Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 93

The Countdown Has Begun (See the New Book Trailer!)

Hi friends!

First of all, I have to thank you for all the encouragement I received after last week’s blog post, and for your overwhelming enthusiasm over the weekend–Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life actually broke the top 100 list and made it to #85 on Amazon, which is no small feat during the Christmas rush!  Your comments, tweets, and emails had me in tears more than once, and I have been so touched by your kindness and your prayers!  So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

And now, just two weeks from today, it will be available in bookstores!   I think that means the countdown has officially begun.  What better way to celebrate than with a book trailer?

If you haven’t already, I would love to encourage you to preorder a copy for yourself, and perhaps even consider ordering a few as gifts.  This book has 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 wanting to find the courage to make small but powerful changes to our homes, goals, or finances.  women who may be simply needing to find the courage to make small but powerful changes to their homes, goals, and finances this year.

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

Overcome the destructive cycle of “more is never enough” by instead learning to choose contentment.
Discover you sweet spot—that place in which your talents and passion intersect.
Step off the treadmill of always 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 or chaotic finances with a practical, easy to follow budget plan.

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

 

While the book won’t arrive in hand until December 30th, we’ve put together some really fantastic preorder bonuses that you can access right away, including an awesome home planning workbook and a beautiful limited edition print designed by Ruth Simons of the Gracelaced Shoppe, both of which would make wonderful gifts all on their own, but hit a home run when paired with the promise of the book!

Here is what to do:

Preorder your copy or copies of the book at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Books a Million , or ChristianBook.com.  (The best price is currently found at Amazon, where it is 40% off the cover price, although until tonight you can save an additional 20% at Barnes & Noble when you use promo code HOLIDAY14, which makes it just slightly cheaper than the Amazon price.)
Fill in the form HERE to get your preorder bonuses.  The form is found all the way at the bottom of the page, so be sure to scroll down
Share the news about the book with your friends and family HERE !

In the meantime, I hope you will continue to join me in praying that the message of this book will be heard by those who need it most, that it will bring hope and encouragement to women everywhere.

Thank you again for all your support & prayers, and wishing you all a Christmas filled with joy and peace!

xoxo, Ruth

 

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5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This Winter

I used to pride myself on my killer immune system and the fact that I never got sick.  In fact, for the first five years we were married, I don’t think my husband ever saw me not feeling well.  But the last few years have been a completely different story.  Last winter I was sick–really sick–almost continuously for months.  I got strep throat twice, not to mention the flu, bronchitis, and several urinary tract infections.  I was a mess.

My husband and close friends warned me that I was working too hard, and not sleeping enough, and that if something didn’t change I would just keep getting sick.  I didn’t want to admit it, but deep down I knew they were right, and that something had to give.  I started working harder at taking care of myself, and at making staying healthy a bigger priority.

I’m happy to say that the small changes I’ve made seem to be working.  So far this winter I’ve been able to ward off any sign of sickness with proactive measures, and for the first time in years, I actually feel rested.

But I’m also being proactive, because I know that this is the time of year when illness strikes hardest.  Shorter days and cooler weather lead to more time spent indoors, which only compounds the problem.  We often neglect our own health in favor of work, family, and social obligations. Add in end-of-year and post-holiday stress and suddenly you’re dealing with a perfect storm for sickness.

Here are five ways I am taking care of myself and my family this winter–they might just help you too:

1. Be Proactive

Before illness strikes, make sure you are doing everything possible to boost your immune system and stay healthy.  This means eating lots of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in antioxidants, as well as taking vitamins or supplements.  Citrus fruits are in season during the winter months which means there is no excuse not to stock up!

I personally swear by a morning cocktail of Young Living’s Ninxja Red, a super-antioxident filled dietary supplement made with wolf berries, paired with a capsule filled with 4 drops of oregano oil, 4 drops of grapefruit oil, 4 drops of lemon oil, and 4 drops of Thieves oil.  (NOTE: not all essential oils are safe for internal consumption.  Be sure to read this post to find out more about therapeutic grade essential oils and where to find them.)

Another way to be prepared for cold and flu season is to assemble a few staples so you’re prepared when the sniffles start. Keep sick day items on hand, including your favorite medications, essential oils, ginger-ale, crackers, tissues and perhaps even some new movies or activity books so you’re ready to go when you get a sudden sick call or when one of the kids wakes up not feeling well.

