Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 92

Setting My Goals for 2015

Happy New Year Friends!

I don’t know about you, but to me there is nothing quite like the promise of a whole new year, of a fresh start and a new beginning, where I can reflect both on where I’ve been and where I want to go.  There is nothing I love more than goal-setting, and I literally woke up giddy yesterday at the thought of setting new resolutions for this coming year.  Midway through the day, my husband, who had stayed up much later than me, asked why I was so intolerably cheery.

Honey, I said, after 10 years you have to know that this is my FAVORITE DAY of the whole year!

He just laughed. Oh he knows.

In any case, 2014 definitely saw the realization of some pretty big professional and financial goals.  In fact, it felt very much like the year where all the work I have been putting in for the last few years finally began to pay off.  I self-published two books, launched a blogging course, and then released my first traditionally published book, Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life.  On the financial side, my husband and I were also able to pay off our mortgage and declare ourselves 100% debt free.  (That was pretty huge.  We are still in a little bit of shock over actually accomplishing that goal!)

And while 2014 was a really amazing year, it was also a very stressful and busy year.  I traveled a lot, much more than ever before, and to keep up with all the demands of this blog and all our other projects, I added several new team members.  More people meant we could do more, but it also means more personalities to work with and more chances for things to go wrong.  Growth does not usually come without growing pains!

In fact, I read a quote a few months ago in my friend Michele’s upcoming book, Undone, that has stuck with me ever since:

We often pray for the harvest, but we forget that when the harvest comes, it is a whole lot of work.

This is NOT a complaint! When I look back on the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, but even more than that I am thankful for the people who have supported this crazy journey along the way–my husband, my team, an amazing network of friends, and the entire LWSL community.

Even so, my heart is telling me that in my personal life, I have some serious work to do.  My mission this year is to slow down and make more time for the important people in my life, especially my kids.  In fact, the number one goal I am writing down is to spend at least 5 solid minutes every day snuggling and cuddling with each of my girls.  Maybe this is something each of you already do without even thinking about, but I know it is definitely something I need to work on.  Being goal-oriented can be great, but not if it comes at the expense of the people that matter most.  My kids don’t need a drill sergeant, they need a mom!

My heart is also telling me that I need to go back to my blogging roots.  I originally started this blog five years ago as a way to hold myself accountable as I tried to figure out what living well and spending less really meant.  Over the years this site has become less about my own personal journey, and more of a resource for others who are trying to navigate those same waters.  While I don’t want to change that, I wouldn’t mind once again creating some public accountability for myself!

Thus, I decided this year over at LWSL Everyday, our members-only community site for LWSL readers, I am going to get real and personal with you all this year!  I’ll be sharing my goals & household budget on a monthly basis, as well as progress reports along the way–the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I have to admit that I am a little nervous to lay it all out there for you, but there is also a part of me that is looking forward to the challenge!  Right now you can join the community absolutely free, so be sure to get registered so that you can see my whole list of goals and follow along this year!

Finally, if you haven’t already, I would also love to encourage you to pick up a copy of Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life.  This book has so much to offer anyone needing to find the courage to make small but powerful changes to your homes, goals, and finances this year.  In it I share many of my own struggles, as well as the practical solutions that have helped me along the way. (Though quite honestly I am still a work in progress!  We all are.)

If you missed it on Wednesday, I shared that because the book is currently backlogged on Amazon and many of you are having to wait a few weeks to receive your book, we have extended our preorder bonus offer for a few more days. That way any of you who are waiting can get INSTANT access to our digital home planning workbook, a beautifully designed 155-page planner that includes pages for goal setting, meal planning, budgeting, and much more! It is the perfect accompaniment to the book, and the perfect way to start your New Year well!

Here is what to do to get your bonus workbook: 

Purchase the book from any bookseller in any format. You can find it at  Amazon ,  Barnes & Noble , Books a Million , or ChristianBook.com .  It should also be available in your local bookstores and at Target.
 Fill in the form to get your bonus HERE . Be sure to include your order number or receipt number! The bonus should arrive in your email inbox within minutes. Be sure to check your spam or “promotions” folder!

