We were laughing so hard in this picture because I pulled my camera out to take a picture and then tripped and almost fell while I was taking the picture.

Also, we had to laugh because we had a hard time figuring out where to go to get our membership set up (we had purchased it online, but we still needed to get it activated in store). We ended up walking around the building pushing a shopping cart and looking like we were absolute Costco newbies! We finally figured out we had to go in the exit to get to customer service.

(Speaking of walking around the building, people were not wrong when they told me Costco is usually packed. We went on a Friday morning — which I thought would be pretty quiet since we’d gone to Sam’s Club then and it was quiet. Nope, the parking lot was buzzing with cars and it felt like a holiday weekend with how busy it was. I honestly can’t imagine what it’s like on an actual holiday weekend!! Lots of people have since said to get there within the first hour of opening or to go on a Monday through Wednesday.)

The customer service people were fantastic! They were so helpful and kind and it really felt like they love their jobs — which I was impressed with!

After we got our Costco cards, we started perusing the store. I’m going to be honest: it reminded us a LOT of Sam’s Club. We felt like the layout and offerings were very similar. (I’m so sorry to everyone who told me that Costco was going to change my life. I wasn’t disappointed; it just wasn’t this over-the-top WOW factor experience.)

That said, we did find some great deals! And we also felt like they had more options, more name brands, and more natural and organic products than Sam’s Club. Jesse said it felt like Sam’s Club is for restaurants and businesses and Costco is more for every day families.

We were excited that they carried Zevia at a really fantastic price as Sam’s doesn’t carry it and we go through a 12-pack every week as a family! We also picked up some strawberries for $1.49 per pound, oats for $7.89 for 10 pounds, butter for $2.23 a pound, milk for $2.38 a gallon, and I wanted to try the Kirkland Chicken Nuggets people have told us are as good as the Just Bare Chicken Nuggets and less expensive.

The checkout line was very busy and we probably waited 10 minutes… again, on a Friday morning! Sam’s Club definitely has Costco beat with their Scan & Go option — where you can scan items on the app as you put them in your cart and then just walk out!! But, once again, their employees were incredibly helpful and cheerful.

Here’s what we bought for $67! I was really happy with these purchases.

The one thing I was disappointed in was that they don’t stock yeast (right now? Some people are telling me it’s seasonal?) and Sam’s Club was out so I had to pay $4.19 at Kroger for a little thing of yeast. Hoping one of the stores gets it back in soon!

Oh and also? They don’t have $1 pretzels like Sam’s Club does. I know that sounds so silly, but I was looking forward to getting one as a treat after our shopping trip and was like, “What?? No pretzels??”

Overall, we had a great experience and are excited to go back and explore more! I don’t think it’s going to change our life, but it will be fun to have both Sam’s Club and Costco memberships this year and to compare and contrast them and see what we think at the end of a year of using both!

Do you have a Sam’s Club or Costco membership? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Shopping at Walgreens is a little different than other drugstores, but once you understand the basics, it can become one of your favorite places to score everyday essentials at great prices.

I created this in-depth guide to walk you through everything step by step from signing up for rewards, to stacking coupons, to using Register Rewards strategically. That way, you can walk into Walgreens with a plan and walk out knowing you got a great deal.

Before you head to the store, check out this week’s best Walgreens deals so you know exactly what to add to your list!

First Things First: Know Your Store (and How Walgreens Is Different)

Before you even think about coupons or rewards, it helps to understand how Walgreens operates.

Walgreens is a drugstore, which means their everyday shelf prices are often higher than what you’ll see at big-box stores or grocery stores. That’s intentional because the real value at Walgreens comes from sales, promotions, and rewards, not regular price shopping.

Here’s what that means for you:

• You’ll almost always want to shop Walgreens with a deal in mind, not just wander the aisles.
• The best savings come from weekly promotions, digital coupons, and rewards offers.
• Walgreens is especially great for small, targeted trips like stocking up on toiletries, beauty, household basics, and seasonal items rather than full grocery hauls.

Think of Walgreens as a “deal store,” not an “everyday price store.” Once you shift into that mindset, the savings start to make a lot more sense.

If you’re brand new, don’t worry about mastering everything at once. Start small, try one or two deals, and build confidence from there.

Join myWalgreens Rewards (This Is Non-Negotiable!)

If you want to save at Walgreens, the myWalgreens rewards program is your foundation. It’s completely free, and without it, you’ll miss out on most of the best deals and discounts.

When you sign up, you unlock three major benefits:

1. Earn rewards on qualifying purchases
2. Access exclusive digital coupons and offers
3. Track and use your rewards directly from your account

How to Get Set Up with myWalgreens

• Sign up at Walgreens.com or through the Walgreens app.
• Add your phone number to your account. This is how Walgreens tracks your purchases and applies your digital coupons.
• Download the Walgreens app if you haven’t already. It’s one of the easiest ways to manage your savings.

How Walgreens Rewards Work

When you earn Walgreens rewards, they’re added to your account as Walgreens Cash (points that convert into dollars). You can then use that Walgreens Cash like store credit on a future purchase.

For example:

• Earn $5 in Walgreens Cash.
• On your next transaction, you can apply that $5 toward your total and pay $5 less out of pocket.

This is how a lot of Walgreens savings “snowball”. You use rewards from one deal to help pay for the next deal.

Understanding Walgreens Deals: The Three Big Money-Savers

Walgreens savings usually come from a combination of sales, coupons, and rewards promotions. Once you see how these pieces fit together, the whole system becomes much less intimidating.

Register Rewards: The Walgreens “Secret Weapon”

Register Rewards are coupons that print at the register when you buy certain qualifying products. These are usually tied to weekly promotions, such as: “Buy 2, get $5 Register Reward”

What Makes Register Rewards Special

• They print automatically after your transaction (if you meet the deal requirements).
• You can use them like cash on your next purchase.
• They often stack with both store and manufacturer coupons.

Example in Real Life

Let’s say:

• Shampoo is on sale: Buy 2 for $8
• The deal gives you a $5 Register Reward
• You use a $2 manufacturer coupon

Your out-of-pocket cost is $6, but you get $5 back in Register Rewards which means you effectively paid just $1 for two bottles of shampoo.

This is how people build “rolling” savings at Walgreens by using one reward to help fund the next deal.

Weekly Sales & Store Coupons: Where Planning Pays Off

Every week, Walgreens releases a new ad and new promotions. This is where you’ll find:

• Buy-one-get-one deals
• Spend-based rewards offers (like “Spend $20, get $5 Walgreens Cash”)
• Product-specific Register Rewards
• Regular promos for a free 8×10 photo

In addition to sales, Walgreens offers store coupons, which are different from manufacturer coupons.

Why Store Coupons Are Powerful

Store coupons can often be stacked with manufacturer coupons on the same item.

So in one transaction, you might use:

• A Walgreens store coupon
• A manufacturer’s coupon
• Plus earn Register Rewards or Walgreens Cash

That’s how one product can drop from full price to nearly free.

You’ll find store coupons in the Walgreens app, on the website, and sometimes even in weekly booklets in-store.

Digital Coupons & the App: Your Best Savings Tool

If there is one tool that will make your Walgreens shopping easier and more rewarding, it is the Walgreens app. The app acts as your digital coupon wallet, rewards tracker, and weekly ad all in one place, which means you can plan your entire trip before you ever walk through the doors.

Inside the app, you can browse available digital coupons and “clip” the ones you want to use. Once a coupon is clipped, it is saved to your account and will automatically apply at checkout when you enter your phone number or scan your barcode in the app. This eliminates the need to keep track of paper coupons and makes it much easier to take advantage of last-minute deals you spot while you are in the store.

The app also shows you your current Walgreens Cash balance, so you always know how much you have available to use toward your next purchase.

How to Use Digital Coupons Correctly

1. Open the Walgreens app and “clip” the coupons you want.
2. Shop in-store or online.
3. At checkout, enter your phone number or scan your app barcode.
4. Your coupons should automatically apply.

One important tip: clip coupons before you shop. Once you’re at checkout, it’s often too late for them to apply.

Smart Strategies for Bigger Savings at Walgreens

Saving at Walgreens becomes much easier when you approach each trip with a simple strategy instead of trying to chase every deal in the store. Even a little planning can go a long way toward lowering your out-of-pocket costs.

Stack Savings Whenever Possible

Stacking savings is one of the most effective strategies. It means looking for opportunities to combine a sale price with a digital or paper manufacturer coupon and a Walgreens store coupon, while also qualifying for a rewards offer. When two or three of these overlap, the final price of an item can drop dramatically.

Break Up Your Transactions

If one purchase earns you Walgreens Cash or a Register Reward, you can use that reward on a second transaction instead of applying it to the same one. This allows you to “roll” your rewards forward and stretch your savings across multiple deals in a single trip.

Focus on What Walgreens Does Best

Personal care products, beauty items, household basics, and seasonal merchandise frequently come with strong promotions and rewards offers, making them some of the easiest categories for beginners to practice on.

Let Us Do the Work for You

There’s no need to spend hours hunting through apps and weekly ads — we’ve already done the work for you! Each week, we hand-pick the best Walgreens deals and stack them with the right coupons and rewards strategies so you can walk in the store knowing exactly what to grab and how much you’ll save. Check out this week’s Walgreens deals under $2 — and be sure to save the post because we update it weekly!

Don’t Rush

You do not need to master every Walgreens couponing trick in one week. Each trip is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it is how a reward prints, how a digital coupon applies, or how a store coupon stacks. Over time, these small wins add up and make Walgreens one of the most satisfying places to save.

Start Small and Build Confidence

Saving at Walgreens can look complicated on the surface, but at its core, it’s really about three things: rewards, coupons, and timing.

Ready to save? Check out this week’s best Walgreens deals and start scoring amazing deals. Before long, you’ll be one of those shoppers walking out with a bag of essentials and a receipt that makes you smile.

Be sure to check out all our Walgreens deals, including recent Walgreens free photo coupons.

I’d love to hear how your Walgreens trip goes. Did you try your first deal? Did something surprise you at checkout? Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to read before they head to the store.

Never miss a HOT deal again!

Sign up below and I’ll only email you when I find a really fantastic deal!

Yes, I want the HOT Deals!

Our older three don’t usually go to church with us (they each have their own church communities they are involved in) so it was a special treat when they told me they were all going to go to church with us for Easter yesterday and then that we got to get a family picture!

Our church gave out donuts — which our younger kids were quite excited about.

David was more excited about the weeds! 🙂

And there were chicks at church, too, which David thought was AMAZING – though we discovered he needed to be watched very carefully so he didn’t squeeze the chick too hard!

Our older three planned an Easter Egg hunt for the younger three!

We had an Easter Brunch after church – Breakfast Casserole, Hashbrown Casserole (this recipe is a winner!!), and Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. I made them all on Saturday night and then stuck them in the fridge to bake in the morning.

After brunch, we played a number of rousing rounds of Bananagrams.

Jesse and I were supposed to go away on an overnight trip for our anniversary in January, but the younger kids got strep so we ended up staying home. The AirBNB was so gracious to bump our reservation to Easter Weekend and so Friday and Saturday, we had the BEST time staying at a dome at Center Hill Lake.

It was SO good to get away! We planned the next few months, we ate yummy food (we brought all our food, we hiked, we sat by the fire, we read, we hung out in the hot tub, and we had a rousing game of Scrabble – that I almost lost because Jesse came up with the word Lyceum but then I came up with the word quelm on a double word square and got 62 points for it!! (Quelm is no longer in use but Jesse said I could use an obsolete word when I asked – and then regretted it after I cleaned up with all those points.

Have you been following along with my 10 Weeks to a 10K journey? I never ever expected to be doing this this year, but Kathrynne (my 21-year-old) asked me if I’d join her for a 10k on May 30 — and when your 21 year old asks you to do something, you say yes!

So I did — and here we are! I have 10 weeks to train. I started by seeing if I could actually still run 2 miles without stopping… I was so excited that I could actually do that!!

Next, I went to Fleet Feet Nashville and got my feet scanned and got a whole education on running shoes, socks, and insoles (please do yourself a favorite and sign up for a free appointment if you are considering running and haven’t done so — it was incredibly helpful!). I bought a pair of ASICS, Feetures socks, and insoles.

After that, I made a training plan based upon lots of feedback you all gave me on Instagram stories. I decided to run 4 days a week, strength train 2 days, and have one rest day. I may tweak that down the road, but we’ll see!

And finally, I changed my macros to 50% carbs and upped my calorie intake to make sure I’m fueling my body well!

I finished off last week with running 2.4 miles outside in 27:47. My goal is to hit 3 miles without stopping this next week!

See a video recapping week one of running here.

I’m excited to be doing the Function Health testing again this year! This week I went in for my first round of lab tests of the year.

Function Health is a program that provides 160+ lab tests (from heart to hormones to cancer signals) and gives you a whole body picture of your health.

I’ve found Function Health to be so insightful and it’s WAY less expensive than if you paid out of pocket for these tests!

If you are interested in lot more details, click here for my podcast with my full review of my experience.

We planted our two raised beds this past week – and now I want to buy another because we didn’t have room for flowers!! This is our first time in our marriage to plant a garden!

We planted strawberries, three kinds of lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. The kids were SO excited and it makes me feel badly we didn’t do this with our older kids! But then I remember that I can’t live in guilt and there are many wonderful memories with them!

And yes, please don’t look closely — we probably made all sorts of mistakes, but this is a learning experience!

So many of you loved my Can I Feed 7 People for $10? series — and I’ve had so many requests for more ideas like that! If you are interested, I have a list of 60 simple meals to help you skip takeout and still keep things easy.

This past week, I came up with this super easy build-your-own bowl recipe — and it’s been such a win on busy week nights!

You can grab my free cheatsheet with 60 meal ideas for nights when you’re tempted to grab takeout!

I shared this on Instagram this past week and I thought it might encourage some of you:

We never planned to adopt a child with significant disabilities. In fact, the idea really scared me…

When the case worker dropped David off in the middle of the night five years ago, we assumed we would just foster him for a few months. But God had other plans…

Another family had been planning to adopt him and we were just caring for him in the interim until everything was worked out for him to move to their home. However, we didn’t know God was actually preparing our hearts to be his forever family.

When the other family came to us and said they were having a lot of doubts and reservations about adopting, I was utterly heartbroken at first. They seemed like the perfect home and family for him and it was everything we had hoped for him and his future. I was so scared for David’s future…

It was then that I realized just how deeply attached and madly in love I was with this boy. When the other family told us, “We see how you interact with David and we really feel like you are supposed to adopt him” I couldn’t even imagine that reality — but I also couldn’t imagine a world where we weren’t in his life.

We prayed that every single member of our immediate family would be on board if we were supposed to say yes (and God moved some mountains for that to happen!) and then…

We thought and talked about what this would look like realistically in 10, 20, 30, and 40 years from now.

I wanted everyone to understand what we were saying yes to and to really think about what that meant longterm.

There was a short grieving of what we thought our lives would look like and a receiving of the gift of the story God was writing. We have zero doubts today but we definitely had to wrestle through things to get to that place.

I think that God rarely calls us to things that are easy. If life was easy, we wouldn’t need Him.

Saying yes to David radically upended my neat little world and forced me to rely upon Jesus in a whole new way.

I am a completely different person with a completely different faith in God’s goodness because of our sweet unexpected gift of a son.

Stepping out in faith and saying yes to scary and overwhelming things gives us the opportunity to get to experience His faithfulness in really profound ways.

It changes us when we start to understand that we don’t have to step into the unknown in our own strength. That God is immensely faithful – even in the hard – and that He is still in the business of working miracles and He delights in doing the impossible.

I don’t know what God is calling you to do today that might feel super scary and overwhelming, but I can say with all the fervency in the world: don’t let fear hold you back from stepping out in faith.

It won’t be easy, but it just might be the hardest best thing you ever do in your life!

Jesse and I took Micah and Kierstyn to see the new Mario movie on Friday. They had a BLAST and it was a cute movie!

By the way, if movie tickets are super expensive where you live (like they are here!) check out this deal!

Q&A’s From This Week

Question: What did you prayerfully consider when you adopted David? In a similar-ish situation

Answer: We prayed that every single member of our immediate family would be on board if we were supposed to say yes (and God moved some mountains for that to happen!) and then we thought and talked about what this would look like realistically in 10, 20, 30, and 40 years from now.

I wanted everyone to understand what we were saying yes to and to really think about what that would mean longterm.

There was a short grieving of what we thought our lives would look like and a receiving of the gift of the story God was writing. We have zero doubts today but we definitely had to wrestle through things to get to that place.

Question: How did you know it is time to change your kids’ school situations? My kids are doing ok

Answer: We re-evaluate schooling for each of our kids every year. (Praying. Talking with our kids. Evaluating whether they are in a situation that is helping them thrive.) This means that each child has taken a different path. We are in the process of making big schooling decisions for David (he’s starting Kindergarten in the fall!!) and Silas (he will be changing schools in the fall but we’re still waiting and praying for clear direction as to what that looks like!)

We pray. We have really honest conversations with our kids. We your schools. We talk to teachers and administration. We ask friends who have experience with the schools. We think outside the box (is homeschool or a hybrid a better option? Etc.) and we keep praying.

Books I Finished This Past Week

I had really hoped to finish The Nightingale this past week, but I ended up not having a lot of time to read fiction. I’m holding out hope I’ll have a lot of fiction updates for this coming week!

I finished How to Love Your Morning by Jennifer Dukes Lee and loved the book. It’s packed with so much deep heartfelt encouragement + practical insight. I’m just sad the book is finished because I didn’t want it to end! with the book!

What I’m Watching

I’m continuing to watch When Calls the Heart — hoping to finish Season 11 this week! And Jesse and I are hoping to start a new show to watch together. We have some ideas, but we’ll see what we land on!

What I’m Listening To

I’ve been listening to a lot of worship music on my runs — and that’s about it! You can find my favorite worship playlist here.

Podcast Episode This Week: How to Love Your Morning Even If You’re Not a Morning Person with Jennifer Dukes Lee

I am so thrilled to have today’s guest on the show because not only does she have brilliant insights to share, she is also a very dear friend as well as my acquisitions editor! Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of the book How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time, and she joins me for this episode to talk about just that – how to love your morning!

Jennifer offers a refreshing perspective that mornings aren’t about the time on the clock but are rather about the mindset that you bring into the day. You don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. or have two hours of quiet to start well. It’s about the little intentional choices that you make such as greeting God in prayer, practicing gratitude, or reflecting on Scripture. She reframes mornings as sacred opportunities even on the hardest days and gives practical ways to create rhythms that fit your life, whether you’re caring for kids, grieving, exhausted from night shifts, or just overwhelmed.

We talk about how small, realistic habits such as setting out clothes the night before, keeping a prayer list by the espresso maker, or even just stepping outside for a moment of sunlight can truly change your day by setting it on the right track. Listen in as Jennifer shares stories from women across different life stages, as well as historical and everyday figures, showing that there’s no one “perfect” morning routine. I especially love how her book makes it so accessible; it’s permission-giving, practical, and so encouraging!

