She Lives on Less

How to Save on Groceries Without Clipping Coupons

2013-02-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I was very committed to playing the coupon game for about two years. After my first daughter was born, I was trying any and every way to make our life work on one budget. It was a balancing act and still requires certain sacrifices. Worthy, but nonetheless, difficult.

Well, I learned that there is only so much couponing I am willing to do. I started to find my efforts were better spent in other areas. Work smarter, not harder - right?

(My coupon binder is now collecting dust.)

1. Meal Planning - For me, this is THE way to save on our food budget. When I slack off in this area it inevitably means we will overspend. Without some sort of plan for the week, I slip into the habit of running to the grocery store several times and spending more than I should. I'm also tempted to buy more convenience food which is pricier and less healthy than homemade (usually).

Some bloggers have beautiful methods they use for meal planning. Me? I jot down a menu on the top of my weekly grocery shopping list. It might get stuck on the fridge (if I remember) or it might just get lost in the abyss of my purse. Nevertheless, it is a strong start to me saving on our bottom line.

2. "Shopping" my pantry - I never used to be very good at this habit. Things would get pushed back into the corners and new food items would get set up front. So, I never really knew what I had and didn't have. While making my meal plan now, I'll do a quick pantry/fridge purge to see what we have lurking about. I usually have pieces for meals and then add what else is needed to my list. This can be challenging, especially when I'm crunched for time or I am really craving a certain dish.

3. Freezer Cooking - There is a TON of information online about this, and I have dabbled in it a few times. I haven't committed to certain days during the month where I freezer cook, but I feel like that is a necessary step for success. Choosing a few hours on a Saturday to prep my meals would make a huge difference. I did another swap recently with a friend, and was surprised at how simple it was to crank out 4 family servings of 2 healthy dishes.

Pinterest does not disappoint with it's abundance of freezer cooking recipes and tips. I loved how easy the Spinach Lasagna Rolls and Zucchini Turkey Burgers were to assemble and that my kitchen wasn't a complete disaster after ;).

4. KISS - Everyone knows this acronym, and it's a good one. Our weekly meals have become very simplified. Not boring, but nothing fancy. We tend to stick to meals with less than 4-5 ingredients. No really, it helps! If something does require more prep, I save it for the weekend. We eat meat-free meals about 1/2 the week as well. This means sandwiches, soup, breakfast foods, smoothies, eggs, etc..

What methods, besides coupons, have you used to save on your food budget? Which got you the most bang for your buck?

3 Cheap Beauty Tips for the Busy Mom

2013-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

As mothers of young children we don't always take the best care of ourselves, right? Not that we don't care about our appearance, but we're just too consumed with the intense needs of our babes that we fail to care for ourselves the way we'd like.

When thinking about where I wanted to be in 2013, I made a resolution to make an attempt every day to do something for myself. With a 5-month-old and 2-year-old I'm lucky to have a moment in the bathroom alone, forget any self-care or primping I might want to do. It was to the point that I don't think I recognized myself with a coat of mascara on...ouch. Add some lipgloss and I think my husband thought another woman was living in his house. No bueno.

So, I set about deciding how I could cheaply and effectively update my beauty routine while not feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available. Turning 30 with changing skin needs didn't hurt my decision either. It was time for a revival! Hallelujah...

1. Birchbox - I read about this last year on another blog and swooned. A box of the latest skin and beauty samples delivered right to my door?! Santa listened to my gentle (i.e. pleading and begging) request and delivered. I love that you can customize the samples to your skin needs and coloring so you can actually USE what you receive. Plus, for only $10 a month (there are several subscription options) I feel pretty spoiled at that price. My current favorites..

Frownies Rose Water Hydrator Spray - Refreshing and fights against dry Winter skin.

theBalm - Mary-Lou Manizer - This all over luminizer goes on smoothly and quickly.

2. "Like" it, "Pin" it, "Follow" it - Do you have a favorite moisturizer or lipstick brand? If it's a must in your routine, go ahead and find the company page on Facebook. "Like" the page so you can receive updates, inspiration, or even coupons. You can utilize Pinterest as well and create a board to monitor the cheapest websites to order your products. For example, I got my hubby his favorite shave cream from Drugstore.com and I can monitor the deals they offer for free shipping and discounts when it needs to be restocked. Also, pick one or two favorite beauty blogs that represents a style similar to your own. Follow them view Twitter or Facebook and be inspired to get out of your yoga pants and into something that actually buttons. Social Media is free - let it work for you.

3. Call a Friend - If your like me, there is at least one friend who seems to just know how to use make-up and can make awesome recommendations. If you have similar skin or features to a stylish friend, co-worker, or family member - ask them their secret! Besides feeling flattered, they'll probably spill everything you wanted to know and then some.

I think I might take 5 minutes for a quickie manicure today. What will you do for yourself today?