And in the meantime, I would love to hear about YOUR goals for 2015!  What is the one thing you most want to work on this year?

Happy Friday, and Happy 2015!

xoxo, Ruth

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What is Secret 13?

First of all, THANK YOU so much for all your support and enthusiasm yesterday!  It truly means the world to me, and I have been so touched and humbled by your kindness!  Book launch day was one I will never forget.  And, because of all of YOU, Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life hit #2 on the Amazon Bestsellers list yesterday, and has been hanging out in the top 20 ever since! Can you even believe it?!

The bad news is that the paperback version is currently out of stock at Amazon and taking 2-3 weeks to ship. The good news is that it is still in stock at other bookstores, including Barnes & Noble, at least for the time being!

I feel terrible that so many of you are having to wait to get the book, so I wanted to extend our preorder bonus offer for a few more days. That way any of you who are waiting can get INSTANT access to our digital home planning workbook, a beautifully designed 155-page planner that includes pages for goal setting, meal planning, budgeting, and much more! It is the perfect accompaniment to the book, and the perfect way to start your New Year well!

Here is what to do to get your bonus workbook: 

1. Purchase the book from any bookseller in any format. You can find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, or ChristianBook.com.  It should also available in your local bookstores and at Target.

2. Fill in the form to get your bonus HERE. Be sure to include your order number or receipt number! The bonus should arrive in your email inbox within minutes. Be sure to check your spam or “promotions” folder!

While some of you are still waiting for your copy, I know many of you are already diving right in.  Some of you have even finished already, and have already shared what an impact this message has had on your life. I love hearing those stories, which is why I am SO excited today to let you know about our #Secret13 essay contest!

So what is Secret 13?

Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life shares 12 concrete strategies for seeking—and finding—the Good Life in our day to day lives. Even so, a life well lived is not so much about what we have as who we are, and ultimately each one of us holds the key to our own secrets.

Secret 13 is the truth that YOU have uncovered as you discover your own Good Life, and we want to hear all about it!

Here’s how it works:

In 750-1200 words, please share your own Living Well Spending Less® story. It could be a challenge you faced in your own life and the lesson you learned as you overcame it, or a personal story about how something within one of the chapters of Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life personally affected or changed you.

Next, to be entered into the #Secret13 Essay Contest, simply send a copy of your essay to secret13@livingwellspendingless.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information!

Each week for 12 weeks, beginning the week of January 5th, we will select one finalist’s essay to feature on LivingWellSpendingLess.com.  You will have until March 15th, 2015 to submit your essay, but bear in mind that the sooner you submit your essay, the better chance you have of being selected as one of the finalists!  At the end of the 12 weeks, beginning March 31st, 2015. Living Well Spending Less readers will vote on their favorite #Secret13 story. The person with the most votes wins one AMAZING PRIZE!

How amazing?

Our Grand Prize winner will receive an ALL EXPENSES PAID weeklong cruise for FOUR on the Carnival Sunshine!!! Cruising on Carnival is one of my family’s favorite ways to live well AND spend less, and the Carnival Sunshine, which recently underwent a groundbreaking $175 million dollar renovation, is one of our very favorite ships! It features an awesome waterpark with FOUR different waterslides, plus a ropes course, multiple pools, great restaurants, awesome entertainment, and a whole lot more.

The prize package includes accommodations for four, all meals and entertainment on board the ship, as well as roundtrip airfare for four within the continental United States to and from the Sunshine’s home port of Port Canaveral, Florida.  It is truly a trip of a lifetime!

To find out more about the contest and how to enter, plus get writing prompts and quotes to inspire you, simply visit our Secret 13 page HERE.

In the meantime, thank you again so much for all your support and encouragement!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. If you want to know more about how you can help spread the word about the book, please check out the book website at www.LivingWellSpendingLess.com/book.

 

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Today’s the Day…

Early one morning, a little more than two years ago, as I was driving to Fort Myers to do my regular segment on WINK News, I was more or less at the end of my rope. It had been a particularly frustrating week of feeling like a complete failure. My husband was completely stressed out by a job he hated, while I felt like I was falling behind on all fronts–as a wife and a mom and a blogger. I couldn’t keep up. I wasn’t doing anything right. Truth be told, I was ready to quit all three jobs.