We also discuss the accompanying six-session Bible study that helps you explore mornings in scripture, offering a chance to go deeper, alone or with friends. Jennifer’s insights reminded me why approaching the day with intention, hope, and God at the center can reshape not just your mornings but your overall life! If you have ever wished that mornings felt less stressful, more meaningful, or simply more joyful, then this episode is definitely for you!

Listen to this episode here.

In Case You Missed It – Links From This Week

My episode on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast— I was honored to get to return to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast this week for a conversation about what it takes to move from constantly behind and worn out to a life marked by peace, purpose, and intention. In this episode, Ginny and I talk about motherhood, margin, money, home rhythms, digital distraction, raising capable kids, learning from failure, and the long view that changes everything when your days feel full and frayed. My hopes is that this episode will leave listeners believing that small shifts really can change the atmosphere of a home.

Easiest Homemade Easter Candy Recipe (Easter Basket Idea!) — This homemade Easter candy is such a simple and delicious option for a fun treat to add to Easter baskets this year. It only takes a few ingredients, comes together quickly, and makes a festive Easter bark that kids and adults both love!

Cheesy Potato Soup and Bread Machine Dinner Rolls ($10 Family Dinner Idea) — This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.

Want to build a stronger relationship with your teen daughter? Here are 10 more ideas to add to the 10 other ideas I shared a few weeks ago.

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe You’ll Love — This traditional rice pudding is such a yummy, comforting, inexpensive dessert! You can eat it year-round and some of prefer it warm, while others of us eat it cold — but we can all agree that this recipe is a winner!

It requires only a few simple ingredients, all of which are staples at our house, meaning this is a recipe I can always throw together quickly. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe to bring to get-togethers (plus it’s gluten-free!), and I often get asked for the recipe. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Rice Pudding Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk plus 4 cups water
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 Tablespoon butter
• Cinnamon for sprinkling, if desired

How to Make Easy Rice Pudding

1. In a large pot, bring rice, milk, water and salt to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low (I leave the lid cracked open to avoid it spilling over). Simmer until thick, stirring occasionally.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the sugar and evaporated milk to the eggs and beat well.

3. Beat a little of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the rice, stirring constantly until combined well.

4. Continue cooking and stirring over low heat until bubbly.

5. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.

6. Pour the classic rice pudding into a 9×13 pan or casserole dish and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. This can be enjoyed either warm or cold!

Print

Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is such a yummy, comforting, inexpensive dessert! My family eats it year-round and some of us prefer it warm, while others of us eat it cold — but we can all agree that this recipe is a winner!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Indian

Keyword dessert, family favorite, gluten free, homemade, no-bake, quick snack, snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 325kcal

Author Brigette

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• Cinnamon for sprinkling if desired

Instructions

• In a large pot, bring rice, milk, water and salt to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low (I leave the lid cracked open to avoid it spilling over). Simmer until thick, stirring occasionally.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the sugar and evaporated milk to the eggs and beat well.
• Beat a little of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the rice, stirring constantly until combined well.
• Continue cooking and stirring over low heat until bubbly.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
• Pour into a 9×13 pan or casserole dish and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. This can be enjoyed either warm or cold!

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 1mg

Rice Pudding FAQs:

More Recipes You’ll Love:

• Zuppa Toscana
• My Homemade Vanilla Extract Experiment
• Fluffy Whole Wheat Biscuits
• Our Favorite Zucchini Bread Recipe
• How to Make Vinegar Pie
• Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Soda
• S’mores Dessert Bars Recipe
• 22 Easy Easter Dessert Ideas

Also be sure to check out all our easy dessert recipes!

If you make this easy rice pudding recipe, I’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

Aldi

1 gallon Milk – $2.96

1 large canister Oats – $3.49

2 32-oz cartons Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt – $5.58

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $2.85

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $9.58

1 32-oz bag Organic Rice – $4.89

1 bag Frozen Strawberries – $3.49

1 3-ct pkg Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.25

2 8-oz blocks Mozzarella Cheese – $3.38

1 pkg Turkey Pepperoni – $2.89

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $3.25

2 cans Garbanzo Beans – $1.70

Grocery Total for the Week: $46.31

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Yogurt Bowls, Smoothies, Eggs

Lunches

Leftovers 

Dinners

Meat and Potato Crust Quiche, Broccoli, Biscuits 

Venison Roast, Baked Potato Wedges, Cauliflower

Spaghetti Pizza, French Bread

Chicken Gravy over Rice, Tossed Salad

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Peas, Creamy Milk Rice

Ham Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Green Beans

Pancakes, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

We had some leftover ham in the freezer from discounted ham I bought after Thanksgiving, so I substituted diced ham for the ground beef the recipe calls for. Every single person in our family loves this soup! It’s not as rich as traditional potato soup, which makes it filling but not heavy.

I served the Cheesy Potato Soup with Crystal’s super easy Bread Machine Dinner Rolls, but feel free to throw in a different side. The soup also pairs well with a tossed salad or a fruit salad or, if you’re short on a time, just serve it with crackers!

This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.

Cheesy Potato Soup and Dinner Rolls Menu:

• Cheesy Potato Soup
• Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Ingredients for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup:

• 2 cups diced ham (used in place of 1-lb ground beef) (Aldi) — $1.49
• 1 onion, peeled and diced (Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs) — $0.30
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (Aldi – $0.99 for 2lbs) — $0.35
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (Aldi – $1.75 for 3-ct pkg) — $0.18
• 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Aldi – $3.49 for 10-lbs) — $1.40
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (substituted for basil and parsley) (Aldi) — $0.20
• 4 cups chicken broth (I used 4 chicken bouillon cubes and 4 cups water) (Aldi) — $0.30
• 2 cups milk (Aldi – $3.05 for 1 gallon) — $0.38
• 1/3 cup flour (Harris Teeter – $1.99 for 5-lbs) – $0.04
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Aldi — $3.29 for 4 cups) — $0.82
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Aldi — $2.99 for 16-oz) — $0.37
• Salt and pepper to taste, if needed (using ham adds extra salt, so I didn’t need any)

Total: $6.13 (makes 6 servings)

Ingredients for Bread Machine Dinner Rolls:

• 1 cup warm milk (Aldi – $3.05 for 1 gallon) — $0.19
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (Aldi – $3.49 for 4 sticks) — $0.87
• 1/4 cup sugar (Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups) — $0.08
• 2 eggs (Aldi – $1.66 for 12) — $0.28
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour (Harris Teeter – $1.97 for 19 cups) — $0.40
• 1 Tablespoon instant (or rapid-rise) yeast (Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88) — $0.08

Total: $1.90 (makes 20 rolls)

Grand Total for Dinner: $8.03

How to Make Easy Cheesy Potato Soup and Bread Machine Dinner Rolls:

1. Make the rolls in the bread machine, following the instructions here (or on the recipe card below).

2. While the dough cycle is running, prep all of the vegetables for the soup. Peel and dice the onion and garlic. Peel and cut the carrots into chunks. Peel and cube the potatoes.

3. Follow the instructions for making Cheesy Potato Soup (on the recipe card below). Since I substituted ham for the ground beef, I added a drizzle of olive oil while frying the vegetables (because I didn’t have fat in the pan from frying the ground beef).

4. Follow both recipes as written otherwise, and you’ll have an amazing homemade family dinner for less than $10!

5. Enjoy the finished Cheesy Potato Soup with the homemade rolls fresh out of the oven! We eat this soup as is, but you could get creative and add toppings such as chives, chopped green onions, sour cream, etc.

Print

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup with Bread Machine Rolls

There’s nothing better than a big pot of homemade soup and a pan of freshly baked rolls for dinner! This soup is not as rich as traditional potato soup, which makes it filling but not heavy. It also pairs well with a tossed salad or a fruit salad or, if you’re short on a time, just serve it with crackers!

Course Bread, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword bread machine, brunch, easy dinner, family favorite, homemade, potatoes, rolls, soup, weeknight dinner

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Bread Machine Run Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 743kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $8.03

Ingredients

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced ham used in place of 1-lb ground beef (Aldi) — $1.49
• 1 onion peeled and diced (Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs) — $0.30
• 2 carrots peeled and diced (Aldi – $0.99 for 2lbs) — $0.35
• 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced (Aldi – $1.75 for 3-ct pkg) — $0.18
• 8 medium potatoes peeled and cubed (Aldi – $3.49 for 10-lbs) — $1.40
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning substituted for basil and parsley (Aldi) — $0.20
• 4 cups chicken broth I used 4 chicken bouillon cubes and 4 cups water (Aldi) — $0.30
• 2 cups milk Aldi – $3.05 for 1 gallon — $0.38
• 1/3 cup flour Harris Teeter – $1.99 for 5-lbs – $0.04
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Aldi — $3.29 for 4 cups — $0.82
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Aldi — $2.99 for 16-oz — $0.37
• Salt and pepper to taste if needed (using ham adds extra salt, so I didn’t need any)

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk Aldi – $3.05 for 1 gallon — $0.19
• 1/2 cup butter softened (Aldi – $3.49 for 4 sticks) — $0.87
• 1/4 cup sugar Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups — $0.08
• 2 eggs Aldi – $1.66 for 12 — $0.28
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour Harris Teeter – $1.97 for 19 cups — $0.40
• 1 Tablespoon instant or rapid-rise yeast (Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88) — $0.08

Instructions

• Add dinner roll ingredients to your bread machine in the order listed. Run on dough cycle.
• While the dough cycle is running, prep all of the vegetables for the soup. Peel and dice the onion and garlic. Peel and cut the carrots into chunks. Peel and cube the potatoes.
• When the dough is complete, divide the dough into 20-24 equal portions and shape each into balls.
• Place dough balls on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375º.
• In a medium-sized pot, combine a drizzle of olive oil with the onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables are softened.
• Once the vegetables soften, add the potatoes, Italian seasoning, and broth, and bring to a rolling boil.
• Reduce the soup’s heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
• While the soup simmers, bake the risen rolls in preheated oven for 13-16 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Combine milk and flour for the soup until smooth (this only takes a few seconds in my Vita-Mix). Gradually pour the mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
• Cook and stir until the soup is thickened and starting to boil.
• Add cheeses and continue cooking until cheese is melted (another minute or so).
• As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter.
• Add salt and pepper to the soup to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired. Serve alongside warm rolls, fresh out of the oven!

Notes

We eat this soup as is, but you could get creative and add toppings such as chives, chopped green onions, sour cream, etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1458mg | Potassium: 1249mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3319IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 357mg | Iron: 6mg

FAQs about Cheesy Potato Soup and Homemade Dinner Rolls:

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

• Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls
• Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread
• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Chicken Chimichangas and Cilantro Rice
• Baked Potato Bar
• Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Chicken Alfredo and Roasted Carrots
• Breakfast Sandwiches
• Chicken Alfredo Soup and World’s Easiest Biscuits
• Lazy Lasagna Casserole
• Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!

If you make this easy family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

This One Small Step Has Been Transforming My Health (and It’s Covered by Insurance!)

Are you wanting to make healthy changes in your diet but don’t know where to start? Struggling to hit your health goals or feeling overwhelmed by trying to stay on track?

In the summer of 2025, I made a decision that I honestly didn’t expect to have such a big impact. I signed up to meet with a Nourish dietitian.

Not because I had a big health goal or some drastic change in mind, but because I was feeling a little stuck. I had been working out more, trying to be mindful of what I was eating, and wanting to better support my body through this full season of life.

I figured it couldn’t hurt to get a little expert insight, especially since Nourish is fully covered by insurance under our plan.

Honestly, I expected to get a few helpful tips on calories and macros. I didn’t expect it to shift so much of how I view my body, my energy, my relationship with food, and even how I approach rest and recovery.

But it has. And I’m so grateful. Let me tell you more about my honest experience with Nourish…

What Is Nourish?

Nourish is a virtual platform that connects you with an online registered dietitian — someone trained to help you with everything from emotional eating and hormone health to energy levels and gut issues — all from the comfort of your own home.

Instead of handing you a one-size-fits-all meal plan or a strict list of foods to avoid, your Nourish online dietitian walks with you step-by-step. They listen to your goals. They help you build habits. They offer insight on how nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement work together. And they empower you to nourish your body well — without shame, restriction, or overwhelm.

My Completely Honest (+ Very Vulnerable) Nourish Dietitian Review

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. I wasn’t sure I needed an online nutritionist consultation. I wondered if my health goals were “big enough” or if it would be worth the time.

But I also knew I wanted to take better care of myself. I felt a little foggy some days. I wanted accountability and clarity, and deep down, I wondered if I was giving my body what it needed to thrive.

That first call with my Nourish dietitian? It blew me away.

She helped me understand how the stress and depletion of the last few years — pregnancies, nursing, fostering, adopting a child with disabilities, caregiving, running a business, and raising six kids — had left me running on fumes. She walked me through how under-eating and under-sleeping were actually slowing down my metabolism and affecting my mood and hormones.

She didn’t guilt me. She didn’t overwhelm me. She encouraged me and gave me clear, simple steps I could take that very week.

What I’m Learning from My Nourish Dietician

Every session has been eye-opening. Not because of some radical overhaul… but because of how freeing and healing it’s been to undo old beliefs.

My dietitian has helped me:

• Identify and challenge long-held beliefs about food and weight.
• Realize how often I’ve equated worth with a number on the scale.
• Shift from restriction to nourishment.
• Take baby steps toward what she calls “food freedom” — where food supports your life, not controls it.

It’s emotional work, too. But so, so worth it.

Finding Food Freedom

After I started eating more (at the encouragement of my dietitian), I discovered that it was a big struggle for me. I realized I had a lot of fear around food and had put a lot of stock into what the scale said. My joy or frustration for the day and how I felt about myself was often very tied to whatever number the scale showed that day.

One of the big things my virtual dietitian encouraged me to do was to stop weighing myself. This was scary — but it ended up being SO freeing!! It took awhile to get used to, but once I did, I began to feel a whole new world open up for me!

I discovered that I had spent years trapped in a cycle of so much food noise in my head — constantly analyzing calories, pushing myself to exercise more, thinking I needed to lose weight, chasing skinny, mentally beating myself up if I didn’t follow the diet plan I had come up with for myself. I did all of this under the guise of self-discipline when it actually was dysfunctional!

I am slowly finding such freedom when it comes to food. My brain feels much quieter around food and it feels weird but also so amazing!! I love that I can find joy in food and eating without needing to constantly analyze, stress, or feel like I’m not where I need to be.

I’m chasing strong not skinny, nourishing myself not a number on the scale — and it’s been incredible!

Taking My Wellness Even Further

Recently, my dietician has been challenging me with practical ways to prioritize more sleep and to prioritize play. She’s having me try out better bedtime routines and try out different hobbies. It has been so good for my soul… and I feel like meeting with her is therapy for my whole self!

I’m also SO excited because Nourish is now offering lab work as part of their program and it’s covered by insurance for most people, as well! So just like you can hire a dietitian through Nourish and most insurance companies will pay for it, you can also now have lab work done as part of the program and it’s $0 cost to you if your insurance covers it!

The Nourish Lab panel checks the most important data for your metabolic and heart health — cholesterol, blood sugar (A1C), kidney function, electrolytes, and thyroid hormones. This is all so helpful because this data enables you and your dietician to make more informed decisions as you collaborate to improve your diet and health, and it provides another way to measure your progress. These labs are done at a Quest Diagnostics location near you and are fully covered every 3 months at no cost to you, providing up to $200 per year in value. 

I had a metabolic panel done and it was so easy to do, the results came quickly, and my dietitian went over it with me. Best of all, it was entirely covered by insurance!

Making the Most of Your Free Dietitian Online

If you decide to sign up (which I highly recommend if you’re curious!), here are a few tips to make the most of your online nutritionist consultation:

• Track your eating, movement, and sleep for a few days ahead of your first call (I used MyFitnessPal and my Oura ring).
• Bring questions or struggles you want help with — even small things like “I snack all day and feel tired after lunch.”
• Share your health history (I even brought my bloodwork to our second session!).
• Be honest and open — this isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

How Much Does a Session Cost with a Nourish Dietitian?

If you’re wondering what a Nourish session might cost, here’s the exciting news: 94% of users pay $0 out of pocket when they use insurance!

That’s right! You have a very good chance of being able to meet with a free dietitian online — right from the comfort of your own home. How cool is that?!

I have been sharing about Nourish for the past few months or so as I have been using it and benefiting from it. Here’s what one my my readers had to say about their experience after giving it a try:

“I tried Nourish because of you and it has helped me SO MUCH!! I’m overweight and I’ve never had anyone teach me how I’m supposed to eat to be healthy and fuel my body, until now…and I’m 45 years old. Any my insurance has been paying 100%!!! Thank you for sharing. It’s been life changing for me too. I’m so thankful.”

I would say that number they give is quite accurate as the majority of my audience is also finding that Nourish is covered by their insurance, too.

That said, every insurance plan is a little different — some may have a small copay or coinsurance — but Nourish does everything they can to keep your costs low and offers a simple insurance coverage calculator to help you know what to expect ahead of time.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Most people pay nothing. Yes, really! The majority of users don’t pay anything out of pocket because Nourish is in-network with hundreds of insurance plans across all 50 states.
• You can check your coverage easily. Nourish makes it super simple to verify your insurance and see if there may be any copays or fees.
• No surprise bills. What your insurance says is what you’ll pay — no hidden costs or unexpected fees. All appointments are backed by the Nourish Guarantee to provide a no-surprise billing experience! Note: One of my followers was told that her insurance would cover Nourish and then that ended up not being the case. Nourish zeroed out her balance and didn’t charge her anything for the two sessions she had because of their Nourish Guarantee.
• Paying out of pocket? If your insurance doesn’t cover sessions, the self-pay rate is $145 per session — and you’ll know that up front.

Why I Recommend It

If you’re:

• Feeling stuck with your health goals
• Battling low energy or brain fog
• Walking through a tough postpartum season
• Wanting to build a better relationship with food
• Or simply needing some gentle accountability…

I highly recommend checking out Nourish. This is one of the most grace-filled, personalized things I’ve done for myself in a long time.

What Others Are Saying

As you can see, I’ve really enjoyed Nourish but you don’t have to just take my word for it! Here are some messages and feedback I’ve received on social media and email from those who tried Nourish for themselves and shared the experience:

Ready to try Nourish?

Head here to check if your insurance covers it: Nourish Dietitian Program

If it does, you’ll get access to a caring, credentialed online dietitian covered by insurance who will walk with you, encourage you, and help you create a life that feels vibrant, nourished, and whole.

Nourish FAQ

Saying yes to that first call with the Nourish dietitian is changing my life in the best of ways and I am so thrilled and grateful!

Go here to sign up and see if Nourish is covered by your insurance.

More Links You’ll Love:

• 5 Steps to Start and Stick With Better Habits
• Greek Yogurt Bowl with Protein Powder (Easiest High-Protein Snack That is Delish!)
• 6 Tips to Find Motivation to Work Out Every Morning
• How to Find Time to Work Out Multiple Times Each Week
• 6 Strategies to Kickstart Your Morning Success (and get my habit tracker FREE!)