6 Ways to Save this Summer

2012-05-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about you, but I have the tendency to overspend during the warmer months. I embrace the whole idea of Summer, and sometimes it can carry me over budget. Maybe it's a combination of the heat, longer evenings and the promise of fun and carefree days ahead. The teacher (and student) in me loves to celebrate this season. I still have a strong to desire to throw a lesson plan out the window and run away to Disney World! So, I thought it would be fun to create a short list of ways to save this Summer season.

1. DIY Pedicure - Pretty soon I won't be able to reach my feet, let alone paint my toenails. But, I did muster up the energy to paint them myself last week. I love a good pedicure, but I remind myself that it is a rare treat.

2. Eat Seasonally - This is always a way to save on your grocery budget, and it's even easier during the warm months. Summer offers a medley of fabulous fruits and veggies, so it's not too pricey to stock up at the grocery store or local farmer's market. Stock up and freeze fresh fruit and veggies for those long winter months ahead. We are enjoying our fruit CSA this year and this week we scored fresh peaches, blueberries and strawberries. Yum!

3. Have a Picnic - Anywhere. Anytime. Just throw a blanket on the ground, grab some snacks, and call it a picnic! This seems to hold magical powers for children, and it's another great way to enjoy the warmer weather. Even if you're inside on a rainy day - it's still fun :)

4. Prioritize Trips/Treats - Have a wedding to attend or family vacation scheduled? Choose what trip or special treats you want your family to enjoy before the season begins. Loosely map out the next few months and decide what to spend money on. If nothing seems worth it - save that money for something better around the corner. You don't have to stay home every weekend, but you might want to weigh the pros and cons before the urge to be spontaneous hits you!

5. Stay Local - Explore your neighborhood, town or city and see what fun, local and free activities are available. Fireworks, festivals, parks and parades are all ways to get the family out without spending much (if anything). Avoid the movie theatre and opt for an evening of catching fireflies instead!

6. Make it Special - Let your kids stay up a bit later. Bend the rules and let them know that Summer is special. Indulge in ice cream cones, popsicles, and sticky faces! They don't need an extravagent vacation to feel loved. Make memories for them and for you.

Happy Summer!

Back on the Bandwagon - Saving with Cash

2012-05-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

Being pregnant comes with it's challenges when trying to keep to a reasonable grocery budget.

Let's just say I fell off the bandwagon pretty fiercely earlier this year. I stopped couponing and my meal planning was "Tonight, I feel like eating popcorn and steak..."

The truth is, we just don't have the luxury of living that lifestyle. Maybe some day I will, but it will always pain me to know when I slip up and how much money I can waste when laziness/crankiness/hunger strikes. It's just so easy to spend at the grocery store - right? I'm a sucker for a good food display.

(Source)

Why yes, I DO need soup. Soup for all!

I'm preaching to the choir when I complain about the outrageous food prices. Heaven forbid I want to eat healthy and feed my daughter...grapes! I started swiping my debit card instead of sticking to our pay with cash principle and our food budget grew by at least 1/3. We squeaked by for a couple of months without noticing (or hiding like an ostrich in the sand). But reality caught up pretty quickly. So, I stopped hormonally shopping, pulled up my big girl undies, and got organized.

We're back to using cash and already seeing a major difference. I think we needed the reminder that Cash Speaks. On paydays we take out our food/grocery budget and make a plan. I'm doing some coupons again, but not with the fervor I once did. But it's going better with easing myself back into it and shopping the sales at Harris Teeter. I adore Souther Savers - do you use it too?

Have you had any good wake up calls when it comes to living on a budget? What helps you stick to your food budget?

Thrifty Thursdays: Pinterest Parties!

2012-04-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Pinterest has become a phenomenon that women (and even some men - yay!) are using daily for inspiration and education. If you haven't started an account yet, you can learn more here. I mainly troll Pinterest for recipes, cheap DIY, and overall inspiration for Life.

I've read some great Mommy articles as of late about how NOT to use Pinterest. It shouldn't be a place where you constantly size yourself up against other women. Just because you're not cutting your kid's snacks into adorable characters doesn't mean you can't benefit.

Source: goo.gl via Sabine on Pinterest

There is a balance, and one that you have to keep in mind. Despite your love for Bert and Ernie.

On the other hand, it's very motivating to have the instant gratification of clear directions, cheery pictures, and the Hope you could be *gasp* crafty.

My fabulous mother's group has been holding Pinterest Parties lately. This includes drinks, dessert, and a fun and easy craft to work on. Usually a very inexpensive craft where other moms can pool their resources to create something pretty and fun. There is no pressure to run out to Michael's and buy a mess of new craft tools, because most likely another woman has what you might need. Clever and thrifty. Pinterest allows you to start group boards, so we take turns pinning clever craft ideas on the board. Then the lovely hostess chooses a craft that everyone is excited to try.

So far we have made these...

Source: media-cache3.pinterest.com via Mia on Pinterest

and these...

Source: thebridesdiary-diy.blogspot.com via Tracy on Pinterest

The photo coasters were a perfect birthday gift for my father-in-law. No picture, since he is a Cupid baby and has been enjoying them since February :)

Here is a picture of the artwork I just finished for baby sister's room. Half was done at my friend's Pinterest Party, which is where I actually decided on the colors for her nursery. Tough decisions, people, tough. Needs a couple more finishing touches and then done. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and honestly I would not have tackled this without Pinterest or the fun night out.