Taking advantage of that rare moment of peace and quiet on that 30 minute drive, I prayed for direction.

Just tell me what you want me to do, Lord, and I’ll do it.

I didn’t really expect an answer, but it came anyway, with more clarity than anything I’ve ever heard in my life.

Just write. Write, and I’ll take care of the rest.

I’ll spare you the details of all the ways every single detail just miraculously seemed to fall into place (I’ve already written about it a little here), but suffice to say that over and over again, God proved that he is faithful. I won’t pretend that it was an easy road, or that many tears weren’t shed, or that this whole crazy book publishing process didn’t almost break me more than once. But knowing that writing a book—this book—was what I was called to do?

That belief has never wavered.

And now Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, releases today and is available in bookstores everywhere. It is terribly exciting and incredibly terrifying all at the same time.

This book contains a message that is near and dear to my heart, and it has so much to offer any woman who currently feels overwhelmed or stressed out with a life–and budget–that seems out of control.  It speaks to the mom who is struggling to juggle all the demands of a busy life with the pressure to keep up with her friends.  It is a practical guide for those of us who long to pull ourselves together but sometimes feel unsure of how to keep the chaos at bay.  It is for anyone simply needing to find the courage to make small but powerful changes to our homes, goals, or finances this year.  In it I share many of my own struggles and mistakes, as well as both the biblical truth and the very practical solutions that have helped me along the way.

It’s real and very honest, and speaks right to the heart of the matter—how can we live the Good Life we’ve always wanted?

But I know that it is out of my hands. I’ve done my job. I’ve run this particular race and seen it through to completion. How God decides to use it is up to him, not me.

And you, my friends, have been faithful with me!  You’ve cheered me on and prayed along with me that this message of hope and encouragement will be heard by those who need it most. You’ve sent emails, you’ve left comments, you’ve tweeted and shared on Facebook. You are all rockstars, and I am completely and utterly humbled and so, so incredibly grateful.

I’ll be posting more this week about the book and all the fun things we have planned for launch week (including your chance to win a 7 day cruise for 4 on the Carnival Sunshine!)  But the most important thing I want to say is this: Thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. If you are the person who needs this book, you can find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any place books are sold.  Or, if simply want to know how you can help spread the word, please check out the book website at www.LivingWellSpendingLess.com/book.

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How to Start Your New Year on the Right Foot

I hope you all had a wonderful joy-filled (and drama-free) Christmas with your family and friends! After a very busy Thanksgiving, our Christmas was actually pretty low-key this year, celebrated with just the four of us and a few close friends. We stayed in our pajamas for two whole days, which is just the way I like it! (Okay, who am I kidding….I’m still in my pajamas right now!)

I don’t know about you but this week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is probably my favorite time of the whole year.  To me it is just a magical time where I get to reflect on where I’ve been and also look forward to a fresh start and a new beginning.  Over the next few days my husband and I will spend a lot of time thinking about—and writing down—our goals for the coming year.  We have discovered that this process really helps us to get on the same page so that we are working together towards a common goal.

Now that our kids are getting a little older, we are also starting to involve them in the process as well, asking them what they think our goals should be, and encouraging them to set some of their own goals for the year as well.  My eight year old daughter Maggie would like to master a no-handed cartwheel, while my five year old Annie wants to get better at climbing trees.  They also both determined that we should spend less time on the computer and more time together as a family.  I can’t say I disagree!

Whether you decide to involve your family or not, I strongly encourage you to spend some time thinking about your goals this week, and more importantly, writing them down! When it comes making things happen and getting things done, there is nothing quite as powerful as written goals. Writing them down makes them real, and once they are real, you can’t ignore them.

Here at Living Well Spending Less we have some fantastic tools for helping you to be a more effective goal setter.  In fact, right now you can join our FREE 12 Secrets Challenge and get instant access to our life-changing 18-page Goal Setting Workbook, as well as have a short but encouraging daily video challenge sent straight to your inbox each day for 12 days.  You can get signed up HERE.