If you’ve ever tried an online nutritionist consultation or free dietitian online, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

FREE Goal Setting Worksheets!

 Let me help you set, track, and actually accomplish your goals this year!

Send Me My FREE Worksheets!

Note from Crystal: I’m so excited to have my youngest sister, Olivia, sharing this fun homemade Easter candy recipe — a spring variation of our family’s favorite homemade Christmas Candy recipe! We typically make this candy to give as a delicious and affordable food gift during the Christmas season, but I never thought of the brilliant idea to make it for Easter baskets!

Looking for non-candy Easter basket ideas? Check out this Easy Homemade Slime Recipe that my daughters love making!

We Love This Homemade Easter Candy!

Looking for unique Easter basket ideas this year? This homemade Easter candy recipe is sure to be a hit with your kids!

This delicious recipe is a spin-off of Crystal’s incredible Christmas candy recipe — and if you’re a white chocolate lover like me, you might end up actually liking this one better than the original!

(Not a fan of white chocolate? Just use milk or dark chocolate chips instead, but don’t forget to put on the festive colorful sprinkles!)

Ingredients for Homemade Easter Candy

This recipe is SO easy to make and only uses a few ingredients! It’s hard to believe this recipe could be so yummy with just these few ingredients, but it really is.

• 1 sleeve Saltine crackers
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• Pastel sprinkles

How to Make White Chocolate Easter Bark Candy

1 Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spread Saltine crackers over foil.

3. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, just until gooey.

4. Pour this gooey mixture over crackers and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

5. Remove from oven and sprinkle white chocolate chips.

6. Let sit for a few minutes until the white chocolate chips begin to melt. Then, use a rubber spatula to spread the melted chocolate over crackers.

7. Immediately decorate with sprinkles.

8. Stick in the freezer for an hour, or until the chocolate hardens.

9. Break into small pieces and put into gift containers or baggies.

10. Store in the freezer until ready to eat or give away.

There’s just something about the concoction of crackers, chewy caramel, and chocolate! YUM!

I brought a bowl of these to a recent family gathering, and not only did the kids absolutely love it, but the adults raved about it, too!

This is a super simple dessert that you could totally use for Easter Sunday, if you want something a little different than usual. Just make a big batch ahead of time and you’re ready to go.

This Easter Bark Candy Recipe Is Freezer Friendly, Too!

It’s SO easy to make ahead of time because it keeps really well in the freezer. I recommend making a batch and breaking it up into individual baggies to freeze for later.

Then just pull a baggie out when you’re ready to use it for a get-together or Easter basket!

I love the fun colors of the sprinkles — and this recipe is really perfect for just about any spring parties or get-togethers! You could even use them as frugal end-of-the-year teacher gifts.

Print

Homemade Easter Candy

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas candy

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 15

Author Olivia

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve Saltine crackers
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• Pastel sprinkles

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spread Saltine crackers over foil.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, just until gooey.
• Pour this gooey mixture over the crackers and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until bubbly.
• Remove from oven and sprinkle white chocolate chips.
• Let sit for a few minutes until the white chocolate chips begin to melt. Then, use a rubber spatula to spread the melted chocolate over crackers.
• Immediately decorate with sprinkles.
• Stick in the freezer for an hour, or until chocolate hardens.
• Break into small pieces and put into gift containers or baggies.
• Store in the freezer until ready to eat or give away.

This homemade Easter candy recipe will add such a personal touch to a kids’ Easter basket — even if it’s the only thing in it! You could even make some of this Homemade Slime to add a little non-candy gift to the mix!

Related Links:

• Grain-Free Chocolate Cashew Cookies
• Quick & Easy Honey Sweetened Truffles
• Good-For-You Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge
• How to Make Homemade Slime
• Free Easter Meal Planning Printable
• Teen Easter Basket Ideas (Fun Gifts for Boys & Girls!)
• Easter Basket Ideas for Kids
• 22 Easy Spring Dessert Recipes

What other unique Easter basket ideas do you have? I’d love to hear in the comments!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

This week was filled with hours and hours of baseball! Which I absolutely love! Watching Silas out there playing his heart out is one of my favorite things as a mom!

Friday night’s game was long and COLD — I was so glad I had brought extra jackets for everyone + three super warm blankets. We needed all of it!

One of the highlights of the week for the younger kids was this deal I got on Kinder Joy Eggs (no longer available). You should have heard the squeals that came from our house when they saw the package!!

They get to have one every day after school if they’ve had good attitudes and done their chores. Let’s just say it’s been a HUGE motivation!!

I am loving this little area in my closet — I didn’t know that organizing it was going to make me SO happy!! (I got a book embroidery wall-hanging that I’m going to create to go up on the wall – you can see it sitting on top of the plant!) See some before and after pictures here.

It was Mismatch Day at school for Kierstyn and she was so excited to put together a rainbow and cowgirl outfit. The unicorn and shoes were rainbow and the dress and hat were cowgirl – she came up with the idea on her own and executed it all by herself!

I signed up to do a 10k on May 30 with Kathrynne and some of her friends. This is a whole new world for me and I quickly realized I needed to get outfitted properly — so David, Jesse, and I went to Fleet Feet on Thursday to get my feet scanned and get fitted for a running shoe that works well with my feet.

I was SO impressed with Fleet Feet!! Their free appointment was so educational and the scans of my feet and walking were fascinating! Plus, they helped find socks, shoes, and insoles perfect for my feet!

David was REALLY into the whole experience and wanted to be right next to me!

For a girl who couldn’t ever run more than a half mile as a teen, I’m so excited that I was able to run over two miles multiple times this week without stopping — and it encourages me that all my workouts at the gym are definitely helping me get stronger and build endurance!

My plan – as of now – is to run on Mon/Wed/Fri mornings and go to the gym for the strength- training class I love on Tues/Thurs and then do a longer outdoor run on Sundays. And then Saturday will be a rest day. I may tweak that, but that’s what I’m going with for now!

Micah doesn’t have preschool on Wednesdays and I don’t have any Wednesday interviews this week (I usually do interviews on Wednesdays but did them Tuesday instead) so I got to hang out with this guy watching a truck show and knocking out some work. I love slow mornings like this!

6 years ago this week, we brought a tiny medically fragile baby boy home from the NICU — when I was 35 weeks pregnant with Kierstyn!

That sweet baby boy would change our lives forever. Getting to foster him and walk with his mama and love and care for him on her behalf for 8 1/2 months was one of the hardest best things I’ve ever done.

It broke me. It marked me. And I will never be the same again.

Giving him back to his mama after 8 1/2 months of loving him on her behalf was truly the most heartbreakingly beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. It wrecked me and I cried so many tears for so many months over it.

And yet… I look back and see God’s hand in all of it. If we hadn’t said yes to fostering him and then gotten the privilege (and heartbreak) of seeing him reunified with his mom, I truly believe we never would have said yes to David.

The little baby boy from the NICU prepared our hearts and gave us so much experience in learning how the medical and foster system work — how to navigate the state insurance system, what is covered, who to call, and how to advocate. It’s a pretty complex world and I got months of practice and experience that would be a massive help when we were thrust into the world of severe disabilities and malnutrition with David and needed to get him immediate medical help from a multitude of providers as soon as he was dropped off at our door.

Not only that, but the little baby boy from the NICU ignited a desire in us to tell DCS that we would like to say yes to caring for a child with significant disabilities or medical needs. This wasn’t even on our radar before. And it’s the reason DCS thought to call us when David needed a foster family.

In addition, that little boy from the NICU opened our hearts to loving birth mamas in a brand-new way – which allowed us to walk alongside David’s mom in a completely different way – to go to bat for her, fight for her, and do all we could to make sure she is seen, cared for, and honored.

That little baby boy from the NICU is now six years old and thriving with his mama – we are so proud of both of them and honored to have been a little part of their story!

A bunch of you asked to see the Walmart dresses I had purchased to try out. You can check them out here — and there are links to all of them + a bunch of other dresses for less than $25 each here.

Here’s a quick and easy on-the-go meal we have made for years and years.

It’s official – we are now Costco members! We just went yesterday and got our membership using these hot deal! I’ll share more on Wednesday what we bought and some of our initial thoughts compared to Sam’s Club.

Picked up my library holds this week — The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Have you read either of these?

Books I Finished This Past Week

I finished Discovering Your Communication Type by Jason Vanruler this week. I got to interview him for my podcast recently and it was such a personally powerful episode (it drops in two weeks!) and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

His book is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to have better communication skills — especially with those closest to you. I found it really insightful for me to understand myself better and to improve the way I communicate with Jesse.

What I’m Watching

I’m continuing to watch When Calls the Heart and am on Season 11 — so getting close to the finish line! I think I will have finished it by the end of April!

I also introduced the kids to the movie UP this week and they loved it — all except for the part when, as Micah said, “The old lady dies.”

What I’m Listening To

My good friend, Olivia, sent me this podcast episode on friendship to listen to. While it felt a little all over the place at times, it had a lot of good nuggets in it regarding friendship and it made me think a lot about who I am investing in and how I am showing up for them.

Podcast Episode This Week: Jesse Chaperones a Trip to Denver

Although we inadvertently took a few weeks off from the podcast, we are back, and overall, the most accurate way to describe life lately is “full.” Between spring breaks, older kids popping in and out of the house, and multiple trips layered on top of one another, quiet moments have been pretty rare around here.

Listen in this week as Jesse and I do something we hadn’t actually had time to do yet: sit down and process everything that’s happened over the past few weeks. We talk about the whirlwind of travel – his father-son ski trip to Utah with Silas, my church retreat, and, the school trip to Denver that Jesse chaperoned, which he describes as “the most servant-oriented trip I’ve been on.”

Of course, though, life did not slow down when the trips ended. In fact, we walked straight from the airport into a memorial service for three men whose lives were tragically cut short. One of them had been very close to our family, and the loss really hit our girls – and all of us – deeply.

A big part of this episode, however, as previously mentioned, focuses on Jesse’s time serving alongside students at the Denver Dream Center. Hear how they spent their days hiking in the mountains and their evenings working in inner-city Denver, sharing meals with people experiencing homelessness and connecting with people who were rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Listen as Jesse shares and reflects on some stories about the conversations that happened there such as moments where the goal wasn’t to “fix” anyone but simply to listen, learn names, and recognize the humanity in front of you!

Jesse and I also discuss how even just small choices can shape the direction of a life (for better or worse) and how courage often looks like doing something that feels strange, risky, or unsupported. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when we step outside the safe little spaces we’ve built for ourselves and choose to do the thing that scares us most. I hope that you enjoy this heartfelt conversation with Jesse!

Listen to the podcast episode here.

In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week

Easter Basket Ideas for Kids — Whether you’ve got a curious infant, a busy toddler, or a tween who’s harder to surprise, we’ve rounded up Easter basket ideas for kids that are thoughtful, fun, and actually worth tucking into that basket. Plus they’re easy and affordable for you!

Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner ($10 Family Dinner Idea) — This easy sheet pan dinner features kielbasa, potatoes, and your favorite veggies all roasted together on one pan — minimal prep, minimal cleanup! Pair it with a crusty loaf of whole wheat French bread for a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

22 Easy Easter Dessert Ideas — These desserts are simple enough to whip up any day of the week but special enough to be celebration worthy.

And finally, if you need a laugh, please watch this.

Aldi

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.39

1/2 gallon Oat Milk – $3.99

1 pkg Boneless Chicken Breasts – $14.72

1 16-oz bag Deli Meat – $4.15

2 dozen Eggs – $3.12

1 bunch Organic Bananas – $1.38

1 3-ct bag Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.25

1 carton Strawberries – $1.89

1 Cauliflower – $2.65

2 bags French Green Beans – $5.98

2 bags Asparagus – $3.90

2 pkgs Broccoli Crowns – $4.65

2 32-oz cartons Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt – $5.58

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $4.69

1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $3.29

1 32-oz bag Organic Jasmine Rice – $4.89

1 carton Iodized Table Salt – $0.67

2 8-oz pkgs Deli Sliced Cheese – $2.78

1 can Parmesan Cheese – $2.95

1 bag Mini Bagels – $2.49

1 bag Organic Tortilla Chips – $2.59

1 bag Artisanal Buns – $2.99

Total: $84.99

Publix

1 can Reddi-Whip – $3.39, used $1.50/1 Reddi-Whip Publix Digital Coupon – $1.89 after Coupon

2 bags Gorton’s Taco Tenders – $9.49, received (2) $1.50/1 Taco Tenders Ibotta Rebates – $6.49 for 2 after Rebates

2 large containers Cool Whip – $4.59, used $1/2 Cool Whip Publix Digital Coupon – $3.59 after Coupon

1 bag Ore-Ida Shredded Potatoes – $1.93

3 bags Bird’s Eye Steamfresh Veggies – $5.23, used $3/$10 Bird’s Eye Publix Digital Coupon – $2.23 for 3 after Coupon

2 pkgs Pillsbury Big Cookies – $5.41, used $1/2 Pillsbury Publix Digital Coupon, plus received $1/2 Pillsbury Ibotta Rebate – $3.41 for 2 after Coupon and Rebate

3 Two Good Yogurts – $3, used $1/2 Blinkie plus received $1.35/3 Two Good Ibotta Rebate – $0.65 for 2 after Coupon and Rebate

5 Oikos Remix – $5, received (5) $0.35/1 Oikos Remix Ibotta Rebates – $4.25 for 5 after Rebates

2 Talenti Gelatos – $6.06, received $2/2 Talenti Ibotta Rebate – $4.06 for 2 after Rebate

1 carton I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter – $2.33, used $1.25/1 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Publix Digital Coupon, plus received $0.10/1 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Ibotta Rebate – $0.98 after Coupon and Rebate

2 bags Sweet Tarts Freeze Dried Candy – $6.99, received (2) $1/1 Sweet Tarts Freeze Dried Candy Ibotta Rebate – $4.99 for 2 after Rebates

2 boxes Townhouse Crackers – $5.13, used $1.25/1 Printable – $3.88 for 2 after Coupon

1 box Carbe Diem Elbow Pasta – $3.99, received 3,990 points from Fetch ($3.99) – FREE after Rebate

1 pkg Oreo Stuff Of Legends – $2.94, used $1/1 Oreo Stuff of Legends Publix Digital Coupon, plus received 750 points from Fetch ($0.75) – $1.19 after Coupon and Rebate

4 boxes Betty Crocker Cake Mix – $3.98, used $1/2 Betty Crocker Publix Digital Coupon, plus received 1400 points from Fetch ($1.40) plus received  $1/3 Betty Crocker Ibotta Rebate – $0.58 for 4 after Coupon and Rebates

2 boxes Mueller’s Pasta – $1.86, used $0.50/2 Mueller’s Publix Digital Coupon – $1.36 for 2 after Coupon

~ Received $5 Ibotta Weekend Cash Dash Bonus

Total after Coupons and Rebates: $36.48

Grocery Total for the Week: $121.47

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Yogurt, Smoothies, Eggs

Lunches

Mini Bagel Pizzas, Sliced Peppers, Apples x 2

Leftovers x 5

Dinners

Meat Potato Quiche, Asparagus, Biscuits

Taco Tenders, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes

Venison Burgers, Baked Potato Wedges, Cauliflower

Build-Your-Own-Rice-Bowl (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Romaine, Salsa, Shredded Cheese, Rice, Grilled Peppers and Onions, Sour Cream, Chips)

Chicken Gravy over Rice, Tossed Salad

Grilled Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Creamy Milk Rice

Leftovers

These 22 easy spring desserts are bursting with seasonal goodness like bright, juicy berries, tropical coconut, and cool, creamy ice cream — and yes, plenty of them double as Easter dessert ideas your whole table will love. They’re simple enough to whip up any day of the week but special enough to be celebration worthy.

Easy Spring Dessert Recipes

Whether you’re searching for easy spring desserts for a crowd or simple treats the whole family will enjoy, this roundup has everything you need. From smoothies and shakes to cold pies and cheesecakes — with a few delicious Easter dessert ideas thrown in — this list highlights the best spring baking has to offer.

Cookies, Muffins, and Bars

1. Blueberry Strawberry Muffins

Take advantage of spring’s delicious berries with these blueberry and strawberry muffins. The red, white, and blue colors also make them perfect for a Memorial Day celebration!

2. Simple Sugar Cookies

These light and airy cookies are the perfect addition to any spring coffee or tea. You could brighten them up a bit by rolling them in colorful sugar to coordinate with colors for a baby shower, wedding shower, or end-of-school class treat.

3. Cinnamon Scones

These scones are the perfect spring dessert for a crowd at a spring brunch or bridal shower as they look a little fancy and taste amazing. We also love this as a perfect Easter dessert idea!

Thankfully, they are super easy to throw together — and the leftovers taste great too!

4. Double Chocolate Brownies

When you need a little (or a lot of) chocolate, these double chocolate brownies will do the trick.

Serve them with a bit of ice cream or a few berries, and you have an amazingly decadent spring dessert that will wow all your guests (or just your kids)!

Dessert Drinks

5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This is a delicious way to use up over-ripe bananas — and a great treat as the weather starts to warm up.

6. Patriotic Berry Smoothie

Here’s another fun treat to pull out on those patriotic holidays (or really any time of year). Mix it up with whatever berries you have on hand (a great way to clean out the fridge and freezer).

7. Sweet Potato Smoothie

It might sound weird to put sweet potatoes in a smoothie — but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Sweet potatoes add a creamy texture to this smoothie (and a lot of nutrients too!) .

8. Tropical Smoothie

This is a perfect easy spring dessert for those lazy days when you might wish you were on a tropical vacation. Just enjoy this tropical smoothie while sitting on your back porch instead.

9. Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

This smoothie is so delicious with fresh spring strawberries — although frozen ones work well, too.

10. Blueberry Ginger Smoothie

This easy blueberry ginger smoothie is refreshing and tastes great with fresh or frozen blueberries.

11. Orange Cream Smoothie

Remember the taste of orange creamsicles? This is the same taste in a delicious smoothie!

12. Homemade Frappuccino

A much cheaper alternative to those fancy coffee drinks — and just as tasty!

Pies and Cakes

13. Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Oreo ice cream cake is easy, delicious, and so refreshing on a warm spring day. Plus, you can easily make this dessert several days ahead and simply pull it out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to let it thaw a bit.

14. No-Bake Oreo Pie

Don’t want to turn the oven on? This no-bake pie is what you need. This dessert can be ready to eat in just 15 minutes (and you’ll probably gobble it all down in about 5 minutes!).

15. Chocolate Torte

This recipe starts with a boxed cake mix (so you know it’s going to be easy!). Of course, you can substitute your own homemade chocolate cake as well. With the addition of some whipped cream and chocolate syrup, you can transform that boxed cake mix into a yummy chocolate torte!

16. Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Pie

If you love fruit, but also need a bit of chocolate, this is the dessert for you. Rich cheesecake, studded with fresh (or frozen) raspberries, and topped with a delicious chocolate ganache makes for a decadent treat any time of the year. We also love making this easy spring dessert for a crowd!

17. Vinegar Pie

Don’t be deterred by the name — this pie is deliciously light and refreshing and SO frugal to make!