 2. Get More Rest

I am learning the hard way that there is simply no better way to keep yourself healthy than getting enough sleep! Although the nights are longer and darker in the winter, your sleep can actually suffer. Aim for consistency and shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep every night, even if that means going to bed earlier or sleeping a little later.  If it’s just not possible, keep your wake-up times consistent (even on the weekends) and turn in earlier when you can. Getting plenty of rest will ensure you’re ready to face whatever comes your way, healthy, clear-eyed and ready to go!

I personally have loved using the Sleep Cycle app to track my sleep and help me wake up more refreshed.  This innovative tool monitors your sleep patterns all night long, and then, based on a window of time that you select, wakes you up while you are in your lightest sleep cycle, making it much easier to get out of bed in the morning.  It is so cool!

Another way to keep yourself healthy this cold and flu season? Manage your stress level. Exercise produces mood boosting endorphins and it’s a proven stress and anxiety reducer. Even with busy schedules, it’s important to pencil in time to exercise and get in physical activity. If you’re traveling, be sure to book your stay somewhere with access to a gym or pack your walking shoes or your favorite workout DVD. Taking some “me time” can help ease tension and keep you feeling renewed and able to cope with emotional situations.

Delicious winter comfort food can also take its toll on your immune system. Fat and sugar packed treats and fried foods can cause indigestion and heartburn, which can also affect your sleep. Even though it’s not an ailment you “catch” like the flu, stomach troubles can ruin a night of rest just as quickly. Try not to eat too late to give your body time to digest and recover before going to bed.

 

3. Know How to Tell a Cold from the Flu

When you start feeling sniffles or aches coming on, it can be hard to determine if it’s a common cold or if it’s the dreaded flu. A typical head cold will cause a runny nose, stuffiness and sometimes a scratchy throat. While you may feel a little tired, lethargic or under the weather with a common cold, you won’t be “down for the count” like you would be with the flu.

A typical cold lasts 3-4 days and it’s okay to continue with normal activity (including exercise), but only if you feel up to it.

Flu symptoms are more severe, causing body aches, chills and a fever. The symptoms can come on quickly—and they’ll hit you like a ton of bricks. (Believe me, our family flu last year was one for the record books!) Flu sufferers are usually exhausted and achy at the onset. The flu can last 10 days to two weeks.

If you really suspect you’re coming down with the flu, a quick trip to your doctor or to a walk-in clinic will get you a prescription for Tamiflu which can reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Sometimes though, an illness simply has to run its course.

Whether you have a cold or the flu, hydration is important. Water is nature’s magical elixir, flushing your system out and helping you heal. Taking a multivitamin every day as well as a pro-biotic will help keep your immune system strong. Rest, rest and more rest. Give yourself permission to take time off to heal.

4. Ease Your Symptoms as Much as Possible

A cold needs to run its course. There’s no quick fix for a head cold (or for the flu, for that matter). Antibiotics tend to be over-prescribed, so it can be healthier in the long run to try to fight illnesses with natural remedies.  If you simply have the sniffles and congestion, you can probably skip a trip to the doc.

Over the past six months my family and I have started using essential oils a lot more to help relieve everything from trouble sleeping  to allergies and breathing issues.  Most recently I was able to ward off the onset of yet another UTI (if you’ve ever had one you KNOW how uncomfortable they can be!) with a combination of lemon & oregano oils and pure cranberry juice.  Young Living makes a blend called RCthat combines cypress, spruce, and three varieties of eucalyptus—a great combo that is comforting when applied to the chest and throat, and Thieves is our go-to oil any time anyone feels the slightest bit sick.  It can be mixed into honey as a sort-of cough syrup, applied directly to a sore throat, or drunk in tea.

Vitamin C, zinc and other supplements may help boost your immune system prior to getting sick, as will homeopathic  . Boost your home’s air moisture by using a humidifier, which can help keep your skin (as well as throats and sinuses) clear and ready to stave off infection.

While some people may get squeamish at the thought of using a Neti pot, others find it can bring real relief and alleviate mucus and congestion, clearing sinuses and making it easier to breathe. The term “saline nasal irrigation” does sound sort of well…gross—but follow the instructions and you might be surprised just how much a Neti pot can ease sinus pressure.

Steam, hot showers and even the age-old chicken soup remedy can help greatly, according to WebMD. Garlic and other components in the soup actually inhibit the movement of white blood cells, helping you fight off cold symptoms before they escalate.