If you haven’t already, I would also love to encourage you to preorder your copy of Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life.  This book has so much to offer anyone needing to find the courage to make small but powerful changes to your homes, goals, and finances this year.

It is real, honest, and jam-packed with practical tips to help you:

Discover your special “sweet spot”—that place in which your talents and passion intersect.
Change your life this year by embracing the power of written goals.
Finally step off the treadmill of just trying to keep up, and instead take back your time by making simple shifts in your daily habits.
Reduce stress in your home and family by clearing out the clutter.
Repair your fractured finances with a practical budget plan that works.
Create a cleaning schedule that works for your own home.
Overcome the destructive cycle of “more is never enough” by instead learning to choose contentment.

Ultimately it speaks to the heart of the matter—how can we live the Good Life we’ve always wanted?

While the book won’t arrive in bookstores until December 30th, when you preorder between now and December 29th (and only when you preorder) you will get instant access to our exclusive home planning workbook. This awesome 155 page planner corresponds perfectly with the book and is the perfect tool for starting your new year off on the right foot!

Here is what to do to get your free planner:

Order the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble (or any other bookseller)
Fill in the form to get your bonus HERE

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Do you have any big goals for 2015?  What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish this year?

 

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Merry Christmas from the LWSL Team!

 

Hi friends!

If you are anything like me, you probably have a gazillion things to do right now to get ready for Christmas, so I will keep this super short!  I just wanted to take a few minutes to wish you a Very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Living Well Spending Less!  It has been a busy year, and we are incredibly grateful–for an amazing support team, incredible opportunities, and most of all, for YOU, our readers, who truly inspire us every single day.

Our company mission is to encourage, inspire, and empower you to seek–and find–the Good Life in your everyday life, and our hope and prayer is that we have done that this past year, and that we continue to do so in 2015.  Of course, with Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, launching just one week from today, our year is not quite over yet!

Even so, this week is all about family, which means you probably won’t be seeing too much of us around here.  We want to encourage you to do the same, and to try not to let all the expectations and obligations that can pile up this time of year take away your joy.  Give yourself grace and the permission not to get it all done, and we promise we will too!

Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

Ruth & the Living Well Spending Less Team

P.S.  While our new book won’t arrive in hand until December 30th, it can still make a wonderful last minute gift.  We’ve put together some really fantastic preorder bonuses that you can access INSTANTLY, including an awesome home planning workbook and a beautiful limited edition print designed by Ruth Simons of the Gracelaced Shoppe.  You can get all the information you need about how to preorder and get the bonuses right HERE.

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Weekend Wandering

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and enjoying these last few days before Christmas!  My family and I snuck away for a little last minute visit to Walt Disney World, and it has been so nice to unplug and unwind together.  We’ve had a blast so far!

I just wanted to give you a little reminder that after today, there will be no Weekend Wandering for two weeks! When we start back in January, Weekend Wandering will be on Saturdays instead of Sundays.  One of my biggest goals for 2015 is more balance, which means becoming more intentional about carving out a day of rest!

In the meantime, I hope you will pop by the week of December 30th to join in all the fun for the launch of Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, including an AWESOME essay contest in which the winner will receive–wait for it–an all-expenses paid one week cruise for 4 onboard the Carnival Sunshine!  Woot woot!  You can check out the details about the essay contest HERE, or check out our blogger resource page HERE.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas!  And now, without further ado, here is what I loved this week:

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First of all, these Chipotle Bang Bang Shrimp from This Silly Girl’s Life look delicious!  These would be a great party appetizer!

This Caramel Nut and Cranberry Brie Appetizer from The Seasoned Mom looks so decedent and delicious!

Mmm…these Homemade Potato Cheese Pierogi from The Hard Times Kitchen are traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve but you can enjoy them any time of year!

This Pizza Pasta Bake from Spend with Pennies sounds like a recipe my whole family would love!

This hot Mulled Apple Cider from Confessions of an Overworked Mom sounds like the perfect winter drink!

