LITE Feed, Money Saving Mom®

What I Got From Shipt for $30 + my honest thoughts on the shopping experience (and a HOT 50% off Sprouts deal!)

Crystal Paine — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:27:51 +0000

My sister texted me last week to tell me about this hot Shipt deal that she was excited about. You could get a 4-month membership for just $0.99/month and that meant free delivery on groceries from many local stores.

My husband was out of town and I’m dealing with a back injury, so I didn’t really feel like taking all three younger kids to the store. So instead, I got lunch and dinner for my younger kids, enough chicken salad and raspberries for two meals for me, and Pirate’s Booty for snacks… all delivered to my door for $30.70, including the tip!

And possibly the best part? I did the whole thing from my house — without ever getting out of my favorite Christmas PJs.

Now, let me be upfront: if you are used to shopping sales and combining coupons with deals, Shipt is not going to give you the biggest bang for your buck. You will almost always pay more for grocery delivery — even if you get 4 months of free delivery for just $0.99/month.

However, Shipt is running a deal for the next two days and you can not only get a 4-month membership for $0.99/month, but you can also get 50% off any Sprouts order up to $35 (use coupon code SPROUTS50 to get this deal!)

This is the perfect time to try out Shipt if you typically are a Sprouts shopper, because you will definitely pay less than you’d pay by shopping in-store AND you never have to leave your house!

How I Got My Sprouts Order Delivered for $30.70

Shipt is currently offering 50% off a Sprouts order of $35 or more with the code SPROUTS50, with a maximum savings of $20. I used that code along with my Shipt membership, which brought the delivery fee on my order down to $0.

My grocery subtotal was $42.72. The promo code took off $20, and my receipt showed $0 for delivery and $0 in service fees. After $2.98 in tax and a $5 tip, my total came to $30.70.

(Note: I later wondered if I should have given a higher tip? I basically never use grocery delivery services, so I have no idea what would be considered a good tip?)

I ordered two kids’ meals, which stretched to lunch and dinner for the kids with the carrots. I got chicken salad and raspberries for myself, and that was enough for two meals for me. And then there was the Pirate’s Booty for snacks.

I was happy with the quality of the ingredients, and for what I got, it was quite a bit less expensive than what I would have spent had I ordered lunch and dinner for us from DoorDash (or even gone through a drive-thru).

How Does Shipt Work?

You can shop for groceries, household essentials, and more from participating stores on your phone and have them delivered to your door. Depending on what’s available in your area, you can choose a delivery window for today, tomorrow, or later in the week.

A personal shopper picks out your items and can keep in touch while they shop. So if the store is out of something, you can weigh in on a substitution. Shipt members also get access to members-only discounts and can save shoppers they love as Preferred Shoppers for future orders.

This would be perfect of you ever have a day when you’re almost out of groceries and squeezing in a store run feels like one more thing to figure out. And with the holidays coming up, I’m sure there will be a few of those days!

I was super impressed with our shopper. I got this personalized message after our groceries were delivered:

Get Four Months of Shipt for $0.99 per Month Through November 7

Through November 7, 2026, you can get four months of Shipt for $0.99 per month (scroll down on the page to get this deal). That’s $3.96 total for the four-month membership. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Shipt offer page to find the $0.99 deal.

If you want to try the same Sprouts deal I used, check whether Sprouts delivers to your address and whether the SPROUTS50 code still applies before checking out.

Click here to get four months of Shipt for $0.99 per month. (scroll down to get the offer!)

Have you used Shipt before? I’d love to hear what you thought and any tips you have for finding good deals! Also, I tipped $5 and then wondered if I should have tipped more. If you order grocery delivery regularly, how do you decide what to tip?

20 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys (Under $30!)

Gretchen — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:20:00 +0000

Looking for the best gift ideas for boys this holiday season? We have you covered with this Little Boys Gift Guide — and they’re all under $30 to help you stick to your gift budget! These are the favorites in our household and I hope you love them as much as we do!

This Holiday Gift Guide was thoughtfully put together by Gretchen on the MoneySavingMom team — a mom to three boys ages 13, 8, and 7. As a boy mom, her life is full of adventure, dirt, and snacks! She is married to her high school sweetheart and enjoys finding good deals, decorating, coffee, and good books.

Christmas Ideas for Boys

Have a little boy on your list this year and feel stumped on what to get them? Here are some great ideas to get you started based on their age. There are a wide variety of items listed here, so you’ll be sure to find something they like!

Don’t miss our lists of Gifts for Tweens and Teen Boys and our Cheap Stocking Stuffers For The Family. And, be sure to sign up for our hot deals newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest deals each day this holiday season!

Best Christmas Gifts for a 7 and 8 Year Old Boy

1. Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster

My sons love playing with Nerf blasters with their friends and my husband! This one is a great gift for Nerf newbies.

2. Hasbro Guess Who Classic Game

This game is a favorite at our house! It’s super easy and a lot of fun!

3. Radio Control Quadcopter

Someone gifted my son this and it is the coolest little toy! This Quadcopter can fly forward, backward, up, down, hover, and even do complete flips in the air.

4. Kid’s Walkie Talkies

You can’t go wrong with walkie talkies, especially if you have more than one boy. I can’t tell you how much fun my kids have with these!

5. Bow & Arrow Archery Set

This bow & arrow set will be a huge hit for any boy. My boys have spent hours playing with theirs!

Best Christmas Gifts for a 4 to 6 Year Old Boy

6. My First Magic Trick Kit

This kit is a great introduction to magic tricks and includes items to perform 180 different magic tricks. My son has enjoyed performing his magic tricks for all sorts of friends and family using this kit.

7. Ontel Magic Tracks Xtreme – Race Car & 10′ of Flexible, Bendable Glow in The Dark Racetrack

This racetrack probably ranks as one of my boys’ favorite gifts they’ve ever received! This track bends and flexes as well as glows in the dark, making it super fun and exciting.

8. Superhero Costume Capes and Masks

Boys like to dress up too — just as long as it’s anything superhero related! These capes and masks are soft and adjustable.

9. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

These blocks are made from solid wood and they’re perfect for building towers and knocking them over again and again. My boys have even used them to construct roads and towns for their toy cars and mini-figures.

10. LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase Building Kit

As boys get a little older and transition from Duplos to real LEGOs, this is a great first LEGO kit to start them with. I love that it comes with a carrying case to keep them all in one spot.

11. PJ Masks Nighttime Vision Glow in the Dark Set

If you have a PJ Masks fan, these PJ Masks Figures will be a hit! Poseable Catboy, Gekko, and Owlette figures get a power-up with glow-in-the-dark features.

12. Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Blaze & the Monster Machines

My boys are obsessed with Blaze & the Monster Machines, and these little cars have provided hours of entertainment for them. We’ve had them for several years and they are extremely durable and good quality.

Best Gifts for 2 and 3 Year Old Boy

13. Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors

You can’t go wrong with Play-Doh! Boys love to squish, shape, and mold this stuff into all sorts of interesting creations.

14. First Builders Big Building Bag

Mega Bloks were my boys’ first introduction to LEGOs and they still love them! These are perfect for early development skills as well.

15. Wooden Train Tracks Set

Oh my goodness! I can’t tell you how much little boys love trains and train tracks! We’ve had our set for over 8 years and all three of my boys have spent hours playing with it.

16. Safari Animals Figures

I didn’t know boys could have so much fun with animal figures until they got one free in a fast food kids meal. We are continually adding to our collection and now have animal figures all over our house. They sleep with them, play with them in the bath, and always take them on car trips. This set is BPA-free and uses no-toxic paint.

Boys Christmas Gifts Ideas: Stocking Stuffers

17. Rubber Chicken Slingshot (12 pack)

These are the silliest little toys but kids absolutely love them! I buy them for every birthday party and throughout the year as surprises. These things provide so much laughter and fun and would be such great stocking stuffers.

18. Mr. Bubble Magic Bath Crackles

Make bath time fun with these magic bath crackles! My boys thought these were the best thing ever!

19. Sunny Days Entertainment 6 Pack Bubble Solution

My kids are always up for playing with bubbles! These are an easy stocking stuffer idea that won’t disappoint.

20. Hog Wild Holiday Snowman Popper

This toy has been awarded the “Best Toy” award by Parents Magazine and I would agree! Not only did it provide lots of entertainment and laughter for my boys, it’s also quiet and small — two things that are on my checklist for best toys.

21. Whoopee Cushion

If you have boys, I can assure you this will be a hit. I found these at my Dollar Tree and put them in their stockings last year. The only problem was that I heard this all day long on Christmas. But hey — they loved them!

More Gifts for Boys (Over $30)

Have a little extra wiggle room in your Christmas budget and willing to spend a bit more? Try one of these bonus recommendations:

22. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

This basketball set is has been a big hit with all of my boys (including my husband at times!). It’s small enough to use inside and has been a lifesaver on some of the long winter days to help burn off energy.

23. Little Tikes First Slide

We got this slide when my boys were toddlers and it has provided hours upon hours of fun. Not only do my kids slide down it, but they race their cars, trucks and basketball down it as well.

More Holiday Gift Guides

Looking for other budget-friendly holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

And, check out all our budget-friendly holiday gift guides here!

What other ideas do you have for the best gifts for boys? Let us know in the comments!

National Consumer Panel: Earn rewards for scanning your purchases!

Gretchen — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:48:00 +0000

Looking for a way to earn some extra cash? Check out this opportunity!

The National Consumer Panel is accepting new applicants in many locations.

If you are accepted as a panel member with National Consumer Panel, you will be sent a small hand-held scanner and will scan all the bar codes of everything you purchase. Then you’ll transmit this information to NCP and you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of items.

While I have personally not been a part of this panel, I have known many who have. I have heard that it takes a while for your points to add up but you can earn some fairly nice prizes – like electronics and household items – if you stick with it.

Some of you have signed up in the past for this and really enjoyed it. Others of you have tried it and found it was too tedious and time-consuming. Feel free to share your experience in the comments!

24 Gifts for Teen Girls in 2026 (Compiled by Kaitlynn!)

Crystal Paine — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 22:05:00 +0000

Looking for the best gift ideas for teen girls this holiday season? These 24 ideas put together by my teenage daughter, Kaitlynn, will hopefully help give you some great suggestions!

Psst! Be sure to sign up for our hot deals newsle t ter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest deals each day this holiday season!

20+ Gifts for Teen Girls

1. Summer Fridays Lip Balm

I have so many of these. They last a long time and make a perfect stocking stuffer!

2. Rhode Blush

Rhode blushes are not only trending, but they are also such a great beauty product with a great range of shades. A little bit goes a long way, so you get a lot of uses out of one blush

3. Hydrojug

Hydrojugs are leak proof and come in so many fun and cute patterns. They fit in your cup holder and have a foldable straw, so you can just throw it in your purse or backpack without having to worry about it spilling.

4. Zig Zag Headband

Zigzag headbands are back in style and they make the perfect easy stocking stuffer!

5. Tangle Teezer Brush

Tangle teezers are my favorite brushes because they have multiple options depending on your hair type – softer bristles for finer hair and stiffer bristles for coarser hair. They work amazing and are really easy to clean.

6. Touchland Hand Sanitizer

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

7. Sol de janiero Body Mist

You can’t go wrong with any Sol de Janeiro scent. They all smell wonderful and are one of the best gift ideas for teen girls!

8. Benefit Benetint

Looking for just a pop of color without a full face of makeup? Try this! It’s also very gentle on your skin.

9. Tree Hut Body Scrub

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

10. Hollister Hoodie

These are my favorite hoodies. They have a lot of different colors and I think the fit is perfect. They are not too heavy and super comfy. These are a practical and cozy teen girl gift.

11. E newton bracelet

These bracelets are well worth the price. I never take mine off and they still look brand new! (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!)

12. Natural Life Boho Bandeau

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

13. Pajama Set

You can’t go wrong with a cute and comfy pajama set! Mom and I are obsessed with them and Old Navy has great options that go on sale often.

14. Ouai Hair Oil

This hair oil is so hydrating on the hair. It is perfect for any hair type.

15. Kendra Scott Mini Elisa Necklace

Kendra Scott necklaces are a great gift for any teen girl in 2026. These are so beautiful, they hold up so well, and the color options are gorgeous!

16. Jellycats

Jellycats are amazing quality and come in so many different options. From bunny rabbits to footballs, they have a stuffed animal for every personality

17. Eos Lotion

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

18. Amika Hair Mask

Amika has the best hair care! I highly recommend this if you want to invest in a good mask that will make your hair super soft.

19. Redken All Soft Kit

This is a good deal on a quality hair care set that will make your hair so smooth and shiny!

20. Tarte Mascara

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

21. Barefoot Dreams Blanket

Barefoot Dreams makes the comfiest blankets. This is a great gift for the teen girl who is a homebody or who loves to curl up with a good book!

22. Disposable Camera

Disposable cameras are so fun for capturing moments without your phone. I love seeing how the pictures turn out after getting them developed.

A Couple of Bonus Teen Girl Gift Ideas from the Team

23. Kate Spade Outlet Wristlet or Card Holder

Pair a Kate Spade Outlet wristlet or card holder with a gift card to a favorite store or coffee shop for a fun gift.

24. Keychain Portable Charger

This Keychain Portable Charger makes such a practical gift, and the built-in cables mean there’s nothing extra to carry around or lose.

More Gift Guides

Looking for other budget-friendly gift guides? Don’t miss these:

And, check out all our budget-friendly holiday gift guides here!

Do you have any other great gift ideas for teen girls? Let us know!

15+ of the Best Gluten Free Gifts

Olivia — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Looking for unique gluten-free gifts to give someone who avoids gluten due to food allergies, sensitivities, or personal dietary choices? We have you covered with this Gluten-Free Gift Guide — and they’re all under $35 to help you stick to your gift budget!

This Gluten-Free Gift Guide was thoughtfully put together by Olivia on the MoneySavingMom team. Olivia loves cooking but has had to learn to be creative in the kitchen to avoid her food sensitivities (including gluten). She is happily married to her best friend Michael, who also has food sensitivities. Olivia considers it a fun challenge to make delicious meals that they both can enjoy!

The Best Gifts for Gluten Free People

Do you know someone who has gluten allergies? You’d be surprised how many items contain gluten — chocolates, personal care items, and more. Check out this gift guide for some really unique gift ideas you can safely give someone who avoids gluten!

Psst! Be sure to sign up for our hot deals newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest deals each day this holiday season!

Gluten Free Christmas Gifts Guide

1. Baking Scale — A scale is an essential part of gluten-free baking. Using volume measurements (cups and tablespoons) can easily throw off hydration and ruin your baking, but you will get consistent, beautiful results using a baking scale.

2. Gluten-Free Cookbook — This is my favorite gluten-free cookbook! Not only are the recipes easily adaptable to all kinds of diets, they are incredibly delicious and show step-by-step instructions, making it perfect for someone who is just beginning to learn to bake gluten-free! The author, who lays out the science behind baking and the ingredients that make it work, makes you feel confident in adapting any recipe to meet the needs of your diet and lifestyle.

3. Toaster Bags — Toaster bags are perfect for those who are concerned about cross-contamination. They can be used to cook or heat up all kinds of food in the oven, microwave, toaster, or on the grill and would be a great gift for someone who travels often or shares a kitchen with those who are not gluten-free.

4. Small Cooler — A lunchbox cooler is handy for those on a gluten-free diet as they often need to transport food when gluten-free food options are not available. This cooler not only works to keep foods cold but also warm!

5. Gluten-Free Diet Guide — This practical diet guide would be a great gift for someone who is new to the gluten-free diet.

6. Gluten-Free Labels — These labels would make a great gift for those who are gluten-free and share a kitchen. They guard against cross-contamination and also alert others of what is not gluten-free.

7. Food Storage Containers — Glass food storage containers work well for transporting gluten-free foods or keeping them fresh in the refrigerator. I have some containers similar to these that I use every day!

8. T-Shirt — This “gluten-free” t-shirt would be a fun gift for someone with a sense of humor who doesn’t mind being asked about their diet!

9. Bubble Bath — California Baby bubble bath is completely gluten-free and would make a wonderful gift for a child with very “sensitive skin, eczema, or allergy concerns.” The bubble wand included in the bottle provides more bath-time fun!

10. Natural Soy Cinnamon Rolls Candle — Enjoy the lovely aroma of traditional cinnamon rolls without the risk of coming in contact with gluten! I love products that smell like desserts, especially those desserts I can no longer eat!

11. Loaf Pan — This bread pan is ideal for gluten-free loaves which require more support than traditional wheat loaves as they rise. This would make a good gift for a gluten-free baker!

12. Bread Thermometer — An instant-read bread thermometer is another kitchen tool every gluten-free bread maker should have. It can be difficult to know when the bread is cooked, but this thermometer will remove the guesswork!

Gluten Free Food Gifts

13. Gluten-Fr ee Snacks — Simple Mills products are all gluten-free and incredibly yummy! Any of their cookies, snack bars, or baking mixes would make a great gift!

14. Assorted Chocolates — These gluten-free chocolates would make an excellent gift for those with multiple allergies as they are free of many other common allergens too!

Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Gluten Free People

15. Play Dough — Traditional Play Doh contains wheat, so this is a great alternative for children with a gluten allergy!

16. Lip Balm — Many lip balms contain a small amount of gluten. These Badger lip balms are certified gluten free and would make a great gift for anyone avoiding gluten!

17. Whole Foods Gift Card — You can never go wrong with giving someone a gift card! Whole Foods offers a variety of options for those who are gluten-free. If you don’t have a local Whole Foods, consider giving a gift card to a natural health food store in your area.

18. Gluten-Free Magazine — Magazine subscriptions are a fun gift that keeps giving throughout the year! If the first issue doesn’t come in time, print a photo of the magazine cover and roll it up to stick in a stocking with a little personalized note!