Rest, drink fluids and eat lightly for a few days. Give your body time to heal. Avoid smoke and don’t do anything physically taxing (like running a 10K). Wash your hands and basically do all the things your grandmother told you to do. If the cold seems persistent or you suspect bronchitis, an ear infection or sinusitis, it’s time to see a physician.

 

5. Prevent Sickness at the Source

If your family is illness-prone and you’re freaked the flu is going to hit you hard this winter, the best way to keep yourself and your family healthy is to encourage frequent hand washing. Still concerned about germy areas? You can also run around your house and quickly wipe off doorknobs, counters and other “touch points,” especially when you know a bug is going around.  Try using these natural homemade cleaners rather than commercial products that can actually harm your immune system in the long run.

While you can really make yourself nuts worrying about illnesses, an occasional wipe down of your cellphone during flu and cold season doesn’t hurt. Consider this: Many of us take our phones everywhere and touch them constantly. We put them up to our faces and we even take them into the bathroom sometimes. In fact, a recent study found that a cellphone has 18 times more bacteria than the handle of a public restroom.

Another simple way to avoid sickness? Avoid touching your T-Zone. Your eyes, nose and mouth are entry points for most illnesses. If we could just learn to stop touching our faces so much, we’d all be much healthier (and our skin would be better off too)! It can be a challenge, I know. I often catch myself propping my head on my hand while I scroll along on the computer or itching my nose. Just try your best to avoid these areas during flu season.

Watching out for your family’s well-being and knowing how to better address their sick-time symptoms are great ways to ensure you and your family stay healthy this winter. Manage your stress levels and practice self care. Be good to yourself and your body will be good to you!

 

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How do you keep your family healthy during the winter months?

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Weekend Wandering

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend, full of fun holiday activities!  If you haven’t already, be sure to take advantage of the awesome (and super RARE) Amazon book coupon happening this weekend!  Through midnight tonight you can save 25% on one book of your choice.

This means that you can preorder your copy of Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life for just $8.96, PLUS get our fabulous digital Home Planning Workbook as a preorder bonus! This 156 page home planning workbook is the perfect tool to keep you organized this year, and the perfect way to put tips found in the book in action.  It includes yearly and monthly goal-setting pages, weekly planning pages, budget worksheets, expense trackers, and much, much more!

 

This is a seriously AMAZING deal–if you’ve been thinking about ordering, this is definitely the time to do it!

Here’s what to do:

Order the book  HERE
Use promo code BOOKDEAL25 to save 25% at checkout
Fill in the form to get your bonus  HERE

But now on to the good stuff.  Here is what I loved this week:

  *   *   *

There were some incredible-looking soups linked up this week!  Is there anything more comforting on a cold winter’s day than a bowl of steaming hot homemade soup?  This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe from Luv a Bargain sounds delicious!

My little fall garden is coming along nicely, and my kale is almost ready to harvest!  I can’t wait to try this Festive Cranberry Pecan Kale Salad from Practical Stewardship!

These Bacon Straws from Army Wife to Suburban Life only require 5 ingredients and would be a hit at any holiday party!  After all, everyone loves bacon!!

Moving onto all the holiday sweet treats. These Mini Mimosa Cupcakes from This Silly Girl’s Life are topped with a Champagne buttercream frosting! YUM  They’d be perfect for a New Year’s Day brunch!

These Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze from Sunshine and Hurricanes are not only festive, they can be made in less than 20 minutes!

These Pecan Shortbread Cookies from Cozy Country Living would be great for a cookie exchange! They also freeze well, which is always a great bonus!

These Apple Pies in a Jar from Home Made Interest are already packaged for gift giving–the adorable gift tag included!

There were also a bunch of creative craft and DIY projects linked up this week, which is great if you are still looking for some handmade gift ideas! I loved these Super Easy Homemade Lotion Bars from Frugal Mama and the Sprout.

 These Washi Tape Gift Bags & Gift Tags from The Pin Junkie are so super cute!

 This DIY Christmas Card Holder from The Happy Scraps Blog is such a clever way to display your holiday cards!

These Old Fashioned Christmas Decorations from Little House Living would be pretty inside or out!

Moving onto ways to save on cash during this holiday season. My Stay at Home Adventures shares 25 Ways to Save Money For Christmas! These tips are great for saving money year round!

 These 20 Fun & Budget Friendly Christmas Activities from Family Balance Sheet can really put you in the holiday spirit! I think we might try number 9 this year!