These Candy Cane Fudge Cookies from Annie’s Noms combine two of my most favorite flavors. Chocolate and mint!

From This Kitchen Table shares her recipe for Russian Tea Cakes. I might just have to make a batch of these next week!

There were also a bunch of festive DIY projects linked up this week! This Gingerbread Sugar Scrub from My Love for Words only requires 4 ingredients and smells like a cookie.  What a perfect gift idea!

 These Free Printable Christmas Tags from Little Girl Designs are so adorable!

 Still searching for the perfect gift to fill those holiday stockings? Finding Morgan has a list of 40+ Stocking Stuffer for Under $3!  

 Mission to Save has 6 Must Buy Christmas Clearance Items. I totally stock up on item number 1 every year!

These 7 Ways You Can Buy for Others While Spending Less from Teachers of Good Things are just what are needed this time of year.

 Finally, Adventures in Coupons has 6 Things You Need to Do Before the End of the Year! These tips will help you start the New Year off on the right foot.

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What did you love this week?

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15 Things to Do with Your Kids Over Christmas Break

School’s out! For most families, including mine, today is the start of Christmas vacation.  And while not all of us have the luxury of taking a full two weeks off from life, this is a time where most of us are finally able to slow down just a little, especially after the hustle and bustle of that last crazy week of school.

Of course the problem is that after a month of running around, we can feel a little tapped out on fun ideas. Cards have been written, presents have been wrapped and the school Christmas program is done, and if you are anything like me, right now you sort-of just want to sleep for the next two weeks!

Unfortunately for me, my kids won’t let me take it easy for long!  Thus, on this first day of Christmas break, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of ideas for things to do.   Here are 15 fun ideas to keep those cries of I’m bored and What can we do? at bay!

1. Declutter for the New Year

Try putting away your new items and clearing out a few of the old ones. Storing Christmas decorations and finding homes for new gifts can be a great time as a family to empty closets and simplify your life just a little, especially when Santa has brought a whole new pile of toys to enjoy.  Check out these tips for how to make the most of your decluttering efforts, or these tips for organizing your kids’ bedroom.

2. Pay it forward

Now that you’ve received, consider something nice you can do for someone in need. It might be donating those items to charity or maybe making something for your neighbors.  Try visiting a local assisted living facility to hand out cookies, sing songs, or simply visit with the residents.  You could also volunteer together at a local shelter or soup kitchen, or hand out sandwiches to the homeless.  Giving your kids the opportunity to serve others is one of the best gifts you could ever give!

3. Feed the birds

Consider giving a little to our feathered friends outdoors. Depending on your area, interesting birds may be migrating during this time or they may be foraging for food. Either way, they could probably use a little help. Try making a pine-cone covered in peanut butter and birdseed or craft a feeder from a recycled 1.5 liter bottle.

4. Host a game night

It might not be the most original idea, but Christmas break is the perfect a great time to break out your favorite board games that you never seem to have time to play and let each family member choose their favorite. Try all-ages games or team up if you need to cover many different ranges and abilities. Check out this list to discover my own family’s favorite board games!

5. Make a terrarium

Even if you don’t have snow, January weather is typically not the time for lush greenery. Making a mini-terrarium can give kids an opportunity to learn a little horticulture and play in the dirt, even if they’re inside. Depending on how green your thumb is, you can go traditional or try moss and lichens.

6. Make a village

Now that you have a terrarium, think of new ways to decorate it. Make mini-fairies or dinosaurs. Try Fimo or Sculpey clay and build little creatures to go adventuring in your bottle-world. Kids can use sticks, rocks and other small items to make homes for their miniature friends. Alternatively, you could create a city out of blocks, legos, or even cardboard boxes.  Whichever medium you choose, it is a great opportunity to kids to use their imaginations, and the possibilities are endless!  Make the time even more special by getting on the floor and playing alongside them.

7. Cook together

You’ll have to eat at some point, so why not let this time be an opportunity to teach your kids some culinary skills?  Try something zany, like letting every family member choose one favorite food, or try a new ethic food. My girls loved making these Pizza Muffins. Or read  D.W. the Picky Eater it is a great story to encourage your children to try new foods. Even the healthiest moms and the pickiest eaters can find middle ground.