Have you tried a Pin Party? What crafts or DIY ventures would be easier with a group of friends?

The Blogger Who Never Blogs and the Family that Loves Her

2012-04-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is awkward.

I feel like we haven't seen one another in an awfully long time.

I've been distant. Apologies.

Let's move on to something SUPER exciting which might (maybe?) explain my brief hiatus.

This August, we will become a family of four! Baby Girl #2 is healthy and kicking, and we are thrilled and blessed beyond belief :)

(That's not a beer belly. Promise.)

After the First Trimester Sickies of Doom passed, I started reevaluating some of my priorities as a home economist, mother and wife. I've loved the past two years as a SAHM, but I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with some of my endeavors and goals. It was time to scale back and assess what I considered "successful".

One major thorn in my side was my feelings of inadequacy as a house keeper. When I was under the weather and chasing a toddler, I felt like I slipped up even worse. You know the sad internal monologue of...
"I'm a stay-at-home-mom...why can't I just DO the chores?"
"Clearly, I'm the laziest woman alive."
"I don't have time to do A, B, or C. Because I must catch up on my Hulu shows and take a nap."
"I'll think about that tomorrow. Hell, it worked for Scarlett O'Hara, right?"

I needed a solution that actually worked for me and the way I think. There are LOTS of super organized women out there that write faaaabulous blog entries about home journals, chore charts, and the art of the to-do list. Lots of free printables, examples, and pretty photos of their organized and sparkling homes.

As I've said before, I am NOT that woman. If you are - congratulations.

If you're not, join the masses.

A friend and past co-worker mentioned to me what she had been using for years to help stay on top of the housework. She promised me not to judge the site on first look, but just to try it. Maybe it could work for me. This is a friend who always has it together but not in an intimidating manner. I was sure to take note.

Shortly after our conversation, I checked out Flylady and signed up for the daily emails. I started slowly and hopped around her site a bit. Okay, I technically cheated in the beginning, but I found a strategy that worked for me. So, I'm considering that a win. I've also maintained (more or less) my new routines and can see a real benefit to me and my family. With the madness of a newborn in the house, I know I'll be very grateful in the months to come.

If my internal monologue starts up again, I fill it with...
"I can do anything for 15 minutes."
"It doesn't have to be perfect - just do a bit now and more later."
"Whatever - at least I'm dressed to shoes and my kitchen sink is shining!"
"Having a clean and uncluttered home blesses my family."
"Don't get sidetracked. One job at a time!"

My control journal is still a messy notebook with penciled notes, and I really like it that way. I've been purposefully resisting my urge to laminate, color code, and obsess about making the journal perfect. This is how I know FlyLady has creeped into my psyche.

FlyLady does have a shop and lots of fantastic looking products. However, she really preaches a sense of frugality when it comes to house cleaning. You don't need the fancy gadgets or expensive cleaners to get the job done. As she says, "Soap is soap!"

f you feel like you could use some help, I suggest trying it out for a month. Start here and see how it goes. I'm still "fluttering" but I'm hoping to one day be "flying" :)

How do you measure a year?

2011-12-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Judy on Pinterest

(pinterest)

2011 Lessons Learned

The loftier the goal, sometimes, the harder the fall. I'm terribly guilty of aiming too high sometimes. I know that sounds self-depricating, but at least it's the truth. I know my limitations, and I resist change more than I realized. I'm not as go with the flow as I once thought.
What gives me joy and peace is not what gives others the same feeling. I have my own definition of happiness, and I need to focus less on perfection and more on balance.
My husband will do anything to serve my heart and make me feel secure. I always knew this to be true, but his dedication in the past year has been an excellent reminder :)
I am blessed daily with old and new friends. Reminds me of the motto: Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold.
Seeing yourself in your daughter is all at once thrilling and terrifying!
Starting the day with a clean kitchen sink will make any day brighter and calmer.
My twenties were for self-indulgency, my thirties will be for self-control.
God wants me to talk to him. Every day.

I had plans of adding my goals for 2012 with this post, but honestly, I'm still working on them. I'd like them to be measurable goals, and I'm limiting myself to only three. This is difficult, because usually my goals read like this...

1. Change the world.

2. Be amazing at everything.

3. Never surrender.

4. Lose 5 pounds.

5. Exercise 3 days a week.

6. Eat 50% organic.

And so on.... You see my problem.

What about you? What attainable goals are you setting for 2012? Anything learned from 2011? Please share :)

Thrifty Thursday: Brown paper packages...

2011-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

..tied up with string...

Try not to hum (or loudly belt) and channel your inner Julie Andrews today. It can't be done - she is just infectious!

Speaking of brown paper packages, I have really enjoyed my take on christmas wrapping this year. I've saved money, and our gifts have a classic, simple flair that really puts me in the spirit.

