laden morsels and become ill. It seems obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed someone spray, and then sweep the dirty (and now damp) crumbs onto the floor.

You should first remove debris, dust, vacuum, and THEN use water and cleaners to disinfect your surfaces. This won’t only make the job smoother, but safer as well.

9. Scrubbing in Stains

Scrubbing spills actually grinds them into the surface. The next time someone spills a glass of soda or tomato sauce, remove as much as possible and then blot the stain with an oxygenated cleaner (like OxiClean) to keep it from working its way into the fibers. This is one case where elbow grease isn’t needed, but rather patience and the correct type of cleaner for the stain. If you aren’t sure how to treat something, please refer to my guide on how to remove (almost) any stain.

10. Starting From the Bottom and Moving Up

Always clean from the top of the room down—or , you’re just creating more work for yourself. Start with the ceiling corners, walls, windows and sills and move on to furniture, upholstery, and then the floors. Dusting after you vacuum just pushes more dirt onto the floor you just cleaned!

Floors should be the final step in any room. You’ll find cleaning from the top down makes your routine go much faster and will help you feel more organized and truly finished with a room when you’re done. No more looking up to discover cobwebs on the ceiling!

 

11. Ignoring Throw Pillows, Curtains, etc

Pillows are home to dust mites, skin cells, dirt, and other particles. I know some of us find that horrifying, but truth is: they’re all around us! Putting clean pillowcases on dirty pillows or tossing dust-filled pillows on clean bedding is counterintuitive. You should wash throws, pillows and other fabric items frequently.

Curtains, and particularly shower curtains, can get much dirtier than you think. They’re often the barrier between moisture and dirt and the rest of your home. Fabric is a porous surface that can trap these little goodies and harbor them, which does keep the rest of your house cleaner, but also means they should be washed at least a few times per year.

12. Keeping Sponges Too Long

I’m always amazed at how many people try to eke out the last bit of life from their kitchen sponge. I’m as frugal as the next gal (okay, we all know just how frugal I can be), but a kitchen sponge past its prime is just about the dirtiest thing in your house, short of a toilet brush.

Toss the sponge in the microwave for a minute every day to kill any bacteria and throw it out after a week or two, tops. Allow sponges, brushes, and any cleaning items to completely dry before you put them away because bacteria and germs just LOVE a wet sponge or brush.

And finally….never forget that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

One of the best ways to keep your house sparkling clean is to head off dirt at the front end—don’t even let it in your house in the first place! If you swore you’d never be one of those people who removed their shoes at the door, you might want to reconsider. Shoes can track in dirt, allergens, mud, and germs, and drag them through the rest of your house. There’s nothing fussy or offensive about asking guests to remove their shoes. You’ll find a shoeless home has cleaner floors. If you just can’t, then at the very least invest in an absorbent welcome mat.

Keep kiddos corralled in the kitchen if they’re eating, rather than running around the house with food. Yes, it’s less fun than eating cookies in bed, BUT you’ll never have to Google “how to remove chocolate from carpet” again.

When all else fails, remain calm. Approach cleaning with a plan and in an organized manner. Give yourself room to relax now and again. Next time, finish your glass of wine before you tackle those ceiling cobwebs.

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How to Stay Friends While Becoming Debt-Free

 

Today I am 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 am so excited to have her bringing 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

“The best time to make friends is before you need them.” Ethel Barrymore

It’s been said friendship is the greatest gift in life. Friends enrich our experience, providing laughter, wisdom, and above all else memories to cherish long after the moment we spend together passes. However, I know from experience that paying off debt while maintaining healthy friendships can be tricky territory. The temptations to overspend triple when we have another human being whispering in our ear, “Go ahead and do it. It’s not that big of a deal.”

It’s difficult enough to remain disciplined and on task with our finances without anyone else diminishing our efforts or worse encouraging us to pursue an entirely different path. When we indulge such influences, instead of becoming debt free, we end up deeper in our financial woes.

At the same time, it’s highly unlikely you can serve your friends with breakup papers once you begin a path of Slaying the Debt Dragon. And if you can, I might question your ability to get along with others in the first place. I certainly won’t be signing up to be your BFF.

How do you navigate the difficult waters of friendship and paying off debt? And on the flipside, how can you be the type of friend who champions someone else who is pursuing financial freedom? While these guiding principles might not answer every specific situation, they definitely give a starting place to help you begin to be a better financial friend.