 Finally, A Worthy Read shares 15 Ideas on What to Say to the Kids When You Didn’t Move the Elf. I definitely need to keep this one handy!

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What did you love this week?

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Don’t Miss This RARE Amazon Book Coupon!

 

We  just wanted to quick let you know about a super RARE coupon at Amazon.com happening right now for 25% off one book.  This means that right now you can grab the paperback version of Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life for just $8.96, plus get our fabulous digital Home Planning Workbook as a preorder bonus! The 156 page home planning workbook is the perfect tool to keep you organized this year, and the perfect way to put tips found in the book in action.  It includes yearly and monthly goal-setting pages, weekly planning pages, budget worksheets, expense trackers, and much, much more!

This is a seriously AMAZING deal–if you’ve been thinking about ordering, this is definitely the time to do it!

Here’s what to do:

1. Order the book HERE

2. Use promo code BOOKDEAL25 to save 25% at checkout

3. Fill in the form to get your bonus HERE

Have a GREAT weekend!!

xoxo, Ruth

 

 

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How to Save Money on Wrapping Paper

This is a guest post from Kalyn Brooke of Creative Savings

I love picking out and purchasing Christmas gifts for all my friends and family, but hands down, the wrapping of said gifts is my favorite part. In fact, I practically begged my grandparents to let me wrap gifts for all my cousins, aunts, and uncles. What can I say…..I simply swoon over pretty paper, ribbons and bows, and gorgeous gift tags!

But I do have to catch myself, lest I spend way too much on all the wrappings. Keeping it simple can look quite classy and sophisticated, and is a great reminder not to go overboard during the after-Christmas sales…..Ahem.

While there are tons of frugal ways to save on all sorts of gifting accessories, today, I just want to focus on gift wrap. Here’s how to make each roll last as long as possible, while still scoring all sorts of great deals when you do need to buy completely new!

1. Buy Quality Gift Wrap

While this might sound counter-intuitive, I truly believe saving money on gift wrap starts with a quality product.

I’ve spent more money, time, and frustration fighting with wrapping paper that crinkles, rips, tears, and looks absolutely horrible by the time I’m finished with it. Some of them are quite see-through too, which means you have to wrap the gift in tissue paper first, thus using up even more supplies.

My hands-down favorite place to buy quality gift wrap is CurrentCatalog.com. Their paper is so luxuriously thick and easy to work with, that I have vowed never to buy anywhere else. The prices are pretty decent too, and if you stock up after Christmas, you can score jumbo rolls for up to 75% off!

2. Reduce Paper Waste

It’s so easy to cut gift wrap pieces much larger than intended, {or sometimes too small!} but even if you do measure correctly, you’re often left with scraps that eventually end up in the trash.

Save pieces that are big enough to wrap other gifts, and when you’ve finished up your wrapping session, layer them on top of one another and roll together to stow away for next year. I actually used to fold my gift wrap pieces, but then they had such ugly creases the next time I needed to wrap gifts. Needles to say, I roll them now!

For scraps that are not large enough to wrap another gift, turn them into bows. Here is a really cute tutorial!

3. Use What You Have….Creatively

If you run out of gift wrap before you’re finished wrapping gifts, don’t make an extra trip to the store. Instead, look around your house for some out-of-the-box but cute ideas!

Here are some of my favorites:

12×12 scrapbook paper
Old maps
Tissue paper {you may have to double or triple wrap}
Newspaper {try the comic section!}
Brown paper grocery bags
Old sheet music
Fabric

You don’t have to limit yourself to traditional gift wrap. In fact, you might enjoy finding creative ways to not use it!

4. Make Wrapping Part of the Gift

Instead of trying to wrap an awkwardly shaped gift, let the packaging take center stage.

For example, if you are gifting a gourmet coffee bag and a mug, slip the bag into the mug and just add a bow. If you are gifting a fuzzy new throw in addition to a few other items, place the items in the center of the throw, gather the excess around the items and tie with a ribbon at the top so it’s a makeshift bag.

You can do the same things with laundry baskets, totes, purses, and photo storage boxes too. It’s like two gifts in one!

5. Make Your Own Reusable Gift Bags

Ever since I saw this homemade gift bag tutorial on The Frugal Girl, I’ve been wanting to make a few of my own. They are so adorable and super thrifty!