More Spring Desserts

18. Mason Jar Ice Cream

If you need a last-minute dessert, pull out some vanilla ice cream and top it with fresh berries or even a bit of berry jam.

However, if you have a little more time or are looking for something fun do to with your kids, try making your own ice cream in mason jars. It’s super easy and fun — and tastes amazing.

19. Cinnamon Applesauce

For a light, refreshing dessert, try some chunky cinnamon applesauce. You could even top it with a scoop of homemade whipped cream.

20. Honey Sweetened Truffles

Truffles are the perfect bite-size treat to satisfy your sweet tooth after a meal. They are also nice energy boosters for quick snacks throughout the day.

These truffles are sweetened with just a bit of honey and then rolled in coconut to keep your fingers from getting too messy!

21. Ginger Biscuits with Peaches and Cream

While fresh peaches are ripe, run to your local orchard or grocery store and make this recipe. Not only are these biscuits totally delicious and the peaches perfectly sweet, the recipe is also gluten-free!

22. White Chocolate Bark

This white chocolate bark is so festive for spring (and you can totally change the sprinkle color to fit whatever time of year)! My only caution is to be very careful once you start eating the bark… it’s almost impossible to stop!

Looking for more dessert ideas?

Check out all our budget-friendly desserts and pick a favorite (or five!)

What are your favorite spring desserts?

FREE 50+ Easy and Cheap Breakfast Ideas!!

Mornings just got so much easier with this FREE list of 50+ Easy & Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Busy Weekday Mornings!

Yes, I Want Breakfast Ideas!

For years, Shopkick has been one of our favorite reliable apps our team both used and promoted to get cash back on purchases. But yesterday, Shopkick appears to have shut down entirely and without any warning. Users discovered that both the app and website stopped working at the same time, with no prior announcement or explanation.

Sadly, it appears employees were reportedly just as blindsided and it seems that staff learned about the shutdown at nearly the same time as the public.

The most immediate concern for users is simple: What happens to my unredeemed kicks?

With the platform offline, it seems that any accumulated rewards are gone for good. However, if you already redeemed a gift card and saved the code, it should still work.

This is a good reminder that any cash back app could disappear at any time—and when they do, your points might disappear with them. We suggest to always cash out early and cash out often when using any cash back app.

If you’re using apps like Fetch, Ibotta, or similar platforms, this might be a good moment to log in and hit “redeem.” Unfortunately, even the most familiar apps don’t always give you a heads-up before they disappear.

Let us know in the comments. Were you a Shopkick member? Did you lose points?

I love using potatoes in sheet pan meals because they are a frugal way to fill up hungry teens at my house. I threw in broccoli, onions, and garlic this time around, but you can use whatever veggies you love and happen to have on hand.

I paired this Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner with some homemade whole wheat french bread because we’re trying to eat more whole grains (instead of processed refined grains) to address some health issues in our family (and let’s be real — store-bought whole wheat bread usually isn’t that great). However, if you’re short on time or don’t like to bake, I’d recommend hitting the reduced bread cart at Walmart (usually not in the bakery but in the back of the store) where you can almost always get french bread for well under a dollar a loaf!

This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.

Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Menu:

• Kielbasa Sheet Pan
• Homemade French Bread

Ingredients for Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner and Homemade French Bread:

• 2 packages Eckrich Sausage (Publix) — $2.60
• 6-8 potatoes (Aldi – $3.99 for 10lbs) — $1.33
• 1 package broccoli crowns (or whatever vegetables you prefer) (Aldi) — $2.34
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Aldi — $1.75 for 3-ct package) — $0.18
• 1 onion (Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs) — $0.30
• Garlic salt, to taste
• 5 1/2 cups flour (I used a mix of white and whole wheat – Lidl) – $0.68
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Tablespoon instant active yeast (Sams – $6.88 for 2 lbs) — $0.08
• Olive oil for drizzling

Total for Dinner: $7.51 (Serves 6-8+)

How to Make Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner with Homemade French Bread:

1. Follow the directions here for making Homemade French Bread. I used a combination of whole wheat and white flour.

Loaves getting ready to rise 

To make things easier, I always use instant active yeast and skip the process of proofing the yeast. I just mix everything together (except I don’t add the full amount of flour at the beginning — just a few cups’ worth) until it’s well combined. Then I gradually add in more flour until the dough is the right consistency.

2. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

3. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut into chunks.

4. Peel the onions and cut into slices.

5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spread the potatoes, onions and garlic in a single layer in the pans. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.

6. Bake for 20 minutes. While the potatoes are baking, continue with the instructions here for making Homemade French Bread.

7. Cut the sausage into slices. Wash the broccoli and break into bite-size florets.

8. Remove the pans from the oven and add the sausage and broccoli. Stir together and drizzle with more olive oil and add more garlic salt to taste.

9. Bake for 20 more minutes or until starting to brown. Remove from oven and serve with buttered French bread.

Print

Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner ($10 Family Dinner Idea)

This easy sheet pan dinner features kielbasa, potatoes, and your favorite veggies all roasted together on one pan — minimal prep, minimal cleanup! The potatoes make it hearty and budget-friendly, while the veggie mix is totally flexible based on what you have on hand. Pair it with a crusty loaf of whole wheat French bread for a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword bread, dairy free, easy dinner, family favorite, homemade, potatoes, weeknight dinner

Prep Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 459kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $7.51

Ingredients

Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Ingredients:

• 2 packages Eckrich Sausage Publix — $2.60
• 6-8 potatoes Aldi – $3.99 for 10lbs — $1.33
• 1 package broccoli crowns or whatever vegetables you prefer (Aldi) — $2.34
• 3 cloves garlic minced (Aldi — $1.75 for 3-ct package) — $0.18
• 1 onion Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs — $0.30
• Garlic salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons olive oil for drizzling

Homemade Whole Wheat French Bread Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups flour I used a mix of white and whole wheat – Lidl – $0.68
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Tablespoon instant active yeast Sam's – $6.88 for 2 lbs — $0.08

Instructions

• In a large bowl or in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix by hand or on medium-low speed.
• Knead in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until the dough is smooth but not sticky. (The exact amount you use will depend on your climate, but it’s usually around 5 cups).
• Rub the dough ball with olive oil and cover the bowl with a tea towel to rest 15-30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
• Divide the dough in half. On a well-floured counter, roll one half of the dough into a rectangle that measures around 15 inches. Then, starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder. Pinch the seams closed, tuck the ends under, and place your loaf on a baking sheet. Round the edges and cut three diagonal cuts on top of the loaf.
• Repeat this process with the second half of dough.
• Cover the loaves lightly with a tea towel and let them rise 30-60 minutes (or longer if you have the time!).
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• While the dough is rising and oven preheating, wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut them into chunks. Peel the onions and cut into slices.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spread the potatoes, onions and garlic in a single layer in the pans. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.
• Bake for 20 minutes. While the potatoes are baking, cut the sausage into slices. Wash the broccoli and break into bite-size florets.
• Remove the pans from the oven and add the sausage and broccoli. Stir together and drizzle with more olive oil and add more garlic salt to taste.
• Return the kielbasa pans to the oven and also add the baking sheet with bread loaves to the oven. Bake both for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to brown and the bread loaves’ tops are golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when you knock on them, if they are done.

Nutrition

Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 744mg | Potassium: 795mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 5mg

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

• Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls
• Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread
• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Chicken Chimichangas and Cilantro Rice
• Baked Potato Bar
• Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Chicken Alfredo and Roasted Carrots
• Breakfast Sandwiches
• Chicken Alfredo Soup and World’s Easiest Biscuits
• Lazy Lasagna Casserole
• Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!

If you make this easy family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

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These gifts will help your kids enjoy family time, explore the world, and embrace spring. Whether you’ve got a curious infant, a busy toddler, or a tween who’s harder to surprise, we’ve rounded up Easter basket ideas for kids that are thoughtful, fun, and actually worth tucking into that basket. Plus they’re easy and affordable for you!

Easter Gifts for Infants and Toddlers

These littlest ones might not quite understand the meaning of Easter, but they absolutely understand fun. And, for this age, the simplest things bring the biggest smiles. If you have a baby or toddler, you already know that the best gifts are the ones that entertain, engage, and maybe even sneak in a little learning. Here are our top picks for the littlest Easter basket recipients:

Carrot Rattle

Could this little carrot rattle be any more perfect for Easter? Just right for tiny hands and teething mouths, it makes the perfect gift for baby’s first Easter basket.

Bunny Rattle

Cute in the basket, fun to play with, and still a favorite weeks later, this adorable and on-theme rattle is a delight.

Geometric Eggs

These little eggs are hiding a surprise — they snap apart and back together again! Toddlers will be delighted to have their own set of eggs in their Easter basket and, as they play with them, they’ll be growing their problem-solving skills, shape recognition, and hand-eye coordination. They’ll reach for this toy again and again, and you’ll love watching their wheels turn as they figure it out.

Shaker Eggs

Does your toddler love music? How about dance parties in the kitchen? Shaker eggs are about to become your new favorite thing! These are easy to grip and fun to shake, and have a pleasant sound (yes, really!). The egg shape and fun designs are perfect for an Easter basket but you’ll be making beautiful noise together all year.

Bluey Plush

If your toddler loves Bluey, they’ll jump up and down with joy to find this adorable Bluey plush in their Easter basket!

Easter Basket Ideas for Kids: Preschool to Elementary

This age is big enough to get into the wonder of Easter but young enough to be absolutely delighted by all their gifts. Preschoolers through elementary-aged kids tend to be curious, creative, and ready for an adventure. The ideas in this section lean into that with gifts that will spark imagination, get them moving, and keep them busy long after the candy is gone.

Littlest Pet Shop Surprise Collectible Plush Pets

These adorable Littlest Pet Shop plush pets are basically Easter magic! Each one comes hidden inside a little case so the unboxing is half the fun — and the other half is the perfectly snuggly, little-hand-sized stuffy inside. A great pick for ages 4 and up.

Needoh

Needoh is so satisfyingly squishy and your kids will love to see how it changes colors when squeezed. It’s an Easter basket add-on that earns its place long after the candy is gone.

Coloring Books

Walmart has these coloring books for only $1! Whether your child loves My Little Pony, Paw Patrol, Bluey, Bible characters, or Hello Kitty, you’re sure to find something they’ll love — and at such a great price.

CAT Construction Trucks Play Set

Does your kid want to stop at every construction site? They’ll love this adorable construction vehicle set and it’s the perfect size for an Easter basket!

Mondo Llama Craft Kits

Paper crafting, painting, and paper mache… your kids will love making and displaying these Easter craft kits. And you’ll love that they’re only $5 each!

Crayola Crayon 3-Piece Lip Balm Tin

How cute is this Crayola + Lip Smacker collaboration?! Your kids will love taking these fun chapsticks to school. (And you can save even more on your purchase by checking out through Subscribe & Save.)

Bird Matching Game

Robins, bluebirds, and cardinals… this sweet bird-themed memory game is a natural fit for spring. As kids flip and match the cards, they’re also strengthening their working memory and training their eyes to pay attention to the little details that set each bird apart. It’s the kind of game the whole family will return to again and again.

Egg Chalk

Nothing says spring like taking the fun outside! These egg-shaped chalks are the perfect Easter basket surprise and will get your kids outside enjoying the warmer weather.

Easter Basket Ideas for Tweens

Tweens sometimes act like they’re too-cool-for-this, but deep down they still love a good Easter basket. Shopping for this age can feel like a guessing game, but I think the secret is giving them a mix of gifts that help them embrace their little-kid fun and lean into their big-kid ambitions.

Grace and Stella Lip Mask

A lip mask that actually works and smells amazing? This Grace & Stella lip mask is an Easter basket upgrade your tween will love using.

Ulta Sweet & Shimmer Mini Beauty Products

Whether it’s bubble bath, body lotion, or loofahs, your tween is sure to enjoy these Sweet & Shimmer mini beauty products. And you’ll appreciate the price tag!

Waboba Moon Ball on a Leash

Waboba balls are SO fun because they bounce really high! This one on a leash is the kind of fidgety, satisfying fun that is perfect for tweens. They’ll bounce it, swing it, and see how long they can keep it going. It’s simple, oddly addicting, and perfect for burning energy during a study break.

Tree Hut Products

Tree Hut products are so popular with tweens and teens — and for good reason! Your tween will love the amazing smells of the lotions, body sprays, sugar scrubs, and body washes. See current Tree Hut deals here.

Cross Necklace

A cross necklace is a fitting Easter gift — and they’re trendy right now! Your tween would be thrilled to find this stylish and meaningful gift in their Easter basket.

Water Blasters

Get your kids excited for summer with these water blasters. They’re a colorful edition to Easter baskets and will provide hours upon hours of fun!

Best Easter Books for Kids:

If you want to include meaningful books in your kids’ Easter baskets, I’ve got a lot of great ideas for you below. There’s just something really special about giving kids a book that reminds them how much God loves them.

(By the way, if you want a book in your own Easter basket, you’ll love this list of our favorite Christian books and devotionals for women!)

Books for Preschoolers about Jesus

Any of the books from our list of the best devotionals for kids would be wonderful to include in an Easter basket, but here are some of our top picks of Easter books for preschoolers:

The Jesus Storybook Bible

I’ve read this with our kids from birth through late elementary school and, honestly, I still find it relevant as an adult. If you don’t already own this, I can’t recommend it highly enough and Easter is the perfect time to gift it to your family!

The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross

Another pick from our guide to the best Christian books for kids, The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross traces the redemptive story of the Bible from Eden to eternity. And, it’s especially relevant for Easter since it centers around Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and triumph over death.

The Runaway Bunny

This book isn’t explicitly Christian, but the mother’s pursuing love reminds me of how God pursues us and loves us no matter what. Plus, the bunnies make it a cute Easter basket gift!

The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit also isn’t overtly Christian but there’s something beautiful about a bunny becoming real through the pure love of a child. It’s hard not to see a reflection of God’s animating love in that! A timeless story and an adorable bunny to boot, it makes for a truly sweet Easter gift.

Best Easter Books for Older Kids

There are so many excellent Christian books and devotionals for kids that deserve a spot in Easter baskets, but here are some of our top Easter picks for older kids:

The Action Bible

We recommend this book on our list of best devotionals and Christian books for kids, and we think any tween would be happy to find this comic-book-style version of the Bible in their Easter basket!

Green Ember

The Green Ember is an easy yes for Easter baskets, even beyond its rabbit heroes. It has a gripping story and themes of hope, self-sacrifice, and redemption that naturally open the door to deeper conversations about the gospel. I especially recommend this book for ages 8 and up, although younger kids will enjoy it as a read-aloud.

Are you shopping for teenager Easter basket ideas? Be sure to check out this post of Easter basket ideas your teen will love — with ideas for boys and girls!

Bonus Gift Idea: Homemade Easter Candy

Anyone in your family will love finding this easy homemade Easter candy in their Easter basket! Plus, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it, making it an easy but delicious surprise.

Build an Easter Basket They’ll Remember

The best Easter baskets for kids aren’t expensive or complicated — they’re the ones that feel like they were curated with that specific child in mind. A little thought goes a long way, whether you’re tucking in a sweet rattle for your infant or adding that perfect book for your tween. Happy basket-building!

More Links You’ll Love:

• Teen Easter Basket Ideas (Fun Gifts for Boys & Girls!)
• Easiest Homemade Easter Candy Recipe (Easter Basket Idea!)
• Best Christian Books & Devotionals for Kids
• Best Devotionals & Christian Books for Women
• Where to Get Books for Free (Yes, Really!)
• Cheap Stocking Stuffers For The Family — Great for Easter Too!
• Where to Buy Cheap Books (So You Can Read More Without Spending a Fortune)

What are your favorite Easter basket ideas for kids? Share your ideas or plans in the comments!

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Kathrynne surprised us with a few visits the past week and I wish you could hear the squeals coming from Kierstyn and Micah when they see her. This is what a 17-year age gap looks like. 😍

This week I started a new series: Can I feed 7 people for $10 for dinner every night?

If you’re struggling to come up with budget-friendly meals that the whole family will love, utilize this list of 70 dinner ideas under $10! If you’re willing to get creative, there are dozens of frugal dinner ideas that will keep your family (and your wallet) full!

Here’s what I made this past week in this series:

• Taco Soup + Rolls & Pears
• Ritzy Chicken & Fruit
• Sausage & Potatoes & Peas & Bread
• Mac & Cheese with Ground Beef

Here are 70 other easy dinner ideas your family will love — all for under $10.

If your goal as a parent is to raise kids who always make the right choices and decisions, you are probably going to find yourself often frustrated and stressed because your kids aren’t turning out as perfect as you’d envisioned.

But if, instead, you see your goal as a parent to point your kids to Jesus, then mistakes are opportunities to have great conversations, love your kids right where they are at, walk with them well, and extend the same grace and patience that God shows us. Parenting isn’t ultimately about the results (because we can’t save or change our kids’ hearts); it’s about our faithfulness.

Jesus came to take the heavy and impossible burden of perfection off our shoulders as moms. We will never get it all right or do it all right (and neither will our kids!), but that’s the whole reason we have Jesus! We can look to Him, rest in Him, and put our hope in Him — even on the hard days and the days when we make mistakes and mess up, yet again. I’m so thankful for His grace!

I have started using my @crystaliscleaning Instagram again – be sure to follow along so you don’t miss out on what I’ve been cleaning lately! I am working on resetting my whole house one room at a time!

I took the kids to Kroger with me to look for deals on Friday. You can see this fun video we did of our shopping trip together.

If you have experienced any sort of disappointment or loss or challenges in your life recently — or you know someone who has, please watch this interview with @courtneyprayduke!! Trust me, it will be well worth your time.

Courtney shares about what it was like to lose her husband in a tragic cycling accident when she had three young kids. How devastated she felt. How she didn’t want to get out of bed and live life.

But God.

He gave her the courage and strength to get up and to keep choosing to live — to put one foot in front of the other, to preach the truth of Who He is in the darkest valley, and to let other people care for and carry her.

I highly recommend her book, And She Got Up: Shattered By Loss, Restored By Jesus.

It’s baseball season again! I LOVE the hours and hours we spend outside watching Silas… it’s my spring and summer hobby!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day to the boy who has wrecked our world in the most beautiful of ways. We will never be the same because of you, David! 😍

I look back on these past five years we’ve been privileged to love you and think about how I’m such a different person because of getting to be your mama.

You’ve taught me that there is so much we prioritize and chase after and stress about in this life that really doesn’t matter.

You’ve helped me to slow down and learn to notice and appreciate so many tiny things I used to rush right past.

You’ve opened up my eyes to a whole world of incredible people and families I never world have gotten to know — I now excitedly go out of my way to meet anyone who has disabilities or has a child or family member with disabilities! I didn’t know I was going to get to join such an incredible club of #theluckyfew!

You and your mama have changed my viewpoint on so many things and given me a deep well of compassion and advocacy for those who are overlooked or marginalized.

You’ve taught me that you don’t need words to communicate and express love.