Have a Heart to Heart (at the right time)

In college, there was nothing more thrilling or terrifying than a “DTR” conversation with someone you were dating. DTR in case you didn’t already know stands for “define the relationship.” It either meant you were about to get more serious or dumped (and honestly both can be thrilling and terrifying depending on who you were going out with).

If your economic circumstances have recently changed, you need to have a similar chat with your closest of friends. Note, I did say closest of friends. You don’t need to open a dialogue via Facebook status update.

If you’ve lost a job or had a reduction of pay, be vulnerable enough to share that. If you’ve decided to pursue saving for a vacation or the thrilling experience of paying off debt, then tell your friend. You can be as specific or as general as you wish, but your friends can’t know where you are with money if you don’t tell them.

That being said, time your conversation wisely. If you’ve committed to sharing the cost of a trip or a gift, remain true to your word. Don’t leave your friend hanging out to dry or to pick up your tab. Unless your fiscal state is utterly catastrophic, don’t back out of plans made before your change.

Be sure you schedule your conversation at a time that is without distraction. On the sidelines at the kids’ soccer game? Probably not a good time to chat. Sitting with a cup of coffee at your kitchen table? Much more ideal.

Real friends understand that a deep relationship doesn’t require scads of cash. Real friends want to support you. Real friends don’t judge but ask, “What can I do to help?”

Word of warning: this is not your opportunity to air all of your financial frustrations and grievances. Focus on your own behavior, not the choices of others.

The Best Things in Life Are Free

Whether you’re someone who wants to invest in your friendships while paying off debt or if you’re a friend to someone who is in such a pursuit, you need to refine how you spend time with others.

If a night out on the town for the two of you costs more than the GDP of a small country, it’s time to scale back your quality time. Instead of planning elaborate vacations, expensive gift exchanges, and extravagant evenings of pricey dinners, look for ways to spend time together that costs nothing at all.

From a walk in the park to a board game or simply sharing a meal or beverage of choice at home, you can still build significant bonds without breaking the bank. Yes, you may have to rethink some of your traditions. Then again, you may begin creating traditions that aren’t really based on spending money.

Make Difficult Choices

In the end, you may have to make a challenging call and alter a friendship or two. Don’t misunderstand me. You should never kick a friend to the curb over money. However, if you are tempted to overspend or go into debt merely by having a relationship with someone else, you may want to identify whether or not you’re allowing a friend to have too much power over your finances and life.

In Proverbs 26:11 we discover an ancient piece of wisdom that applies thousands of years later. It’s a little gross but promise you’ll hang in there with me. “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.”

Icky, right? And yet you know it’s true. If you keep returning to the same friendship patterns, expecting a different result you’ll soon discover the foolishness in your thinking.

Being an adult and managing your resources well means that sometimes you’ll need to say no. It might also mean that you need to limit your interaction with others. It’s always easier said than done, but a truth that we full well know.

“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” Robert Louis Stevenson

Healthy friendships come at a cost. Friends willingly give up their time and personal pursuits for the love for another person. However, you need to be intentional as you approach the areas where friendship and your finances overlap. True friends will cheer you on as you reach toward your goals, not hold you back.

 

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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Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

With Thanksgiving just a week away, we are busy trying to figure out exactly what we are going to eat this year.  Our go-to staples–my Best Ever No-Fuss Mashed Potatoes, Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Pie, & Oh-So-Easy Caramel Apple Pie–have already made the list, but this year I thought I might try something a little different–and a little simpler–for the other sides.

Taking just a few minutes to pull together, these parmesan roasted sweet potatoes totally fit the bill!  Not only that, they are completely delicious & also pack a powerful punch of nutrition.  While they’d be great for Thanksgiving, they are easy enough to make anytime!

Here is what you need:

8 small sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 oz. Parmesan Cheese ( shredded)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Wash potatoes then cut into wedges. Rub the potatoes with the oil and season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bake cut side down, on a rimmed cookie sheet until golden brown; 18-22 minutes (turn potatoes to other side of wedge at half-way point)

Step 3: Turn oven to broil; turn potatoes over so that the skin is down. Then sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Broil until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 4: Sprinkle with more pepper, if desired and enjoy!

 

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Recipe: Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Summary: These deliciously simple sweet potatoes are the perfect side to any meal.