8. Act out

If your family is the dramatic type, try hosting a theater night. Depending on how much time and involvement you would like, children can invite guests or friends, write a script, practice parts, make costumes and enact a Broadway worthy-performance. Even if it’s simply for your spouse or their siblings, you’re guaranteed laughter. If your children get writer’s block, try forming a “screenplay” off a favorite book or story.

9. Create a diorama

For less theatrical families, consider helping your children use a favorite story to create a scene in a box, or diorama. These little “windows” can become very elaborate and intricate. Use a shoebox or tissue box and decorate at will. Then have your children explain the scene, why they chose it and what is going on. Don’t be surprised if your living room turns into a city of scenes from favorite stories. This could also be a great way to earn some extra credit once school starts again!

10. Sew a friend

Using simple felt, children of all ages can get enthusiastic about making new “friends” and creatures. Even younger teens can get into making “bakery buddies” or cute creatures with little eyes. Have your kids sketch out their ideas first, then trace their drawing onto a similar-colored felt—or try using a favorite image and making it into a felt shape. Simply fold the felt in half, cut out the shape and sew around the edge using a whipstitch (or glue if you’re sewing-phobic). Glue on some eyes and you’re ready to go.  Check out this DIY Stuffed Lion if you’re short on ideas!

11. Draw on the walls

Get a large piece of butcher paper or use up the back of leftover wrapping paper. Using painter’s tape, stick the paper onto your largest empty wall, the kitchen floor or any other surface. Start on a corner and work with your kids to create a one-of-a-kind mural. Draw a town, outer space, or whatever your children can come up with in their imaginations. See if you can draw the world!

12. Have a circus or a parade

Set up some hula hoops in the basement, garage or living room, and host a three-ring circus! Stuffed animals can make great participants and children can show off their many talents from balance beam walking to gymnastics. Have your kids decide on circus concessions (popcorn, animal crackers) and do your best ring master impression. If you’re short on space, try a parade instead—line up as many toys, books, blocks or other items as possible and set things to a little music.

 

13. Scavenger Hunt

This one takes a little additional work and planning from mom or dad, but can be really fun and involved. Set up clues around the house and, depending on skill level, have one lead to another or go all-out and have an off-season “Easter egg” hunt. Be sure to have a few special items, gold stars or a prize for the “winner.”

14. Neighborhood safari

This one came from the blog No Time for Flash Cards, but I just love it! Go on a photo safari of your neighborhood and write a book about it! Take your kids and bring a camera on a walking adventure and document their favorite haunts. Make a list before you go, then come home, print out the photos and make it all into a story. You can also turn this into a twist on “Flat Stanley” by taking a doll or small toy or figure around and photographing it in each place. Help your child make up a story and write it out.

15. Host a Thon

What do your kids love to do? Read? Be active? Make jewelry? Pick a theme and make it a “thon.” The fun is in the buildup: “We’re going to have a ________-a-thon to see how many _______ we can do in one afternoon.” If attention span is an issue try a “triathlon” and make it three events. (For example, do a page of multiplication tables, do ten jumping jacks, go to the kitchen and eat three apple slices, repeat.) Dedicating a set period of time to an activity and seeing how “many” you can make or achieve can be highly satisfying and fun.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that the object is to enjoy time as a family and to take some moments to truly appreciate this break from the norm. Get to know each other a little better and make some holiday memories that will last well into spring!  Merry Christmas!

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What are your plans for Christmas break?

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Thrifty Thursday {Week 90}

Happy Thursday friends! I hope you are all having a fantastic week.  Can you believe there is only a week left until Christmas?  And, since both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Thursday, that means that after today there will be NO Thrifty Thursday for the next 2 weeks!  We will see you back on January 8th!

In the meantime, I hope you will pop by the week of December 30th to join in all the fun for the launch of Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, including an AWESOME essay contest in which the winner will receive–wait for it–an all-expenses paid one week cruise for 4 onboard the Carnival Sunshine!  Woot woot!  You can check out the details about the essay contest HERE, or check out our blogger resource page HERE.