Enter standard packing paper from Target. I think my roll was around $5.

Enter cheap ribbons: You can stock up with Michael's weekly coupons or at the Dollar Store.

Enter Gloss Finish Scotch tape: Gives it a nice, clean finish. I found regular scotch tape didn't have enough stick power to hold the heavy paper.

The paper lasts -forever- and even after all my wrapping, I still have a huge roll left. My only complaint is that it does curl up and I have to weight it down to get it cut and folded the way I want. But, hey, no biggie.

I had some fun Christmas stamps I got on clearance last year, so I jazzed some of them up a bit.

Now, I did want something pretty that the kids on my shopping list could really rip into. I don't think the brown paper will have that satisfying riiiiiiip that I was going for. But, I managed to get all kiddie gifts wrapped with a small roll of colored paper. When usually, I'm going back for several rolls each year. And honestly, the more trips I make out this time of year, the more tempted I am to overspend.

What style did you go with for Christmas wrapping this year? Sunday comics DO count. In case you were wondering. :)

8 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Fabulous Frugalista

2011-12-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Are you a Frugalista? Or are you just married to one?

Either way, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas for shopping for that frugal someone in your life. And if that person just so happens to be you, no judgement. Merry Christmas to you, from you.

1. ALL YOU magazine subscription - TONS of high value coupons and fabulous articles about frugal living. Added bonus? Delicious and affordable recipes. They have amazing deals year round. Here's the latest one.

2. Printer Ink & Paper - Printing coupons eats up a good amount of ink and paper. Keep your Frugalista stocked up so she can print and save to her heart's content. If this doesn't sound very warm and fuzzy to you, maybe go with a gift card to an office supply store.

3. Mason Jars - Amazingly frugal accessory. From canning in season veggies to planters to catching those quick, summer fireflies. Fill them with cookie ingredients and she can recycle the jar.

4. Local produce co-share or co-op membership - Rising produce prices will hurt even the most careful Frugalista's budget. Research options in your area, and give her the gift of saving on fresh fruits and veggies year round. Some even deliver to your door!

5. Sewing Machine - A cornerstone to a frugal lifestyle is learning to upcycle or recycle clothing and household fabrics. An art form I haven't attempted since the 7th grade, but am anxious to learn how. Here's a beauty I've been eyeing....

(Source)

6. Baking/Cookware - Why buy it when you can bake it? Fresh cookie sheets, mini loaf pans, muffin trays, and cooling racks will freshen up the cupboards and be an inspiration to cook from scratch more.

7. Dave Ramsey Cash Envelope System - Paying with cash is a powerful tool when living on a budget. I love my wallet and what it does for my accountability. Start small and use cash for all your groceries. You'll be amazed to see how much you save when you know you can't swipe that magical card.

8. Journals/Planners/Organizers/Sticky Notes - A true Frugalista likes to make lists and plans. She scouts sales, coupons, and has attainable goals. Help her on her journey to greatness with a new 2012 calendar or planner. Be sure to see what she uses now, she'd hate for you to waste your money on something she won't really use.

Your Fabulous Frugalista will love a purposeful and meaningful gift this Christmas. Somehow this list represents a truer meaning to Christmas than a new Lexus topped with a giant, red, bow.

Note to Self: Stop watching car Christmas commercials.

Thrifty Thursday ~ Frugal Christmas Decor

2011-12-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas decorations. I love the glitter, the shine, the pretty. I love the ceramic Santa and the dancing snowman. I love it all.

I could spend hours at Target or Michaels perusing the holiday aisles. It is my most favorite time of year. Forgive me for using every superlative I know to express this love.

Anyway, you can imagine my strong desire to buy new, shiny Christmas decor every year. But, this simply isn't possible. We've been gifted most of our decorations (which I love). However, I did want to pick up a few items to add to our holiday sparkle.

Enter Target Dollar bins! Most of my life's dilemmas can be solved in the $1 bins at Target. I snagged a ton of these mini ornaments. I just didn't know what I was going to put them in.

I am a woman with lots of flower vases. I guess that speaks to the chivalry of my husband, but don't tell him I said so ;) However, the ornaments only half-filled my vase, and I thought it looked silly on my mantle.

I salvaged some old colored tissue paper from the holiday bin. It nearly called out to me for a new home.

I took our frame that usually holds our wedding photo and slipped in this cute little printable. I love Elf! I'm pretty happy with the result.

Since today is December 1st I've been trying to decide on an advent calendar to do with Amelia. I thought this looked just my style. Simple and cheap. But, what happens if I want to make mini-muffins in December? Hmm...could get tricky.

Happy December everyone!

Getting out in front of it!

2011-11-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have made a real effort this year to get out in front of Christmas. Meaning not waiting to the last minute (for once) and making December a month for enjoyment. I was so uplifted to read this post about just that idea! November was a busy month filled with planning, parties, and sickness for my whole family. High and low moments for sure. Here's a quick recap.

My husband turned 30 the week before Thanksgiving, and we enjoyed a fun morning at the park with a (thankfully) healthy Amelia.