Ingredients

8 small sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 oz. Parmesan Cheese ( shredded)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper



Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash potatoes then cut into wedges. Rub the potatoes with the oil and season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Bake cut side down, on a rimmed cookie sheet until golden brown; 18-22 minutes (turn potatoes to other side of wedge at half-way point)
Turn oven to broil; turn potatoes over so that the skin is down. Then sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Broil until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Sprinkle with more pepper, if desired and enjoy!

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 18-30 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 8

 

 

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15 Things to Buy at ALDI (& Five to Avoid)

There’s a budget grocery phenomenon that’s slowly been taking over the United States, to the tune of 8,000 new stores in just a few short years.  But the reality is that ALDI is actually not a new store–for over 100 years, ALDI stores have committed to providing low-priced groceries. I nearly fell off my chair when I found out they were that old—but it’s true, ALDI was founded in 1913 in Germany.

Shopping at ALDI is a unique experience. It certainly isn’t your big, coupon-friendly, buy-everything-on-your-list grocery store. Some of ALDI’s quirks (like needing a quarter for your cart) may be intimidating to a first-time shopper. But, once you’re in the door and see the prices, you’ll be convinced!

The first of several great–really great–things about ALDI is their double guarantee. If you don’t like a product or if you don’t find it up to your satisfaction, you can take it back and they’ll refund your money AND give you a new item. Another bonus? ALDI recently announced they’ve removed all artificial ingredients from their products. If you’re concerned about partially hydrogenated oils, synthetic colors and added MSG, this should come as a big relief.

ALDI takes an innovative, low-overhead approach to business that allows them to offer big savings to their customers. You won’t see a lot of employees straightening up the aisles, bagging your groceries, and stocking shelves. Everything is on the floor on pallets to allow for quick restocking and rotation. Big yellow signs above the pallets list the prices.

You may also notice most of the stores are much smaller than an average grocery store and follow a similar layout; this makes them easier to maintain. Their advertising is minimal, so they only issue their ALDI flyer two weeks before sales, but it’s a great planning tool for your trip. Use the ALDI app to download ads, make a shopping list, and find the nearest store.

Remember what I said about bringing a quarter for a cart? Well, their cart-return system is another way they keep a low overhead. It requires a quarter “deposit” when you take your cart out of the line. Simply put your quarter in the slot and the cart will release. When you finish, return your cart and you’ll get your quarter back. This way, the store saves on employees’ time retrieving carts from the parking lot.

ALDI doesn’t take coupons or credit cards, so you’ll have to plan ahead. Bring your rock bottom price list with you when you go, so you can be sure you’re truly getting the best deal. ALDI carries a few of its own brands and these are where you’ll usually find the best bargains. Purchases on toiletries and brand-name items are often cheaper in a traditional store with a coupon.

One more thing—when you see the checkout lines, don’t despair! A lot of the time, lines look long and congested, but here’s yet another way ALDI is different. Their products offer barcodes in several places, which means cashiers can quickly zap your products through. It’s a sight to see—they’re super-fast!

You might also notice there are no baggers. If you don’t want to pay for sacks, you’ll need to bring your own. After you check out, there’s an area beyond the registers where people get their items together and pack them up for the journey home. This front end is another area that can appear congested as people bag and box their own groceries.

So, with all these quirks—is the shopping experience a trip worth making? If you’re looking at your bottom line—yes. Groceries at ALDI are undeniably cheaper. Not every single item, of course, but if you do a little planning ahead and make wise choices, you can save yourself a bundle! Once you see the prices, I promise you’ll be hooked!

15 Great ALDI Finds

 

1. Fresh Meat Specials

While I’m not a big meat eater, my family does enjoy meat meals from time to time. Each Wednesday ALDI offers a special “Fresh Meat Special Buy.” Some weeks it’s brisket, some weeks it’s chicken breasts ($1.89 a pound!!), but usually it’s top cuts of meat at really low prices. These are great choices for planning freezer meals and doing your weekly meal planning.

A word to the wise—these specials go FAST. Prepare to make the trip on Wednesday because the cuts often come in limited amounts and once the specials are gone, they’re gone.

2. Canned Broth

ALDI’s Chef’s Cupboard (regular) or Fit & Active (low sodium) cans of broth are between $.49 and $.69 a can; these prices can’t be beat! They offer a veggie broth in their Fit & Active line and comparable products can be priced at $1.49 and up per can.