Merry Christmas!

Here are the most clicked links from last week:

1. Mended Wheels  { Trends on Pinterest I Never Want to See Again }
2. My Mothermode { 5 Ways We Saved Money Lately }

3. Family Balance Sheet { Debt Free Stories: Meet Carrie }

4. Letters from Sunnybrook {“Mom, You Ruined Christmas!”}

5. Creative Home Keeper { 50 Practical and Useful (Yet Fun) Stocking Stuffers }

6. Retired by 40 {How My First Foray into Credit Card Churning Went Horribly Wrong}

7. Not Your Mainstream Mama { Our Debt Free Journey- Months 19-23 }
8. A Day in Our Shoes { Save Money With the 52 Week Savings Challenge }
9. Grow. Pray. Build. {Frugal Fridays #6}
10. Sarah Titus {Money Saving Tricks: 30 Days to a Better Life Series}
 
Never linked up before? Here’s how:

Scroll down, find the little blue “Add your Link” Button and click on that.
Follow the instructions on the next page – add a great image of your project and an interesting title. Make sure you link to the direct page of your budget friendly post – not the main page of your blog!
Try to visit at least a few other blogs at the party. Be sure to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by!
Please link back to this post somehow. There are badges available here; a simple text link is just fine too.

Feel free to tweet about Thrifty Thursday so others can join the fun, and don’t forget to check back here Sunday morning to see which posts have been featured this week at Weekend Wandering!

If this is your first time here I also invite you to check out my blogging guide, How to Blog for Profit (Without Selling Your Soul).  It is a fantastic resource if you are interested in building your blog, getting more traffic, or learning how to monetize, and the expanded 2nd edition is now available in paperback!  Or, if you have read the book and are still looking to take your blog to the next level, I encourage you to check out Elite Blog Academy.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Simple Cranberry Chicken

It is my sincere belief that you can never have too many foolproof chicken recipes up your sleeve.  This flavor-packed simple cranberry chicken is another favorite “cheater” freezer recipe–easy, delicious, practically mess-free, and freezer + crock pot friendly.  What more do you need?

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!  Making it ahead of time is not necessary, though, as it is equally delicious just marinated at room temperature.  And don’t let the simplicity of the recipe fool you–this is one moist & flavorful meal that your family will absolutely go crazy for!

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:

2 cans whole cranberry sauce
1 8oz bottle French dressing or Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 cup chicken broth
1 package onion soup mix
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped onion (optional)
3-4lbs boneless, skinless chicken
 

Step 1: Chop onion and set aside.

Step 2: In large bowl whisk together cranberry sauce, dressing, chicken broth, soup mix, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Divide chicken into two gallon size freezer bags. Be sure to label bags!

Step 4: Divide cranberry mixture into freezer bags over chicken. Freeze until needed.

Step 5: Thaw; pour contents into slow cooker.  Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or place in casserole dish and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

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Recipe: Simple Cranberry Chicken

Summary: This moist, delicious chicken is full of flavor and uses just a handful of simple ingredients!

Ingredients

2 cans whole cranberry sauce
1 8oz bottle French dressing or Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 cup chicken broth
1 package onion soup mix
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped onion (optional)
3-4lbs boneless, skinless chicken



Instructions

Chop onion and set aside.
In large bowl whisk together cranberry sauce, dressing, chicken broth, soup mix, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
Divide chicken into two gallon size freezer bags. Be sure to label bags!
Divide cranberry mixture into freezer bags over chicken. Freeze until needed.
Thaw; pour contents into slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or place in casserole dish and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 30-40 minutes in oven or 4-5 hrs in slow cooker on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Number of servings (yield): 8

 

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New Year, New You Giveaway!