19. Find Me Gluten-Free App — This is an excellent resource to help people with celiac or gluten-free sensitivities to find safe places to eat, drink, and shop. Not only can you search restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food, and grocery stores by your current location or a specific destination but you can read ratings, menus, and reviews from other gluten-free and celiac diners. The app is free to download and use with ads, but also offers tiered premium subscriptions which removes ads and offers advanced filters.

Looking for other budget-friendly holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

And, check out all our budget-friendly holiday gift guides here!

What other gluten-free gift ideas would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!!

Easy Homemade Stromboli ($10 Family Dinner Idea)

Brigette — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 22:00:00 +0000

This easy stromboli recipe is a fun $10 dinner idea that my entire family loves. It’s great as leftovers the next day (my boys take it in their school lunches), and it can be eaten hot or cold (or even at room temperature). Feel free to sub store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time — or if you get a really great deal on it! I was inspired to make this as I’ve gotten some cheap deals on deli meat the last few weeks.

I don’t add marina sauce in my stromboli, but you definitely can if you like. I’ve found marinara sauce makes it messier and you have to eat it with a fork — which isn’t a bad thing. But when you’re serving a houseful of hungry teens who aren’t going to be using forks, like I often am, it works better to offer marinara as a dipping sauce on the side for those who want it.

You could also customize this recipe by adding in some veggies like sliced black olives or other pizza toppings. I hope you love it as much as we do! As an added plus, stromboli smells so amazing while baking.

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.

Stromboli Menu:

Stromboli (you can definitely add a side, but at my house, my family isn’t going to touch a side when the main course is stromboli!)

Ingredients for Stromboli:

2 cups warm water
1 1/2 Tablespoons instant active yeast (Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88) — $0.12
1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar (Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups) — $0.04
3 Tablespoons olive oil (Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons) — $0.66
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour (approximately – use more or less as needed) (Aldi – $1.99 for 5 lbs) — $0.52
4 Tablespoons butter, melted (Aldi – $2.49 for 4 sticks) — $0.31
4 garlic cloves, minced (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.13
1 lb sliced deli meat (Publix – $1.49 for 8oz) – $2.98
1 lb sliced cheese (Aldi – $1.50 for 8oz) — $3
Fresh herbs or dried Italian seasoning or parsley
1 egg, whisked with 1 Tablespoon water (Aldi – $1.66 for 12 eggs) — $0.14

Total Cost for Dinner: $7.90 (makes 2 large loaves – serves approximately 8)

How to Make Stromboli:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups of the flour. Stir well. In another bowl, stir together the olive oil and the warm water.

2. Pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Continue adding the remaining flour until the dough sticks together.

3. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes, adding more flour as needed.

4. Put dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 45 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush each rectangle with half of the garlic butter.

6. Layer on the sliced cheese and meat, dividing evenly between the 2 loaves. Leave a 1-inch border on the bottom and sides and a 3″ border on top without meat/cheese (when you roll it, the fillings will be pushed forward).

7. Starting from the bottom, roll tightly into a 16-inch log. Pinch the edges together firmly and tuck the ends under.

8. Place each loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with fresh herbs or Italian seasoning, if desired.

8. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve with warm marinara sauce, if desired.

Easy Stromboli

This easy stromboli recipe is a fun dinner idea that my entire family loves. It’s great as leftovers the next day (my boys take it in their school lunches), and it can be eaten hot or cold (or even at room temperature). I hope you love it as much as we do!

Course Appetizer, Bread, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword easy dinner, family favorite, homemade

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Rising Time 45

Servings

Calories 695kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $7.90

Ingredients

2 cups warm water
1 1/2 Tablespoons instant active yeast Sam’s Club – 2lbs for $6.88 — $0.12
1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar Aldi – $2.86 for 9 1/2 cups — $0.04
3 Tablespoons olive oil Aldi – $7.25 for 33 tablespoons — $0.66
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour approximately – use more or less as needed (Aldi – $1.99 for 5 lbs) — $0.52
4 Tablespoons butter melted (Aldi – $2.49 for 4 sticks) — $0.31
4 cloves garlic minced (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.13
1 lb sliced deli meat Publix – $1.49 for 8oz – $2.98
1 lb sliced cheese Aldi – $1.50 for 8oz — $3
Fresh herbs or dried Italian seasoning or parsley
1 egg whisked with 1 Tablespoon water (Aldi – $1.66 for 12 eggs) — $0.14

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups of the flour. Stir well. In another bowl, stir together the olive oil and the warm water.
Pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Continue adding the remaining flour until the dough sticks together.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes, adding more flour as needed.
Put dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush each rectangle with half of the garlic butter.
Layer on the sliced cheese and meat, dividing evenly between the 2 loaves. Leave a 1-inch border on the bottom and sides and a 3″ border on top without meat/cheese (when you roll it, the fillings will be pushed forward).
Starting from the bottom, roll tightly into a 16-inch log. Pinch the edges together firmly and tuck the ends under.
Place each loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with fresh herbs or Italian seasoning, if desired.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve with warm marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to sub store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time — or if you get a really great deal on it! I don’t add marina sauce in my stromboli, but you definitely can if you like. You could also customize this recipe by adding in some veggies like sliced black olives or other pizza toppings.

Nutrition

FAQs about Stromboli:

What’s the difference between stromboli and a calzone?

Both are breading wrapped around fillings, but they are different shapes and sizes. A calzone is a single-serving half-moon dish, while a stromboli is an elongated cylinder that is sliced and shared.

What is in a traditional stromboli?

A traditional stromboli has mozzarella or provolone cheese, along with Italian deli meats like ham, prosciutto, or pepperoni.

How are you supposed to eat stromboli?

Allow it to cool slightly and then slice it and eat it with a fork or simply by picking it up. I prefer to serve marinara on the side so it’s an easy finger food.

Can you eat stromboli cold?

Yes! You can eat stromboli hot, cold, or even at room temperature. It’s great leftover and my kids love to pack it in their school lunches.

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

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

If you make this Stromboli $10 family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

Best Things to Buy on Black Friday (and What Not To)

Crystal Paine — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 21:23:00 +0000

Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same question: “What’s actually worth buying on Black Friday?” I still remember my early mom days, standing in long lines at 6 a.m., clutching a coffee, hoping to grab those one or two hot deals in the throngs of people who were also hoping to get a great deal, too.

Thankfully, things have changed. These days, I do almost all my Black Friday shopping from home in my cozy PJ’s with a mug of hot tea in hand. Over the years, I’ve learned which deals are truly worth jumping on and which ones can wait.

This year, Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. But with more retailers rolling out early savings events, the best sales often start weeks before that. If you’re trying to stretch your Christmas budget this year, I’m here to help you figure out exactly what to buy on Black Friday (and what to skip) so you can shop smarter, save more, and stress less this holiday season.

By the way, don’t miss this post with Best Places to Shop on Black Friday: Where to Find the Hottest Deals in 2026.

The Best Things to Buy on Black Friday

While every store claims to have “can’t-miss” deals, certain categories tend to offer the biggest savings each year. If you plan ahead, you can score major discounts on gifts, electronics, and even home essentials that will make your holidays brighter without stretching your budget.

Toys

Black Friday toys are always among the hottest sellers. Prices on popular brands drop significantly, making it the perfect time to stock up for Christmas or birthday gifts for later in the year. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon often offer early access toy sales that run through November. Shopping early helps you shop before high-demand items like LEGO sets, Tonies, squishies, Hot Wheels tracks, and Barbie dream houses might sell out.

Barbie and Dolls

Speaking of dolls, Black Friday Barbie deals are always worth watching. If your kids love Barbie or collectible dolls, this is the best time to buy. Many stores run exclusive bundle offers with accessories or themed playsets that rarely go on sale any other time of year. After the brand’s resurgence in recent years, some of these items sell out quickly so it’s smart to add your favorites to your cart as soon as they drop.

Holiday Décor and Christmas Trees

It’s also a great time to shop for Black Friday Christmas tree deals and holiday decorations. Artificial trees, lights, and wreaths can be marked down as much as 50% before December even begins. While many people wait until after Christmas for clearance sales, buying now gives you more options and helps you set up your home early for the season.

Laptops and Tablets

If you’re shopping for electronics, laptop Black Friday deals and iPad specials on Black Friday can save you hundreds. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target often feature limited-time doorbusters on tech products that make great gifts for students, professionals, or anyone working from home. Older-generation iPads and Chromebooks tend to see the biggest price drops, and some stores even include bonus gift cards when you purchase select models.

Streaming and Digital Deals

Some of the best Black Friday Streaming Deals are on digital subscriptions. Services like Hulu, Disney+, and Paramount+ typically offer deep discounts or extended free trials. And don’t forget about streaming Hallmark Christmas movies! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy family movie nights or binge-watch your favorite shows, this is the time to sign up or renew your subscription. These deals also make for great gifts, especially for families who want to save on entertainment.

Gaming Consoles

Gamers can look forward to incredible PS5 Black Friday deals this year. Bundles that include popular games or accessories often provide the most value, especially since consoles rarely go on sale outside of major events like Black Friday. Keep an eye on Amazon, GameStop, and major retailers for restocks, since quantities can disappear fast.

Apple Watches and Tech Accessories

For fitness lovers or busy moms who want to stay on top of their goals, Apple Watch Black Friday deals are another hot category. Look for markdowns on older models like the Series SE or previous generations, which still offer great functionality at a fraction of the price. This is the perfect time to buy a discounted smartwatch for yourself or as a thoughtful and practical holiday gift.

(Psst… Wondering which wearable fitness tracker is best? Check out this post for a comparison of Apple Watch vs. Oura Ring vs. Whoop.)

Books

Book lovers should definitely keep an eye out for Black Friday book sales. You can find discounted box sets, popular titles, and children’s books perfect for holiday gifting. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble often feature buy-one-get-one or 50% off deals on bestsellers and classics alike. And, books make a simple, meaningful, and budget-friendly gift idea for everyone on your list. (If you want ideas, visit these posts for my favorite fiction books, best non-fiction books, and best devotionals & Christian books for women.)

Appliances and Home Essentials

Finally, don’t overlook Black Friday appliance deals if you’ve been planning a big purchase for your home. From refrigerators and microwaves to washers and dryers, major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy roll out some of their steepest discounts of the year for Black Friday. If you can time your upgrade for November, you can save hundreds, especially on large items, often with extended warranties or free delivery.

Best Black Friday Gifts to Watch For

If you’re shopping for gifts, this is one of the best times to grab unique Black Friday deals that go beyond the typical electronics and toys. Personalized photo gifts, cozy blankets, home gadgets, and kitchen tools often get marked down, making them perfect for thoughtful yet affordable presents.

Stocking stuffers like candles, mugs, journals, or small tech accessories can also be bundled with larger gifts to stretch your dollars further. Shopping early allows you to wrap up your list before the holiday rush and take advantage of the widest selection.

What Not to Buy on Black Friday

While Black Friday brings incredible deals in certain categories, not every discount is worth jumping on. For example, winter clothing is often cheaper in January when post-holiday clearance sales hit.

Bedding and linens also see better prices during January “white sales,” and jewelry tends to drop in price around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Even fitness equipment is often cheaper in early January when retailers market to New Year’s resolution shoppers. If you can wait, you’ll likely score even better savings later on.

When Do Stores Start Their Black Friday Sales?

The days of waking up at 5 a.m. to stand in line outside a store are long gone. Now, most major retailers start their Black Friday events early, sometimes as soon as late October.

Stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon all launch early deal weeks that roll straight into Black Friday weekend. Signing up for store newsletters or loyalty programs can help you access these sales before the general public.

Early shopping also helps you avoid last-minute shipping delays or stock shortages.

Is Cyber Monday Cheaper Than Black Friday?

You might be wondering if it’s better to wait until Cyber Monday for certain items. The answer depends on what you’re buying. Black Friday typically offers deeper discounts on physical goods like toys, appliances, and TVs, while Cyber Monday is known for its digital and tech-focused deals.

Categories like Cyber Week TV deals and Cyber Week computer deals often shine online, with flash sales and digital bundles that may not appear in stores. If you missed something on Friday, it’s worth checking back on Monday for a second chance at savings.

Some Final Thoughts Shopping for the Best Black Friday Deals

Black Friday can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many ads, emails, and “can’t-miss” deals popping up everywhere. But remember, you don’t have to buy everything. The goal is to be intentional: to choose the deals that truly make your life easier or help you give more meaningfully without overspending.

To make the most of your holiday budget, start with a plan. Set spending limits before you start browsing and stick to your list. Use digital coupons, store reward programs, and cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashback, and Swagbucks to stack additional savings on top of already discounted prices.

If you’re shopping online, try to check out early since many of the best offers sell out fast or are limited to a few hours. And don’t forget to bookmark our Best Black Friday deals page for live updates and roundups as we get closer to the big day.

If you’re hoping to make the most of your Black Friday, you’ll love my FREE Black Friday Playbook — it’s your simple, step-by-step guide to shop smarter, save more, and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind!

Week 44: A BIG week – a new book, a half marathon, a trip to NYC, and a fractured spine (plus, what I’m reading, watching, and listening to)

Crystal Paine — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:29:09 +0000

It has been such an exciting week with running a half marathon, the launch of my sixth book, and a business trip to NYC to meet with some companies we’ve been working closely with! (I also found out that I have a fractured spine and borderline Grade 3 spondylolisthesis — that’s a whole unexpected journey I’m going to be on for the next little while!)

Whether you’ve bought a copy of my new book, asked your library to carry it, or shared about the book with your friends, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your amazing support! I am truly so grateful.

I’ve been reflecting this week on the journey I’ve taken with this book and I wanted to share a story with you about why I was scared to write this book and almost didn’t…

For years, I lived under the belief that I’m not good at math. I struggled with math in school. I barely, barely passed my homeschool high school math classes. And I didn’t go to college.

I was scared to write a book about budgeting and money because I felt like I wasn’t qualified and didn’t have enough experience. Plus, what if I went on a podcast or TV show and they started asking me complicated questions about retirement or investing and I didn’t have a clue how to answer?

I was sharing how I was struggling with this limiting belief with a group of smart business women a few years ago. I was telling them how I wanted to write this book but I was scared.

And one of them immediately, said, “Budgeting isn’t about math. It’s about prioritization. And you’ve been living on a budget for over two decades, and that absolutely qualifies you to write this book!”

I’d been so focused on what I struggled with that I overlooked what I could offer! I love helping women prioritize and it’s something I’m really good at — and that’s at the very heart of budgeting!

Maybe you’ve told yourself a limiting belief, too. “I’m not good with money.” Or, “I’m not disciplined.” Or, “I could never stick with a budget.”

Are you letting those negative narratives hold you back and stifle you or keep you stuck?

I wrote The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women because I believe in this message, I have lived this message, and I have seen the life change in our family and legacy as a result of this message.

And also? While math may always be something I’m not particularly gifted in, I’m facing my fears and putting this book out to the world because I don’t want to let negative narratives hold me back anymore!

And I’m so excited because I’m already hearing from so many women who are loving and benefitting from this message.

Here’s what some of the early comments and reviews have said:

“My favorite chapter was what would your 90 year old self say…such good wisdom to think about and I loved that the habits are sooooo doable! Almost like a tiny tweak!”

“Even if you are a budgeting veteran like myself, there is so much to learn here. The best part is that it is so straightforward, I am putting this one on the reread list. As usual, [Crystal] offers friendly, practical advice without judgment.”

“This book feels like a warm hug of encouragement and care.”

“It was such an encouraging and practical read without feeling like I was being told what I should be doing. I also really enjoyed the personal stories throughout — they made everything feel relatable and easy to connect with.”

If you haven’t ordered it yet, you can grab your copy here!

The other big thing I did this past week was run a half marathon! I still can’t believe those words are true! (Read all the details in this post, if you missed it.)

At the half marathon, I blurted out five words I can’t stop thinking about…

It was around mile 4 and I’d just been telling the new friends I was running with about my kids, when all of a sudden I saw Kathrynne (my 21-year-old) on the side of the road ahead! I had no idea she was going to be there and it meant so much to me that she would get up early and put in the effort to figure out where the race was just so she could cheer me on for a few minutes!

But she did more than that… She said, “I’m going to run with you for a bit” — even though she wasn’t dressed for running! — and she jumped in and ran about a half mile with us.

When she stopped to head back to her car, these 5 words blurted out of my mouth…

“I just love my kids!”

I said it while beaming and feeling such deep gratitude. What a gift that I have kids who *want* to hang out with me and who are so supportive of me (my other two teens have really cheered me on in this running journey — and they stayed home to watch our younger three so Jesse could come to the race!)

Recently, two of my older kids were telling me how when they talk about our relationship to others, people are surprised that they want to hang out with their parents and really think their parents are cool.

The thing I was thinking about after those 5 words popped out of my mouth was this: I think one of the biggest secrets to forging a close relationship with your kids is to absolutely adore them, praise them lavishly, call out the good you see in them, and just plain really enjoy them!

People tend to want to hang out with someone who genuinely really likes them!

I hear so many parents talk about their kids in such detrimental, negative ways.

And it breaks my heart.

Sure, parenting is hard and it has shown me my need for Jesus like nothing else. But, I want to dwell on the good and the beautiful and the gifts I see in my kids and spend my time calling those out instead of constantly harping on the areas where they need to change or the things I’m frustrated with, or critiquing everything they do. Especially as they get older.

If I could only give moms one piece of advice when it comes to parenting, it would be this: Tell them how proud you are of them. Get crazy excited about what they are excited about. Learn about their world. Let them teach about things you don’t know about.

Talk highly of them to others — in front of them and behind their back.

And also? Just genuinely enjoy them! Make it very clear from your words and actions and attitude that there’s no place you’d rather be than hanging out with them.

Our words and attitudes towards and about our kids have such weight and they often live up to what we speak about them — either negative or positive.

Tuesday, the day of my book launch, I flew to NYC for a trip with some companies we’ve worked closely with for the past few years. They were hosting an event and had invited some from our team to come so we could meet them in person. It wasn’t ideal timing with it being the day of my book launch, but I really love these brands and felt like it would be worth going. I’m so glad we did!