Their canned broths are also flavorful and a great pantry staple to keep on hand. I often stock up on several cans when I’m there.

3. Almond Milk

Depending on where you shop and whether you have coupons, regular milk can be found for a little cheaper at other grocery stores. Though ALDI’s $.99 gallon of regular milk is priced pretty darn well, their almond milk is $2.49 or less, which is great buy. It can be over a dollar more at many other stores. They also offer soymilk for a similar price and occasionally they carry coconut milk as well.

4. Yogurt

ALDI offers many varieties of yogurt and dairy products. The Friendly Farms Moo Tubes are their brand take on the popular yogurt-in-a-tube kids’ snack. They even carry kefir, a drinkable yogurt. The regular snack-sized Fit & Active line of nonfat yogurts are $.39-.49 each, and come in fun flavors like Apple Turnover and Boston Cream Pie. They’re creamy and don’t have a fake aftertaste like some flavored yogurts.

5. String Cheese

Great for kids’ lunches or a little protein kick in the middle of the day, a low-fat string cheese pack comes in 12-stick packs for around $2.69. Their cheese selection is worth checking out, particularly the soft or specialty cheeses they offer around the holidays. Their brick cheese tends to be a little pricier and the shredded cheese has received mixed reviews online. I haven’t tried it personally, but they add cornstarch to keep it from caking, which apparently can also cause it to burn easily.

6. Red Hot Deals (in the center of the store)

Each week ALDI offers a “Red Hot Deal” theme in the center of the store. If the theme is picnicking, you might find grilling utensils, paper plates and coolers paired with chips, buns and condiments. Another week it might be a back-to-school theme with school supplies, lunchboxes, and easy, fun snack foods.

Whatever the theme, it’s worth paying attention to. Very good deals on outdoors items, tailgating supplies, and other fun household buys are often found in this area of the store. Use the ad cycle that comes out two weeks in advance to discover if any of the Red Hot Deals fulfill your family needs, and plan accordingly.

7. Organics

In the last few years, ALDI started to offer a wider selection of USDA Certified Organic items. If you’re looking for organic options, keep an eye out for their SimplyNature brand foods. Popular items include lettuce, spinach, frozen berries, milk, and grain-fed beef. These items are free of additives, most are organic, and they come in much lower prices than a health food store or Whole Foods.

Their fruit squeezes and twists are lunchbox favorites and they’re made without artificial sweeteners or preservatives. At under $2.50 a box, they’re a great way to send your kids to school with something you can feel good about.

8. Gluten-Free Items

The liveGfree brand is yet another offering that’s worth checking out, especially if you’re watching gluten or have someone with a gluten sensitivity in your household. Their Southwest Veggie stuffed sandwich is an easy grab-and-go lunch item at $2.69—a full $2 cheaper than similar gluten-free products at the grocery store.

They also offer crackers, cookies, pretzels and baking mixes. At under $3 per box it’s worth it to stock up on a couple items just to have them on hand. Even if no one in your house is gluten-sensitive, it can be handy to have something to offer guests with dietary restrictions.

9. Salad Dressing

The Specially Selected brand offers several gourmet items at prices that beat the non-gourmet version at other stores. They have salsa, cookies, and my favorite—salad dressings. They offer several vinaigrette options (the raspberry is to die for!) with restaurant-quality taste. You’d pay much higher prices for these dressings in the refrigerator section of your grocery store.

10. Frozen Jumbo Shrimp & Seafood

Frozen seafood items are usually a good buy at ALDI. The frozen jumbo shrimp are always a bargain. Don’t bother with the other sizes of shrimp though, they aren’t worth the price compared to their weight. The frozen salmon portions and tilapia fillets are also a few dollars less than your average grocery store.

11. Produce

A word on the produce: much of the ALDI produce is a good buy, but use common sense. They package a lot of the produce together, so look carefully at the package to ensure everything looks up-to-par and in good condition. Items rotate frequently and I often find really great prices on tropical fruit like pineapple, kiwi, and even mango. Most of the veggies are pretty cheap too. You’ll get a better deal on fruits like apples and oranges if you buy in bulk, but occasionally you’ll find a good price at ALDI. I’ll admit though, their bananas are not usually a great buy or they’re already past their prime.