 

Christmas is just around the corner, and then New Year’s will be here before you know it! If you’ve been enjoying as many tasty holiday treats as we have this season, you might already be thinking about making a New Year’s Resolution to re-commit to your health and fitness in 2015. If that sounds like you, we have some great news! We’re collaborating with some of our favorite bloggers on Pinterest to offer a fun giveaway designed to help you meet your health and fitness goals for the new year. We’re calling it our “New Year, New You” Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive ALL of the following prizes:

a Blendtec Designer 625 blender – to help you whip up healthy homemade smoothies, soups, sauces, and more!
Blendtec’s “Twister” jar - this special blender jar will help you create even more healthy snacks using your Blendtec, including nut butters, dressings, and hummus!
a KitchenAid 4.5-Quart stand mixer – this stylish stand mixer will help you make your own healthy breads and baked goods, and it will even shred grilled chicken!
KitchenAid’s NEW Food Processor Attachment with Dicing Kit – prepping nutritious and healthy meals will be a breeze with this food processor attachment that slices, dices, and juliennes fresh veggies in seconds!
a Fitbit Flex activity tracker – keep track of your physical activity throughout the day with this cool wristband activity tracker.
the “Health and Wellness” essential oils kit from Spark Naturals – this kit contains a collection of essential oils to help address emotional health as well as physical health, including Lemon, Frankincense, Oregano, Melaleuca (Tea Tree,) Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Amend (Soothing Blend,) Respire (Respiratory Blend,) and Shield (Protective Blend.)
a ZAQ Dew diffuser for essential oils – this attractive diffuser will enable you to reap the benefits of essential oil aromatherapy in any room in your home!

PLUS, the winner will also receive a $200 Amazon gift card to cover any other supplies to help you commit to a healthier lifestyle in 2015!
–> That’s over $1,600 in prizes!

Before you enter, we’d like to introduce you to all of the incredible bloggers who helped make this giveaway possible!

Click on the name of each site to check them out.

Living Well, Spending Less - Living Well, Spending Less is all about the adventure of finding the Good Life on a budget… because a life well-lived is not so much about what we have, but who we are!
Kids Activities Blog - Kids Activities Blog is overflowing with fun crafts, art projects, games and activities for kids- most with contents from your kitchen junk drawer!
The Dating Divas - Each Monday, the Divas offer a fabulous date idea already completely planned out for your upcoming weekend. Throughout the rest of the week, they offer FREE flirty tips, tricks, tutorials, & darling printables to keep the romance alive and the sparks flying’.
The 36th Avenue - The 36th Avenue is your number one destination for easy DIY projects, free printables, adorable handmade gifts and holiday ideas, delicious recipes and everything EXTRAORDINARY!
Somewhat Simple - Somewhat Simple is THE PLACE for creative inspiration. Get inspired by thousands of simple projects, recipes, crafts, and more!
Kara’s Party Ideas - Kara Allen is the party designer, author, dessert stylist & creator behind THE place for ALL things PARTY -KarasPartyIdeas.com. Kara’s Party Ideas holds millions of party ideas you can search, party recipes, a party supply shop, a fab party book, fun worldwide party workshops, an app & more!
Mod Podge Rocks - Mod Podge Rocks is a collection of tutorials and how-tos featuring the world’s greatest decoupage medium. Come visit Amy for tons of inspiration.
One Good Thing by Jillee - One Good Thing by Jillee is dedicated to sharing one good thing a day that makes life a little more simple, affordable, wholesome, and joyful! Millions of people look to “Jillee” each month for tips on living a more frugal and healthy life. Learn how to enrich your life while conserving time, money, and resources.
Remodelaholic - If your goal is to make your house a home, then come to Remodelaholic.com. They will teach you the best ways to update yourhouse and design and decorate your home on a budget. Go from builder-grade to beautiful with their help.
Lil’ Luna – Lil’ Luna is the one-stop shop for find all things creative! Come on over to find inexpensive & unique crafts, DIY projects, recipes, gift ideas, and more for any occasion.
Craftaholics Anonymous - At Craftaholics Anonymous, Linda shares all sorts of fun and creative tips & tricks, crafts, tutorials, holiday ideas, and DIY home decor.

Ready for a “New You” in 2015?!

Just use the contest widget below to enter!

“New Year, New You” Giveaway!

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