Jinni – my executive assistant – came with me and we celebrated my book launch by going to Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway on Tuesday night. Overall, I liked the show, thought I felt like it was long and slow in parts and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed shows with much larger casts and bigger productions. (By the way, I have a whole post on how to get cheap Broadway tickets.)

She and I also ended up wearing almost identical dresses — just in two different colors. We do that a lot! She’s like my second brain so much of the time!

I loved getting spend time with a few companies that we have worked closely with over the past few years at the event. There were so many amazing people there and I got to hear a few of the people’s stories and learn from them and that was so special! We also brainstormed some things for ways that I can help come alongside the companies as a consultant in helping them be more successful.

There was also live music!

And a ballerina! So that was fun and special!

I flew home on Thursday and wore this sweater that I love so much! It’s so cozy and comfy and cute — and it’s on sale right now!

Jesse picked me up at the airport and we went straight to early vote so that we got it done (our polls have sometimes had crazy long lines on election days!)

We were shocked and so happy to discover that it was pretty packed at the early voting place. They said they had surpassed last election’s early voting numbers the day before!! YAY for people getting out and voting!

Just a reminder to vote on Tuesday if you are in the US, are eligible to vote, and haven’t voted yet!

This was one of our number one sellers this week!! And it’s still available! Get a 50-count box of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Packets for just $5.68 shipped!

Kierstyn and Micah had Church History Day at school on Friday. They picked out their Bible characters themselves and were SOO excited about being Esther and David!

Friday morning, I headed to the specialist’s office to get more details on what was going on with my back. You can read more about all the symptoms I was having and how I first discovered my spine was fractured here.

They discovered that I have a pars defect — which is a tiny fracture of the spine that I was likely born with. It can cause some back pain (which I’ve had for years but never thought anything of) and then can lead to spondylolisthesis — which is when the vertabrae slip as you can see mine have done in the x-ray above.

Mine is borderline grade 3 spondylolisthesis which the doctor said is very severe. However, since I’m not experiencing extreme numbness where I can’t move a body part or have lost bowel or bladder function and don’t have any weakness from it, they are going to try to treat it conservatively with PT and medication. They are hoping it will improve some in the next two weeks with that. So that was very unexpected for this week, but I am grateful we caught it and that I am not experiencing extreme symptoms!

Did you see November’s book club pick?? Check out why I picked it here.

**This Week on The Crystal Paine Show: A BIG Day!!!**

We are doing something a little bit different for this episode of The Crystal Paine Show because Jesse is actually interviewing me! It is, after all, launch week for my sixth book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, and we are spending this episode talking about the book itself, why I wrote it, and what I hope that it will do for women who want to feel more confident about their finances!

I’ll be perfectly honest in that this was probably the book I struggled with the most. Even though I have spent more than two decades practicing financial discipline in our marriage, I had to work through a lot of insecurity about whether I was qualified to write about money. I have also always believed that I wasn’t good at math and worried about being asked questions about things like investing and retirement portfolios, but a conversation with a group of women business owners helped me realize that financial health isn’t just about numbers but is also about mindset, discipline, and habits – and those are things I know a thing or two about!

Jesse and I talk about how this book differs from my first money book, why I wanted it to be practical and timeless, and how you can create a money plan that works for your personality and circumstances. There’s no single right way to manage your money – whether you love tracking every dollar in an app or would happily stick with cash envelopes. Regardless, the goal is to find what works for you and helps reduce stress rather than add to it.

I also get into why I believe that we need to start by looking at where we are right now instead of telling ourselves all the reasons that we can’t make changes. I share how childhood experiences and negative beliefs about money can follow us into adulthood, influence our spending, and keep us feeling stuck, and I explain why asking ourselves why we’re making a purchase can reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface, and don’t worry – we get to the fun stuff, too! I share why a financial plan can actually make life more enjoyable, along with the creative ways to save money without always paying full price.

My sincerest hope is that this book helps women let go of shame, build confidence, align their spending with their priorities, and become more intentional with their money – because when we stop believing we’re stuck and start taking small steps forward, we can create meaningful change for ourselves and the generations after us! Enjoy this interview… with me!
Listen to the episode here.

What I’m Reading…

This week, I finished two books: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (read my full and very honest review here) and The Bright Side of the Other Side (I really enjoyed this book and think it would be a great encouragement to anyone walking through a dark time. You can watch my live interview with the author here.)

Currently reading: House Hushing, God of Comfort, Rooted Not Rushed, Life Can Be Good Again, Helping Kids Through Grief, After We Fall, Into a Golden Era, and The Belle of Chatham.

What I’m Listening to…

I decided to not finish the audiobook I was listening to last week because I just didn’t like the direction it was going. I’m planning to start another this week. I’ll let you know which one next week!

What I’m Watching…

This past week, the girls and I watched week 7 of Dancing with the Stars together. (It’s fun to have a show that Kierstyn, Kaitlynn, and I all enjoy together!)

Read With Crystal Book Club: October Book Review + November’s Book Pick Announcement

Crystal Paine — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 19:46:46 +0000

I love that SOO many of you have been joining us for the Read With Crystal Book Club! I received message after message from people saying how much you enjoyed the book and love this idea — and that makes me so happy!

If you didn’t know about the book club or you need a refresher, here are details before I share my review of October’s book and announce November’s book club pick!

How the Book Club Works

Here’s how it works:

1. I announce the book club pick for the month on the blog and on social media. You can buy the book online, from a local book store, get it from the library, or listen to the audiobook. You choose!

2. We read through the book that month. I may mention it here and there on social media or on the blog. I may not. It just depends!

3. At the end of the month, I post a post with my full review and thoughts of the book. I will invite you to share your thoughts in the comments on that blog post or in the post I share on social media.

4. That’s it! We’ll repeat this every month with a new book.

You can join us every month or just on the months that the book looks interesting to you. Whatever works for you — this is a no obligation book club!

What I Thought of October’s Book Club Pick

October’s Book Club pick was Beneath a Scarlet Sky. I have planned to read this book for years and it’s been on my shelf for years and I’ve had every intention to pick it up and read it since so many people had recommended it. This book club was a great way for me to actually get it read.

Unfortunately, I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped. It is said that it is based on a true story and there are many crazy and wild tales in the book that feel like there’s just no way they could have actually happened.

Well, apparently, in doing some research online, it appears that many people have written articles debunking the possibility of many of the things in the book.

Honestly, that made me disappointed, because I always expect an author to do their due diligence as much as is possible — especially when writing an historical novel claiming to be based on a true story — to make sure that the facts are accurate when it comes to the actual history and geography, etc.

I would have rather just been told it was historical fiction based loosely on some true characters rather than be led to believe that it was as accurate as the author could possibly be with the data and records available.

However, this was not what I didn’t like about the book, though. I felt like it left you feeling confused. Who was Hans Leyers? What was his role in the war? How did he know of Pino’s involvement in the resistance?

I was expecting those questions to be answered somewhere in the book. And they weren’t.

That left me finishing the book feeling like it wasn’t finished. Like you were so close to the finish line and getting some closure on the story and then you were just left on a treadmill that wouldn’t stop and the finish line was taken away.

In addition, I think the thing that bothered me most was how it felt so meaningless without Jesus. There were mentions of God and religion in the book, but it felt like Pino definitely was relying on himself to accomplish what he did. And it felt like he never really full experienced the forgiveness and peace that could come from Jesus. So it felt like his life had unfinished business left, too.

I also wasn’t a fan of the way that marriage was treated like something that didn’t really matter that much. Multiple male characters in the book had mistresses and it felt like the women were just being used and taken advantage of.

Finally, I didn’t feel like the writing was super strong. It felt like it could have been edited and tightened up a bit and probably could have been 50+ pages shorter without losing any of the meaning or storyline. When an author is giving me a lot of details about something, I’m always thinking, “Where are they leading me with this information?” In this book’s case, sometimes it just felt like information that wasn’t necessary and just filled pages and a word count?

Overall, while it isn’t a terrible book, it left me wanting a lot. And I didn’t feel like I had missed that much for not reading it for the past decade!

I guess maybe that’s the lesson here: sometimes you can feel like you are really dropping the ball because you think you “should” be doing something and you just aren’t prioritizing it. Years later, you find out that you didn’t really miss anything and it was okay you didn’t prioritize it earlier.

What Did You Think?

I have a feeling a BUNCH of you are going to really disagree with me on this review — and that is totally okay. If you loved Beneath a Scarlet Sky, I want to hear all about what you loved about it and what you learned from it! Let’s discuss in the comments. Please feel free to totally push back on everything I said above; you will not offend me. In fact, I love it when people can disagree respectfully!

November’s Book Club Pick

Okay, I decided to go with an “easier” read for November since I felt like we’ve had two pretty long and dramatic books the past two months. The book is called After We Fall. This one does deal with deeper issues and real-life stuff, so it’s not fluff, but it’s a shorter read and is based in the present day.

I picked this book because I had read the first book in the series, Even After This, earlier this year and just loved it. It was funny, engaging, and had a lot of depth to it, too.

When I found out the author had a second book coming out, called After We Fall, I immediately wanted to order and read it. And then I found out that it had some foster care themes in it and I’m like, “Sign me up!”

I get to interview the author, Deborah Clack, for my podcast this coming week and that episode will be coming out this month so stay tuned for that!

By the way, I asked if After We Fall can stand alone or if you need to read the first book before reading it. I was told it should be able to stand on its own, though I loved Even After This and think you should go read it, too!

From the Amazon description of After We Fall:

Sometimes the place you least expect to belong is exactly where you were always meant to land.

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped out–a necessity after surviving foster care. Now she’s on a mission to prove that she’s capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist and has never found a reason to put down roots. So when the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells is vandalized, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the road–until he’s reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart.

As Luke and Penelope work alongside each other to care for the ranch’s halfway house residents, Penelope makes a mistake she might not recover from. Her careful walls begin to crack, and Luke’s restless heart finds reasons to stay. But when tragedy strikes, they must decide if it’s worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they’ve always longed for.

A poignant, emotional, no-spice contemporary romance about all the heartbreaking ways we can fall and what it takes to put us back together again. This clean and wholesome opposites-attract love story with a protective MMC will delight fans of Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Annabel Monaghan, and Corinne Michaels.

Get a copy of After We Fall here or ask your library to order a copy!

Any questions? Ask away in the comments! Also, if you have suggestions for future book club books, let me know! I’m compiling a list!

Note: I will do my best to pick books that are clean (no bedroom scenes) and don’t have a lot of cursing in them. However, since I won’t have read the book before I pick it, I am not endorsing a book just by picking it. But I will do my best to research it to try to make sure it’s no more than a PG or PG-13 type book.

Looking for the Best App for Weight Loss? Why Nourish Offers More Than Tracking!

Crystal Paine — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:49:19 +0000

If you’ve ever searched for the best app for weight loss, you know there are plenty of options. Most help you count calories, track macros, log workouts or watch the number on the scale.

Those tools can be helpful, but knowing what to do doesn’t always make it easier to actually do it, or figure out what your body needs.

That’s what makes Nourish different. This app combines helpful tracking tools with personalized, one-on-one support from a registered dietitian.

I’ve been using Nourish since 2025, and it’s helped me make meaningful changes to my health, energy levels, and relationship with food. I’ve learned that the best weight loss app isn’t necessarily the one that tracks the most data. It’s the one that helps you understand what your body needs and build habits you can actually sustain.

What Is the Best App for Weight Loss?

There isn’t one weight loss app that’s best for everyone. But if you’re comparing your options, it’s helpful to look beyond calorie counting.

A good app should make it easy to track food, movement, and other health habits while helping you set realistic goals. Ideally, it should also provide personalized recommendations, accountability and support when your circumstances change.

Your overall health matters, too. Sleep, stress, hormones, energy levels and other factors can influence how you feel and the habits you’re able to maintain. Nourish checks many of these boxes, but it also offers something you won’t find in many traditional tracking apps: regular access to a registered dietitian.

What Is the Nourish App?

Nourish is a virtual nutrition platform that connects you with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition counseling. Appointments happen virtually, so you can meet with your dietitian from home.

Nourish dietitians specialize in a wide variety of areas, including weight management, emotional eating, digestive health, women’s health, pre- and postnatal nutrition and general wellness.

The Nourish app also lets you log meals, track macros, set goals, and monitor your progress. But the goal isn’t simply to collect more numbers. Your dietitian can use information about your eating patterns and health goals to provide more personalized recommendations.

Instead of handing you a rigid meal plan or expecting you to overhaul everything overnight, Nourish emphasizes personalized care and sustainable behavior changes.

Want to see if you can get started for little to no cost? Check whether your insurance covers appointments with a Nourish dietitian.

Why Nourish Is Different From a Traditional Weight Loss App

Traditional weight loss apps can provide valuable information. Tracking your meals, for example, may help you notice that you’re consistently low on protein or that you tend to skip meals during busy days.

But numbers don’t necessarily tell you why you’re exhausted, constantly hungry, or struggling to make progress.

That’s where personalized support can make a difference.

Traditional weight loss apps	Nourish
Primarily track calories or macros	Combines tracking with dietitian support
Often use generic goals	Creates recommendations around your individual needs
Focus heavily on weight	Can consider energy, sleep, stress and overall health
Leave users to interpret data	A dietitian can help you understand your patterns
May emphasize rigid rules	Focuses on realistic, sustainable habits

Nourish dietitians provide individualized care based on each patient’s goals, and the platform describes its approach as focusing on long-term behavioral changes rather than short-term fixes.

In other words, you’re not left staring at a dashboard wondering what all the information means. You have a professional who can help you connect the dots and determine a realistic next step.

My Honest Experience Using Nourish

I started meeting with a Nourish dietitian in the summer of 2025. At the time, I was exercising and trying to eat well, but I still felt stuck and depleted. I assumed my dietitian would tell me to count calories more carefully or pay closer attention to my macros.

Instead, our conversations helped me look at the bigger picture. My body had been through years of pregnancy, nursing, fostering, caregiving, parenting six kids, and running a business. I began to understand that constantly pushing myself while under-eating and under-sleeping wasn’t necessarily helping me reach my health goals.

“I thought I needed more discipline. What I actually needed was personalized support and permission to nourish my body.”

My dietitian gave me clear, manageable steps I could implement without making me feel guilty or overwhelmed. That experience began changing the way I thought about health. Instead of focusing so much on trying to be skinny or seeing a particular number on the scale, I’ve been learning to focus on becoming stronger, having more energy, and making sure my body is actually nourished.

How Nourish Helps You Track Progress

One thing I appreciate about Nourish is that progress doesn’t have to be defined by the scale. The app can help you keep track of meals, eating patterns, nutrition goals, and other information that can help you and your dietitian identify patterns over time. Nourish’s app currently includes features for logging meals and macros, setting goals, and monitoring progress.

Depending on your individual plan, you might also pay attention to things like hydration, movement, sleep, digestion, energy levels, mood, or habits your dietitian recommends.

Progress can take many forms. Maybe you have more energy in the afternoon, feel satisfied after meals, sleep better, get stronger during workouts, or simply spend less time thinking and worrying about food. Those wins matter, too.

Can Nourish Support Weight Loss Without Restrictive Dieting?

Yes. Nourish has dietitians who specialize in weight loss and weight management, but the approach can extend well beyond simply telling you to eat less. A dietitian can help you look at portions, meal balance, hunger cues, and eating patterns and create realistic habits based on your individual goals.

My own experience taught me something especially important: The healthiest next step isn’t always eating less and exercising more. Sometimes your body may need adequate nutrition, better sleep, less stress, or a healthier relationship with food before you focus on anything else.

Of course, everyone’s body and circumstances are different. Working with Nourish or using any other nutrition or weight loss app doesn’t guarantee that you’ll lose weight, and individual results will vary.

How Much Does Nourish Cost?

Here’s one of the biggest potential benefits: Nourish currently reports that 94% of its in-network patients pay $0 out of pocket. However, your actual cost depends on your insurance plan, and some patients may have a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.

Nourish offers a coverage calculator so you can check your benefits before getting started. It also has a Nourish Guarantee designed to provide a no-surprise billing experience. For patients paying out of pocket, Nourish currently lists its self-pay rate at $145 per session.

Since insurance coverage and pricing can change, always confirm your expected cost directly with Nourish before scheduling.

Who Might Benefit From Nourish?

Nourish could be worth considering if you’re overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, tired of starting and stopping diets, or want to work toward weight loss in a more sustainable way.

It may also be helpful if you want personalized guidance and accountability without shame, struggle with low energy, want to improve your relationship with food, or need help understanding patterns in your eating and health habits.

Nourish probably isn’t the best choice if all you’re looking for is a basic automated calorie counter. Its biggest differentiator is the human support behind the technology.

Is Nourish the Best App for Weight Loss?

There isn’t one best weight loss app for everyone. However, I think Nourish is a strong option if you’re looking for personalized, professional support instead of another restrictive diet plan.

My biggest takeaway from working with my dietitian has been that genuine progress doesn’t have to come from becoming more obsessed with food or the scale. For me, it came from learning how to better nourish and care for my body.

Check whether your insurance covers Nourish and connect with a registered dietitian who can help you create a realistic plan for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nourish a weight loss app?

Nourish is a virtual nutrition platform rather than a traditional calorie-counting or weight loss app. Its registered dietitians can help with weight-related goals while considering other factors such as eating habits, energy, sleep, stress and your relationship with food. Nourish offers dietitians with specialties including weight loss, emotional eating, women’s health and pre- and postnatal nutrition.

Does the Nourish app include food tracking?

Yes. Nourish’s app includes tools that let users log meals, track macros, set goals, and monitor their progress. This information can also provide useful context when working with your dietitian.

Is Nourish covered by insurance?

Nourish reports that 94% of its in-network patients currently pay $0 out of pocket. However, insurance coverage varies, and some people may have a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Nourish recommends using its coverage calculator to verify your individual benefits before scheduling.