I added produce to this list because much of what I’ve read about ALDI produce is that it’s their weak spot. I don’t necessarily find this to be true. The selection is often decent and you can usually find a bargain, so it’s not something to skip over.

12. Choceur, Moser Roth, and Specialty Chocolate

The regular chocolate chips and baking chocolate are so-so. They’re passable for cookies, but not great. But good news—they have a wonderful selection of specialty chocolate! These bars are delicious and often European chocolates (read: no wax and creamy amazing texture). I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone twice—give their chocolate bars a try.

13. Canned Goods

The canned veggies are such a great deal at ALDI. It’s hard to beat $.49-$.69 per can. In my opinion the majority of canned veggies taste pretty similar and it’s hard to discern a big difference by brand. ALDI’s selection has the same specialty options you’d find in name brands, including crushed tomatoes with garlic and oregano and low sodium options. I know canned food isn’t always ideal, but for pantry storage items like beans, tomato sauce and other staples, this is the place to fill your shelves!

14. Baking Supplies

I like to bake from scratch, but I know there are people who rely on a mix. And if kids are in the picture, having a few boxes of mixes on hand gives little ones a chance to test their culinary skills. If you’re cooking from scratch, baking staples like flour and sugar will be cheaper in a bulk store. But ALDI has a lot of great options for smaller-quantity items like baking powder and cornstarch.

15. Frozen Veggies

Edamame? Sweet peas? White corn? ALDI has them! Even though they don’t have the vast row of frozen veggies your local supermarket boasts, they definitely have a wide range that can easily fill in for fresh vegetables and fill out any dish. I like to keep bags of frozen veggies on hand to bulk up a dish that needs a healthy addition or so I can slip an extra handful in a meal as a side.

5 Items to Avoid at ALDI

Not every item at ALDI is a don’t-miss item. As I said before, you aren’t likely to find everything on your list. There’s usually only one version of most items, so you won’t have the wide selection you’re used to at your everyday store. I’ve found a few items don’t make the cut, even if they’re priced cheaper.

1. Chips

Chips aren’t healthy to begin with, so we don’t buy them often anyway. I’ve found it always seems like there’s only half a bag of chips once you get ALDI chips open. I know there’s some natural settling, but they’re also usually broken and lackluster as far as chips go. If chips are on the table, it usually means there’s a party and at a party you don’t want to find you only have enough chips to fill half your bowl.

2. Coffee

ALDI’s coffee seems to make both the “don’t pass up” and the “pass up” lists. It’s reasonably priced at $4.99 a package, but if you’re even a little bit of a coffee snob, you’ll want to leave it on the shelf. If you’ve already given up your Starbucks trips to save money and you’re brewing your cuppa at home, do yourself a favor and spend an extra buck or two on a decent bag of coffee.

3. Paper Goods

Toilet paper, paper towels and napkins are good deals at ALDI, but if you’re a coupon shopper you already know how to save big on these items. If you’re stacking coupons for name brand paper goods, you’ll save more shopping somewhere else.

4. Dough

Pillsbury crescents, biscuits, and cookie dough regularly go on sale and are frequent coupon-friendly items. ALDI offers their own brand of these refrigerated pre-made dough items, but frankly, they aren’t as good. Not only that, but you’ll probably pay more without a coupon for the ALDI brand than you would at the grocery store with a coupon for the name brand.

5. Cereal

This is, again, a coupon issue. You can find great deals on cereals when you buy in bulk or when they go on sale, which is often. The ALDI brand cereal tastes about the same as regular cereals, but there isn’t a huge selection, and you can find other, better items on sale and with a coupon elsewhere

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So what about you? ALDI products and deals can vary from store to store. What ALDI items are a great deal in your area? I don’t go through a lot of gum, but everyone says they have the best prices on gum near the checkout. We’ve also heard good things about their spices. Tell me your thoughts if you’ve tried them! 

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4 Simple Ways to Overcome a Negative Attitude

This is a guest post by Rachel of RachelWojo.com

The alarm sounded, but the mental fog remained. I blinked a few times and then it hit me. “Oh, no! We’re late!” Life had been thriving at breakneck speed and I was exhausted. Who knew how many times I had hit the snooze? The children and I had overslept after my husband left early for work. By 45 minutes! I quickly threw on the clothes I wore the previous day, splashed water on my face, and shoved a piece of peppermint gum in my mouth. Who had time to brush teeth? With 6 children to care for, 3 of whom were missing the bus, oversleeping was more than a terrible start to the day. We rushed, slammed, and took every shortcut possible. I somehow managed to pull the van in front of the school just 15 minutes past the first bell. 3 slightly disheveled children popped out and “I love yous” were cut off by slamming doors.