I can't believe he's 30! I know it's still young, but I've been dating my husband since we were 16 and it's just amazing to me how quickly the years have flown.

I sent him out that afternoon so I could work my trickery. He was pleasantly surprised to come home to family and friends! I even found his college roomie who he hadn't seen in over 6 years. Score one for me! He truly deserved to feel loved and blessed, and I'm so happy he had fun.

Dirty 30 Pudding cups! Thank you, Pinterest.

A collage of pics on the front door to greet him.

Another Pinterest score! Had to make it my own with these delicious organic pops!

Thanksgiving! Mission accomplished. If you read about my fear of cooking a large, dead, naked bird you will be pleased that we succeeded in roasting it to a golden brown. I'm not ashamed to say that I hid in the other room while my husband prepped it. I was just relieved to shove it in the oven! But, man, it was delicious. Well worth my fretting.

We had a lovely holiday weekend with my in-laws. Amelia was content to check out the Black Friday ads and build play-doh every morning.

I have a few more Christmas goals to mark off my list before December rolls in next week.

Complete decorating the house
Get Christmas tree next weekend (if available from our favorite church)
Buy stocking stuffers
Wrap Christmas gifts
Mail gifts

That sounds like a tall order, right? I'm just relieved to have the major shopping completed (I love you, internets) so I can stay out of the malls and not suffer from a case of Want-itis this year. It's challenging not to impulse shop for everyone right until the last frenzied moment.

We are working hard on baby step 2 and are getting close to getting that credit card down to a $0 balance - hooray!

What are you goals this week?

"It was once..... ALIVE!"

2011-11-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I hope you've got a feast of plenty in your future and lots of time with friends and family.

This is the first year I will be hosting Thanksgiving, and the FIRST time roasting a turkey. Needless to say I am afraid. Very afraid.

I bought the turkey last week and have been mildly obsessing about it since.

I shoved him to the back of the fridge in hopes he wouldn't ask me for a drink or a snack.

(Don't judge me by the copious amounts of beer in my fridge. We just celebrated my husband's 30th birthday, more on that later!)

Am I the only person afraid of 18 pounds of dead bird just sitting in my fridge?!? Maybe I'll be okay once he's roasting. But, we're about to get pretty personal... and let's just say... I'm on edge.

Thankfully, my husband and mother-in-law will be available to wrestle the "thing" into the oven. I'm just more of a baker and sides individual. No harm in that, right?

Here is the recipe I'll be following for the turkey. I was smart to assign everyone a dish, so I'm only doing stuffing and cranberry sauce. Don't want to bite off more than I can... ahem.... chew.

It's also helped to keep us on somewhat of a budget, although it's challenging whenever a holiday meal presents itself. I was thankful for my binder of coupons this week as I stocked our cabinets. It's a really smart time of year to stock up on baking goods, chicken stock, canned fruits and veggies, and delicious in season produce. You know you'll use it (or donate it) so shop smart and strategically now.

What are your turkey day plans?

Motherhood Monday: 'Tis the Season

2011-11-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

...to be snotty??

Ugh.

The most wonderful time of the year. The time of year where it will take an act of God to keep your family well. With Amelia's asthma it's stressful anytime she gets a bit of a runny nose or cough. We break out the nebulizer as soon as we hear her wheeze. She's a good sport most of the time, so I'm thankful for that.

See the purple canister in the background? That's my giant, mother-load, canister of Boogie Wipes. I love those things! Saline wipes for runny, raw noses. Check here to get a coupon and give them a try :)

I'm just hoping to get us through the holidays without any more illness. Santa, all I want is to be healthy this year!

P.S. - Be sure to like She Lives on Less on Facebook and Twitter to get more deals, coupons, and frugal living link-ups! I only post what I love and use. Promise.

Make Haste, Make Waste

2011-11-18T05:24:00.000-08:00

Since our move into the new digs, I've been battling my need to hurry up and decorate. I want to be intentional with our attempts at design.

But with Thanksgiving in less than a week (eep!), house guests, and general life madness... I'm just ready to get this decorating checked off my list. Yes, I want the pictures to be straight. No, I do not want to spend another weekend staring at a blank wall.

(Found this little tip for hanging frames on Pinterest. Oh, how I love it!)

With my new impatience, I find myself more called to buy simple fixes. Instead of carefully following a plan and executing it frugally.

It makes me remember that planning and being intentional in most areas of life, will in fact, save you money. For example, using the frames we already have instead of buying new sets, is frugal and purposeful.

I might not have the pretty details or clean finishes in my home, but I like my frugal and repurposed finds. Who knows, maybe this frugal quest will make me more of a DIY-er then I had once thought possible.

I'm remaining optimistic ;)

Ode to my Wardrobe

2011-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've been having lots of moments lately where I stand in front of my closet and mourn the loss of my clothing. Dress slacks, fitted collared shirts, and a few skirts hang listlessly in my closet. Sometimes we reminisce about all the good times we had together.

Maybe part of my depression stems from my lack of organization...