Can a dietitian help me lose weight?

A registered dietitian can help you develop an individualized nutrition strategy, identify barriers to your goals, and establish realistic, sustainable habits. Nourish has registered dietitians who specialize in weight management and weight-related goals, but individual outcomes will vary.

Brigette’s $106 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4!

Brigette — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:24:32 +0000

Aldi

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.35

1 gallon Milk – $2.75

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.35

1 32-oz carton Plain Greek Yogurt – $2.89

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $2.85

3 jars Pasta Sauce – $5.37

1 2-lb box Elbow Macaroni – $1.89

1 bag Frozen Riced Cauliflower – $1.79

2 bags French Green Beans – $5.78

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $3.07

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.79

1 English Cucumber – $0.75

1 bunch Bananas – $1.17

1 bag Spinach – $1.89

1 5-lb bag All Purpose Flour – $1.85

1-lb bag Brown Sugar – $1.59

3 boxes Cereal – $7.33

1 family-size box Cheese Crackers – $3.79

2 bags Chocolate Chips – $7.30

1 box Butter – $2.69

2 jars Peanut Butter – $3.18

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $1.99

1 box Graham Crackers – $1.89

Total: $68.30

Publix

1 pkg Stonefire Flatbread – $3.50

4 bags Rummo Gluten-Free Pasta – $8.58, received 6,644 points ($6.64) – $1.94 for 4 after Rebate

2 boxes Entenmann’s Little Bites – $5.68, received (2) $0.25/1 Entenmann’s Ibotta Rebates – $5.18 for 2 after Rebates

3 tubs Simply Mashed Potatoes – $7.93, used $3/$15 Bob Evans Publix Digital Coupon – $4.93 for 3 after Coupon

2 Scott and Jon’s Honey Sesame Salmon Bowls – $5.99, received $2.99 Aisle Rebate – $3 for 2 after Rebate

2 Breyer’s Ice Cream – $5.03, received 1250 points from Fetch ($1.25), plus received $1.50/1 Beryer’s Carb Smart Ibotta Rebate – $2.28 for 2 after Rebates

2 blocks Cabot Cheese – $5.09, used $1/2 Cabot Publix Digital Coupon – $4.09 for 2 after Coupon

1 pkg Bakr Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough – $3.64, used $2/1 Bakr Publix Digital Coupon – $1.64 after Coupon

1 Greenfield Protein Kit – $2.24, used $1/1 Greenfield Protein Publix Digital Coupon plus received $1/1 Greenfield Protein Ibotta Rebate – $0.24 after Coupon and Rebate

2 24-oz pkgs Smithfield Bacon – $11.98, received 3,000 points from Swagbucks ($3) – $8.98 for 2 after Rebate

1 Arm and Hammer Toothpaste – $2.49, used $1.50/1 Arm and Hammer Publix Digital Coupon plus received $1.50/1 Arm and Hammer Ibotta Rebate – $0.51 Money Maker after Coupon and Rebate

1 2-ct box Lance Sandwich Crackers – $4.64

2 boxes Kellogg’s Rice Krispy Treats – $2.49, used (2) $0.50/1 Printables – $1.49 for 2 after Coupons

Total after Coupons and Rebates: $37.90

Grocery Total for the Week: $106.20*

Not pictured: All of the deer meat that my husband processed this week (he gets multiple deer each hunting season), all of the eggs we were given from our friend’s chickens, and a box of produced gifted to us.

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Grits, Omelets, Smoothies

Lunches

Sandwich Crackers, Applesauce Pouches, Carrots with Hummus, Little Bites/Rice Krispy Treats (School Lunches) x 4

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Pepperoni Pizza on Flatbread Crust

Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Bacon Broccoli Quiche, Blueberry Muffins, Spinach Salad

Venison Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Biscuits, Broccoli

Baked Mac and Cheese with Ham, Raw Veggie Plate with Hummus Dip

Pancakes, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs

Spaghetti with Venison Sausage, Green Beans, Homemade French Bread

The day I was super desperate (and a story of God’s faithfulness)

Crystal Paine — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:10:00 +0000

I was desperate that day. We were in a really tough place financially. And I didn’t know what to do.

So I fell on my knees in our apartment closet and cried out to God to please help me figure out anything I could do to bring in some more income.

I had tried so many things — babysitting, working as a mother’s helper, mystery shopping, working as a virtual assistant, teaching creative writing classes, selling on eBay.

I tried to start a business teaching violin lessons (what I had done for years before we moved after we got married). I put ads in various newsletters and then waited — and didn’t get one single call.

It sometimes felt like God had abandoned me. Didn’t He see how hard we were working, how diligently I was applying to every single opportunity, and how many sacrifices we were making in order to stay out of debt and be wise with our money??

I pasted Scripture about God’s faithfulness above the kitchen sink where I spent so much time washing dishes. I would read the verses and pray them back to the Lord — reminding Him of our great needs and of Who He had promised to be.

And you know what?

While money was super tight in those years, we saw God answer our desperate prayers time and again — sometimes in the form of a really amazing deal at the grocery store, sometimes with a side job to cover the bills, and a few times it was even random cash that showed up unexpectedly.

God is rarely early but always on time. And that was true again and again.

In addition, we learned to practice gratitude, become so much more deeply content, and think way outside the box.

In fact, it was in those years (and because of our need to be super creative to stretch our income!) that I first discovered this thing called the Drugstore Game — where you could get paid to buy all sorts of household products at CVS and Walgreens by stacking sales and coupons and rebates. Guess what??

Over time, I started helping friends learn how to play the Drugstore Game, and one thing led to another, and I eventually started this blog to teach others how to play it, too. I thought the blog was going to be a small side thing I did in addition to all the other things I was doing.

Little did I dream that God was going to blow up the blog to much to use those hard years and what I learned as the catalyst for a blog and online business that would eventually be our family’s full-time income!

If you are in a desperate place right now, I want to remind you: God hasn’t forgotten you. He is working in the waiting — possibly in ways that are far beyond what you could ever dream or imagine for yourself.

He is rarely early but always on time. And He can be trusted!

If you want to read more of our story and a bunch of the really outside-the-box ways we made do and stretched our dollars, I share our story in depth in my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women.

My heart and hope is that this book not only gives you inspirational encouragement, but also serves as a step-by-step guide for how to move from a place of financial stress to financial confidence.

A big goal and a BOLD ask!

Crystal Paine — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 21:39:13 +0000

I have a big ask today. And it scares me a little to put this out there. But, when I told my husband I was thinking of posting this, he said, “You won’t get any answers if you never ask.”

So here goes: my brand-new book called The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women comes out today!! It’s my sixth book and likely my last book and I want to end my book-writing era well.

I poured countless hours into planning for, prepping for, and praying for this book. I surveyed almost 4,000 women about money before writing it, and I spent 25+ years living the message before I wrote about it in book form.

I’ve shared in previous posts how The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women helps you understand your numbers, make a realistic spending plan, and create support for following through.

You’ll also learn practical ways to stretch your money:

Take inventory before buying more.
Find recurring expenses you no longer need.
Plan purchases instead of always buying at the last minute.
Add a waiting period before nonessential spending.
Connect the money you save with a goal that matters to you.

Plus, there are so many stories from my childhood and the early years of marriage that I think you are going to really enjoy reading (I had so much fun remembering and writing them out!)

A Big Goal and a Bold Ask

Now for my big ask… I set an audacious goal that my book would get in the top 1000 of all books on Amazon this week. This isn’t easy to do, but getting into the top 1000 means that Amazon will promote it even more!

So here’s my bold ask: if you were thinking of purchasing, would you buy in the next 24 hours so that collectively we can try to hit this goal??

It’s currently in the top 1400 of all books sold on Amazon. Can we get it in the top 1,000??

Again, I don’t want you to buy it if you weren’t already planning to (or if it’s not in your budget!) But if you were already planning to buy it, purchasing in the next 8 hours would be huge for the book’s overall success!

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I wish I could show up at your door in person and hug you and say thank you, but since I can’t, I put together a $75 bonus packet of resources that I want to give to you as my way of saying thank you if you order by midnight tonight!

Here’s what you’ll get in the bonus packet:

5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Video Course — short lessons and printable worksheets to help you take action a few minutes at a time.
Couples’ Guide to Healthy Money Conversations — practical prompts to help you understand each other and work toward shared goals.
5-Day Budget Makeover — one doable lesson a day, delivered to your inbox.
Money Reset Toolkit — including a 10-Minute Money Reset and a roadmap to help you figure out what to do first.

How to Get Your $75 Bonus Resource Packet

Order your copy of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women from any retailer in the next 8 hours.
Go here and fill out the form to get your bonuses!
Complete those steps by midnight on October 27, 2026 to be eligible!

Again, just thank you to each of you who have been such a source of support and encouragement to me over the years. I’m so grateful for you!

Psst! If you can’t afford to buy a book right now, if you ask your library to carry the book and send me a screenshot of your request, you still qualify for the $75 pre-order bonus bundle! Just email crystal@moneysavingmom.com

I ran a half marathon this weekend and here’s what I learned…

Crystal Paine — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:05:19 +0000

I ran a half marathon this weekend!!!

And I genuinely cannot believe those words are true. But I have the medal to prove it!

I want to tell you more about how on earth it happened that this girl who always assumed she wasn’t a runner and had never run more than two miles without stopping until 2026 ended up running 13.1 miles this weekend – without stopping.

But first, maybe you read my recent post about creating a money plan and thought: “I’ve made budgets before. My problem is actually sticking with them.”

I want to tell you a story.

For years, I believed I couldn’t run. As in, it just wasn’t possible for my body to go more than a mile or two. Some of that fear went all the way back to a C I’d received in PE in second grade!

In March of this year, my 21-year-old daughter called and asked if I’d run a 10k with her. I didn’t even know how long a 10K was, but I said yes. I had 9 weeks to train and I learned so much about my body in those 9 weeks. And I also discovered that I ACTUALLY COULD RUN. In fact, I wasn’t that bad at it and it was something I enjoyed.

WHAT EVEN? Who was I??

Armed with confidence from the 10k, I decided to sign up for a half marathon. Only this time, I’d be doing it by myself. I spent the last few months training using the Runna app.

I had a lot of great runs and a lot of hard runs. I got a little better and a little braver and a little more confident.

But I still went into Saturday’s race feeling super scared and anxious — especially to run such a long race all by myself.

You know what happened, though? I didn’t end up running it by myself!

I made three friends named Shylah, Kellie, and John during the first mile, and we ended up running the entire race together.

We didn’t know each other at all before that morning, but we bonded a lot over those 2 1/2+ hours we were running together.

And the truth is: I might have quit if it wasn’t for them.

We cheered for every runner we saw and we cheered for and encouraged each other. We distracted one another with stories and beautiful scenery. We made sure that everyone was drinking and fueling and not pushing too hard.

And we all finished!!! I truly credit Shylah, Kellie, and John for why I made it to the finish line in under my goal time AND had the best race experience I could have hoped for.

Who you surround yourself is often who you become. Had I been racing with people who were complaining or talking about how hard it was or stopping every 10 mins or quitting altogether, it would have been a lot harder to keep going.

That experience helped me see how much the right support can change our follow-through.

That’s why my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, goes beyond helping you make a budget.

There’s an accountability-style quiz to help you identify whether you do best with one-on-one support, a group, or tools for tracking your own progress.

Then I help you make it specific:

Who will you ask for support?
What will you track?
When will you check in?
How will you adjust after a difficult week?

You’ll also explore practical spending systems, including cash envelopes, and ways to create a pause before an impulse purchase.

If you have plenty of good intentions but keep getting discouraged, these are tools I want you to have.

You can build a plan around how you actually function — including the busy weeks when motivation is low.

Pre-order your copy + claim your FREE bonuses here!

My book releases tomorrow so the bonus offer ends in one day — don’t miss out!!

And here’s to surrounding yourself with a community of people who cheer for you, support you, and love you on your financial journey, just like Shylah, Kellie, and John did for me during the half marathon!

P.S. One of my big hopes is that I can also be a cheerleader to you through The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women. I want you to know that you are not alone. No matter what your financial past looks like and no matter the shame or guilt or stress you might feel around money, that doesn’t have to be where you stay stuck. Here’s to writing a brand-new story that might look entirely different than you ever dreamed was possible!

Week 43: A Peek Into This Past Week (plus, what I’m reading, listening to, and watching!)

Crystal Paine — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:30:37 +0000

Kierstyn had her last cross country meet of the season. She had big goals and hopes for the time she wanted to run her mile in. She was SO excited about it. But then she went out pretty fast and, just a few minutes in, had to stop and walk because she got a side stitch.

In this next picture she is saying to me on the sidelines, “I can’t do this. My side hurts too bad.” She wanted to stop right then and there.

But she kept going, even though she had to walk most of the way. When she got near the very end of the race, she was SO done. You can see it as she walks with her head down in this screenshot of a video I took:

I took her hand and walked with her and told her how proud I was that she kept going even when she wanted to quit. We walked together all the way to the final stretch and then I told her I thought she could run to the finish line and guess what??

She did!

I was so proud of her and she was so proud of herself. Not because she hit her goals — she was way behind the time goals she had set — but because she finished when she wanted so badly to quit.

Watching her try a brand-new sport and learn how to push herself and pace herself and do hard things this year has been incredible. And she’s already talking about what she’s going to do differently next year and how she’s hoping to win a medal! I love her persevering spirit!

In other family sports news, Silas got a completely unexpected email over the summer and I have to tell you the story…

At the end of the summer baseball season, we knew his current travel team was going to be undergoing a lot of changes and we felt really unsure and unsettled as to what Silas was supposed to do baseball-wise in the fall. However, he had broken his hand and couldn’t try out for any other teams so we felt kind of at a loss as to what to do.

So we prayed a lot for wisdom and direction. We had a lot of conversations and we still didn’t have any clear path forward. It was extra hard because this is a pivotal time for his baseball future — especially since his dream is to play in college.

I’ll admit, I struggled as a mom with wanting to figure something out for him or make something happen. But there wasn’t really anything I could do but pray.

At times, I felt anxious about it, but I kept going back to reminding myself of the truth that God loves my boy even more than I do and I can rest in His good plan for my son and his future.

I had to keep reminding myself of this over and over.

And then, out of the blue, we got a random email from a coach offering him a spot on a national team.

To be honest, we were skeptical and thought it was probably actually just some recruiter trying to sell us some program (there are SO many of these out there – you can pay crazy amounts of money to try to play sports in college.)

We didn’t even answer it for a few weeks because we didn’t think it was legit.

But finally, I was like, “Why don’t we respond and just have the initial phone call the coach asked for? I mean, if they are just trying to sell us something, we can say no and walk away.”

So we set up the call — with a lot of skepticism. And I prepped to have to give a hard no to whatever the guy was trying to sell us. Only when we got on the call, we realized they weren’t trying to sell us anything! Instead, they had found Silas’s social media, they had watched his film, and they were legit offering him a spot on a national team!

I wish you could have seen the excitement we all expressed when we got off that call! We had done nothing to make this opportunity happen and it was everything Silas had dreamed of and wanted for this next season! There was nothing we could attribute it to but God’s answer to many, many prayers we prayed.

We have been SO impressed with the program and the coaching — it’s at a very different level than Silas has played before and he is thriving!

And I think it was such an amazing opportunity for Silas to get to see God’s faithfulness!!

When we didn’t know what to do, when it felt like there weren’t many options, when we were discouraged about it all, we had no idea that God was working behind the scenes to open up a door that was better than anything he could have opened on his own!

I hope he doesn’t forget this in the future when life feels unsettled or confusing and it feels like there’s nothing he can do. God is working in the waiting!

God is still in the business of doing miracles. He’s often working behind the scenes when things don’t make sense. And He is able to do far beyond what we could dream or imagine. (And He cares about everyday things like baseball!)

Trust Him. Cry out to Him for wisdom and direction and provision. And wait expectantly to see how He provides and takes care of you! He is a faithful God!

I hope this story encourages you in whatever you are trusting God with right now. ❤️

I saw this on substack from EmmaGraceSV and loved it so much and it deeply ministered to my soul that I wanted to share it with you. This is my heart and hope and how I want to live — sitting in the presence of Jesus.

Final Chance!! Don’t Miss This Bonus: 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You

My new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, officially releases *tomorrow* October 27, and I’m SO excited for you to start reading this book that I’ve poured my heart and soul into!

With release day tomorrow, this is your last chance to grab $75+ in exclusive pre-order bonuses FREE! If you have been thinking about ordering, now is the perfect time.

When you pre-order from any retailer, you’ll be eligible to claim the FULL bonus bundle, including the Money Reset Toolkit, Couples’ Guide to Healthy Money Conversations, and 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Video Course. These practical resources are packed with tools, encouragement, and actionable steps to help you start building healthier money habits right away. I don’t want you to miss these!

And if you’ve already pre-ordered, THANK YOU! Be sure to claim your bonuses before Tuesday so you don’t miss out!

Pre-order your copy + grab your FREE bonuses here!

**This Week on The Crystal Paine Show: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home (with Myquillyn Smith)**

Have you ever walked into your house and felt overwhelmed by all the stuff staring back at you or felt guilty about the books that you haven’t read, the hobbies that you haven’t pursued, or the projects that you haven’t finished? If so, then this conversation is for you!

I am so excited to have today’s guest in the studio again, especially since she was actually my first ever guest on this podcast!

Listen in as I welcome Myquillyn Smith to The Crystal Paine Show. She is the author of House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home, and I relate to SO much of what she shares in her book and in this episode! We talk about how our homes can become visually overwhelming without us even realizing it and how all that visual noise can leave us feeling exhausted instead of refreshed.

With six kids and a baby in our care three days a week, I know what it’s like to have a gloriously full life, and I love the idea that our homes don’t have to add to the noise!

Hear Myquillyn share her brilliant backwards decluttering method, which takes about twelve minutes and allows you to experience a room with less stuff before deciding what to keep or let go. We also talk about quiet decorating and how to make a space feel cozy without adding more clutter.