You can sew them using fabric from your own stash, or cut apart old clothes that you or your kids aren’t wearing anymore. Thick velvet Christmas dresses, fuzzy fleece pajama pants, and chunky sweaters make really cute bags, and stretch the mileage of a previous decade’s fashion statement.

I especially like these for those awkward shaped gifts too, because you don’t have to go searching for the right size box, or fight with wrapping paper that no matter how hard you try to make it look nice. Just place your gift inside the bag and tie with a pretty ribbon. Best of all, you can reuse them year after year!

6. Shop the After-Christmas Sales

I love after-Christmas sales, but like I mentioned before, I do have a tendency to go a little overboard. I probably don’t need to buy wrapping paper for the next 5 years!

But truly, if you are running low on supplies, particularly wrapping paper, keep a notepad handy to write down what you need for the following year. Then head out after Christmas to scout some great Christmas deals.

Target usually has the best selection of items, but they only start their clearance at 30%. Although a lot will be picked through by the time it’s marked down to 70%, I would wait to see what you can find at that price, and then go back again when items are 90% off. Sometimes you can find better quality gift wrap there.

Even though we want our packages to look pretty and professional, you don’t need to sacrifice your budget for extravagant gift wrap. There are a ton of creative ways adorn your gifts without spending a dime, and that will leave room for the more important things — spending time with family and friends, and celebrating the true Reason for the season!

 

 

Kalyn Brooke is a full-time writer and blogger at CreativeSavingsBlog.com, where she gives a fresh perspective on frugal living, and the kick-in-the-pants you need to create a budget from scratch. She lives in beautiful Southwest Florida with her news-photographer husband and the most adorable bunny you’ve ever seen. She loves making to-do-lists, reading good books, eating chocolate peanut butter ice cream, and pursuing big big dreams… all carefully planned out, of course. You can download her Free Frugal Gift Guide HERE.

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Thrifty Thursday {Week 89}

Happy Thursday! I hope you are all having a fantastic week.  Can you believe there are only TWO WEEKS left until Christmas?!!  Seriously….where has this year gone?

Earlier this week I shared about project that I’ve been working on for what seems like forever–my new book Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life–and I have been so incredibly touched by your comments, emails, and messages of encouragement.  It is pretty nerve-wracking to put your heart out there for everyone to see, but so many of you have reminded me that God’s got this, and for that, and for your prayers, I am so very grateful!

We have some pretty cool things planned for the upcoming book launch, 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!  You can check out the details about the essay contest HERE, or check out our blogger resource page HERE.

Here are the most clicked links from last week:

 
1. Family Balance Sheet { 10 Free & Thoughtful Gift Ideas }
2. Letters from Sunnybrook { Frugal Roots, Frugal Ways }

3. Graceful Little Honey Bee { 15 Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill }

4. Le Chaim on the Right {Frugality from the Home Front WWII}

5. My Own Home { Decorating at The Dollar Store }

6. Retired by 40 {9 Ways I Keep Food Costs Low- Under $300 a Month!}

7. A.I.P Around the World { 5 Ways to a Zero Waste Autoimmune Protocol }
8. Taylor Made Ranch { Don’t Judge a Book…Just Show Love }
9. Sarah Titus { Tips for Getting More Done Everyday }
10. Equipping Godly Women {16 at Home Date Night Ideas You’ll Love}
 
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. Registration is open only through tomorrow and then won’t open again until the spring.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Easy Homemade Gingerbread Bars

I’m not quite sure how to explain how utterly delicious these ridiculously easy gingerbread bars really are.  They are like heaven–or Christmas–on a plate!  Dense and chewy, sweet but not too sweet, with just the perfect amount of spice.  Seriously.  Try them.  Today. You won’t regret it.

As an aside, the crystallized ginger sprinkled on top is a nice touch, but totally optional.  I found mine here.

Here is what you need:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 batch Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing (optional)
candied ginger, chopped (optional)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease pan and set aside. (Use a 9×13″ for thin bars or 8×8″ for thicker bars)

Step 2: Beat together sugars, butter, and molasses until well blended, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla; beat until mixed.

Step 4: Add flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until just blended.

Step 5: Spread batter into prepared pan; bake approximately 25-35 minutes at 350 degrees (less time for thin bars, more time for thicker bars), or until knife inserted in center comes out clean; let cool.

Step 6: OPTIONAL:  Frost with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped candied ginger.

    Print This!    

Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Bars

Summary: This super easy bar recipe has all the flavors of the holiday season!