And most of all, you’ve helped me get to discover what radical reliance on Jesus looks like. I’ve gotten so many opportunities to see His faithfulness in miraculous ways as we’ve navigated all sorts of challenges and unexpected emergencies the last five years. I could literally write a book on the crazy amazing stories of God’s goodness. And it’s caused me to have so much more calmness and deeper trust because I’ve gotten to see firsthand just how faithful God is… and I believe with all my heart that He will continue to be faithful – no matter what! ❤️

We love you our sweet David Mateo Paine!

I’ve been testing out Walmart dresses to see if I can find the perfect Easter dress… and we found 20 options all under $25! You can see a video of some of the dresses here.

In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week

Best Christian Books and Devotionals for Teens — The teenager years can be a lot, but they’re also some of the most spiritually significant years a person will ever walk through. That’s why I’m so excited to share these recommendations for books to encourage your teen’s faith.

Easter Basket Ideas for Teens — Are you stumped about what to put in your teen’s Easter basket? I know the feeling! Check out this list of recommendations, complete with ideas for both guys and girls.

Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls ($10 Family Dinner Idea) — These customizable rice bowls are a family-favorite that comes together in minutes — no trip to Chipotle needed!

Best Devotionals and Christian Books for Kids — I often get asked for recommendations of devotionals to do with kids and I finally put together a post with my top recommendations!

Here’s the good news: God is already at work in their hearts even when you don’t have the words to say. And He’s been doing it long before you started reading this blog post and will continue doing it long after.

Also, you don’t have to do this work of motherhood and discipleship alone. There are some truly wonderful books and devotionals for kids that do the heavy lifting for you. These resources can spark the conversations you don’t know how to begin, frame big truths in age-appropriate ways your kids can grasp, and turn ordinary moments into something meaningful.

Here is a list of some favorite Christian books and devotionals for toddlers through tweens. Whether you’re building a bedtime routine around Scripture, looking for a devotional your tween will actually want to open, or just searching for a beautiful story that points to Jesus, we’ve got you covered.

(A note on the ages we recommend: There is a lot of fluidity here! For example, our first recommendation will capture the attention of your toddler and still feels relevant to us as adults. Many of these books can be enjoyed at various ages or as a family, but we’ve placed them where we think they’ll be best enjoyed.)

Also be sure to check out our posts on the Best Christian Books and Devotionals for Teens and Best Devotionals & Christian Books for Women.

Best Christian Books & Devotionals for Toddlers

Jesus Storybook Bible

If you only bought one book on this list, we’d recommend it’s this one. We’ve read this countless times and, even as an adult, I get so much out of it every time.

Each story — from both the Old and New Testaments — points to Jesus and shows how He meets our need for a Savior. While it tells the stories of Biblical heroes, it points to Jesus as the ultimate hero. Your family will treasure it for years to come.

God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World

God Counts shows kids how God uses numbers throughout the Bible to teach us about himself. It begins with 1 God and 2 people in Genesis and counts up to the 12 kinds of fruit and 12 shiny gates in Revelation with a different Biblical story or truth for each number between.

Whether your child is learning to count or is fascinated by numbers, this book will remind them that “God created numbers to declare his glory.”

Best Christian Books & Devotionals for Preschoolers

Big Feelings Days

Big feelings are real — and every child (and adult!) has them. Whether it’s big sad feelings, big stomping feelings, or big sleepy feelings, this book gives kids the language to notice what’s happening inside them. And, just like Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He can calm those Big Feelings too.

With simple grounding tools like deep breaths, playing with play dough, writing a letter, and talking to Jesus, this book gently guides little ones toward peace, one big feeling at a time. It’s a beautiful book for the hard days every family has.

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross

In just a few beautifully illustrated pages, this picture book traces the greatest story ever told! From the garden to the fall, from the curtain that separated God from his people in the temple to the cross when it was torn in two, all the way to the empty tomb. It’s the entire sweep of the Bible told with wonder and joy.

The end invites children to say “Sorry,” “Thank you,” and “Please help us,” connecting this story to kid’s hearts and lives. It’s an excellent kid’s Easter gift and amazing to read and rejoice over every day of the year!

How Great Is Our God

This devotional is perfect if your kids love science! The short devotionals are engaging and will spark lots of great discussions. Plus, your kids (and you!) will likely learn some new things about God’s greatness in how He created and designed the world, animals, and more!

Best Christian Books & Devotionals for Elementary Schoolers

The Friend Who Forgives

Peter got it wrong a lot. He spoke before he thought. He stumbled in his faith. He let his friend Jesus down at the worst possible moment.

And Jesus called him a rock anyway. He forgave him. He loved him. He trusted him with world-changing news.

This beautifully-illustrated picture book captures the unlikely, grace-filled friendship between Peter and Jesus. And it reassures children that the Friend who never gave up on Peter won’t give up on them either. There’s also a board book version for toddlers.

Love Does for Kids

Funny, inspiring, and beautifully outlandish, Love Does for Kids is full of stories that prove love isn’t a feeling; it’s something you do. Bob Goff’s contagious joy and big heart will prompt your family to dream, laugh, and live out their faith.

One of the best parts? The Goff family wrote letters to world leaders after 9/11 and ended up eating dinner with more than 25 of them!

Faith and kindness feel like the greatest adventure in these pages, and your kids will finish this book ready to go live their own adventure.

(There’s also a version of this book for adults — read my review of Love Does here)

Jesus and the Very Big Surprise

The servants are busy preparing for their master’s return… but when he returns there’s a very big surprise. He invites them to sit at his table so he can serve them. “What kind of master would love like that? What kind of God would choose to be a servant?… Surprise! Jesus would!”

Jesus and the Very Big Surprise takes children on a delightful journey through this surprising parable and some of the most unexpected moments in Jesus’ life: His coming as a baby instead of a conquering king. His birth in a smelly stable. His washing the disciples’ feet. His death as a criminal on the cross.

Fun, surprising, and powerful, this book leads kids to the biggest surprise of all: an empty tomb and a risen King. Another excellent Easter book for kids that is worth reading any day of the year.

Best Christian Books & Devotionals for Tweens

The Action Bible

Think comic book meets Bible study here. This retelling of the Bible has bold, comic-book-style illustrations and is an engaging and meaningful way for tweens to encounter God’s Word.

It’s, of course, not a word-for-word translation of the Bible, but don’t let that deter you. In fact, adults might find it helpful, like when trying to understand the cultural context of King Hezekiah’s story during a study of Isaiah.

Each of the 245 stories is about 2-5 pages long and cites Scripture references, making it easy to follow up in a more literal translation whenever you’re ready to go deeper.

Exploring the Bible

If your tween wants to explore the Bible more deeply, this is a great workbook. One day a time, your child will read through most of the Bible over the course of a year.

Each week begins with a few sentences about the context for that week’s readings and has a spot to write prayers. Each day suggests about 5 verses to read and one question to answer. There’s also a weekly section for “exploring with others” that encourages children to write brief notes about the Sunday sermon.

I’d recommend this book for ages 8 and up with a parent’s guidance, or from ages 10 and up independently.

The Radical Book for Kids

Part explorer’s guide, part church history deep-dive, The Radical Book for Kids is as cool as it sounds. Vibrantly illustrated and packed with fun facts, this handbook will take tweens on a fascinating journey into the ancient roots of the Christian faith — while inviting them to bring that faith into their real lives.

Your tween will learn SO much reading this book. From famous trips in the Bible to jewels in the Bible. From how to make your own catapult and sling to how to read the Bible and pray. From Latin words you should know to what to do when bad things happen. This book explores the Bible from SO many different angles!

I’d recommend this book for 8 year olds through early teens. You can read it straight through or choose what looks interesting in the table of contents and jump in anywhere! This is perfect for the tween who wants to go deeper and have fun doing it.

Are you looking for the best Christian books and devotionals for teens? Be sure to check out this post!

Related Links:

• Best Christian Books and Devotionals for Teens
• Best Devotionals & Christian Books for Women
• Where to Buy Cheap Books (So You Can Read More Without Spending a Fortune)
• Where to Get Books for Free (Yes, Really!)
• My Top 4 Favorite Reads From 2025
• Raising Amazing Kids (with Monica Swanson)
• Raising Kids Who Want to Talk to Us
• Raising Emotionally Strong Boys (with David Thomas)
• Raising Worry-Free Girls

What do you think are the best devotionals for kids? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!

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Aldi

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.96

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.39

1 pkg Chicken Drumsticks – $4.25

1 pkg Boneless Chicken Breasts – $14.59

1 16-oz bag Deli Meat – $4.15

2 dozen Eggs – $3.32

1 bunch Bananas – $0.96

1 bag Romaine Hearts – $2.99

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.99

1 3-lb bag Yellow Onions – $1.79

1 3-ct pkg Fresh Garlic – $1.19

1 3-ct bag Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.25

1 carton Strawberries – $1.29

1 bag Red Grapes – $1.82

2 bags French Green Beans – $5.98

1 32-oz carton Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt – $2.79

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $2.85

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $4.69

1 jar Pasta Sauce – $1.39

2 4-ct pkgs Greek Yogurt – $5.30

1 box Butter Quarters – $3.09

1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $3.29

1 14-oz jar Organic Coconut Oil – $4.99

1 bag Chocolate Chips – $3.49

Total: $86.80

Publix

1 bag Mother’s Cookies – $2.49, used $1/1 Mother’s Publix Digital Coupon – $1.49 after Coupon

1 bag Mini Peppers – $1.99

2 boxes Bubly – $5.79

2 boxes SeaPak Shrimp – $9.89, used $2/2 Printable – $7.89 for 2 boxes after Coupon

3 pkgs Andouille Eckrich Sausage – $8.98, received 5,100 points from Fetch ($5.10) – $3.88 for 3 after Rebate

1 bag Thomas Bagels – $2.74

1 box M & M’s Ice Cream Sandwiches – $3.04, received $0.75/1 M $ M’s Ibotta Rebate – $2.29 after Rebate

2 boxes Protein Pop Tarts – $4.49, used $1/2 Printable – $3.49 for 2 after Coupon

1 bag Lesser Evil Popcorn – $2.04

1 box Mezcla Protein Bars – $5.39, received $3 back from Aisle – $2.39 after Rebate

1 carton Angel Sweet Tomatoes – $1.99

1 can Doritos – $1.16 (When one of my children comes home from college for a few days, I always put a “Welcome Home” basket in their room full of their favorite snacks. So several things I bought this week are going into a basket for my son who will be home for spring break!)

2 bags Stone and Skillet English Muffins – $4.99, received $2.49 back from Aisle plus $1/1 Stone and Skillet Ibotta Rebate – $1.50 for 2 after Rebates

Total after Coupons and Rebates: $38.64

Grocery Total for the Week: $125.84

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Homemade Granola, Yogurt, Smoothies, Eggs

Lunches

Deli Meat Sandwiches, Chips, Sliced Peppers x 2

Leftovers x 5

Dinners

Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes

Bagel Pizzas, Tossed Salad

Chicken Gravy over Brown Rice, Tossed Salad

Keilbasa and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Popcorn Shrimp, Peas, English Muffins, Fruit Salad

Twice Baked Potatoes, Chocolate Chip Cookies (I’m bringing these to a church dinner where the main dish is provided)

Spaghetti, Homemade Whole Wheat Bread, Green Beans

The base of these bowls is rice, but then each person can load up their bowls with whatever they love! We enjoy adding chicken, cilantro, cheese, lettuce, and grilled onions and peppers. Some other yummy topping possibilities include black olives, chopped onions, and sour cream.

You can eat the chips and salsa on the side or crumble the chips into your bowl — whichever way you prefer. This is also a great meal for hosting as it can accomodate a variety of preferences and food sensitivities!

This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.

Homemade Chipotle Bowls Menu:

• Build-Your-Own Rice Bowl Ingredients (Rice, Chicken, Lettuce, Cheese, Cilantro, Peppers/Onions)
• Chips and Salsa

Ingredients for Homemade Chipotle Bowls:

• 1-lb grilled (or cooked however you prefer) chicken strips (Publix) — $1.79
• 1 bag tortilla chips (Walmart) — $1.97
• 2 peppers (Aldi — $2.29 for 3) — $1.53
• 1 onion (Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs) — $0.30
• 1 jar salsa (Aldi) — $1.99
• 1 head romaine (Aldi — $2.49 for 3) — $0.83
• 1/2 bunch cilantro (Aldi — $0.79 per bunch) — $.40
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Aldi — $3.29 for 4 cups) — $1.23
• 6 cups cooked rice (Aldi — $2.35 for 3lbs) — $0.63
• Salt, garlic powder, pepper to taste

Total for Dinner: $10.67 (Serves 6)

How to Make Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls:

1. Wash and chop the romaine and cilantro and put each into a bowl.

2. Then, cook the chicken and rice using your favorite method if they aren’t already cooked. (This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice and/or chicken!)

If you love Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, be sure to check out my cilantro rice recipe and add a squeeze of lime juice!

3. Put the chips, salsa, and shredded cheese into three separate bowls.

4. Cut the peppers and onions into slices. Sauté with a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan into a bowl and set aside. 

5. In the same pan, heat the cooked chicken strips until warm.

6. Serve all of the ingredients buffet-style, letting each person build their own bowl, starting with the rice.

Print

Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls

These customizable rice bowls are a crowd-pleasing family dinner that comes together in minutes — no trip to Chipotle needed!

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword chicken, easy dinner, family favorite, gluten free, homemade, weeknight dinner

Servings 6

Calories 694kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $10.67

Ingredients

• 1- lb grilled chicken strips or cooked however you prefer (Publix) — $1.79
• 1 bag tortilla chips Walmart — $1.97
• 2 peppers Aldi — $2.29 for 3 — $1.53
• 1 onion Aldi — $2.09 for 2 lbs — $0.30
• 1 jar salsa Aldi — $1.99
• 1 head romaine Aldi — $2.49 for 3 — $0.83
• 1/2 bunch cilantro Aldi — $0.79 per bunch — $.40
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese Aldi — $3.29 for 4 cups — $1.23
• 6 cups cooked rice Aldi — $2.35 for 3lbs — $0.63
• Salt, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Wash and chop the romaine and cilantro and put each into a bowl.
• Cook the chicken and rice using your favorite method if they aren’t already cooked. (This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice and/or chicken!)
• Put the chips, salsa, and shredded cheese into three separate bowls.
• Cut the peppers and onions into slices. Sauté with a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan into a bowl and set aside.
• Sliced yellow and orange bell peppers and red onions cooking in a pan.
• In the same pan, heat the cooked chicken strips until warm.
• Serve all of the ingredients buffet-style, letting each person build their own bowl, starting with the rice.

Notes

The base of these bowls is rice, but then each person can load up their bowls with whatever they love! We enjoy adding chicken, cilantro, cheese, lettuce, and grilled onions and peppers. Some other yummy topping possibilities include black olives, chopped onions, and sour cream.

You can eat the chips and salsa on the side or crumble the chips into your bowl — whichever way you prefer. This is also a great meal for hosting as it can accomodate a variety of preferences and food sensitivities!

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 702mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 9502IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 3mg

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

• Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread
• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Chicken Chimichangas and Cilantro Rice
• Baked Potato Bar
• Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Chicken Alfredo and Roasted Carrots
• Breakfast Sandwiches
• Chicken Alfredo Soup and World’s Easiest Biscuits
• Lazy Lasagna Casserole
• Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
• Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Easy 30 Minute Dinner Rolls

And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!

If you make this easy family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

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But Easter baskets can be fun for older kids, too! If anything, it can be a great way to say: I see you. I love you. You’re worth celebrating.

If you want some fun Easter basket ideas for teens that actually feel personal, I enlisted the help of my teenagers, Kaitlynn and Silas, to help me share what they’ve loved receiving or would be excited to receive in their Easter baskets this year.

Turns out, there are so many amazing ways to fill an Easter basket with things your teen will genuinely love. These gifts are sure to be a hit with teens of all ages, and we divided them up by girls and guys so that you have plenty of ideas for everyone.

Easter Basket Ideas & Gifts for Teen Girls

1. Summer Fridays Lip Balm

Kaitlynn loves these and has so many of them. They last a long time and make a perfect gift!

2. Touchland Hand Sanitizer

These fit perfectly in a purse or small bag and are so cute. Another great Easter basket gift idea for teen girls!

3. Sol de Janiero Body Mist

You can’t go wrong with any Sol de Janeiro scent. They all smell wonderful and are a favorite with teen girls! 

4. Tree Hut Body Scrub

Tree Hut has the best body scrubs! They are so popular and make adorable gifts. Best of all, they come in so many different scents!

5. E newton bracelet

These bracelets are well worth the price. (Crystal here: Kaitlynn bought me one of these for my birthday and I absolutely love it! I wear mine 24/7 and I agree with her that it still looks brand-new!)

6. Tarte Mascara

This is Kaitlynn’s favorite mascara (and she’s tried so many different ones!). It stays on well all day and is so easy to remove at night!

7. EOS Body Lotion

This is the best lotion ever! It’s so hydrating and smells amazing. All of the EOS scents are great gifts.

8. Stanley Tumbler

These Stanley Tumblers are a huge hit among teen girls. They’re available in so many fun colors and patterns too!

9. Natural Life Boho Bandeau

These come in so many different beautiful patterns and there are a number of fun ways you can wear them!

10. Owala Water Bottles

These Owala Water Bottles are so durable and keep water cold for hours. They come in so many fun colors.

Easter Basket Ideas & Gifts for Teen Boys

1. JBL Bluetooth Speakers

We love these speakers from the bass to the sound clarity. And it’s always an amazing gift for teens listening to music with friends or just at home.

2. Nike Dri-fit Crew Socks

Nike dri-fit socks are a must for teenage boys — a nice Easter basket gift!

3. Bluetooth LED Lights

Bluetooth LED Lights are a great idea for a younger teen boy (girls like this one, too)!

4. Cross Chain Necklace

Cross chains are now in style and you can get your son one for under $20. We would recommend an 18-22 inch chain, depending on the size of your teen.

5. Silent Basketball

This is a perfect gift for teen boys, but also for the parents to never get woken up by a basketball getting dribbled in the house again! Get the silent basketball in any color size 7.

6. 3-in-1 Charging Station

This 3-in-1 charging station is amazing for your kid to be able to charge all his devices in one space.

7. KT Athletic Tape

KT Tape is amazing for teenage boys who are always moving and playing sports. The tape helps give support to joints that are sore or bothering you.

8. Timberland Men’s Leather Passcase Security RFID Wallet

This was Silas’ first leather wallet and he loved it. It worked amazing!

Best Devotionals for Teen Easter Baskets

Easter is also a great time to gift teens something that fuels their faith. My roundup of the best devotionals for teens has great picks that would be perfect for adding into a teen Easter basket! Check out the list here.

More Gift Guides

Looking for other budget-friendly gift guides? Don’t miss our big collection of gift guides put together by different members of our team! Here are some of our faves:

• Best Gifts for Tweens Under $30
• 20+ Gifts for Board Game Lovers Under $30
• My 10 Favorite Unique Baby Gifts
• 10+ Eco-Friendly Gifts Under $30
• The Best Outdoor Gift Guide for the Adventurer
• Gifts for Lego Lovers: Perfect For Kids and Adults
• 15+ of the Best Gluten Free Gifts
• 15+ Beauty Product Gifts (Under $30!)