Were you expecting a color-matched and pristinely designed closet picture here? Wrong blog, people.

Anyway, I think I speak for a lot of stay-at-home and work-at-home Moms when I say, I really miss my work wardrobe sometimes. Sure, jeans and a comfy top are playdate staples that every mom appreciates. But, sometimes, you just want to pull on something a little less durable and practical. And not just for date night, but during actual hours of sunlight.

I miss the act of buying work clothes as well. I was a teacher, so I loved the easy, dressy style of Banana Republic, The Loft, and JCrew. I feel like there's no real purpose buying "nicer" clothes now, I mean, they have to be play-doh and snotty nose resistant - right? (That's code for No Dry-Cleaning).

I need to pull some of my favorites aside and consider how to make workable outfits out of them. I think this would be an adventure in frugality. Learning to work what you own, instead of buying new.

I love blogs that help me feel moms can be chic and comfortable while chasing after small children.

How do you mix your "work" and "play" clothes to make your own style? Do you have a favorite everyday style blog?

Coupon "fix"

2011-11-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

There is a method to my madness. Usually. Even after working (and re-working) my technique for maximizing my time and money with coupons, I still have plenty of mind-numbing moments.

Moments where I look up from my papery wonderland and think, "Is it really worth it?"

If a coupon falls in the wood and nobody is around .... okay, sorry, a bit melodramatic.

But, really. Sometimes I let it fall to the wayside, and then I am cutting and organizing and twirling like a couponing dervish.

Please tell me you've been there.

I needed the win tonight at the Harris Teeter super double event to get my coupon "fix". I won't bore you with a picture of my haul, but I did come home with plenty of organic meats and produce. Stocked our toiletries and baking shelf. Have enough actual meals and go-to items to last us till payday. I'll make a run for milk later in the week, but I'm happy with how my cabinet is looking. This was one of my best savings trips overall!

Total spent: $185.38
Coupons: $89.41
Vic Savings: $48.11

How did you do this week? Do you ever suffer from coupon burn out?

Motherhood Mondays: Lovey Loves

2011-10-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Cup of Joe was asking readers about how long they had a lovey. Or if their children were attached to one. Or four.

We have entered into lovey stage around here.

Meet Piglet.

Well, actually, he's just called "pig" or "piiiiggy". She will call him Piglet, but she doesn't know much about Winnie-the-Pooh yet outside of a couple of books floating around the house.

She just loves pigs.

It got to the point, that we had to get a back up because I was getting anxiety about losing this precious pig.

I still get a bit nervous when she totes it around in public. I kind of wish it was contained to the crib (along with the pacifier), but we're just not there yet.

I'm learning to be patient with this small, piggy friend. It could be worse. She could take her singing baby-doll to bed with her. Hearing that thing squeal and giggle on the monitor would be terrifying.

No thank you. I'll stick with pig.

What about you? Does your child have a special lovey?

Dave Ramsey Journey - Part II

2011-10-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

October marks the one-year anniversary my family has been practicing the Dave Ramsey plan. This experience is a big reason I started She Lives on Less, and why I am bound and determined to be debt free. I'll be breaking it up into a series over the month of October. Come back and check it out! If you missed Part I of this series, you can find it here.

Part II

One of the basic principles that Dave Ramsey talks about in Financial Peace University is how to work with your partner or spouse. Money fights are a major source of divorce, and I have no desire for it drive a wedge in my own relationship. Remember that saying, opposites attract?

No, I'm not just talking about Paula Abdul here...however I do love that oldie but goodie.

I'm talking about how if you marry your opposite, you will have different ways of processing and communicating. No surprise there. It can cause major upsets in the home and budgeting realm if you let it. OR if you don't recognize the differences and embrace them as strengths.

Ramsey talks about how many couples are made of up a Nerd and a Free Spirit.

Enter Nerd

(Finding the perfect apple.)

My husband is a numbers guy. He's scientific, linear, and sees most things in black and white. He's a problem-solver, and thankfully, extremely patient with me.

Enter Free-Spirit

(Being a goon at The Louvre.)

I tend to be more go-with-the-flow. I focus on the possibilities instead of the answers. The heart rules and I'd rather spend my time talking and emoting than arguing facts. Like I said, he's patient!

The Meeting of the Minds
During FPU, we learned how to hold monthly budget meetings. We set up a plan for the month before it started and began communicating about who was going to get paid and when. It forced us to carve out time solely for talking about finances. Using the Ramsey budget software and cash flow sheets gave us common ground.

We knew the plan and what our own expectations would be. He forgave my inability to focus for longer than ten minutes. I forgave his obsession with never rounding up. We had lots of "emergency budget meetings" in the beginning. We had never paid that much attention before to every dime in our accounts, and it was a real chore at first.

(Leave the budget (and baby) at home from time to time.)

Valuable Lessons
I find that having a good bottle of wine helps during these meetings.
Talk when you're not too tired or stressed.
Know what you are willing to compromise on before the meeting.
Give yourself grace to make mistakes.
Write in pencil.
Walk away if your meeting takes longer than 30 minutes.
You can always do better next month.
Consider budgeting every paycheck instead of every month.
Budget for wine.