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 batch Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing (optional)
candied ginger, chopped (optional)



Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease 9×13″ pan and set aside.
Beat together sugars, butter, and molasses until well blended, about 30 seconds.
Add egg and vanilla; beat until mixed.
Add flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until just blended.
Spread batter into prepared pan; bake approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean; let cool.
OPTIONAL: Frost with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing.

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 16

 

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The Craziest Thing I’ve Ever Done

Hi friends,

This is not really a “normal” blog post, but I wanted to take a couple of minutes today to let you know about and invite you to be part of a project that I have been working on for quite some time now.  It is a project that has been almost two years in the making, a project that is very near and dear to my heart, and a project that is far more personal than anything I have ever done.

And just three weeks from today, on December 30th, this project, Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, will be available in bookstores.

 

This book was written out of my own personal struggles in order to bring hope and encouragement to 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 trying 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.  It is real, honest, packed with practical tips, and truly speaks to the heart of the matter—how can we live the Good Life we’ve always wanted?

Can I just tell you that while I am so very excited to see all these months of hard work and sweat and tears finally come together, I am also a little bit (okay, a lot) terrified?  You see, I don’t really know how to do things halfway.  When I wrote this book, I wrote it with my whole heart.  I share openly and honestly my own failures and shortcomings, without holding back or pretending to be someone I’m not.  And now my imperfect heart is out there for everyone else to see.

Pretty crazy, right?

So while I would love for you to consider preordering a copy, I can tell you honestly that what I would love even more is if you would join me for the next few weeks in praying that the message of this book will be heard by those who need it most, and that it will bring hope and encouragement to women everywhere.  And, if it’s not too much to ask, pray too that my sometimes fragile and vulnerable heart will be protected from any naysayers and critics eager to tear me down.

Thank you in advance for your support & prayers!  It means more to me than you could ever know.

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. If you are the person who needs this book and want to know more about how to preorder, want to read a sample, or 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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DIY Give Save & Spend Kids Wallet

Today I am so excited to host a tutorial from the amazingly talented Sarah of Miss Money Bags.  I was introduced to Sarah last year when she graciously sent me one of her handmade Cash Envelope Wallets, as well as a “Save, Spend, Give” wallet for each one of my girls.  We absolutely LOVED them and have been using them ever since!  If you are a Dave Ramsey fan, or know someone who is, these wallets make the perfect gift!  I love that they are both gorgeous AND super sturdy, and I’m so honored that Sarah is willing to share this fun tutorial (including an AWESOME video!) with us today!  She is not a blogger, so be sure to give her lots of comment love & encouragement, and be sure also to check out her very cool Etsy shop! ~xoxo, Ruth

This is a guest post from Sarah of Miss Money Bags

Hi everyone!  I am Sarah and I am so happy to visiting today!

Y’all I love this project so much! I have sold tons of kids wallets like this, and made one for every kid I know. It’s simple, quick and budget friendly! I love non-toy gifts and this is by far my favorite to encourage children to start practicing stewardship. I hope you will give it a try and let me know how you did. Enjoy!

Here’s what you need:
  
5  1/2″ x 12″ pieces of fabric ( cut 1 each of outside fabric, inside fabric & interfacing)
5″ strip of Velcro (cut 2)
3 1/4″ x 5″ pieces of canvas (cut 3)
 
  

Step 1: Cut your fabric, Velcro and canvas to size.

Step 2: Turn the inside fabric face down and lay the interfacing on top. Fold down 1/4″ on the short end. Lay the “fuzzy” side of the Velcro across the fold and sew the top and bottom edges.

Step 3: Repeat step 2 with the outside fabric using the sticky side of the Velcro.

Step 4: Next, we’ll make 3 pockets from the pieces of canvas. Fold down the top of the first pocket 1/4″, then turn it another 1/4″ and sew across the top. Fold or press the bottom 1/4″ and sew the pocket to the inside lining 1″ from the top (just below the Velcro).

Step 5: Sew the second pocket top the same way. Fold or press the bottom of the second pocket and sew it 1″ below the first. Then repeat with the third pocket but leave the bottom raw (no fold). Place the third pocket 1″ below the second. Lay the “scratchy” side of the Velcro over the bottom of the third pocket. Sew the Velcro in place along both sides.

Step 6: Lay the inside and outside fabric side by side. Place the “fuzzy” side of the Velcro on the outside of the 3rd fabric piece   1/4″ from the top. Sew the top of the Velcro  making sure to leave the bottom edge. Make sure the bottom edges are just below the bottom edge of the first pocket.