See all our gift guides here.

Do you have any other fun teenage Easter basket ideas? We’d love to hear!

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But don’t underestimate the teen years. These are also some of the most spiritually significant years a person will ever walk through. The questions they’re asking, the identity they’re forming, the faith they’re testing all matter more than we sometimes realize in the moment.

With so much going on in their lives and important formation happening, it can be tricky to find the right resources to help guide them. Something that respects where they are without talking down to them. Something that makes God’s Word feel accessible and alive, not like one more obligation on an already-full plate.

I’ve teamed up with Sara on my team, another mom of teenagers, to share devotionals and Christian books for teens that we’ve personally read, recommended, and put in the hands of the teens in our lives. We hope they mean as much to your teens as they have to ours.

(And, don’t miss our guide to the best devotionals and Christian books for women!)

Best Devotionals for Teens:

New Morning Mercies for Teens

One of our top picks for the best devotionals for women — New Morning Mercies — has a teen version! This book has 366 devotions, each only one page long. They’ll point teens to the wisdom and grace of Jesus, and encourage them to “fall in love with Jesus, find freedom and joy within his boundaries, and live for his glory– day in and day out.”

Dwell on These Things

This Bible study walks teen girls through Philippians 4:4-9 to teach a simple method of memorizing God’s Word. Scripture memorization can be such a helpful tool in the busy teen years and this book will not only teach a helpful method, but will inspire teen girls to dwell on what’s true, beautiful, and lovely.

Identity: Discovering Who You Are in Christ

This 31-day devotional for teenagers helps them explore questions like: Who am I? What is my purpose? How does that impact how I live? The teen years are filled with big questions and uncertainty, and this book will equip them to answer those questions grounded in God’s truth.

Quest Study Bible for Teens

This New International Version (NIV) Bible has thousands of questions — and their answers — that teens are likely to have about God’s Word and how it relates to their lives, their struggles, and today’s world. It also has a helpful introduction for each book, which explains things like who wrote the book and why, and what to look out for as you’re reading the book. If your teen wants to develop a Bible-reading habit, this Bible is a great resource!

Best Christian Books for Teens:

Something special happens when teens catch even a glimpse of who God says they are. The noise quiets a little. The comparison loses some of its grip. And something in them starts to believe that maybe, just maybe, they were made for more than they imagined.

That’s exactly what we had in mind as we chose these books as our top Christian books for teens. These books contain stories and truths that invite teens to see themselves as deeply loved, intentionally created, and called to meaningfully participate in God’s story.

The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You

This short book centers around the heart of Jesus as he himself describes it in Matthew 11:29 — gentle and humble — and the whole book feels like a warm hug from Jesus. This is an excellent book to read together or for your teen to read on their own, and the short chapters will fit into their busy life stage.

The Common Rule: Youth Edition

If you loved Justin Earley’s Habits of the Household, you’ll also love The Common Rule: Youth Edition. This book is adapted from his Common Rule book for adults and is particularly relevant for 6th-12th graders. With practices like daily Scripture reading, Sabbath rest, digital detoxes, physical activity, and shared meals, Justin encourages teens to shape their schedules and routines to enable freedom, peace, and thriving.

Brave: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety

We both loved Sissy Goff’s Raising Worry-Free Girls, and this book takes that book’s principles and presents them to teen girls. It will equip her to understand her emotions, to fight back when worries arise, and to live as the “brave, strong, deeply-loved girl God made her to be.”

(Also be sure to check out the podcast episode I recorded with Sissy about her wonderful book for parents, whether you’re raising boys or girls!)

Kisses from Katie

What started as a short-term mission trip to Uganda during her senior year of high school turned into a complete redirection of Katie Davis’s life. Something about the people she met and their needs wouldn’t let her go — and she knew with certainty that she was meant to go back. She did. And she ended up adopting fifteen children and founding a ministry that serves hundreds more.

If your teen wants to dream big, step outside their comfort zone, and impact the world, they’ll find this book so inspiring. We each read it as adults and it profoundly moved and challenged us.

I also had the chance to interview Katie Davis Majors on my podcast about her newest book, Safe All Along: Trading Our Fears and Anxieties for God’s Unshakable Peace. I would highly recommend this book too, especially if your teenager struggles with anxiety or worries.

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, gave four BBC radio addresses during World War II, encouraging hope and faith amidst suffering, while explaining the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Those radio addresses became Mere Christianity, and it’s an excellent primer in what the Christian faith believes. Whether your teen is doubting God’s existence or goodness, or seeking to grow in a thriving relationship with Him, this book is excellent. It’s also a great book to read aloud together and discuss.

And, if you like this one, you’ll also like Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis’s spiritual memoir, describing his journey from atheism to Christianity.

The Right Book at the Right Time

The teen years don’t last forever, but the faith formed in them often does. We hope that these books will meet your teen where they are, help them get answers to questions they might be asking, and point them to the God who loves them.

If you’re wondering how to get these books into your teen’s hands, sometimes the best way is simply to hand it to them and say, “I thought of you when I saw this.”

Even if they don’t start reading right away, we’ve found that teens will pick up a book at the moment they need it. We pray that through the pages of these books — and through your care for them — your teens would come to know with confidence that they are seen, known, and deeply loved.

Related Links:

• Helping Our Teens Develop a Relationship with Jesus
• Raising Teens: Answering your burning questions
• You Get What You Expect (+ some thoughts on raising teens)
• How to Teach Your Teens About Budgeting
• Best Devotionals and Christian Books for Women
• Where to Get Books for Free (Yes, Really!)
• Where to Buy Cheap Books (So You Can Read More Without Spending a Fortune!)
• Teen Easter Basket Ideas

What do you think are the best devotionals or Christian books for teens? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

Want to Raise a Money-Smart Teen?

Grab our FREE Financial Skills for Teens guide to set them up for future financial success!

Send me the FREE guide!

Psst! Looking for more baby freebies? You can also get a FREE Target Baby Registry Gift Bag and FREE Amazon Baby Box. And be sure to check out all the great Baby Deals we’ve recently posted.

Pregnant or adopting? This is a fun freebie to sign up for and it only takes a few minutes! I signed up a few years back and was excited with all the great freebies they sent to me!

What I love about the Walmart Baby Registry Box

Well… for starters, it’s FREE!

Plus, it’s packed with all sorts of great products you will inevitably use for your new baby.

This box is a great opportunity to try new brands you might not otherwise purchase, to see what works best for you and/or what your baby prefers — all without going over budget.

How to get the Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box

1. Go here and create a Baby Registry on Walmart.com. (You only need to add a few items to it.)
2. After you’ve created your registry, go here and scroll down and click on the free welcome box photo.
3. Fill out the simple form with your name, address, due date, and Walmart Baby Registry link.
4. That’s it! Within a few weeks, your free gift box will arrive in the mail.

Click here to order your own FREE Box.

What came in my Walmart Registry Baby Box

I got a free welcome box when I was pregnant and it was packed with the following fun goodies:

• Dr. Brown’s Bottle
• Huggies diaper sample
• Pampers diaper sample
• Dreft laundry sample
• ALL Free & Clear sample
• Pacifier
• Johnson’s Baby Samples
• Water Wipes
• Hyland’s baby samples
• Plus, 1-12 month photo cards to use for baby photos (I thought this was such a fun and unexpected freebie!)

Walmart Baby Registry Recommendations

I’m a big believer in keeping things simple and I think there are very few truly essential items that a baby needs. These include: clothing, diapers/wipes, bed, car seat, stroller, burp cloths, and blankets.

However, if I was to recommend a few “wants” you could add to your registry, these are some of my top baby items that I’ve loved with my younger three! I especially used the electric nail trimmers and winkel toy all the time.

Walmart Baby Welcome Box FAQs

Have you ever taken advantage of this freebie? I’d love to hear what you got in the comments!!

P.S. Don’t forget to get your FREE Target Baby Registry Gift Bag and FREE Amazon Baby Box, too!

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I had the incredible privilege of getting to go on another Client Getaway with my business coach, Alli Worthington. We went to Disney again and spent 4 days…

…Laughing until we could barely breathe with tears streaming down our faces while we recounted stories and life experiences and core memories made together.

…Squealing at the top of our lungs with arms thrown up into the air while riding an epic ride together.

…Sharing deep heartfelt conversations about struggles and fears and insecurities.

…Cheering and clapping and celebrating for each other as we talked about wins and victories from this past year…

My heart is so insanely thankful to the Lord for bringing @alliworthington into my life. Not only has she changed my life and our business as my business coach, but she has helped me re-learn how to fully embrace and love play and childlike wonder. Plus, she has introduced me to a group of women who have become dear, dear friends through her client getaways.

Four years ago, I was praying that God would give me one woman who could mentor and encourage me and coach me. I had no idea that God was going to answer that prayer so much more abundantly than I could ever dream or imagine.

I also could never have imagined it was possible to be the CEO of a small business and have 6 kids while only working 40 hours a week and having margin for friendships and hobbies and prioritizing my health and rest and play.

I think this picture above captures the joy that I have, the passion for life I feel, and how fulfilling my life is. I’m so incredibly humbled and grateful.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is how to build a strong relationship with your teen son — especially in the pre-teen and early teen years when emotions can get bigger, hormones are coursing through their bodies, and communication can get trickier.

These are the simple, practical things that have mattered most for me.

Want to build a good relationship with your teen son? Do these 10 things…

1. Pray daily for your son and pray for God to give you wisdom to love him well.
2. Step into his world. Care about what he cares about.
3. Get interested in sports or video games or whatever your son is interested in.
4. Take him out for lunch or get his favorite treat.
5. Praise every tiny little thing he puts effort into.
6. Save your corrections for those times when it really, really matters.
7. Be his biggest cheerleader instead of his biggest critic.
8. Talk highly of him to him and to others.
9. Clearly communicate expectations built upon a strong foundation of relationship.
10. Keep him busy. Bored boys are often frustrated and have lots of energy with no outlet.

For more encouragement and practical ideas on how to be a calmer, happier mom, be sure to sign up for my free 10-day class: 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom.

“Busy is a choice. Peace is too.” I’ve been thinking about that line a lot.

We can’t always choose our circumstances and sometimes life is really full, but we always have agency over our responses and our attitude.

We can choose a calm, peaceful approach to our days. To add in more fun and life-giving things. To smile more. To stop and notice the gifts around us. To hand over our heavy burdens to Jesus and ask Him to carry them for us. To release our worries to Him. To share our struggles with a friend so we’re not alone. To see and acknowledge what we have to be grateful for.

And want to know something interesting? The more I’m pursuing rest and play and nourishing my soul instead of living life at a breakneck speed, the calmer my body is feeling and the more productive I am when I’m working because I’m showing up with energy instead of exhaustion!

You might not fully agree with this quote by @drcarolineleaf, but I hope it makes you stop and think.

I’m so grateful I cut my work hours so much this year!! I honestly didn’t know if I could — but we reduced a bunch of expenses and decided to just make it work.

And oh man… the business will likely gross less money this year but it is absolutely so worth it for the peace I feel in my heart and how much more present I am in our home!!

We also sat down and reviewed our personal budget and found multiple things to cut back on. I honestly think we’re going to end the year in a better financial position than we started the year (both personally and in the business) because I’m being so much more intentional in how we’re spending money.

This was a completely unexpected benefit of these changes — but even if that weren’t the case, the peace I feel in my soul is truly impossible to put a price tag on!

I took the three younger kids to a birthday party at the park last week. David had a blast!! Though he did accidentally knock some of the cupcakes off the table while trying to get a balloon (and the mama putting on the party was insanely gracious about it – which meant so much to me!)

I love watching him intently exploring the world. He teaches me to slow down and notice all sorts of little things I would easily overlook!

My sister has been raving about the Walmart jeans for awhile, so I stopped by this past week to see what I could find. I was super impressed! (Walmart currently has 10 styles priced under $15 right now on their website + you might find more on the clearance rack at your store!)

I picked up these 4 pairs (one of them I got in two different sizes since I wasn’t sure which size would be best). You can see them on me in these videos here and let me know which ones you think I should keep!

Q&A’s From This Week

So many of you writing in with parenting questions this week — and I have a free 10-day class I created for you on how to be a calmer, more joy-filled mom and build deep relationships with your kids!

Question: Can you talk about things you decided to cut back on finanacially and how you made that decision?

Answer: So many of you asked about this! The honest truth is that because the business income had increased so much the last two years and life was so full, I honestly got sloppy. Jesse and I weren’t regularly sitting down and looking at all our purchases/expenses for personal and the business, we had signed up for a lot of different services for the business and I wasn’t really paying attention to which ones we were really using and which ones we weren’t using as much because there always seemed to be so many other pressing things. I also wasn’t paying close attention to what parts of the business were bringing in income and which parts weren’t really profitable.

Last August, we found unexpectedly found ourselves in a place we hadn’t been in in years – we were spending more than we were making with the business!! It was a pretty shocking revelation and I knew I needed to make major changes swiftly.

So we did a complete audit of the business and discovered that many parts that I thought were profitable weren’t. We had to make some big changes and cuts and completely revamp our business budget.

Question: You already seemed very frugal before. What things did you cut back on to save more money?

Answer: For those of you who know me well, you can imagine that this discovery was pretty unsettling. I struggling with feelings of shame and failure. But I am so grateful for the wise counsel around me (like my business coach, Alli) who helped me make a swift turnaround of the sinking ship.

After we started with macro changes (like shutting down parts of the business that weren’t turning a profit and scaling back a lot of other parts), we then moved to micro changes. Over the past three months, I’ve gone through every single business expense with a fine-toothed comb. We’ve discovered that many services we were paying for weren’t necessary, we’ve found a number of monthly services we were over-paying for (a few to the tune of hundreds of dollars a month!) and by reaching out to the companies, we were able to get costs reduced, and we’ve just tightened up our overall spending.

These changes are saving us thousands of dollars a month and allowing the business to be well in the black again! It also means myself and the team can cut back our hours because we don’t need to make as much to cover our expenses!

Question: Based on your recent post, what are some things that you found to cut back on?

Answer: Motivated by all these business changes, we did a deep dive audit into our personal finances. And we ended up finding quite a few things we could cut or reduce.

For instance, we are shutting down two small side businesses we own that we were paying hundreds of dollars a year for taxes, accounting, etc. and not really doing much with. We decided to try to go back to using gift cards we earn from various places like Fetch, Swagbucks, etc. to pay for eating out.

We found a few subscriptions we were paying for that we weren’t really using much anymore. And we found a few other budget categories we could reduce. Honestly, we were shocked at how much we will be saving per month by making these changes! I kept telling Jesse the entire time we were doing these audits, this is SO much fun!!

Question: Since the girls are older, do they still confide in you? How do you build close relationships?

Answer: I feel like the girls confide in me more now that they are older than did when they were younger. I’m so grateful.

My biggest advice to build strong relationships with girls: care about what they care about. Listen to their music, watch their shows with them, go shopping with them, ask for their input on things they care about, be available to listen whenever they want to talk. And actually listen – don’t just preach sermons.

Have fun with them. Share inside jokes. Talk highly of them to them and to others. Tell them how proud you are of them. Praise 10 times more than you correct. Save your correction for when it really, really matters.

Be a relaxed mom who has fun and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Surprise them with special things that communicate, “I was thinking about you.”

Don’t freak out when they make choices or decisions that are different than you. Deeply consider, “Is this something that is truly unsafe or something I just don’t like because of personal preference or because I care what other people are going to think?”

Question: Do you think David will eventually feed himself?

Answer: I don’t know. And honestly, I’m okay with that. He is happy. He is thriving. He feels safe and secure. And he’s able to communicate his needs. That’s what matters to us.

If David decides he wants to feed himself, he will definitely figure out how to do it. But until then, we can only model, encourage, and give him opportunities to try. Right now, if you encourage him to hold a spoon or try to pick up food, he gets really frustrated. But we still keep offering him opportunities and if he pushes it away, we move on.

Question: Book review any time coming up?

Answer: I share about what I’m reading every week in my personal newsletter. If you don’t get that, you can sign up here!

I have dropped the ball on sharing my current reads on Instagram recently so thank you for the reminder to get back to that!

Question: Can you explain how working with Nourish and and a nutritionist/dietician worked? If insurance covered it, was it all of it or a portion? Were you happy with the results?

Answer: Yes! Insurance covered all of it – and they continue to do so! They say that usually they cover 100% for 94% of people. So it’s definitely worth checking into!

My dietitian has changed my life! Not only has she helped me have a much healthier perspective on food and helped me have food freedom, but she’s given me so many practical ideas and tools to prioritize a healthier lifestyle that works for me for the full life I have. Plus, she just helps me feel so heard and seen. It feels like a bit of a therapy and cheerleading session when we meet!

See if your insurance covers it here.

Spring Break officially started for Kierstyn and Micah on Friday and David was still on Spring Break so Jesse and I went to the gym and Sam’s Club with the three younger kids!

Kierstyn had never been to Sam’s Club before and she was pretty psyched about everything they had there! (We have been loving our membership that we got for just $20!!)

Kierstyn was quite disappointed that the free sample machine gave her Dude Wipes and not something to eat.

(If you need a laugh about Sam’s Club, check out this reel!)

David has a very limited repertoire of foods he likes to eat and Chobani yogurt is one of them so I’m so happy with this price at Sam’s! ($13.87 for 16 cups!)

Books I Finished This Past Week

I finished listened to Holy Disrupter last week. It wasn’t at all what I expected and I thought it had a lot of impactful sections. I appreciated Amy sharing about her background and filling in some of the details on the Duggar family (like Jim Bob’s upbringing) that I wasn’t aware of before.

Obviously, this is her story and there are two sides to every story, but I think there was a lot of value in hearing her perspective. That said, I felt like the story was hard to follow at times as it felt like she jumped around in a lot of places and didn’t give enough context for some things and then repeated herself and some details in other places.

What I’m Watching

I’m still on season 10 of When Calls the Heart. I haven’t had much time to watch anything the past two weeks with travel and my last round of book edits, but I’m hoping to make some good headway on it this coming week and maybe almost finish out the show (there are 14 seasons).

Jesse and I also started watching season 3 of The Night Agent. Silas and I had watched the other seasons together and really liked it, so I convinced Jesse to to watch the first two seasons so we could watch season 3 together. So far, we’re only a few episodes in, but we are enjoying it. (Do note that the show has some language, quite a bit of action and intense scenes, and some more mature themes. As always, I recommend doing your own research before watching a show to decide if it’s a good fit for you!)

What I’m Listening To

I randomly found this audiobook available on Libby and started listening to it. It’s different than the books I usually listen to, but it has been intriguing enough for me to keep listening! Note: I’m only about two hours in, so I can’t vouch for the book as a whole and whether there is anything in it I wouldn’t recommend or would make me stop listening, but so far I haven’t encountered anything other than some very brief language.