Next time I'll talk about our life on a real budget, cash envelopes, and the "zero budget" principle that works for us. Check back soon!

Get a Candy Fix for your Wallet!

2011-10-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Have a sweet tooth?

It's okay. I do too.

(Source)

I have indulged in candy corn this season already, but I have held back buying candy for trick-or-treaters yet. Let's just be honest, the candy would not survive a week in my house. The children would come with their pleading faces and sweet costumes, and I would hand them a pack of floss.

SO. I haven't bought candy yet.

Here are some sweet coupons floating around, just in case you'd like to save your pennies this Halloween!

Coupons.com
$1.40 off one large bag of WONKA or NESTLE candy

Target
$1.50 off Select Bagged snack-size candies
$1 off purchase of 2 select 17.1-oz. or larger bagged snack-size candies
$1 off purchase of 3 select 11-oz. or larger bagged snack-size candies
$2 off purchase of 3 26-oz. or larger Mars bagged snack-size candies
$1 off purchase of any (10 Skittles 13.3 oz. - 14 oz laydown bag (any flavor)

I love Swedish Fish. I know, I'm worse than a ten-year-old.

What's your favorite candy?

Happy Fall Weekend!

Make a Change Monday - The Paper Towel Problem

2011-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Taking a note from Family Friendly Frugality and participating in Make a Change Monday! Every Monday (I'll try weekly, but honestly, it might be twice monthly!) I'll talk about a frugal change that can dramatically affect your bottom line. Some are small, while some are big. ALL are thrifty :) Enjoy!

(My cat lazing about, thinking about wiping his paws on my precious paper towels.)

Lately I have really been guilting myself over our household's use and misuse of paper towels. Here are my concerns:

Expense. I coupon and get great deals on paper towels, but I am still spending more that I would like. Serious grocery-budget-eaters.
Waste. Save a tree, use a hand towel.
Space. I don't have many locations to cram roll upon roll of stockpiled paper towels. I always have a leaning tower threatening to explode out of a cabinet at any moment.

I know what you're thinking. Just use a dishrag or towel! And I do, I promise I do. For small messes or for hand wiping, I use towels. But, I always return to my paper towels because they just seem more sanitary. Plus, I don't really want to add to my already growing mountain of laundry. That's a lot of washing in my opinion, and I know that laundry is my weakness.

I have dreams of being found buried alive under a mountain of dirty bath towels. That's another post though, I digress.

So, I've decided to go for it. I'm going to chop up a ton of old rags and stow them conveniently under my kitchen sink. Maybe if I limit buying paper towels, I will be forced to turn to the rags. Or, I'll just have soaked pants from wiping my hands all over them. Not a good look.

Do you use paper towels, rags, or handtowels? Or a combination? Is it working for you?

What frugal challenge do you have for yourself this week?

What Would Debbie Do?

2011-10-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

(Thank you, SNL)

As I am wading through boxes this week, I've been feeling wildly overwhelmed. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I've been feeling pretty inadequate as of late. With everything in such chaos, I tend to shut down and do nothing at all. I've been struggling even getting a digestible to-do list going. Sad, huh?

Never fear, I'll pony up soon and set things straight. I'll channel my mother's old mantra...

"A place for everything and everything in it's place."

Or as William Morris said,

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

I've been really inspired by this post from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking. She's running a great series right now, that I might glean a few highlights from later this month.

I'm also debating on the value of a Homemaking Binder. You remember how I mentioned that organization might not be my best asset?? Well, believe it.

How do you cope with feeling overwhelmed? Does organizing a cabinet make you feel better or worse? Do tell :)

Ways to Save During a Move

2011-10-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it. We didn't move far, just across town. But, if you have moved any distance before, you know the headaches, hassles, and stress that come along with the endeavor. Throw an active toddler in the mix, and you're just trying to cling to sanity.

Luckily, I had lots of support from my family and a husband who was not against hiring movers. This was our first "grown up" move because we did not U-Haul it ourselves. It was worth the price and time to have someone else do the heavy lifting.

I was determined to hold our budget together, even though money was coming in and out of our checking account pretty swiftly last week. Deposits, moving fees, and other odds and ends stack up. Here are a few tips I picked up that helped us stay on track during the move.

Borrow boxes and storage bins from friends who have recently moved. Check out Craigslist, tons of people are trying to get rid of their moving boxes. Some charge a small amount, but I found a family with a garage full for free. They were ready to tie them to my car roof!
Meal Plan. You are bound to get take-out at least once during a move, but think ahead so you don't find yourself in line at Subway for the 5th time in 2 days. When they start to know about your love for olives, you might be in trouble. Just keep lots of easily prepared items on hand, and you won't feel the urge to run out.
Keep your written budget or check roster on hand. You might not have internet up and running right away, and you can't monitor or manage your accounts. Have a good handle on what bills might be due, especially if you pay them exclusively online.
List your needs and wants. This is such a common theme in my internal monologue, and I am still struggling with slowly making our new place a home. For example, we need a washer & dryer, but I want a new dining set. Like, really want.