Step 7: Lay the outside fabric on top of the inside fabric, right sides together. Starting on the Velcro end (secret pocket) sew along 3 sides ( long sides and bottom). Don’t sew the pocket side! Turn the wallet right side out and use a pointed object to make a great square corner. Press.

 

 

Step 8: Top stitch along the outside edge. Begin 1/2″ from the edge and quickly angle over to 1/4″. This angle catches the top edge and makes a great finished top. Top stitch around the rest of the wallet making sure to angle the other side when you reach the top

 

Step 9: Sew along the bottom edge of the Velcro on the outside fabrics to make the secret pocket! Embroider the words: Spend, Save and Give on all the pockets.  (You can also use fabric paint!)

 

 

Sarah Clark is a full time stay at home mom of four.  Sarah is passionate about stewardship, and adding fun into everything.  She believes beauty captures and gives life to ordinary things like budgeting and parenting.  Sarah is a seamstress, foodie, yogi, fabric addict, coffee lover, and dark chocolate connoisseur.  In her shop, www.missmoneybagsstore.etsy.com, you’ll find her work adding beauty to everyday life.  She and her husband, Peter, and their four kids live in heart of the flatlands, Amarillo, TX.  Together they design and make at www.kithandkinshop.com.  Kith & Kin means friends and friends.  They make high quality handmade goods that you’ll love for a lifetime, like an old friend.

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Weekend Wandering

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are all having a fabulous first weekend in December.  The Christmas season is suddenly in full swing, and while I feel like I was a little slow to get going, after putting up our tree yesterday I am definitely now feeling the holiday spirit!  There is just something a little magical about turning the lights down low & listening to Christmas music while sipping hot cocoa under the tree. Have you put up your decorations yet?

By the way, you haven’t already, there is still time to join our Stress Free Christmas Challenge!  Each day you’ll receive a short but encouraging video & challenge sent straight to your inbox, and when you register you will also receive our 2014 Holiday Planning Guide.  Both are fabulous resources for keeping your schedule and budget under control, and for staying focused on what matters most.  Oh, and it’s all free!

But now on to the good stuff.  Here is what I loved this week:

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There were a ton of great ideas for holiday entertaining.  These Chicken & Waffles with Creamy Havarti & Cranberry Compote from Blue Crab Martini would be a fun appetizer for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve party!

These Asparagus Tomato Parmesan Squares from Confessions of an Overworked Mom look absolutely delicious as well!

  These Cranberry and White Chocolate Streusal Muffins from Annie’s Noms would make a yummy make-ahead breakfast for Christmas morning.

Of course this Gingerbread & Eggnog Monkey Bread from Kleinworth & Co. sounds pretty incredible too!

The Seasoned Mom shares her recipe for Cinnamon Date and Nut Mini Loaves that are packed with seasonal flavors and would make perfect gifts for teachers, neighbors and co-workers.

And speaking of sweet gifts, this Homemade Toffee Crunch from Faith Filled Food for Moms only takes 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to make!

These Candy Cane Chocolate Mousse Macaroon Cups from With a Blast are so pretty! My girls would totally love these!

This 10 Minute No Bake Peppermint Pie from Living Chic on the Cheap is my kind of dessert.  Simple, fast, and EASY!

There were also a ton of great craft and DIY projects linked up this week. These from Saving the Family Money would be a perfect afternoon activity to do with the kids!

One Beautiful Home has a free printable fill in the blank Letter to Santa. This is awesome for kids of all ages!

These Free Printable Christmas Coupons from My Love for Words can be personalized for your spouse and kids!

These Gift Card Holders from Laura’s Stamp Pad are so adorable and easy to make!

These super cute Holiday Stenciling projects from Sue’s Creative Workshop can be made in minutes!

These Simple Holiday Yarn Trees from Made in a Day can be made with materials you probably already have around the house!

 Simply Beautiful provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make this Sweater Stocking.

Moving onto ways to save money during this holiday season. The Budget Mama has 4 Ways to Give Without Spending Money! I love number 3!

These 10 Free & Thoughtful Gift Ideas from The Family Balance Sheet are so clever! I’m working on number 6 today!

Finally, Practical Stewardship has over 20 Advent Calendar and Advent Activities for you and your family to enjoy!

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What did you love this week?

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