We also explore soulful styling, or displaying sentimental items in ways that give them the attention they deserve, and creating boundaries around collecting things so that not everything competes for our attention. Plus, Myquillyn shares her approach to living seasonally, including how to evaluate what matters most in each season of life instead of feeling obligated to repeat traditions just because that’s what you’ve always done.

This conversation gives me so much to think about, especially how our homes need to change as our families and lives change, and it will surely leave you thinking about this as well, so if you’re ready to create a more peaceful, welcoming home without feeling like you have to tackle everything at once, you won’t want to miss this episode! Listen to the episode here.

What I’m Reading…

I’m currently reading Beneath a Scarlet Sky, The Bright Side of the Other Side, and House Hushing.

What I’m Listening to…

I’m currently listening to an audiobook but I’m only about a third of the way through and not sure whether I can recommend it or not so I’m going to hold off on telling you what it is.

What I’m Watching…

This past week, the girls and I watched week 6 of Dancing with the Stars together. (It’s fun to have a show that Kierstyn, Kaitlynn, and I all enjoy together!)

10 Ways to Listen to the Emma M. Lion Audiobooks for Free (or Almost Free!)

Chonce Rhea — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 21:05:00 +0000

If you’ve been anywhere near BookTok, Bookstagram, or book-loving friends lately, you may have heard people raving about The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion.

The cozy historical fiction series by Beth Brower follows Emma M. Lion through life in 1880s London, and the audiobooks have become especially popular. All eight currently released volumes have been produced as audiobooks, narrated by Genevieve Gaunt.

There’s just one problem if you’ve been looking to read these books for free: the library waitlists can be LONG!

If you’ve been waiting weeks (or months!) for your turn, don’t assume your only other option is buying every audiobook at full price. I did some digging and found quite a few ways you may be able to listen to the Emma M. Lion books for free, or at least very inexpensively.

Quick note: Audiobook catalogs, free trials, prices, and library availability can change, so always double-check that the Emma M. Lion volume you want is included before signing up for a paid service.

How to Listen to the Emma M. Lion Series for Free:

1. Check Your Local Library First

Let’s start with the completely free option. Search your local library catalog for The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. Depending on your library system, you might find physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, or some combination of the three.

And don’t give up just because your particular branch doesn’t have them. Ask whether your library participates in an interlibrary loan program or gives cardholders access to other library systems.

You can also ask your library to purchase a title. There’s no guarantee they’ll say yes, of course, but enough patron requests can help libraries know which books are in demand.

2. Search Libby

If your library gives you access to Libby, this is probably one of the first places you’ll want to check. The Emma M. Lion audiobooks are distributed through OverDrive and can be available through participating libraries on Libby.

The downside? Availability is determined by your library, so one library might have several volumes while another has only one or two. And because this series has gotten so popular, you might encounter a lengthy hold list.

Still, place those holds! You can always use one of the other options below while you wait.

Money-saving tip: If you’re eligible for cards from multiple library systems, add all of them to Libby and compare availability. Just be sure you’re following each library’s residency and eligibility requirements.

3. Don’t Forget About Hoopla

Here’s one that could help you bypass the Libby line entirely.

Some libraries offer the Emma M. Lion audiobooks through Hoopla. Unlike Libby, where you often have to wait for another patron to return a digital copy, Hoopla titles are typically available for instant borrowing when they’re offered by your library. For example, library catalogs currently show Volume 1 available as a Hoopla eAudiobook.

There’s a catch: Hoopla’s selection varies by library, and libraries generally limit how many Hoopla borrows you get each month. You may find all of the volumes, only a few of them, or none at all.

But it’s absolutely worth checking before paying for an audiobook.

4. Try an Audiobooks.com Free Trial

If you’re new to Audiobooks.com, check its current free-trial offer and search for the Emma M. Lion volumes before signing up. A free trial can be a great way to listen to one or more books without committing to another long-term subscription.

Just remember to make a note of when your trial ends if you don’t want to continue paying for the service.

5. Use an Audible Free Trial

Audible is another place to check, especially if you’ve never subscribed before. The Emma M. Lion audiobooks are available through Audible, including Volume 1 narrated by Genevieve Gaunt. Audible currently advertises a free trial for eligible new customers, though the exact offer and membership options can change.

Depending on the current promotion, you may be able to use your trial to listen to or purchase one of the books without paying the normal price.

And even if you’re not eligible for a free trial, keep an eye out for sales. Audible occasionally deeply discounts audiobooks, which could make buying several volumes cheaper than expected.

6. See If Everand Has the Volume You Need

Everand is another audiobook subscription service worth checking. As of this writing, Volume 1 through 5 is available on Everand, and the service advertises a free trial for new subscribers.

Before starting your trial, search the catalog for the specific Emma M. Lion volumes you need. If several are available, you could potentially get quite a bit of listening done during your trial period. Again, set yourself a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want another monthly subscription.

7. Check Amazon Music

This one is easy to overlook! If you’re eligible for an Amazon Music Unlimited free trial, check the audiobook catalog to see which Emma M. Lion volumes are currently included and what audiobook listening benefits come with the current plan.

Amazon changes its Music Unlimited promotions periodically, so check the terms before signing up. And if you’re already paying for Amazon Music Unlimited, definitely search there before paying for an audiobook somewhere else. You may already have access to audiobook listening as part of your subscription.

8. Check Spotify Premium Before Buying Anything

Already pay for Spotify Premium? You may have audiobook listening time included in your existing plan. That means you should always search Spotify for the Emma M. Lion volume you need before buying it somewhere else.

There are some limitations to Spotify’s audiobook benefit, including monthly listening-hour limits and differences between plan types. Since the Emma M. Lion books are relatively short compared with many audiobooks, however, your included hours could potentially stretch farther.

The important thing is to use the subscriptions you’re already paying for before adding another one!

9. Watch Chirp For Cheap Emma M. Lion audiobooks

This might be my favorite option if you’ve exhausted the freebies. Chirp sells discounted audiobooks without requiring a monthly subscription. And Emma M. Lion fans recently spotted the first five audiobooks for just $2.99 each.

Sales change, so you may not see the same price when you check. But, if you love the series and want to own the audiobooks rather than borrow them, it’s worth watching for another sale.

At $2.99 each, you could potentially own several volumes for less than the cost of a single month of some audiobook subscriptions.

10. Combine Services Instead of Sticking With Just One

This may ultimately be the best strategy for listening to the entire series on a budget. Don’t feel like you have to get every volume from the same place.

Maybe you listen to Volume 1 on Libby, grab Volume 2 instantly through Hoopla, use a free trial for Volume 3, listen to another through a subscription you already have, and snag the next few during a Chirp or Audible sale.

It might take a little more effort, but mixing and matching your options could dramatically reduce what you spend on the series.

Start Listening Without Spending Much

The sudden popularity of the Emma M. Lion books is both good news and bad news: It’s fun to discover a series everyone is excited about, but not so fun when you’re number 87 in line for the next audiobook!

Fortunately, you have more options than simply waiting or paying full price. Start with your library, Libby, and Hoopla since they’re free. Then check any audiobook or music subscriptions you’re already paying for. After that, consider strategically using a free trial or watching for a deeply discounted audiobook sale.

And one final tip: Don’t sign up for four free trials at once! Use one, listen to as much as you reasonably can, cancel if you don’t want to keep it, and then move on to your next option.

That way, you can hopefully spend a lot more time hanging out with Emma in St. Crispian’s, and a lot less money getting there.

Brigette’s $110 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4!

Brigette — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:56:00 +0000

Aldi

2 jugs Orange Juice – $6.70

1 gallon Milk – $2.85

1 4-lb bag Sugar – $2.69

1 pkg Fresh Boneless Chicken Breasts – $10.87

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $3.49

1 Party Pack Brats – $6.79

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $4.79

1 Family-Size Box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $2.79

1 box Raisin Bran – $2.15

1 large box Rice Squares – $2.95

1 Cauliflower – $2.89

1 carton Gourmet Medley Tomatoes – $2.39

3 cartons Raspberries – $4.47

2 8-oz pkgs Sliced Cheese – $2.90

1 loaf Honey Wheat Bread – $1.79

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $1.29

Total: $61.80

Publix Trip #1

1 tub Cedar’s Organic Hummus – $4.99, received $4.99 Rebate from Flavor Wiki – FREE after Rebate

1 tub Fresh Cravings Hummus – $4.59, received $4.59 Rebate from Flavor Wiki – FREE after Rebate

1 tub Sabra Hummus – $2.14, received $4.99 Rebate from Flavor Wiki – $2.85 Money Maker after Rebate

1 Digiorno Stuffed Crust Pizza – $11.79, received 8000 points from Fetch ($8) – $3.79 after Rebate

2 boxes First Phorm Bars – $11.99, received (2) $2.50/1 First Phorm Ibotta Rebates – $6.99 for 2 after Rebates

1 20-ct box Go-Go Squeeze – $7.49

2 cans Bush’s Sidekicks – $1.89, received $1.25/2 Sidekicks Ibotta Rebate – $0.64 for 2 after Rebate

2 cans Contadina Tomatoes – $2.49, received (2) $0.50/1 Contadina Ibotta Rebates plus received 2000 points from Fetch ($2) – $0.51 Money Maker after Rebates

5 blocks Kraft Cheese – $12.47, received (5) $0.75/1 Kraft Cheese Ibotta Rebates – $8.72 for 5 after Rebates

1 OxiClean Stain Remover Spray – $2.09, used $2/1 OxiClean Publix Digital Coupon – $0.09 after Coupon

1 Dove Aluminum-Free Deodorant – $9.19, used $2/1 Dove Deodorant Publix Digital Coupon plus received 6250 points from Fetch ($6.25) – $0.94 after Coupon and Rebate

2 boxes Dunkin Bold Blend K-Cups – $11.09, received (2) $1/1 Dunkin Bold Ibotta Rebates – $9.09 for 2 after Rebates

2 cans Pillsbury Biscuits plus 1 pkg Oscar Meyer Hotdogs – $7.12, used $2.50 off Oscar Meyer and Pillsbury Publix Digital Coupon, plus received $1/2 Pillsbury Ibotta Rebate and 5000 points from Fetch ($5 – this completed a couple of Fetch offers for me) – $1.38 Money Maker for 3 after Coupon and Rebates

1 can Tuttorosso Tomato Paste – $1.29, received 2000 points from Fetch ($2) – $0.71 Money Maker after Rebate

3 jars Old El Paso Taco Sauce – $5.68, used $1/2 Old El Paso Publix Digital Coupon, plus received 7500 points from Fetch ($7.50) – $2.82 Money Maker for 3 after Coupon and Rebates

1 Bob’s Red Mill Baking Flour – $6.69, received $6.69 Rebate from Aisle – FREE after Rebate

3 pkgs McCormick Taco Seasoning Mix – $2.08, received $0.75/3 McCormick Ibotta Rebate – $1.33 for 3 after Rebate

2 boxes Annie’s Mac and Cheese – $2.69, received $0.50/2 Annie’s Ibotta Rebate plus $0.10/1 Any Brand Mac and Cheese Ibotta Rebate – $2.09 for 2 boxes after Rebates

~ Received $5 Midweek Ibotta Bonus

Total after Tax, Coupons and Rebates: $27.90

Publix Trip #2

5 cans Bush’s Chili Magic – $4.72, received (5) $0.50/1 Bush’s Chili Magic Ibotta Rebates – $2.22 for 5 after Rebates

7 Talenti Ice Cream – $20.29, received $1/2 Talenti Ibotta Rebate plus received 10,400 points from Fetch ($10.40) – $8.89 for 7 after Rebates

2 Springer Mountain Farms – $8.99, used (2) $1.50/1 Printables – $5.99 for 2 after Coupon

5 boxes Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Breakfast Bars – $14.47, received (5) $2/1 Dave’s Breakfast Bars Ibotta Rebates plus 6000 points from Fetch ($6) – $1.53 Money Maker for 5 after Rebates

2 bags Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Snack Bites – $6.49, received 3000 points from Fetch ($3) – $3.49 for 2 after Rebate

1 box New York Bakery Baked Bites – $3.59, used $1/1 Baked Bites Publix Digital Coupon plus received $1/1 Baked Bites Ibotta Rebate – $1.59 after Coupon and Rebate

Total after Coupons and Rebates – $20.65

Grocery Total for the Week: $110.35

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Grits, Omelets, Smoothies, Eggs/Bacon

Lunches

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Applesauce Pouches, Veggies with Hummus, Breakfast Bars (School Lunches) x 4

Leftovers x 3

Dinners

Brats, Roasted Cauliflower, Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Chicken, Broccoli, Easy Whole Wheat Muffins

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, Breadsticks

Waffles, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs

Venison Burgers, Baked Potato Wedges, Green Beans

Build-Your-Own-Soft Tacos (on homemade tortillas), Spanish Rice

Chicken Noodles Soup, Easy Whole Wheat Muffins

My new book + $75 in FREE bonuses 🎉

Crystal Paine — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:06:03 +0000

Our basement apartment was so small that I could plug the vacuum into one outlet and vacuum the entire place without ever moving the plug.

This was during Jesse’s law school years — the “we couldn’t afford $3 fish food” days I shared about earlier this week!

We had a tiny galley kitchen, one car, and an even tinier budget. We learned to make do or do without and be content with what we had.

But we also found ways to creatively stretch what we had to make memories. Some of our favorite date nights included:

Going to Barnes & Noble, browsing books, and getting a coffee to share using a gift card I’d earned by taking surveys online.
Heading to the library to find books and movies to check out.
Or, if we really wanted to splurge, dumping out our coin jar to see if we had enough for each of us to get something off the dollar menu at McDonald’s and rent a $0.50 movie at Family Video!

Those little date nights gave us something to look forward to while we worked toward something we cared deeply about: getting Jesse through law school without debt.

This was a commitment we had made early in our marriage. We knew that short-term sacrifices could lead to long-term benefits — and they absolutely have (we ended up being able to pay cash for our first house a few years after Jesse graduated from law school!)

Having that goal didn’t make our budget bigger. But it helped us decide how we wanted to use the money we did have.

Maybe you’re trying so hard to be careful with money, but you still second-guess even small purchases.

You want to enjoy dinner out with your family without wondering afterward whether you should have saved that money for something else.

You’re tired of asking:

Can we afford this?
Should I buy this for the kids, or do we need that money for something else?
How much should we be setting aside for upcoming expenses?
Will we be able to afford college? Will we actually be able to retire some day?

You want a plan that helps you answer those questions.

In my brand-new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women (it comes out on Tuesday!!), I help you identify your priorities and walk you through building a realistic budget in under an hour.

I’ll teach you how to:

Calculate the income you actually have available.
Separate regular bills from expenses that change.
Set realistic spending amounts based on your actual life.
Plan ahead for expenses like Christmas and car maintenance.
Choose a tracking method you’ll use.

And if you add everything up and realize your expenses are higher than your income? We work through that, too.

You don’t have to have extra money or have everything figured out before you begin.

I want you to be able to look at your plan and know what’s available, what needs to wait, and what you’re working toward.

When you’ve planned for an outing, you can enjoy it. When you pass on a purchase, you know what that decision is helping you accomplish.

That doesn’t mean every money decision will suddenly be easy. But you’ll have a plan to come back to instead of trying to figure it out all over again every time.

My heart is to help you start right where you are, figure out your next steps, and build simple habits that work in your real life. So you can stop feeling like you’re constantly starting over and begin seeing progress.

If you’re tired of second-guessing your spending and want help creating a plan that fits your actual life, I wrote this book for you.

Pre-order your copy + claim your FREE bonuses here!

And because I want to help you put what you’re learning into practice, I’ve put together $75+ in FREE bonuses when you pre-order!

Here’s what you’ll get:

5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Video Course — short lessons and printable worksheets to help you take action a few minutes at a time.

Couples’ Guide to Healthy Money Conversations — practical prompts to help you understand each other and work toward shared goals.

5-Day Budget Makeover — one doable lesson a day, delivered to your inbox.

Money Reset Toolkit — including a 10-Minute Money Reset and a roadmap to help you figure out what to do first.

We’ll be selling these bonuses as a bundle starting in January, but you can get them FREE when you pre-order before the offer ends Tuesday, October 27, at midnight.

The book releases October 27, so you only have a few days left to get the full bonus bundle!

Pre-order your book + see how to claim your $75+ FREE bonus bundle here!

P.S. If you can’t afford to buy a book right now, you can still qualify for the $75+ pre-order bonus bundle! Ask your library to carry the book, then email a screenshot of your request to crystal@moneysavingmom.com. I’d love for you to have these resources, too!

Fetch Rewards App: Earn Cash for Scanning Receipts (Plus, get up to 3X points this week!)

Crystal Paine — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Looking for honest Fetch Rewards reviews? The Fetch Rewards app is SO easy to use to save money on groceries!

Looking for other apps where you can earn money or gift cards for free? We recommend Ibotta, Upside, CoinOut, and Swagbucks.

What is Fetch Rewards?

Fetch Rewards is a free app (for iOS or Android) that allows you to earn free gift cards to Amazon, Panera, Barnes & Noble, and so much more — just for scanning your grocery receipts. (Psst! You can now also redeem eReceipts to earn points for online purchases, too!)

Want to make a little extra money from scanning your grocery receipts? Keep reading! (Plus, use my link to sign-up to get a BONUS 2,000 points!)

Fetchtopia Week

Wow! This week is Fetchtopia Week which means users can get 2X-3X the normal amount of points on select brand offers, shopping, and receipts during the event. There is no unique link or code required.

Check your app as there are hundreds of amazing offers starting today.

Valid through October 27, 2026.

How does Fetch Rewards work?

All you have to do is download the app from your mobile device, take a picture of any receipt (within 14 days), and hit submit.

Just like that, you’ll get points back (literally, you get 25 points just for submitting the receipt!)