What helped you stay on budget during a move?

Movin' on up! Or over.

2011-09-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Box 'em up and ship 'em out!

We are moving to a new rental tomorrow and I am feeling a combo of...

Excited - More room to grow - woohoo!
Anxious - I hope it all goes as planned and nothing gets broken or lost.
Sentimental - We had a baby here in this bungalow by the bay. I won't forget it.
Trepidatious - Will we like our new neighborhood?

In other news, posts might be sparse over the next week as we get our internet and lives up and running.

For now, I will leave you with some link love from around the web. Enjoy and have a lovely Fall weekend!

Melissa & Doug deals on Zulilly

fabulous Halloween costumes

cheap date night

gorgeous Fall mantle

baked pumpkin pie oatmeal - yum!

Work from Home - Find your Super Power

2011-09-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Being a stay-at-home-mom is not what it used to be. There are endless ways to bring in extra income and supplement life on a single income. It takes time, patience, energy, and some organization to get it done. I really struggle with this last quality - organization.

Managing my time and uncovering my strengths has helped me realize that I can make money from home. And not from some sketchy pyramid scheme that claims I will bring in six figures by chatting on the phone and eating bon-bons all day. Right.

I have to remind myself to keep my goals, jealousies, and insecurities at bay. It's so easy to slip into the everyone-is-so-much-better-at-this-than-me scenario. Playing the negatives on repeat doesn't get me anywhere.

Make a Choice
Pick and choose something that you love. Something that really fulfills you, but has maybe been on the back burner since having a baby. For me, writing was one of the first things to go. My blog was a ghost town and my journal was collecting cobwebs. I have to make writing a priority, or it will immediately be moved to the bottom of my list. Right under dusting and washing my car.

Make Time
I tend to say things like, "I don't know how I'll find the time for that". Well, I realized that it's not about finding. It's about making the time. Make a conscience effort daily to carve out time for what you love. It can be 15 minutes or before your family wakes up in the morning. Give it as much priority as you would a part-time job.

Quiet the Time Suckers
Ever sit down to watch just one TV show at night, and quickly realize it's 11 pm and you can barely stumble upstairs to bed? Been there. Turn off the TV and make your evenings time to prioritize and organize your goals. It's amazing what can happen when you don't even know who Kim Kardashian is marrying.

Find your Super Power
Allow yourself time to make mistakes. Know that something will eventually stick, and you'll be working at some sort of side hustle, or several, with income filtering in soon. It might not be much at first, but it will inspire you to keep going.

You have talents that are unique to only you, so why not use them? Just throw on your boots and matching Super cape, and you're good to go!

Dave Ramsey Journey - Part I

2011-09-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This post has been sitting in my draft box for quite awhile. This experience is a big reason I started She Lives on Less, and why I am bound and determined to be debt free. I'll be breaking it up into a series over the month of October. Come back and check it out!

I drank the Dave Ramsey Kool-Aid.

It was informative, inspiring and humbling with a splash of fruity flavor.

We are coming up on our one-year-anniversary of beginning Financial Peace University. We were extremely blessed by some close friends who gifted us the class. They saw the impact it made on their own finances and their marriage. FPU forced my husband and I to band together in a new way. It's hard to put in words just what is has meant for us and our family tree. I'll share our story as we journey towards our future of "financial peace".

The Beginning
Matt and I had been stumbling (rather happily and quite oblivious) through our first several years of marriage. We acquired new debts and got additional degrees. We did not live an extravagant lifestyle, but we failed to plan for our wants. We thought we were normal.

But, something just kept gnawing at our heals. Truth.

The truth was we were buried under student loans and other small consumer debts. So much so, that we couldn't get a handle on the whole budget thing. We tried, but couldn't make traction against interest fees and just, well, life.

The A-HA Moment
I knew as soon as I was pregnant with our daughter, that I wanted to stay home. Sure, I danced around the idea, but I knew what my decision would be. I also knew my husband wanted that as well. We crunched the numbers and my teacher salary would basically be paying for quality daycare and the expenses that go along with that choice.

As my belly got bigger, we started socking money away. Simultaneously, my husband's loans came out of deferment and we tried to pay those down the best we could. We made spreadsheet after spreadsheet, but nothing ever seemed to stick. Either our math was wrong, or our lifestyle was. I believe it was a bit of both.

When Amelia arrived, we felt pretty decently about our finances. We wanted to be doing better, but were so overwhelmed with her arrival, many things fell to the wayside. Not anything unique for new parents!

In October of 2010 we started FPU at a friend's church. Immediately, we were smacked in the face with a big dose of healthy reality. The way we viewed and managed money would never be the same. I credit the birth of our daughter for maturing us in a way that I hadn't thought possible before.

Next time I'll talk about the process we went through with FPU and Dave Ramsey. The bones of a budget and how to unite the nerd and free spirit in your household!