In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week

Where to Get Books for Free — I love books, I love learning, and I truly believe reading is one of the best (and most affordable!) ways to grow. So, over the years, I’ve gotten pretty creative and discovered that it is possible to read a lot without spending a lot. Check out this post for my best tips for getting free books!

Where to Buy Cheap Books (So You Can Read More Without Spending a Fortune) — Can’t find the book free? No worries! These spots will get the books you love without making your wallet cry.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe ($10 Family Dinner Idea) — If you haven’t ever tried chicken pot pie with a homemade cream cheese crust, you are absolutely missing out! This crust takes regular ol’ comfort food up a whole notch! And, since it uses frozen vegetables and pre-cooked chicken, it’s a quick weeknight dinner that feels extra special.

From Instagram: My Advice for Raising Teen Sons — I shared my advice for building a strong relationship with your teen son. If you’re in the thick of raising boys right now, I hope this encourages you. 

And My Advice for Raising Teen Daughters — Some of this advice matches what teen boys need, but these are some of the things I think you can do strengthen your relationship, especially during those often-tumultuous tween and early-teen years.

Why Walmart+ Just Became Even More Valuable for Pet Owners (Free 24/7 Vet Access!) — If you have a pet, you know how quickly those little “uh-oh” moments can turn into expensive vet visits. That’s why Walmart+ adding free 24/7 virtual vet access through Pawp is such a big deal and, honestly, one of the most underrated perks of the membership right now. Check out this post for all the details!

Best Devotionals and Christian Books for Women — Whether you’re craving deep truths or a little daily encouragement, there’s something here with your name on it. 

Crustless Spinach Quiche with Easy Whole Wheat Bread ($10 Dinner Idea) — This crustless quiche is one of the easiest recipes ever! And, when paired with this go-to whole wheat bread, it’s an affordable, healthy weeknight dinner.

Zuppa Toscana — My sister’s creamy, delicious soup with potatoes and sausage is one of the first meals my niece requests when she comes home from college. I think your family will love it too! 

This Week’s Podcast Episode

I am so excited to be bringing this conversation with repeat guest Addison Bevere to you! Addison is the author of the book Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection, and his work has really stayed with me since our last discussion. I have, in fact, told so many people about how his heart for faith feels so authentic and alive. His genuine spirit deeply touched me in our first interview, so I was honored to get to have him back — and this interview is one that I’ve thought about again and again since we recorded it.

In this podcast episode, we talk about his new prayer journal that accompanies his book which is designed as a 40-day invitation to build a more real rhythm with God rather than trying to achieve perfect performance. After all, prayer should not be performative!

One of the themes that keeps coming up throughout our conversation is the idea that prayer isn’t about getting the words right, and I reflect a bit about my own experience learning to slow down and practice rest as a spiritual discipline, something I never really thought much about before. Addison explains how many people feel they are “bad at prayer” because they approach it through shame or expectation rather than connection, and, instead, he frames prayer as simply showing up honestly and paying attention.

We also unpack how quickly our mornings can be hijacked by screens, anxiety, or the pressure to immediately start producing, with Addison sharing a simple but powerful practice: when you wake up, breathe, rest in the moment, and allow your mind and heart to settle before grabbing your phone.

He explains how early morning brain states may be uniquely open to reflection, creativity, and spiritual awareness, and I also talk about about how this practice has helped me move from feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands to seeing them as opportunities to respond with love and intention. Addison highlights the importance of writing down fears, burdens, or questions that can help name what we are carrying and create space for clarity.

If you have ever felt unsure how to pray, struggled with slowing down, or longed for a deeper sense of closeness with God, this conversation offers a gentle, practical framework for beginning. I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Addison, and, as always, I would love for you to reach out with your thoughts!

Listen to the episode here. I am almost 100% positive, you’ll walk away from it deeply inspired, too!

I’ve already lightened it up a bit by using less cream (I promise you won’t notice the difference!) as well as added some extra potatoes and kale to make it stretch further. If you want to make it even more budget-friendly, you can leave out the bacon and substitute whole milk for the cream. It won’t be as rich, but it will still taste amazing! Serve it with a side of easy 30-minute dinner rolls or breadsticks, and you’ll have a yummy meal that the whole family will request for dinner again and again.

Zuppa Toscana Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-pound sausage
• 8 ounces bacon
• a few Tablespoons olive oil, if needed
• 6 cups chicken broth plus 3 cups water
• 3 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 6 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• parmesan cheese for topping

How to Make Zuppa Toscana

1. In a large soup pot, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels and let drain. Crumble into pieces and set aside.

2. In the same pot, fry the sausage until no pink remains.

3. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute until tender (add in some olive oil if needed for frying – this will depend on how lean your bacon and sausage is).

4. Add the peeled, cubed potatoes, 6 cups chicken broth (I use bouillon cubes + water), 3 cups water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Add in the chopped kale and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Pour into bowls and garnish with bacon pieces and parmesan cheese.

Print

Zuppa Toscana

Our entire family LOVES this soup! In fact, it’s usually the first meal that my daughter requests when she comes back home from college for a visit. It’s hearty and filling, and it might taste even better the second day (if you have any left, that is!).

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword easy dinner, family favorite, gluten free, homemade, potatoes, soup, weeknight dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 606kcal

Author Brigette

Ingredients

• 1 onion finely chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound sausage
• 8 ounces bacon
• A few Tablespoons olive oil if needed
• 6 cups chicken broth plus 3 cups water
• 3 1/2 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 6 cups kale chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

• In a large soup pot, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels and let drain. Crumble into pieces and set aside.
• In the same pot, fry the sausage until no pink remains.
• Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute until tender (add in some olive oil if needed for frying – this will depend on how lean your bacon and sausage is).
• Add the peeled, cubed potatoes, 6 cups chicken broth (I use bouillon cubes + water), 3 cups water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
• Add in the chopped kale and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
• Pour into bowls and garnish with bacon pieces and parmesan cheese.

Notes

I’ve already lightened it up a bit by using less cream (I promise you won’t notice the difference!) as well as added some extra potatoes and kale to make it stretch further. If you want to make it even more budget-friendly, you can leave out the bacon and substitute whole milk for the cream. It won’t be as rich, but it will still taste amazing!

Serve this soup with a side of easy 30-minute dinner rolls or breadsticks, and you’ll have a yummy meal that the whole family will request for dinner again and again.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1833mg | Potassium: 1181mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2083IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 3mg

FAQs about Zuppa Toscana:

More Recipes You’ll Love:

•  30 Minute Rolls (Quick Yeast Rolls)
• Easy Homemade Breadsticks
• World’s Easiest Cornbread Recipe
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
• Best Ever Black Bean Soup
• Sheet Pan Veggies and Sausage
• Feeding Teenagers Without Breaking Your Budget (100+ Ideas!)

Also, be sure to check out our $10 dinner ideas series for more easy healthy dinner ideas.

If you make this recipe, please leave a review letting us know how it turned out!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

Aldi

2 Cauliflower – $5.98

1 Cabbage – $1.33

3 3-ct bags Multi-Colored Peppers – $6.75

1 bag Cilantro – $0.79

1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $2.29

1 2-lb bag Red Onions – $1.89

1 carton Blueberries – $2.99

1 bag Chopped Pecans – $3.59

1 bunch Organic Bananas – $1.45

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.96

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $2.25

1 loaf Whole Wheat Bread – $2.39

1 large box Corn Flakes – $1.99

1 large canister Rolled Oats – $3.49

1 jar Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – $4.99

1 jar Balsamic Vinegar – $2.59

1 2-lb bag Organic Brown Rice – $4.89

1 4-pk Low Sugar Greek Yogurt – $3.69

2 jar Pasta Sauce – $2.78

1 jar Salsa – $1.99

1 jar Honey – $4.89

1 2-lb bag Organic Basmati Rice – $3.89

1 box Organic Pasta – $1.89

1 jar Chili Powder – $0.98

1 jar Paprika – $0.98

1 tub Feta Crumbles – $1.45

1 box Butter Quarters – $3.09

1 pkg Kielbasa – $2.79

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $3.49

1 1-lb bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $3.29

Total: $87.81

Publix

4 cans Pringles – $6.58, used $3/4 Pringles Publix Digital Coupon – $0.72 after Coupon

2 cartons Strawberries – $3.99

1 4-pk Siggi’s Yogurt – $2.99

1 packet Royal Rice – $1.67, used $1/1 Royal Rice Publix Digital Coupon plus received $0.50/1 Royal Rice Ibotta Rebate – $0.17 after Coupon and Rebate

2 jars Polaner All-Fruit Jam – $4.69, received 500 points from Swagbucks ($5) and $0.75/2 from Checkout51 – $1.06 Money Maker after Rebates

2 bags Springer Mountain Grilled Chicken – $4.79, used (2) $1.50/1 Printables – $1.79 for 2 after Coupons

2 bags Like Air Popcorn – $4.49, used $1/1 Peelie, plus received $2.25 back from Aisle – $1.24 for 2 after Coupon and Rebate

Total after Coupons and Rebates: $9.84

Grocery Total for the Week: $97.65

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Homemade Granola, Yogurt, Smoothies

Lunches

PB & J Sandwiches, Chips, Sliced Peppers x 3

Leftovers x 4

Dinners

Grilled Hobo Packets, Strawberries

Spaghetti, Green Beans, Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Roasted Cauliflower, Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Homemade Chipotle Bowls (Rice, Chicken Strips, Cilantro, Romaine, Cheese, Chips, Salsa)

Venison Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower

Crustless Quiche, Biscuits, Green Beans

Leftovers

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

Send me my FREE Menu Plan!

Shredded cheese is a wonderful addition (just throw in a cup or so before you bake it), but we have some newly-discovered dairy sensitivities at my house, so I opted to skip that possibility.

This easy whole wheat bread recipe has been my standard go-to recipe for many years if I want to make something healthy but with minimal ingredients and prep time. It is so simple – the bread machine does all of the work! I grind my own flour (using organic white winter wheat) but you can use any combination of white/whole wheat flour. I use 8×4 loaf pans to get nice, rounded loaves of bread. Slather warm slices with butter and yum!

This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.

Crustless Spinach Quiche Dinner Menu:

• Crustless Spinach Quiche
• Easy Whole Wheat Bread 

Ingredients for Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread*:

• 1 dozen eggs (Aldi – $1.96 for 12) — $1.96
• 1 1/2 cups milk (Aldi – $3.05 for 16 cups) — $0.29
• 1/2 lb chopped deli meat, or meat of choice (Aldi – $3.99 for 16oz) — $2
• 1-2 cups chopped fresh spinach (Aldi – $1.99 for 8oz) — $1
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• 1 cup plus 1 Tablespoon warm water
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (Aldi – $5.49 for 14oz) — $0.19
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil (Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons) — $0.22
• 2 Tablespoons honey (Aldi – $4.99 for 24oz) — $0.20
• 3 cups whole wheat flour (Lidl – $2.99 for 18.75 cups) — $0.48
• 1 Tablespoon instant active dry yeast (Sams – $6.88 for 2lbs) — $0.08

Total for Dinner: $6.42 (Serves 6)

*Note: Some of these things I got cheaper than the prices listed by using coupons or shopping markdowns. That’s why you’ll see Nellie’s eggs instead of Aldi brand eggs in the picture, etc. But since not everyone is able to shop the same markdown prices, I’ve used standard prices at chain grocery stores when calculating my total price for dinner.

How to Make Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread:

1. Follow the instructions here for making Easy Whole Wheat Bread in the bread machine. (Note: I always double the recipe and make two loaves.)

2. While the dough is in the bread machine, whisk together the eggs and the milk in a large bowl.

3. Mix in the chopped spinach and deli meat, seasonings, and any other additions you prefer (like shredded cheese). Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and stick in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

4. When the dough cycle is finished, transfer dough into a greased loaf pan (or two loaf pans, if you’re doubling the recipe). Let rise for 30 minutes, as written in the recipe.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. (Note: If you are letting your dough rise in the oven, make sure you remove the pans before preheating the oven… not that I’ve ever made this mistake, of course!)

6. Take the quiche out of the fridge and bake it for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. 10 minutes after you put the quiche in the oven, stick the bread in the oven also and bake it for 30 minutes.

Print

Crustless Spinach Quiche with Easy Whole Wheat Bread

Crustless Quiche is one of the easiest recipes ever! You can customize the vegetables and protein to your family’s preferences (and based on what leftovers you need to use up). You'll also love this easy whole wheat bread.

Course Breakfast, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword bread, breakfast, brunch, easy breakfast, easy dinner, family favorite, homemade, weeknight dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Rise Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 463kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $6.42

Ingredients

Crustless Spinach Quiche Ingredients

• 1 dozen eggs Aldi – $1.96 for 12 — $1.96
• 1 1/2 cups milk Aldi – $3.05 for 16 cups — $0.29
• 1/2 lb chopped deli meat or meat of choice (Aldi – $3.99 for 16oz) — $2
• 1-2 cups chopped fresh spinach Aldi – $1.99 for 8oz — $1
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, to taste

Easy Whole Wheat Bread Ingredients

• 1 cup + 1 Tablespoon warm water
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil Aldi – $5.49 for 14oz — $0.19
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons — $0.22
• 2 Tablespoons honey Aldi – $4.99 for 24oz — $0.20
• 3 cups whole wheat flour Lidl – $2.99 for 18.75 cups — $0.48
• 1 Tablespoon instant active dry yeast Sams – $6.88 for 2lbs — $0.08

Instructions

• Put all the bread ingredients in the bread machine, in the order listed, or in the order recommended by your bread machine model.
• Run the dough cycle.
• While the dough is in the bread machine, whisk together the eggs and the milk in a large bowl.
• Mix in the chopped spinach and deli meat, seasonings, and any other additions you prefer (like shredded cheese).
• Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 pan and stick it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• When the dough cycle is finished, transfer dough into a greased loaf pan (or two loaf pans, if you’re doubling the recipe). Let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. (Note: If you are letting your dough rise in the oven, make sure you remove the pans before preheating the oven… not that I’ve ever made this mistake, of course!)
• Take the quiche out of the fridge and bake it for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. 10 minutes after you put the quiche in the oven, stick the bread in the oven also and bake it for 30 minutes (I recommend you cover the bread with foil after 15 min. to prevent over-browning).
• Let the bread sit for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven, then remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 347mg | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1048IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 4mg

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Chicken Chimichangas and Cilantro Rice
• Baked Potato Bar
• Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Chicken Alfredo and Roasted Carrots
• Breakfast Sandwiches
• Chicken Alfredo Soup and World’s Easiest Biscuits
• Lazy Lasagna Casserole
• Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
• Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Easy 30 Minute Dinner Rolls
• Meat and Potato Crust Quiche with Flax Muffins

And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!

If you make this easy family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

FREE One Week Menu Plan!

Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!

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For years, I’ve been on a mission to feed my reading obsession without blowing our monthly budget, and along the way I’ve found so many good places to buy books without paying full price.

You’ve probably heard about how to get books for free through the library or swapping with friends (and those are great), but sometimes, you just want to own a book, or you’re searching for a specific title that’s nowhere to be had for free.

That’s where smart book buying comes in. Whether you’re hunting for paperback favorites, hardcovers for your shelf, or even textbooks for school, here are my favorite tried-and-true places to find cheap books that don’t make your wallet cry.

Where to Buy Cheap Books Locally:

Local Used Bookstores

One of my favorite book-hunting adventures is visiting local used bookstores. These shops often have deeply discounted books (think 25–75% off retail) and you can browse titles you might never find online. Many stores also offer store credit when you bring in books to sell or trade. This means your old books become new-to-you titles with almost no out-of-pocket cost.

Pro tip: Ask if they have special discount days or sections; sometimes kids’ books are priced especially low because families go through them quickly.

Thrift Stores

If you love a bargain like I do, don’t skip the book section at places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local thrift shops. Reader Stephanie once shared that she found hardbacks at Salvation Army for just 79¢ each — including books on her own wish list! Thrift stores often have books for a fraction of retail price, and inventory changes all the time, so popping in regularly can pay off.

Thrift stores also often have fill-a-bag deals or prices so low they’re nearly free.

Goodwill, in particular, can be a fantastic option. According to reader Teri from Readers Gotta Read: “Adult hardback books are $2.99, adult paperbacks are $1.99, and kids’ books are 99¢. Plus, items with the color of the week are often 50% off — or even 99¢ on Sundays.”

You can also sometimes buy books cheaply and then trade or swap them later at a Little Free Library or with friends.

Library Book Sales

Libraries often receive more donated books than they can shelve, so they host book sales to raise funds — offering you the chance to score a huge discount on books and support your library all at once! Win-win!

Most library book sale prices range from $0.50 to $3, depending on the book and your location, making it easy to get a bargain. And don’t forget to ask if your branch keeps a year-round sale shelf so you don’t have to wait for the next big event.

Dollar Deals & Discount Retailers

Don’t forget about discount retailers like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Dollar Tree, or even clearance sections at big-box stores. These places sometimes carry overstock or publisher closeouts at extremely low prices.

And here’s an idea I’ve done myself: keep an eye out for children’s book deals, like when sites offer multiple books for just a few dollars shipped. For example, there was a recent offer where you could get 5 children’s books for just $5 shipped — that’s about $1 per book!

Deals like that don’t come all the time, but when they do, they’re a great way to stock up inexpensively.

Garage Sales

Garage sales and estate sales are also goldmines for cheap reads, and don’t be afraid to bundle books and ask for a deal if you’re buying more than a few.

Where to Get Cheap Books Online:

Online bargain book retailers are like treasure chests for frugal readers and there are so many excellent options. Teri from Readers Gotta Read shares this advice about shopping online used book sites:

“These sites let you choose the quality of the book (new, like new, very good, good, and acceptable condition), which impacts the price of the book. If I’m after just one book, I’ll usually order it on Abe Books with free shipping on that one book. If I have several titles I want, then I’ll try to get my order to reach $15 to qualify for free shipping for Thrift Books or Better World Books. Additionally, you can receive coupon codes for sales if you sign up for these sites’ email lists. The banners on the homepages of these sites promote deals as well.”

Book Outlet

A personal favorite of many readers, Book Outlet offers discounted books, both kids’ titles and adult favorites, often at 50% off list price or more. You can sign up for their emails or newsletter for extra coupons and special deals.

ThriftBooks & World of Books

Online stores like ThriftBooks and World of Books specialize in used books with very low price tags, and often offer free shipping once your order reaches a threshold (like $15). You can browse by genre, format, or condition so that you only pay what you’re comfortable with.

Pro tip: Request e-mail notifications for when the books on your wishlist drop in price!

Abe Books

Abe Books is a massive marketplace where you buy books directly from third-party booksellers. They often offer free shipping, depending on the book. Abe Books is especially good for buying out-of-print titles.

Psst… Do you feel like there’s never enough time for all the books you want to read? Be sure to check out my FREE Time-Saving Cheatsheet!

eBay

eBay has the most variety on prices and shipping, meaning you’ll sometimes pay more than you would elsewhere, but it is an option if you can’t find a book cheaper on one of the sites above. It’s especially good for textbooks or homeschool curriculum.

Amazon & Barnes & Noble Used Marketplace

Sometimes the simplest route to a cheap book is right through a place you already shop.