You can then cash in these points for fantastic gift cards to help you stretch your budget a little further OR be able to afford some fun splurges!

How to use Fetch Rewards

After you download the Fetch app on your mobile device, you’ll sign up with your email address or through Facebook.

Once you’re in, use the orange camera icon to scan any receipt within 14 days.

You’ll get points for every receipt you scan, and when you earn enough points to redeem a gift card (minimum 3000) you can cash in your points for eligible gift cards.

The gift cards will show up in your email within a few minutes… then all you need to do is spend them!

Are Fetch reviews positive?

Here are a few PROS of Fetch:

It’s free!
It participates with almost every store, including chain and local stores.
There’s no need to clip coupons before you shop — just scan your receipt.
It works with a HUGE network of brands.
Scanning receipts is quick and easy.
You don’t need to wait to get your gift card rewards.
The app currently has a 4.8/5 star rating in the App Store and a 4.6/5 star rating in the Google Play Store.

And some CONS:

You need to remember to upload your receipts within 14 days.
In order to upload eReceipts, you must connect your email and/or Amazon accounts.
You can not get cash back or a direct deposit to your Paypal or bank account.
There’s an upload limit of 35 receipts per 7-day period.
Your points expire after 90 days of inactivity.

Reasons I Love the Fetch App

Here are 7 reasons why the Fetch Rewards App is so great:

1. You Can Scan ANY Receipt

Just about any and all receipts qualify — including receipts from Aldi, Dollar Tree, gas stations, retail stores, local stores, restaurants, department stores, and so much more! (You can now also redeem eReceipts to earn points for online purchases, too!)

2. You Can Scan Up to 35 Receipts Per Week

This is great if you make multiple grocery shopping trips in a week or you save your receipts and then scan them all in at once (you have up to 14 days to scan in your receipt from the day you went shopping).

3. You Earn Points On Every Receipt

While they have various items you can purchase to earn bonus points, no matter what you bought, if you scan your receipt, you’ll get 25 points just for scanning your receipt! It adds up really quickly!

4. You Don’t Have to Mess With Scanning Bar Codes

Unlike some of the other rebate apps, you don’t have to mess with finding the offers and checking the boxes for them or scanning the barcodes on the individual items. You just scan your receipt, they automatically add the points to your account, and you’re done!

5. You Earn Bonus Points for Referring People

Fetch Rewards offers a great referral program and you can earn 4,000 points for every person you refer who signs up with your code and then scans a receipt. Spread the word about this great app and they’ll reward you for doing so!

6. You Don’t Have to Earn a Minimum Before Cashing Out

There’s no need to wait until you’ve hit a $25 payout with Fetch Rewards! As soon as you have enough points, you can start trading them in for $3 and $5 gift cards!

7. There’s a Big Selection of Gift Cards to Choose From

Choose from popular stores like Amazon, Panera, Target, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, TJMaxx, CVS, Kroger, Marshall’s, and tons more.

How to Earn With The Fetch Rewards App

You won’t earn a TON of money for scanning receipts, but every little bit adds up! And since it only takes a few seconds to scan my receipt, it’s so worth it! (Plus, you can use my link to sign up to get a bonus 2,000 points just for signing up!)

Most people report earning more points in the beginning and then earning fewer points the longer they use the app. But hey, all points are free money in my book, so I’ll take them!

This is a great way to stretch your grocery budget each month. Or it might be fun to set aside all of the money you’ve earned in a year and use it for Christmas gifts or one larger purchase.

Want to join me in this fun journey to earning free gift cards just for scanning your grocery receipts?

Just sign up through this link on your mobile device and submit your first receipt to start earning right away! And use my referral link to get a bonus 2,000 points when you sign up!

Fetch Rewards FAQs

Can I redeem my fetch app points for cash?

You currently can’t get cash back, but you can redeem your points for a Visa Prepaid card — which is basically just like cash!

Do I need to enter my credit card info to use the Fetch Reward App?

Nope! It won’t even ask for your credit card information.

Are there certain stores that offer more points?

Yes! While you will earn at least 25 points from EVERY receipt you submit, you can earn additional points on eligible receipts from grocery stores, supermarkets, wholesale club stores, hardware stores, pet stores, gas stations, and convenience stores when you buy participating items and complete special offers at those stores.

Looking for other apps where you can earn money or gift cards for free? I recommend Ibotta, Upside, CoinOut, and Swagbucks.

Have you tried this app? I’d love to hear your Fetch Rewards reviews in the comments!

Could you do this for me? (It won’t cost you a penny!)

Crystal Paine — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:03:50 +0000

As I shared with you yesterday, I have a brand-new book coming out next Tuesday called, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women. I want to get this book into the hands of as many women as possible.

If you have benefited from what I do online and want to help support the book launch — without spending a penny! — I have two requests for you today:

1. Ask your library to carry The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women. This is HUGE for a book! Most libraries will happily purchase a book if a patron requests it. Even if you already bought a copy, asking for your library to carry it means that more people will find it and read it and have access to it. You can usually request this right on your library’s website or ask them when you are at the library. The book will be available as a paperback, ebook, and audiobook so you can request that they carry all versions — the ebook, hardcover, and/or audiobook.

2. If your library does carry The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, check the book out from the library. The more people who check a book out, the more a library is apt to promote a book and purchase more copies. The book will be available as a paperback, ebook, and audiobook so check to see if your library has it in any of those available and go ahead and put it on hold.

That’s it! THANK YOU so much! And as my way of saying thank you for your help, if you did either of these things, take a screenshot and email it to crystal@moneysavingmom.com and I’ll send you a link to request the $75 pre-order bonuses completely free!

By the way, if you don’t want to do either item, but you want to get the $75 pre-order bonus package for free, just purchase a copy of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women from any retailer and then fill out this form here.

7 Easy Ways to Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards

crystal — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:02:00 +0000

When you’re on a really tight budget, sometimes even $5-$10 per month make a surprisingly big difference in stretching your budget so much further! And that’s why Amazon gift cards can be a budgeter’s best friend.

There are SO many different ways to earn free Amazon gift cards and Amazon carries just about anything you can think of!

So that means you can use Amazon gift cards to stretch your grocery or household supplies budget, to afford diapers, to buy gifts for others on a really tight budget, or even to just buy something nice for yourself that you’ve really been wanting and can’t make room for in the budget!

7 Ways to Earn Amazon Gift Cards for FREE

These are my favorite ways to earn Amazon gift cards. And, while you may not earn hundreds of dollars from each, you’ll find that you can easily earn at least $5-$10 per month from each of these — and that really adds up if you try to regularly use at least 2-3 of these methods!

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is my all-time favorite way to earn Amazon gift cads and I’ve been using it for years now.

It is a site that rewards you for completing tasks and doing certain actions online. When you complete a task, you’ll earn points called Swagbucks that you can cash in for free gift cards.

Some popular ways to earn include:

Taking surveys
Shopping online through their portal
Watching videos
Searching the web
Signing up for special offers
Playing games

One reason I like Swagbucks is that there are so many different earning opportunities available. Even if you only spend a few minutes per day on the platform, the points can add up surprisingly fast.

Amazon gift cards are available in several denominations, and many users can redeem rewards starting at around $5. New members can also often qualify for a welcome bonus after completing certain activities.

Go here to read our complete guide on how to earn Swagbucks.

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is one of my favorite money-making apps, and it’s a great way to save money on groceries and more — without clipping coupons!

Simply browse available offers in the app before shopping, then upload your receipt or link your store loyalty account to receive cash back.

You’ll find rebates for grocery items, household products, personal care items, pet supplies, and even online purchases. I also like that many major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Instacart, participate.

Earnings add up pretty fast and you can cash out at $20. It’s a super easy way to earn Amazon gift cards simply for purchasing your groceries.

3. Coinstar

Do you have any loose change lying around? Gather it up and take it to your nearest Coinstar kiosk!

Many people remember when Coinstar offered Amazon gift cards as a fee-free redemption option, but that’s no longer widely available. Today, most Coinstar kiosks offer a rotating selection of no-fee eGift cards from other retailers instead, and options can vary by location.

If you still have spare change lying around that you’d like to put toward an Amazon gift card, Coinstar can still be a useful option.

Simply take your coins to a Coinstar kiosk and convert them to cash. If you choose the cash option, Coinstar charges a processing fee (typically around 12.9%, plus any applicable taxes). Once you receive your cash, you can use it to purchase an Amazon gift card online or at many grocery stores, pharmacies, big-box retailers, and convenience stores.

Go here to find a Coinstar location near you.

4. Fetch Rewards

Fetch is one of the easiest rewards apps to use because you earn points simply by snapping pictures of your receipts.

Unlike some rebate apps, you don’t need to select offers before shopping. Just upload receipts from grocery stores, warehouse clubs, convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations, and many other retailers.

You’ll earn points on almost every receipt, plus bonus points when you purchase participating brands. The app also frequently runs special promotions that can help you earn rewards faster.

Most gift card rewards start at around 3,000 points, which is typically worth about $3, though redemption options and values can vary. Amazon gift cards are one of the most popular reward choices.

The best part? It only takes a few seconds to scan a receipt, making this one of the easiest ways to earn free Amazon gift cards throughout the year.

5. Microsoft Rewards

If you use a computer or smartphone regularly, Microsoft Rewards is one of the easiest ways to earn Amazon gift cards with very little extra effort.

Simply sign up for a free Microsoft account and earn points by using Bing as your search engine, completing daily quizzes and activities, and shopping through the Microsoft Store. You can also earn bonus points by using the Microsoft Edge browser and completing occasional challenges.

Points add up over time, and once you’ve earned enough, you can redeem them for Amazon gift cards (eligibility may vary depending on your account and region), as well as other popular retailer gift cards.

6. Survey Companies

While you won’t get rich or earn a full-time income from taking paid online surveys, it is a really nice way to earn gift cards on the side! Many legitimate survey companies reward participants with points that can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards after completing surveys about products, shopping habits, entertainment, and more.

Some of the better-known survey companies include Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research, Branded Surveys, and American Consumer Opinion. Most surveys take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the topic.

This was one of my favorite ways to stretch our financially lean budget when Jesse was in law school.

While individual payouts are usually modest, completing surveys during downtime, such as while watching TV or waiting in line, can help you accumulate enough rewards for a few Amazon gift cards each year.

Go here to see my list of the top legitimate paid online surveys you can trust.

7. Amazon Trade-In

Did you know Amazon will give you Amazon account credit for certain items you no longer use?

Through the Amazon Trade-In program, you can send in eligible items such as:

Amazon devices
Kindle e-readers
Fire tablets
Streaming devices
Smartphones
Video games and gaming equipment
Other select electronics

If your item qualifies, Amazon will provide an Amazon gift card credit that is automatically added to your Amazon account after your trade-in is accepted. In some cases, you may also qualify for an additional promotional discount on a new Amazon device.

What I like about this program is that you don’t have to use the credit toward a replacement device. The credit works much like an Amazon gift card balance and can be used on millions of eligible products across Amazon. That makes it especially helpful if you’re planning to buy birthday gifts, Christmas presents, household essentials, or simply want to upgrade older tech without paying full price.

Before recycling or throwing away old electronics, it’s worth checking whether they’re eligible for trade-in. You might be surprised by how much Amazon credit you can earn from devices you’re no longer using.

Want More Advice on Becoming Financially Healthy?

For more encouragement and ideas to manage your money and stretch your budget, pre-order a copy of my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women.

This book is something I wrote for each and every woman. It’s for the woman in college, the married woman, the single woman, the mom with lots of kids, the woman who doesn’t have kids, the empty nester, and anything and everything in between.

It is part memoir (sharing so many stories of my upbringing and how my parents and grandparents influenced me when it comes to money + lots of stories from our early years of marriage) and it is part practical handbook.

It is packed with my best time-tested advice on how to change your financial future — one step at a time — written in a very realistic, down-to-earth, encouraging style.

Whether you are struggling and stressed or feel like you are in a good place financially and would just like to fine-tune things, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women is for you.

Can you think of any other creative ways to earn Amazon gift cards? I’d love to hear in the comments!

We couldn’t afford $3 fish food

Crystal Paine — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:36:08 +0000

When my husband, Jesse, finished law school, I thought we were finally about to have a little breathing room in our budget.

We had worked so hard to get through the law school years without taking on debt. We’d lived in a tiny basement apartment, stretched our grocery money, worked side jobs, and said no to so many things.

But the job we’d been counting on didn’t work out.

We were devastated. We’d been living on around $1,000 a month, and this new job paid $36,000 a year. To us, that felt like a HUGE pay increase! We’d planned so much around that income.

I remember how shocked I felt… and honestly, just numb.

I was pregnant with our second baby, so sick and tired in my pregnancy, trying to get a side business off the ground, and adjusting to motherhood with our toddler.

Just when we were starting to feel really desperate, Jesse got a last-minute job offer in another city. With only about a week’s notice, we found a new townhome to rent, packed up our little apartment, and moved.

I thought we would finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

But that was short-lived. That job didn’t last long, either.

We found ourselves with a toddler, a newborn, a bank account with very, very little in it, and no steady paycheck. Plus, we now lived in a new town where we only knew a few families.

It was lonely. It was exhausting. And I was so anxious so much of the time.

I remember running the numbers over and over in my head. My chest would tighten as I wondered how we were going to pay our bills.

In fact, I will never forget the day money was so tight that we couldn’t afford fish food for the little fish we’d gotten free when I mystery-shopped a pet store.

It cost around $3.

We had to wait two full weeks before we could find those $3 in our budget.

(Gratefully, the fish somehow survived and lived quite a while after that no-food incident!)

So if money feels heavy to you right now, I remember that feeling. I get what it looks like to have a really tight budget and to feel so much stress and anxiety around money.

For me, starting with what I had meant using a laptop, an internet connection, and the things I’d learned about stretching our money. Eventually, those became the starting point for MoneySavingMom.com.

I couldn’t see that future when I was sitting there scared about our bills. I could only take the next step.

It’s one of the reasons I wrote The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women.

I wanted to put the encouragement AND the practical help I needed back then into one book.

If you’ve been asking yourself…

“Where is our money actually going?” I’ll walk you through getting a clear picture of your income and expenses.
“What could I possibly do with what we have right now?” I’ll help you identify resources you already have that could help you save or earn money.
“What if I’m just bad with money?” We’ll look at beliefs that might be keeping you from trying—and how to begin challenging them.
“Where do I even start?” I’ll help you choose a manageable next step instead of trying to fix everything at once.

My heart is to help you sit down with your money and have a clearer picture of what you have, what needs your attention, and what you can do next.

If you need help finding your next step, I wrote this book for you.

And right now, when you pre-order, you can also receive FREE bonus resources to help you put what you’re learning into practice.

We’ll be selling these bonuses as a bundle starting in January, but you can get them FREE when you pre-order before the offer ends Tuesday, October 27, at midnight.

Pre-order your copy + see how to claim your FREE bonuses here!

P.S. If you already know you want the book, order before Tuesday, October 27, at midnight so you can get the bonuses, too! Get your copy and claim your FREE bonuses here.

How to Brick Your Phone on the Cheap

Chonce Rhea — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:03:00 +0000

Have you ever picked up your phone to check one thing, only to look up 30 minutes later and wonder where the time went?

Between social media, email, news, games, and endless notifications, our phones make it incredibly easy to get distracted. And, while you can set app limits or tell yourself, I’m just going to put my phone away, sometimes those strategies aren’t enough.

That’s part of the reason a little device called Brick has gotten so much attention lately. Brick gives you a physical way to block distracting apps on your phone. And many people are huge fans of it!

There’s just one catch: It currently costs $59. If you’re intrigued by the concept but aren’t ready to spend nearly $60, there are some inexpensive, and even free ways to create a similar setup.

What is Brick?

Brick is a small physical device that pairs with the Brick app on your smartphone. You decide which apps and websites you want to block, and then tap your phone against the Brick to activate your chosen mode. When you’re ready to regain access, you physically return to the Brick and tap your phone again.

You can create different modes for different situations. For example, you might have a Work mode that blocks social media but leaves email and other work apps available. Or you could create a Family Time mode that removes most distractions while leaving your camera, phone, and other essentials accessible.

Brick also lets you schedule modes to automatically activate and deactivate at certain times. The important part isn’t necessarily the technology. It’s the physical barrier.

If your Brick is sitting in your office while you’re downstairs with your family, you can’t mindlessly override your limit from the couch. You’d have to make the conscious decision to get up, walk to the Brick, and unlock your apps.

One person from my Instagram community explained why this works so well for her:

“I have a hard time ‘just putting my phone away,’ so I’ve learned for me I need [Brick] to help me.”

Another said she keeps her Brick in her office, which means she has to physically walk upstairs or across the hall to regain access to distracting apps. That little bit of extra effort is often enough to make her move on to whatever she was supposed to be doing instead.

And that’s really the appeal.

Why Not Just Use Screen Time?

Of course, your phone already has tools designed to limit screen time. The problem is you might be the person who set the limit, and also the person who knows exactly how to override it!

It’s easy to tap “ignore” or change your settings when you’re really tempted to scroll. Brick’s physical device adds another layer of friction between the impulse and the action.

Brick even offers Strict Mode to make it more difficult to work around the restrictions, plus five Emergency Unbricks in case you lose access to your physical Brick and immediately need to unlock your apps.

One follower told me she uses it to avoid doomscrolling when her kids get home, and said:

“I can bypass the time controls in my phone, but I can’t with the Brick unless I physically get up and find it.”

Another mom appreciated that she could still use her phone for work while blocking the apps and notifications that tend to distract her. That’s an important distinction: Bricking your phone doesn’t necessarily mean making your entire smartphone unusable.

You can choose which tools you still need. But do you really need to spend $59 to accomplish this?

Not necessarily.

How to Brick Your Phone For Less

The concept behind Brick is relatively simple: Make distracting apps harder to access.

Here are several ways to recreate that friction without paying full price.