Maybe you’ve never overslept or your kids have never been late to school. But regardless of the circumstances, I know you’ve dealt with what happened next. On the short drive home, I felt it creeping up from my toes and making its way through every nerve. The thoughts began with “I am the worst mother ever. How could I do this?” and continued on with “What grown woman oversleeps? Now we’re going to be running late the rest of the day….” The thinking pattern escalated and what began with emotions over an accidental oversleeping episode ended with the tornado of a negative mindset.

Have you been there? When overwhelming circumstances consumed you and one negative thought led to another that led to another that led to another? How can you stop the negativity and prevent ruin? Today I want to share with you 4 Simple Ways to Overcome a Negative Attitude. No matter the circumstances, these tips will help improve your ability to stop negative internal chatter before it overpowers you in the moment.

1. Refuse to repeat the negative thought.

Catching ourselves at the first sign of negativity presents the opportunity to discard the beginning thought before it breeds another. Training myself to pause at the first sign of skepticism has improved my general thought cycles. I can be stubborn about other things; why not be stubborn about protecting my mind? Standing the ground of “I’m not going there…” requires a deliberate turn from negativity. Identifying a negative thought as soon as we have one can help us refuse to repeat the cycle.

2. Choose to believe truth over the negative feeling.

Separating how we feel from the truth of a matter can be difficult. But does hitting the snooze one morning and oversleeping make me the worst mother in the world? No. Although I felt like the worst mother in the world the day my family overslept, the truth is “I’m a real mom who’s doing her best for God and her family each day.” At the first hint of a negative thought, identify the thought as fact or feeling. For me, identifying truth is reminding myself of what God’s Word says.

3. Remember to speak as kindly to myself as I would to others

It’s easy to quote the “golden rule” to our children, right? “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” But sometimes we treat ourselves worse than we want others to treat us. The conversations we carry within our own minds are perhaps more detrimental than some we’ve had with other human beings. My mom gave me three guidelines for conversation when I was a child and I’ve never forgotten them. These guidelines can also be applied to self-talk.

Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?

Are the words I’m thinking about myself true? Would someone who knows me well agree with my thoughts? Would a stranger believe these words to be kind if I said them aloud? Am I belittling myself?

4. Search for an aspect of the circumstance for which I can be thankful.

Finding the good in difficult circumstances is a cultivated effort, right? We all know we need to think positive thoughts, but how do we do that when life presents depression, divorce, or disease?

One of my daughters fights a rare terminal illness, MPS. If I focus on the “average lifespan of 10-15 years,” I experience nothing but negative emotional thoughts. But when I count the blessings instead of the burdens, joy defeats despair. At the very moment a negative thought enters my mind, I purposely look for an opposite truth. These hard core statements require determined effort. For example, if we wind up spending half the day in the doctor’s office for something seemingly small, I’m tempted to think: “What a waste of time!” But I have fought hard to think instead: “We are blessed to be able to have healthcare. I’m so thankful for a doctor who cares and an office who spends time making sure every patient is cared for.” It hasn’t been easy to train myself to change perspective. When I flounder to find a positive, sometimes I use this catch phrase: “This could be worse and because it’s not, I’m thankful.”

If you’re like me, purposely choosing to think positive thoughts is not an easy task. But it is a very worthy one and promotes strength of mind. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if a lightning bolt would come down and zap that negative thought for us? But life doesn’t happen that way. Will it take some work to prevent negative internal chatter? Yes, but the work is well worth the effort.

In summary:

Refuse to repeat negativity.
Choose to believe truth.
Remember kindness.
Search for thanks.

Working toward a milestone will always accomplish more than wishing for a miracle.

Ready to take one more step?

 

Rachel “WOJO” Wojnarowski is the author of the newly released One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving up, blogger at RachelWojo.com, wife, and busy mother. In addition to two previous books, she has also written a popular six-week daily Bible reading plan for children, now used by more than 4 million people worldwide. Rachel loves reading, running, and teaching God’s Word. She and her family live in Ohio.

How do you overcome the negative in your life?

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