If you use Amazon or Barnes & Noble, check the used marketplace listings before buying new. You can often find paperback or even hardcover copies for significantly less than new pricing and if you use gift cards you’ve earned through rewards programs (like Swagbucks) and/or shop through a cashback site, you can essentially get books at no cash cost at all.

Price-Matching & Smart Timing to Get Cheap Books

Here’s a savvy tactic that doesn’t get enough attention: price check and price match. If you find a book cheaper on one site but want to buy it locally today, ask your local bookstore or shop if they’ll price match the online price. Some stores will, especially smaller indie shops trying to keep business in the community.

Also, seasons matter! Shops often mark down books around back-to-school, end-of-year sales, or holiday clearances. Watching prices over time can really pay off for titles you’re patient about.

Reader Tips Worth Sharing

Readers have found some other creative ways to buy cheap books too!

• One reader suggested paying attention to Goodwill bargain strategies, like shopping “color of the week” stickers for extra discounts. This helps you snag books even cheaper.
• “I’ve always used my Swagbucks to buy books from Amazon.com but recently began going to thrift shops.” – Stephanie
• “Netgalley.com gives away e-reader advance reader copies as well. You need to write reviews and post reviews online afterwards, but I’ve gotten quite a few books from there.” – Sara

Stick to Your Book Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

Books are one of life’s greatest joys, and they shouldn’t have to break your budget. With a little patience, creativity, and willingness to explore secondhand options or deals, you can keep your shelves full and your wallet happy.

Whether you’re browsing a thrift shelf, trading online, or scoring a great discount on a used copy, there are so many ways to make your reading habit more affordable.

Related Links:

• Where to Get Free Books (Yes, Really!)
• The 43 Books I Read in 2025
• My Top 4 Favorite Reads From 2024
• Ask Crystal: How do you find time to read?
• How to Find More Time to Read — Even When Life is Busy
• Our Top 20+ Favorite Audiobooks
• Meet Your Goal to Read More with My FREE Goal Setting Worksheets

And, be sure to check out all our recent deals on books!

Where do you get cheap used books? Share your experience in the comments below!

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I’ve collaborated with Sara on my team to share our favorite devotionals, plus some Christian books for women we think you’ll love. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or are new to the faith (or to spending time in the Bible!), we think you’ll find something here that fits you well.

And listen — if Bible study has ever felt intimidating or out of reach, you’re in good company. Between work, family responsibilities, and just the pace of everyday life, carving out time to sit in Scripture isn’t always easy. That’s where a good devotional comes in — it can help you know where to start, interpret what you’re reading, and see the Gospel in each part of God’s Word.

Let’s get started!

Best Devotionals for Women:

A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul

A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul is a fantastic book for anyone who tends to be more anxious or worry. It is packed with an encouraging 100 devotionals that will remind you of the truth of God’s Word and His faithfulness.

The Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior

This 31-day devotional retells stories from the life of Christ, inviting you to encounter him in a whole new way. These stories focus on his kindness, his compassion, and his endless love and forgiveness for you. This perspective on Jesus is such a beautiful antidote to legalism or “keeping up appearances”. From there, seeing Jesus’ compassion changes so much about how we parent, face frustration, engage with those we don’t agree with, and more. I also recorded a podcast episode with Sherri Hughes-Gragg!

Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood

I love Whitney and this devotional is a beautiful collection of encouragement for weary moms. She reminds us to look to Jesus and not be discouraged or overwhelmed by the hard parts of motherhood.

Word Before World: 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First

Gretchen Saffles’s 100-day devotional emphasizes God’s goodness and faithfulness. I found it such an encouraging reminder to prioritize my time with him and to let my reactions be shaped by Him.

Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close

My friend and beloved podcast guest, Lysa Terkeurst, wrote this wonderful devotional. Each reading will assure you that God is always with you and caring for you, no matter your circumstances. I especially appreciated the reminder that there are unexpected blessings even when things aren’t going according to my plans!

New Morning Mercies

Paul Tripp specializes in connecting the Gospel to everyday life and in exposing the heart of the Gospel in every part of the Bible (even the laws and long genealogies!). New Morning Mercies has a Bible lesson for each day of the year, suggesting related Scripture for further reading. Each day’s reading is under two pages long, making it an accessible and inspiring way to start your day.

Sara also recommends reading Paul Tripp’s Everyday Gospel as an approachable, encouraging, and meaningful companion to reading through the Bible in a year!

You Are Loved

The back cover copy begins: “Dare to believe you are loved with an everlasting love . . . and loved completely, for who you are.” And that’s what you’ll experience as you work through this 8-week Bible study from Sally Clarkson and Angela Perritt. Following the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer), you’ll read Scripture passages to help you more deeply understand that you are known and loved in Christ.

Mom Set Free Bible Study

You might have heard me rave about Mom Set Free, but did you know there’s also a Bible study? Sara highly recommends it — it’s great for moms in all stages of life from littles to adults and will help you release Mom Guilt and the pressure of being “good enough.” This 7-week daily study can be done alone or with a group.

Best Christian Books for Women:

We’re also throwing in some of our favorite Christian books for women because both of us have had our lives genuinely shaped by them. These Christian books have helped us each grow in our faith and shaped our habits and thoughts to align with who God says we are.

Not every book on this list was written specifically for women — but we’ve found each of them deeply relevant to the seasons, experiences, and struggles that women walk through. We hope you’ll enjoy this list of our favorite Christian books for women:

Liturgy of the Ordinary

In this book, Tish Harrison Warren explores everyday life as liturgy and encouraged each of us to see the ordinary parts of each day — making the bed, checking email, and sitting in traffic — as opportunities to notice God’s presence and to appreciate God’s extraordinary grace.

Habits of the Household

SO many people said this book was a must-read and I was cynical, worried it would be legalistic… and then I read it! YES! Please do yourself a favor and read it! Once I finished it, I wanted to go back and read it again! I so appreciated the thoughtful, Christ-centered, non-legalistic approach to habits and how we can create more rhythms in our home to be intentional and point our kids to Jesus. It really challenged and inspired me in very practical ways. Highly, highly recommended! Jesse and I ended up doing a whole podcast on the topic of habits, inspired by this book.

Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better

One of my favorite books in 2022, I still have not been able to stop recommending it, thinking about it, or talking about it!

In a society where it feels like we are wired to find offense everywhere we look, what would it be like to choose to not be offended? Regardless of what other people have said or done, We get to choose how we respond. 

This doesn’t mean that we let people walk all over us or that we don’t set boundaries, but it does mean that we can choose to either be a victim or a victor. We can choose to either be offended and hurt and upset, or we can acknowledge our feelings, grieve our loss, and choose to forgive.

I highly recommend that every Christian read this book! Jesse and I did an entire podcast episode centered on it because I found it so helpful!

Breaking the Patterns That Break You 

I loved getting to interview the author on my podcast (listen here) and found that this book was packed with so much good inspiration and food for thought. In addition, Tori’s story is just so hope-filled and encouraging and I love how she weaves parts of it into this book.

Love-Centered Parenting

Okay, we’ll admit we’re a little biased on this one — but hear us out, because we genuinely believe this is one of the best parenting books out there for anyone who want to raise their kids with love and grace. I wrote it from personal experience of what it feels like to parent from a place of fear, and the freedom that came when I finally learned to let go. It’s part story, part practical wisdom, and completely honest. I hope that after reading it, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what your role as a parent truly is — and what it isn’t — and that you’ll feel more equipped to lean in and love, listen well, lead with humility, and let go.

Mom Set Free

This book is SO good. I slowly savored it — reading just a little bit every day — to make it last as long as I could and to really soak in the truths from it.

If you struggle with Mommy Guilt or feel like you are always failing or never doing enough or just can’t get it right as a mom, this book will encourage you in powerful ways! I highly, highly recommend it!

You can also listen to the podcast episode the author and I did together here on The Secret to Being a Happier Mom, and check out the devotional we mentioned above.

Liturgies for Hope: Sixty Prayers for the Highs, the Lows, and Everything in Between

If you’ve ever wanted to pray but found yourself at a loss for words, I (Sara) think you’ll appreciate these liturgical prayers. There are liturgies (written prayers) for:

• when you’re wrestling with God
• those who’ve been hurt by the church
• when you’re paying bills without enough money
• creativity
• going on a walk
• falling asleep
• struggling to forgive
• showing kindness to strangers
• and so much more

I’ve found this book beautifully encouraging as I’ve prayed the specific prayers or used them as inspiration for praying my own words. It’s also an excellent gift, especially for a friend who is walking through a tough season.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

We both think this is one of those truly life-changing books. It’s all about how everyone’s emotional and spiritual health are so tied together and how we all often overlook this.

The author talks about how often we seem to think that our past and our baggage and all the things we try to pretend don’t exist or stuff down or not deal with won’t affect us in the long run… but it will!

This is definitely one of those books we both still think about years after reading it. It especially helped us each learn and embrace these truths: In Christ, we are enough. We are loved. We are redeemed. We are forgiven.

When we live in light of this truth, we can walk in amazing freedom and confidence — and we can love other people so much more deeply and authentically.

Raising Emotionally Strong Boys

Do you struggle with kids who get easily irritated or have angry outbursts? Do YOU find yourself getting frustrated by your kids and then beating yourself up because you are frustrated at your kids and you don’t want to be? 

Do you wish you had practical tools and suggestions for how to navigate hard conversations with your kids and how to help them face difficulty and disappointment in life?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, PLEASE do not walk, RUN and go get a copy of Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas. This is one of my most-recommended books, by far.

Even if you don’t have boys, even if you don’t have kids, it’s worth a read. If you want a taste of it, go listen to the 30-minute interview I did with the author on The Crystal Paine Show. I learned so much and it impacts me every single day in how I parent.

Start Reading, Start Growing

Whether you’re in a season of seeking, growing, or rejoicing, the right book can meet you exactly where you are. The devotionals and Christian books on this list were written by people who have walked through doubt, grief, joy, and transformation — and came out the other side with wisdom worth sharing.

So whether you start your mornings with a five-minute devotional, pull a favorite Christian book out while waiting at the doctor’s office or in the carpool line, or savor Sunday afternoons for deeper study, we pray that these moments will help you remember just how much God loves you and cares for you.

Pick one of these, grab a cozy drink, and let the words remind you of what you already know to be true — God sees you, He loves you, and you are never walking alone.

Related Links:

• 6 Strategies to Kickstart Your Morning Success (plus FREE printable!)
• An honest conversation about faith with Angie Smith
• Only Jesus Gets to Tell You Who You Are
• Helping Our Teens Develop a Relationship with Jesus
• How to Find More Time to Read — Even When Life is Busy
• Change Your Life and Challenge Your Mind By Making Time for Reading Good Books
• Where to Get Books for Free (Yes, Really!)

What are your favorite devotionals and Christian books for women? We’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!

A random rash.
A strange cough.
A dog who ate something questionable at 9 p.m.

That’s why Walmart+ adding free 24/7 virtual vet access through Pawp is such a big deal and, honestly, one of the most underrated perks of the membership right now.

Walmart+ isn’t just about convenient grocery deliveries anymore. This new benefit can help families save money, avoid unnecessary vet visits, and get peace of mind when it comes to pet care.

Let’s break down what this feature offers, who it’s best for, and how it can actually pay for itself.

What Is the Pawp Walmart+ Vet Benefit?

Walmart+ members now get free unlimited 24/7 virtual vet access through Pawp.

This means you can message or video chat with licensed veterinary professionals anytime (day or night) to ask questions about your pet’s health.

You can use it to:

• Ask about symptoms or behavior changes
• Decide if something requires an in-person visit
• Get help with minor concerns (skin issues, digestion, anxiety, etc.)
• Get general pet wellness advice
• Receive guidance after an emergency or procedure

Instead of Googling and worrying, you can talk to a real veterinary professional within minutes.

How Much Would This Cost Separately?

Here’s where the savings really start to add up.

A standalone Pawp membership (without Walmart+) typically costs around $99 per year for unlimited virtual vet access. With Walmart+, this service is included at no extra cost.

That means if you already have Walmart+ or are considering it for grocery delivery, fuel discounts, or shipping perks, you’re essentially getting a $99/year pet care benefit built in.

Optional: $3,000 Emergency Protection

In addition to the free 24/7 virtual vet access included with Walmart+, Pawp offers an optional Emergency Fund that can provide an added layer of financial protection for pet owners. This feature is not included automatically, but you’ll have the opportunity to enroll after signing up for the Pawp televet benefit through Walmart+.

The Emergency Fund provides up to $3,000 per year in coverage for eligible emergency veterinary expenses. If your pet experiences a qualifying emergency, Pawp can help cover the cost up to that annual limit. This can be especially helpful because emergency vet visits are often the most expensive — and the most unexpected — part of pet ownership.

A single emergency visit can easily cost several hundred dollars, and more serious treatments or procedures can run into the thousands. The Emergency Fund costs $19 per month, and this fee is billed directly by Pawp (not Walmart).

For families who don’t have a dedicated pet emergency fund saved up, this option may offer extra peace of mind. It won’t replace routine care or regular wellness visits, but it can help reduce the financial stress that often comes with sudden accidents or serious illnesses.

When Would the Pawp Walmart+ Feature Pay for Itself?

This perk could easily pay for itself if you:

• Avoid just one unnecessary vet visit per year
• Get guidance that prevents a costly emergency
• Use the service multiple times instead of calling your clinic
• Have multiple pets (more chances you’ll need advice!)
• Were already considering a standalone televet subscription

If you would otherwise pay ~$99/year for virtual vet access, you’re essentially getting that value included with Walmart+.

How to Get Started with Pawp Through Walmart+

Already have a Walmart+ membership? You can activate the Pawp televet benefit right from your Walmart+ account. Simply log in, navigate to your membership benefits, and look for the Pawp 24/7 vet access perk.

From there, you’ll follow a few simple steps to create your Pawp account and register your pet. Once you’re set up, you can download the Pawp app and you’ll have unlimited access to licensed veterinary professionals anytime you need them.

How to Get Pawp Benefits If You’re New to Walmart+

You can sign up for a membership first, then activate the Pawp benefit as part of your included perks. After enrolling in Walmart+, just head to your benefits section and follow the prompts to get started with Pawp. It only takes a few minutes to set up, and once you do, you’ll have 24/7 virtual vet access at no additional cost.

Whether you’ve been a Walmart+ member for years or you’re just joining, this perk is easy to activate and could quickly become one of the most valuable benefits of your membership.

Who This Walmart+ Vet Benefit Is Best For

This feature is especially helpful if you:

• Have young or aging pets. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets tend to have more health questions and concerns.
• Have multiple pets. More pets = more chances for random issues or questions.
• Worry about late-night emergencies. Getting quick guidance at night or on weekends can be incredibly reassuring.
• Want to avoid unnecessary vet bills. This can help you make smarter decisions about when to go in.
• Live on a budget. Unexpected vet visits can derail a monthly budget fast. Having free expert guidance helps you plan better.

Walmart+ Isn’t Just About Groceries Anymore

Most people think of Walmart+ as simply a grocery and shipping membership, but perks like this add serious value.

Walmart+ can include:

• Free grocery delivery
• Free shipping (no order minimum)
• Fuel discounts
• Paramount+ streaming
• Scan & go shopping
• Now: free 24/7 vet access

When you stack these benefits together, the membership can easily pay for itself, especially for families who already shop at Walmart regularly. You can learn more about Walmart+ and how to get started with a free trial here.

FAQs about Pawp and Walmart+:

More Money-Saving Inspiration:

• 25 Ways to Save On Pet Costs
• Walmart Plus Membership | Free 30 Day Trial!
• How to Find Walmart Hidden Clearance and Save Big!
• Why Sinking Funds are Your Budget’s Best Kept Secret
• How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance + Smart Ways to Save Every Dollar
• How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill
• How to Save Money FAST: Real, Doable Steps for Busy Families
• Ask Crystal: How do I save money on groceries when costs keep increasing?

Also, be sure to check out all our recent pet deals and Walmart deals!

If you’ve tried a Pawp Walmart+ membership, we’d love to hear your experience in the comments!

Want to make progress on your financial goals, but have no idea where to start?

 With these FREE Budget Goal Planning Worksheets, you’ll begin with the MOST IMPORTANT piece of goal-setting & then have space to track your steps!

Yes, I want to set financial goals with these FREE sheets!

Aldi

2 bags French Green Beans – $5.98

2 3-ct bags Multi-Colored Peppers – $4.38

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $2.34

2 10-lb bags Potatoes – $7.98

1 bag Cilantro – $0.79

1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $1.99

2 cans Green Beans – $1.44

1 tub Cherub Tomatoes – $2.29

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.96

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.34

1 family-size bag Chicken Nuggets – $5.49

1 pkg Boneless Chicken Breasts – $13.10

3 dozen Eggs – $4.98

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $4.69

2 8-oz blocks Cheddar Cheese – $3.18

1-lb Deli Meat – $5.49

1 bag Plain Bagels – $1.95

1 container Fresh Salsa – $2.29

1 loaf Whole Wheat Bread – $2.39

Total: $77.05

Publix

2 bags Veggie Straws – $4.09, received $1.25/2 Veggie Straws Ibotta Rebate – $2.84 for 2 after Rebate

1 box Ritz Crackers – $2.56, received $1/1 Ritz Ibotta Rebate – $1.56 after Rebate

1 box Truvia Packets – $1.72, used $1/1 Trivia Publix Digital Coupon – $0.72 after Coupon

2 bags Orchard Valley Snacks – $10, received 700 points from Swagbucks ($7) plus received $1.75 from Checkout51 plus 1,000 points ($1) from Fetch – $0.25 for 2 after Rebates

2 bags Drizzilicious – $3.99

2 bags Horizon Organic Creamers – $5.99, received (2) $2/1 Horizon Organic Creamer Ibotta Rebate – $1.99 for 2 after Rebate (I’m excited to try these at a great price!)

1 bag Fatty Meat Sticks – $4.49, used $2.50/1 Fatty Publix Digital Coupon – $1.99 after Coupon

1 Palmolive Dish Soap – $2.49, used $1/1 Palmolive Publix Digital Coupon – $1.49 after Coupon (this comes from a different budget category so I’m not including it in my total – but still including it as I think it’s a good deal).

1 Fresh Press Olive Oil – $5.49, used $5/1 Fresh Press Publix Digital Coupon, plus received 1,700 points ($1.70) from Fetch – $1.21 Money Maker after Coupon and Rebate

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $12.13

Grocery Total for the Week: $89.18

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Granola, Yogurt, Smoothies, Bagels, Hard Boiled Eggs

Lunches

Deli Meat Sandwiches, Chips and Salsa, Sliced Peppers x 2

Trail Mix, Meat Sticks, Veggie Straws x 2

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Crustless Spinach Quiche, Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

Spaghetti, Green Beans, Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Roasted Cauliflower, Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Butterhorns, Mashed Potatoes, Chocolate Chip Cookies (bringing these to a Potluck Church Dinner)

Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Venison Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli

Grilled Chicken, Steamed Rice, Grilled Veggies

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