1. Try Foqos and an NFC tag

If you’re an iPhone user, one of the closest inexpensive alternatives I’ve found is Foqos. Foqos is a free, open-source iPhone app that uses Apple’s Screen Time tools to block distracting apps and websites. You can start or stop a focus session with an NFC tag, QR code, barcode, timer, or other options.

That’s where things get interesting from a money-saving perspective.

You don’t need a $59 proprietary device. You can use an inexpensive compatible NFC tag and place it somewhere inconvenient like on your refrigerator, in your office, or across the house.

Want to scroll Instagram? You’ll have to get up and walk over to your tag first. The Foqos app itself is currently free, although its App Store listing notes that it offers in-app purchases.

2. Repurpose Something You Already Own

Before you even order NFC tags, look around your house. Some cards you already own may contain NFC technology that can work with apps that allow you to register your own NFC tag.

For example, people have reported using old hotel key cards or other NFC-enabled cards as their physical “Brick.” Compatibility can vary, so don’t assume every card will work.

If you already have a Yoto Make Your Own card, that’s another option worth trying. One Yoto user shared that they paired a spare Make Your Own card with Foqos and kept it on the refrigerator. Other users reported successfully doing the same thing.

In other words, your DIY Brick might already be sitting in your junk drawer!

Tip: I wouldn’t experiment with an active credit or debit card for this. Stick with an unused card or an inexpensive NFC tag that you don’t need for anything important.

3. Use a QR Code Instead

Don’t have an NFC tag? You may not need one at all. Foqos can also use a QR code or barcode to control a focus session.

You could print your code and put it somewhere that requires you to intentionally get up and retrieve it. For example, tape it inside a kitchen cabinet, put it on your refrigerator, or leave it in your home office.

The goal is to make unlocking your apps inconvenient enough that you have time to ask yourself, Do I actually want to do this?

That extra 30 seconds may be surprisingly effective.

4. Try a Free Android Alternative

Foqos is currently designed for iPhone, but Android users have options, too. One example is TapBlok, a free, open-source Android app that works with compatible NFC tags or QR codes.

You select the apps you want to block, then create or register your physical tag, start your session, and then put the tag somewhere else. You need the tag again to exit the blocking session.

As with any third-party app that requests permissions related to your apps or screen time, read the permissions and privacy information before installing it.

5. Put Your Phone in a Timed Lockbox

Maybe you don’t need access to your phone at all. One Instagram follower shared a decidedly low-tech solution: Her friend puts the phone inside a timer safe for 30 minutes or so. Once it’s locked, the safe won’t open until the timer expires.

This could be especially helpful during dinner, family time, Bible study, homework time, or before bed. The downside is obvious: You won’t have easy access to your phone if someone calls or you suddenly need your maps, camera, authenticator app, or another essential tool.

But if you already own a timer lockbox, or can find an inexpensive one, it’s one way to create a very literal physical barrier.

6. Make Screen Time Harder to Override

The cheapest option is still the one already built into your phone. Instead of relying on a limit you can easily dismiss, consider adding an accountability layer. For example, you could have your spouse or another trusted person create and retain your Screen Time passcode so you can’t immediately override your own restrictions.

It’s not exactly the same as Brick, but the principle is similar: Remove the easy escape hatch.

You can also experiment with your phone’s Focus settings, Do Not Disturb, scheduled downtime, notification settings, grayscale mode, or simply deleting the apps that waste the most time.

Before spending money, give the free tools on your phone a fair shot.

The Trick Isn’t the Brick, It’s Creating a Barrier

I think this is the biggest takeaway from all the feedback I received. You don’t necessarily need a particular gadget to use your phone less. You need to figure out what makes you stop and think before opening a distracting app.

For some people, a Screen Time notification is enough. For others, it’s way too easy to tap past it.

And, for some people, physically walking across the house to unlock Instagram creates exactly the amount of friction they need.

That’s also why I’d hesitate to say spending $59 on a Brick is automatically a waste of money. Sometimes paying for a polished solution you’ll actually use is better than cobbling together a free system you abandon after three days.

But, if you’re interested in the idea and aren’t sure whether it will work for you, try the cheap version first.

Download a free blocker, grab an NFC tag you already own, print a QR code, or experiment with your phone’s built-in controls. Put your “unlock key” somewhere inconvenient and try it for a week.

If you suddenly find yourself spending less time scrolling and more time doing the things you actually wanted to do, you’ll know the concept works for you, whether your Brick costs $59 or practically nothing.

The Best Candy and Sweet Treats Without Refined Sugar

Crystal Paine — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:20:00 +0000

If you’ve been following on Instagram, you know that I recently stopped eating refined sugar. I’ve been trying out different no sugar desserts, candy, and sweet treat options that don’t have refined sugar and wanted to compile some of my favorites (so far) plus a few I haven’t tried that have come highly recommended.

The Best Sweet Treats Without Refined Sugar:

Hu Chocolate – This delicious chocolate comes in a variety of flavors and is sweetened with coconut sugar. You can also get the Hu Chocolate Bites in a few different flavors.

Larabar – There are a number of different Larabar varieties that are made with just fruit or fruit and nuts. Do note that the chocolate varieties have cane sugar in them.

Bon Appesweet Chocolate – These chocolate bars are sweetened with dates. I have not tried them but they come highly recommended to me! These come in a variety of flavors.

Lily’s Chocolate – This brand is sweetened with stevia. You can get a variety of chocolate bars, chocolate peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips.

Realsy Stuffed Dates – I just discovered these and haven’t tried them yet, but they look delicious!! They come in a variety of flavors and dates are the sweetener.

Smart Sweets – These are sweetened with stevia. Personally, I’ve only tried the sour blast buddies and I didn’t think they were great, but I know many others disagree with me.

ChocZero – This brand is sweetened with monk fruit and fruit. I have not tried it yet.

Simple Mills – We love the Simple Mills Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Sweet Thins. There are so many other Simple Mills options to choose from and all have very high quality ingredients. They are refined sugar-free treats that are sweetened with coconut sugar.

IQ Bars – These bars are sweetened with stevia and have pretty high protein and fiber content! I really enjoy these and they are great for traveling!

Classic RX Bars – These bars are delicious and do not have sugar and are just sweetened with dates. I love these for traveling or quick snacks, too! (Be sure to read the ingredients – some of the non-classic bar lines have other sweeteners including honey or agave.)

That’s It Bars — These bars are made with fruit only! Great for a quick on-the-go snack or for traveling!

Honey Mama – These products are sweetened with honey and coconut sugar. I haven’t tried them yet because someone just told me about them, but I’m excited to try them!

I’m still discovering new refined sugar-free treats, so I’d love to hear your favorites!

By the way, if you are looking for delicious sugar-free drinks? I love and recommend Olipop and Zevia!

Egg Roll in a Bowl ($10 Family Dinner Idea)

Brigette — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Egg Roll in a Bowl is an easy, healthy skillet meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes! You can find variations of this recipe all over the internet, but if you’re looking for the easiest, fastest one — this is it, haha! It starts with bagged coleslaw mix, so it involves minimal chopping. I love making extras of this to have on hand for quick lunches for myself.

You can use any kind of ground meat that you like! It works with ground chicken, turkey, pork, beef, venison, or sausage. I used ground turkey this particular time since I’d gotten some on markdown. You can also top the finished stir fry with sesame seeds if you like them.

I serve Egg Roll in a Bowl with rice and call it a meal. I like to stir some sesame oil into the rice after it’s finished cooking, and top it with chopped green onions or cilantro.

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.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Dinner Menu:

Egg Roll in a Bowl
Steamed Rice

Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl:

1-lb. ground meat (Food Lion) — $3.17
6 green onions, chopped (Aldi – $0.99/bag) — $0.33
Garlic cloves, minced, to taste (I used 5) (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.17
Fresh ginger, peeled and finely diced, to taste (I used 1 Tablespoon) (Aldi – $1.99/lb) — $0.25
2 bags coleslaw mix (Publix – $1.50 per bag) — $3
1/2 cup soy sauce (Aldi – $1.50 for 10oz) — $0.60
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil (Walmart – $3.48 for 5 oz) — $0.34
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Total for Egg Roll in a Bowl: $7.86 (serves 6)

Ingredients for Steamed Rice:

3 cups dry rice (Aldi – $6.75 for 5 lbs) — $1.69
Water
Salt
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil (Walmart – $3.48 for 5 oz) — $0.34
Chopped green onions for garnish

Total for Steamed Rice: $2.03 (serves 6)

Total Cost for Dinner: $9.89 (makes 6 servings)

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl:

1. Cook the rice according to the directions on the bag, using your preferred cooking method.

2. While the rice is cooking, brown the ground turkey over medium-low heat in a large skillet or wok, stirring until done. Stir in the white part of the chopped onions (save the chopped green tops for garnish), minced garlic, and chopped ginger. Continue cooking and stirring until the vegetables are tender (if needed, add in olive oil so that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan).

3. Add in the coleslaw mix and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.

4. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil and cook until heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.

5. When the rice is finished, stir in the sesame oil and top with chopped green onions.

Egg Roll in a Bowl ($10 Family Dinner Idea)

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword easy dinner, family favorite, high protein, homemade, weeknight dinner

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 507kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $9.89

Ingredients

Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl:

1- lb. ground meat Food Lion — $3.17
6 green onions chopped (Aldi – $0.99/bag) — $0.33
5 Garlic cloves minced, to taste (I used 5) (Aldi – $0.99 for 3 heads) — $0.17
Fresh ginger peeled and finely diced, to taste (I used 1 Tablespoon) (Aldi – $1.99/lb) — $0.25
2 bags coleslaw mix Publix – $1.50 per bag — $3
1/2 cup soy sauce Aldi – $1.50 for 10oz — $0.60
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil Walmart – $3.48 for 5 oz — $0.34
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Ingredients for Steamed Rice:

3 cups dry rice Aldi – $6.75 for 5 lbs — $1.69
Water
Salt
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil Walmart – $3.48 for 5 oz — $0.34
Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Cook the rice according to the directions on the bag, using your preferred cooking method.
While the rice is cooking, brown the ground turkey over medium-low heat in a large skillet or wok, stirring until done. Stir in the white part of the chopped onions (save the chopped green tops for garnish), minced garlic, and chopped ginger. Continue cooking and stirring until the vegetables are tender (if needed, add in olive oil so that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan).
Add in the coleslaw mix and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil and cook until heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
When the rice is finished, stir in the sesame oil and top with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

FAQs about Egg Roll in a Bowl

Is Egg Roll in a Bowl good for you?

Yes! With protein, fiber, and healthy carbs, this is a well-rounded meal. If you eat low-sodium, be sure to use low-sodium soy sauce.

What do I need for Egg Roll in a Bowl?

You’ll need ground meat, vegetables, seasoning, and sauces. I prefer using bagged coleslaw for the vegetables to make this extra easy!

What is the sauce for Egg Roll in a Bowl?

This Egg Roll in a Bowl has sauce made with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, plus flavoring from garlic, ginger, and green onions.

What goes with Egg Roll in a Bowl?

I prefer to serve my Egg Roll in a Bowl with rice, because it’s especially frugal, but you could also serve it with noodles or cauliflower rice.

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

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

If you make this Egg Roll in a Bowl $10 family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

LAST CHANCE! Get $75+ in FREE Bonuses When You Pre-Order My New Book!

Crystal Paine — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0000

The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women officially releases October 27, and if you’ve been thinking about pre-ordering, now is the time!

This is your LAST CHANCE to get $75+ in exclusive bonuses FREE when you pre-order!

When you pre-order the book from any retailer, you’ll be eligible to claim the FULL collection of exclusive pre-order bonuses I’ve created to help you put what you’re learning into practice:

The Money Reset Toolkit
Simple, actionable tools to help you cut through financial overwhelm, get clear on your priorities, and figure out what to do next.

Couples’ Guide to Healthy Money Conversations
Practical prompts and tools to help you and your spouse have more productive, less stressful conversations about money and work toward your goals together.

5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Video Course
Five days of practical encouragement, including a 10-minute video each day, a module to read, and printable PDFs to help you take what you’re learning and put it into action.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Get the FULL Bonus Bundle (valued at $75+)!

These aren’t just extra downloads to collect and forget about. They’re practical, actionable resources designed to help you take what you’re learning in the book and apply it to your everyday life.

I hope you find these helpful whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by money, wanting to get more intentional with your spending, or are ready to make progress toward long-term financial goals.

If you’ve already pre-ordered, THANK YOU! Your support of this book means more than you know — and you’re eligible to claim the full collection of bonuses, too! Be sure to grab them before the deadline.

I poured so much of my heart into The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women , and I’m incredibly excited for you to read it. My hope is that the book, along with all of these practical bonus resources, helps you take simple, doable steps toward less stress, greater confidence, and a healthier financial future.

Once the book releases on October 27, this exclusive pre-order bonus offer ends!

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to order, this is it. I’d love for you to take advantage of everything I’ve put together for you!

Pre-order your copy + claim the FULL Bonus Bundle here!

Week 42: A Peek Into This Past Week (+ what I’m reading, watching, and listening to!)

Crystal Paine — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:59:34 +0000

Kathrynne called me last week to tell me her really exciting news!

The huge corporation she had interviewed with recently had offered her an internship! And not only that, but they were so impressed with her that they created a float position between two teams specifically for her because both teams she interviewed with wanted to hire her!!

I have watched her give and serve and work so hard and build character and walk through really hard things the past few years, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she is.

And also, I had prayed very specific prayers that if she were to get an internship offer that it would be so clear that this was the one for her. For so many reasons, this could not be more clear.

Since the time she was in my womb, I have prayed for her to know and love the Lord and use her life to glorify him. It is an honor to be her mom and to get to have a close-up view of her journey. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Also, I think it’s quite funny that I birthed a child who loves spreadsheets so much and is majoring in accounting. She definitely did not get any of those skills or interests from me! 😂

Mothering is such a complex and emotional journey, isn’t it?! The same week I’m seeing fruits in Kathrynne’s young adult life and celebrating with her, I’m also living the day-to-day with my younger kids and, while it’s beautiful and such a joy, sometimes that day-to-day living can be so trying!

In frustration and anger, these words spilled out of my mouth to one of my children this week: “If you don’t change your attitude and stop crying immediately, I’m going to turn this car around and we’re going straight home!”

Yes, this child was over-reacting to a situation. But the irony was that so was I.

We work hard to help our kids regulate themselves and respond calmly — and here I was, doing the exact opposite.

Yes, I almost immediately felt convicted by my harsh response and frustration, but I wasn’t ready to acknowledge, own, or apologize for it yet — because, you see, I was still frustrated.

And then my child says from the back seat, “Can we listen to worship music?”

Of course! 🫣

God knew that was exactly what my heart needed in that moment. A reminder of His grace and compassion for me in the songs that my child kept picking for me to play.

And my heart slowly softened as I heard my child singing the words of truth.

Eventually, I couldn’t hold onto my frustration anymore. I asked my child’s forgiveness and they willingly gave it. I told them how I had responded poorly and I was really sorry for that.

And then, we both sang the worship songs together.

As we walked up to the event we were headed to, this child reached for my hand to hold it.

And it was such a reminder of God’s grace for me as a parent.

I make mistakes. I fall short. I sin. But there is forgiveness and restoration to be had — if I’m willing to humble myself, let go of my frustration, acknowledge where I’ve messed up, and receive God’s amazing grace.

By the way, want to know one of the worship songs we listened to? “This is Amazing Grace!”

Who breaks the power of sin and darkness?
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?
The King of glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder?
And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?
The King of glory, the King above all kings
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You laid down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You’ve done for me

May you receive and rest in His amazing grace today… and if you need to repent of sin and ask for forgiveness, may you have the courage to do so and find your restoration in Jesus.

Many of you know that I love following politics. However, the past few months, I’ve stepped back from following a lot of the sources I had been following because I noticed it was stealing my peace and causing me to feel upset.

Maybe you can relate??

If so, I found a news source that keeps you informed without causing you to feel all worked up and unsettled — which is such a gift. I also love that they include Christ-centered perspective and encouragement woven throughout.

It’s called The Pour Over and, in addition to their weekday emails, you can now download their brand new app, which will give you brief, politically-neutral news summaries, updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Plus, you’ll have access to a deep dive into one audience-selected topic each Saturday in TPO Explains.

Best of all, it’s FREE! Go here to download The Pour Over app so you can stay informed on current events without feeling stressed!

My new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, officially releases October 27, and this is your last chance to grab $75+ in exclusive pre-order bonuses FREE! If you have been thinking about ordering, now is the perfect time.

When you pre-order from any retailer, you’ll be eligible to claim the FULL bonus bundle, including the Money Reset Toolkit, Couples’ Guide to Healthy Money Conversations, and 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Video Course.These practical resources are packed with tools, encouragement, and actionable steps to help you start building healthier money habits right away. I don’t want you to miss these!

And if you’ve already pre-ordered, THANK YOU! Be sure to claim your bonuses before the deadline, too!

Pre-order your copy + grab your FREE bonuses here!

**This Week on The Crystal Paine Show: Behind the Scenes with My Next Book and Why It Might Be My Last**

Listen in to this episode of The Crystal Paine Show as Jesse and I talk about something that I have been working on for a long time: my sixth book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, which comes out very soon on October 27th!

The release date was originally September 15th, so having it pushed back six weeks at the last minute has made for an interesting fall. Between running our business during its busiest season and suddenly having all these podcast interviews lined up, I have had plenty to keep me on my toes but I am so excited to finally share this book with you!

In this episode, I’m telling the story behind the book, including why I believe this may be my last one, what I learned from writing my very first book, and how this project became something completely different from my original idea. In writing this book, I wanted to create something more intentional than a collection of blog posts: a short, story-driven book that combines practical financial guidance with the personal experiences that shaped my approach to money, which includes lessons from my parents, the influence of my grandparents, and the legacy that they have left behind. I share stories that I haven’t told publicly before, along with some of the creative, outside-of-the-box ways my family learned to save money and build financial freedom.

We also discuss what financial health actually means to me. It’s not about having a huge bank balance, owning a home, or being debt-free. It’s about finding peace and living intentionally with whatever resources you have. I want you to see how budgeting can help you spend on what matters to you, whether that’s a vacation, a concert, or a special dinner, without the guilt and/or stress.

I am also sharing the resources available to help you put these ideas into practice, including my free five-day budget makeover and the exclusive bonuses that come with pre-ordering the book. We talk about the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course.

My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and confident that financial health is possible right where you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start making meaningful changes! I hope that you enjoy this episode, and please be sure to preorder a copy of the new book!

Listen to the episode here.

What I’m Reading…

I’m currently reading The Bright Side of the Other Side and House Hushing.

What I’m Listening to…

I did almost zero listening of anything this past week due to being an the event mentioned above for three days and then in Atlanta for a baseball tournament for two of the other days, but I did run a 12-mile run and listen to a lot of songs on my Truths to Remember playlist.

What I’m Watching…

This past week, the girls and I watched week 5 of Dancing with the Stars together. (It’s fun to have a show that Kierstyn, Kaitlynn, and I all enjoy together!)

Micah and Kierstyn had asked a lot of questions about 9/11, so we watched two documentaries with them on the topic this week: 9/11 Reunited (this was very well done and I would highly recommend it) and 9/11: Four Flights (also very worth watching.

50+ Simple Ways to Practice Hospitality On A Budget

Crystal Paine — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:05:00 +0000

When money is tight, even the idea of practicing hospitality can feel overwhelming. You might love the idea of filling your home with laughter, connection, and community — but worry about the cost of feeding extra mouths or making things feel “guest ready.”

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a big budget or a perfectly styled home to offer meaningful hospitality.

With a little creativity, some realistic expectations, and a heart to bless (not impress!) others, you can open your door and create space for community without breaking the bank.

Many times, we think of hospitality as being when we’ll host another family or group of people for a meal. While that is definitely one form of hospitality, it is by no means the only form of hospitality.

We decided to ask our readers to share some of their best tips for practicing hospitality on a budget, and they came up with SO many great ideas!

Looking for ways to practice hospitality on a budget? Use this reader-sourced list of ideas to help you open up your home, feed your family/friends, and build community — all while maintaining peace of mind about how much you’re spending.

Here are some simple, budget-friendly ways to welcome others in — without the financial stress:

Frugal Hosting Ideas

Instead of hosting a 3-course meal or blowing your budget on takeout pizza, consider these less-expensive ways to gather your friends in your home on a budget.

Enjoy coffee on the front porch.
Plan a group meal with 2 or 3 friends (1 brings the main dish, 1 brings a couple of sides, 1 brings dessert and anything extra).
Invite people over for dessert after dinner. This could be as simple as brownies, cookies, or ice cream, or you could ask everyone to bring a favorite dessert. (Or skip the dessert and just serve coffee and tea!)
Meet at someone’s home in PJs (morning or evening) and bring whatever snacks you have on hand.
Host a “Muffins and Munchies” party — Everyone brings a sweet muffin and a savory munchie to share.
Serve cheese & crackers in the backyard.
Set up a s’mores bar and bonfire.
Host a potluck. There doesn’t even need to be a main dish if everyone brings something to share, such as a salad or dessert. This is also a fun way to get new favorite recipes as you all try each other’s food!
Stock up on coffee cakes when they’re on sale and stick them in your freezer or make some freezer-friendly snacks, so you’re ready for last-minute hospitality.
Offer donut holes and coffee/hot chocolate on a Saturday morning.
Pop a variety of different popcorns and ask your friends to bring their favorite drink.
Have a “Spring Fling” — Everyone brings a plant they split from their garden and an appetizer to share.
Keep healthy and frugal snacks for kids on hand to give your kids’ friends when they come over.
Invite friends over to play in the sprinkler and eat popsicles while the moms chat.
Host a cereal night — Each person brings their favorite box of cereal with a variety of milks.
Plan your company meals around what you already have on hand and what is on sale.
Serve canned biscuits with jam and honey and ask your friends to bring their favorite tea.
Plan an ice cream sundae social — You supply ice cream and ask everyone to bring toppings.
Enjoy a game night and snacks — Everyone brings a favorite game and snack.
BYO Takeout — Invite a group of friends over with instructions for everyone to grab their own takeout on the way.
BYO Meat to grill — and everyone brings a side to share.

Remember that your friends want to visit you because of the conversations and laughter you’ll all have together, not because of the food you serve and not because your home is perfectly-coordinated or impressive.

I always keep it simple when we open up our home…mostly because it makes me stressed if I try to cook a fancy meal. I’d rather be relaxed and be able to fully focus on loving on our guests and investing in them so keeping things really simple is what works best for me! And the reality is that most people care more about spending time with you than about how amazing your food is. People just like to be welcomed into your home and included!

Frugal Meals That Feed a Crowd

These frugal meal ideas are a great option the next time you offer to bring a meal to a friend or host a group at your home.

Spaghetti (or spaghetti pizza)
Soup + salad
Homemade pizza (everyone brings their favorite toppings)
Breakfast for dinner (or Saturday morning breakfast!) — We LOVE serving breakfast for dinner at our house. Think pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Or a waffle bar with fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Or an egg casserole with cinnamon rolls and fruit.
Hot dogs
Chili — You could even have a chili cook-off where everyone brings their favorite chili to share!
Taco bar
Baked potato bar
Breakfast burritos
Sloppy Joes or Pulled pork (stock up when the meat goes on sale)
Baked Nachos
Roasts or rotisserie chickens (when on sale) + potatoes, carrots, and some bread.
Leftovers — Challenge yourself to make a “silly” meal out of whatever you have on hand.

Note: My extended family gets together every summer for vacation and we cook meals for 25+ people! You can see some of our budget-friendly ideas and meals here, here, here, and here!

You can also click here to grab a FREE list of 60 simple meal ideas when you’re not sure what to cook!

Frugal Tips to Entertain for Less

Planning a frugal menu is only one way to save on hospitality; there are many others ways to entertain on a tight budget!

Skip paper products and wash your own dishes.
Look for pretty plates, stemware, vases, tablecloths, etc. at the thrift store.
Buy disposable seasonal plates/napkins/cups on clearance after the season/holiday.
Make paper chains from strips of construction paper or pompoms from yarn as cheap decor.
Cut flowers or greenery from your garden and use them to decorate your home for any occasion.
Have your kids color images relating to the theme of the gathering, then cut them out and mount them on colored paper to hang on the wall.
Serve water with lemons, limes, cucumbers, mint, or even cranberries for a festive look without paying for pricier beverages.
Keep homemade sweet tea in the refrigerator and always have ice for ice water.
Borrow from friends when possible. Don’t have enough folding chairs or serving plates? You could borrow from a neighbor or ask friends to bring their own!
Play happy, calm music to frame the mood.

Frugal Ways to Show Hospitality to Others

Showing hospitality doesn’t always require food or hosting in your home — and it certainly doesn’t need to break your budget. It’s much more about opening yourself and your heart to relationships with others, which doesn’t have to cost anything!

Here are several frugal ways you can show others how much you care:

Pray for and send a card to someone.
Fill a thrift store teacup with a few tea bags and give it to a sick neighbor or friend.
Make frugal gift bags for neighbor kids — bubbles, coloring books, boxes of raisins, applesauce cups, and tiny toys.
Pick up bagels and go to a park for breakfast and a walk.
Bring brown bag lunches to a local park or community center.
Many areas offer free concerts, festivals, or events that would be great for the whole family. Why not ask some friends to join you?
BYO Snacks to a play date at a park.
Use one of the ideas on this list of fun and frugal ideas, and ask some friends to do it with you!
Invite someone to coffee. This is inexpensive (especially if you literally just order a cup of tea or coffee!) and can be a fantastic way to begin connecting with someone on a deeper level.
Invite friends to meet you at a restaurant where kids eat free/cheap.
If you have a little extra room in your budget one week, buy some ingredients to make muffins or soup to stick in your freezer and have on hand for taking meals to people. Or, double up your own meals when cooking and freeze one to share. You’ll be ready to help a friend in need, even if their need pops up on a busy day for you!
Save your free samples and trial-sized items to make gift bags for neighbors or hostesses.
Bring veggies or flowers from your garden to a few neighbors.
Buy extra groceries on clearance and bring them to a family who could use them.
Pair up with another friend to help your friend in need. If you know of another friend who might also be short on finances or time, ask if she’d like to help you with making a meal. One of you can make the main dish and bread, another the salad and dessert, and you’ve just pulled off a great meal for half the cost.
Coordinate a birthday dinner at a restaurant (where everyone pays for their own meal), rather than hosting everyone at your house.
Meet up with friends at a restaurant and take advantage of one of these family meal hacks at popular restaurants to save on an easy group dinner.
Give a jar of homemade soup mix, brownie mix, pancake mix, cookie mix, etc.
Offer to bring a friend some frozen goodies instead of a whole dinner. Instead of a full meal, you could make some banana bread, muffins, rolls, or a freezer-friendly dessert, and put them in a pretty basket with some notes of encouragement taped onto them. Bring it over and tell the family they can stick everything in their freezer and use them when they want to.
Bake and deliver a dozen cookies to a friend or neighbor.
Plan to make a double-batch of one meal each week and bring one of the meals to a friend or neighbor.
Visit the elderly and shut-ins — even if you don’t bring any food along.
Create a separate bank account for giving and hospitality and put a little into it from each paycheck.

Here’s the thing: hospitality isn’t about impressing others — it’s about making them feel loved and welcome.

You don’t need a fancy home, matching dishes, or a gourmet spread to open your door to someone. In fact, some of the sweetest memories are made in imperfect spaces with simple food and a whole lot of heart.

Want to hear something wild? I used to be terrified of hospitality. I wouldn’t ever open up my home to anyone. But then I read Jen Schmidt’s Just Open the Door book, and it completely changed my life. Now, I adore hospitality and our home is a revolving door of people, friends, teens, and kids! (You can hear more about this journey in my podcast interview with Jen!)

So if you’ve been waiting for things to be “just right” before you invite someone over…don’t! Hospitality isn’t about having more — it’s about sharing what you already have.

Start looking for ways to show hospitality and reach out to others and I bet you’ll begin to find them all around you!

Want More Financial Advice that Fits Your Real Life?

For more encouragement and ideas to manage your money while living in line with your priorities, order a copy of my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women.

It is packed with my best time-tested advice on how to change your financial future — one step at a time — written in a very realistic, down-to-earth, encouraging style.

Whether you are struggling and stressed or feel like you are in a good place financially and would just like to fine-tune things, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women is for you.

Order your copy of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women here.

Brigette’s $130 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4!

Brigette — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:28:00 +0000

Aldi

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.35

1 gallon Milk – $2.76

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.39

1 large carton Egg Whites – $4.79

2 dozen Eggs – $3.30

1 pkg Fresh Boneless Chicken Breasts – $11.84

1 carton Cottage Cheese – $2.85

1 48-oz jar Canola Oil – $3.79

2 boxes Cereal – $3.90

2 pkgs Turkey Bacon – $6.98

1 jar BBQ Sauce – $1.69

1 box Butter Quarters – $2.69

2 bag Fresh Green Beans – $4.78

1 bunch Bananas – $1.85

1 bag Fresh Garlic Heads – $1.19

1 bag Spinach – $1.89

1 pkg Broccoli Florets – $2.55

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.89

1 bag Red Onions – $1.95

1 bag Honey Crisp Apples – $1.99

4 cans Chili Beans – $3.40

2 cans Pumpkin – $3.18

1 16-oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $3.29

1 bag Chocolate Chips – $3.65

2 pkgs Deli Sliced Cheese – $2.90

Total: $84.85

Publix

5 boxes General Mills Cereal – $12.60, used (2) $1/2 General Mills Publix Digital Coupon plus received $1/2 General Mills Ibotta Rebate plus received 4300 points from Fetch ($4.30) – $5.30 for 5 after Coupon and Rebates

1 box Banza Pasta – $1.99

2 bags Totino’s Pizza Rolls – $7.47, used $0.50/2 Totino’s Publix Digital Coupon plus received (2) $0.50/1 Totino’s Ibotta Rebates plus received 1000 points from Fetch ($1) – $4.97 for 2 after Coupon and Rebates

2 pkgs Mighty Spark Chicken Sticks – $7.59, used (2) $1.50/1 Printables, plus received 759 points from Merryfield ($0.76) – $3.83 for 2 after Coupons and Rebate

1 bag Mini Peppers – $1.99

2 First Phorm Protein Bars – $2.98, received (2) $1/1 First Phorm Bars Ibotta Rebates – $0.98 for 2 after Rebates

1 pkg String Cheese – $2.84

2 boxes College Inn Broth – $3.19, received 200 points from Swagbucks ($2) – $1.19 for 2 after Rebate

3 bags Strawberry Lemonade Nerds Gummy Clusters – $8.98, received (3) $1/1 Strawberry Lemonade Gummy Clusters Ibotta Rebates – $5.98 for 3 after Rebates

1 bag Sweet Potatoes – $2.41

3 bags Trolli – $8.98, received (3) $0.75/1 Trolli Ibotta Rebates – $6.73 for 3 after Rebates

2 box Ritz Sandwich Crackers – $4.79

1 box Lance Sandwich Crackers – $2.79

3 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls – $4.17, used $1/2 Pillsbury Publix Coupon plus received 1000 points from Fetch ($1) – $2.17 for 3 (I didn’t realize until I got home that these small cans didn’t qualify for the Ibotta rebate!)

2 boxes Ryze Mushroom Coffee – $19.98, received $9.99 from Aisle, plus received (2) $2/1 Ryze Ibotta Rebates and 3200 points from Fetch ($3.20) – $2.79 for 2 after Rebates

~ Received $5 Ibotta Midweek Bonus

Total after Coupons and Rebates: $45.75

Grocery Total for the Week: $130.60

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal, Oatmeal, Grits, Omelets, Smoothies, Eggs/Bacon, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Lunches

Sandwich Crackers, Apples, Cheese Sticks, Chicken Meat Sticks, Veggies with Dip x 4 (School Lunches)

Leftovers/Pizza Rolls x 3

Dinners

Stromboli, Green Beans

Chicken Gravy over Rice, Broccoli

Spaghetti (using venison sausage from the freezer), Spinach Salad, Homemade Breadsticks

Dinner Out (My boys have a school function that includes dinner, and my husband and I are going out with friends)

Pancakes, Bacon

Chili, World’s Easiest Cornbread

Leftover Chili over Baked Potatoes with Cheese, Roasted Cauliflower

Schedule of Christmas Hallmark Movies (Starts Tonight!)

Gretchen — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:05:00 +0000

Love cozying up to Hallmark movies during the holidays? Get ready for the Hallmark Countdown to Christmas movies marathon!

{Psst! Looking for creative ways to save for this year’s Christmas budget? Read our post on How to Fund Your Christmas Budget in Just 15 Minutes per Day! Or check out our post on 10 Easy Ways to Earn FREE Christmas Gifts.}

Hallmark Christmas Movies Schedule

The Hallmark Christmas Movies 2026 Schedule has officially been released and it begins tonight, October 16th!

When Do Hallmark Christmas Movies Start?

New movies have already started rolling out!

And since the movies are running all day and night long, don’t forget to set your DVR for your personal favorites.

Check Out the Hallmark Christmas Movies Schedule

Not only will holiday movies run 24/7 through Christmas Day like usual, but there will also be a countdown to Christmas including lots of premiers every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening at 8PM EST throughout November and December!

Best Christmas Hallmark Christmas Movie Classics to Watch All Season

If you’re looking for a top 25 list of Hallmark movies (with cast listings and brief descriptions) here’s a great place to start.

And here’s another list of 35 favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.

What are the new Christmas Hallmark movies on 2026?

Hallmark is releasing brand-new movies in 2026! Yay!

You can download this PDF and preview all 31 movies on the Hallmark website.

How to Watch Hallmark Christmas Movies

If you already have the Hallmark Channel as part of your cable TV package, you can watch any of the Hallmark Christmas movies via the “Watch Live” link on the Hallmark website (once you log in with your provider information).

You can also add a Hallmark Movie Now package onto a current Amazon Prime account or add the Hallmark Hub package to a current Peacock account for $6 per month (there are 7-day free trials for some of these options).

Whatever you choose, you’ll want to make sure to download the Hallmark Movie Checklist App!

And I’d love to hear which Hallmark Christmas movies are your favorite!

See the full schedule of new releases here.

How to Travel For Cheap – 25+ Budget Travel Tips

crystal — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:05:56 +0000

Family travel can be one of the most fun — and most expensive! — things we do all year. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to drain your bank account.

There are SO many ways to save money on travel, but it will differ by person and family, depending on your preferences for the type of travel, lodging, and vacations you enjoy — and that’s okay! Whether you’d rather camp under the stars, lounge at a beach resort, or load up the minivan and hit the road, there’s a money-saving strategy that will work for you.

Planning a family road trip, a weekend getaway, or a winter vacation? There are dozens of ways you can save a bit (or a bunch) here and there to really stretch your travel budget without sacrificing any fun memories. Those little savings add up fast and you might be surprised by how much more fun vacation feels when you know you got a good deal on your flights, hotels, food, and activities!

Budget Travel Tips: Creative Ways to Save Money on Your Next Family Vacation

If you’re planning a family vacation soon, don’t miss this comprehensive list of creative ways to travel for cheap! Be sure to bookmark it, pin it, or share it with your travel buddies because you’ll want to revisit this list as you continue planning.

As you’ll see in all of these ideas, if you really want to save as much money as possible on vacations, it helps to think outside the box and get creative. A little flexibility and a little planning ahead can go a LONG way!

Here are some of our best tips:

Cheap Ways to Travel: Save on Airfare

1. Drive instead of fly

Do the math on how much you’ll save to make sure it’s worth it, but more often than not, it saves quite a bit of money!

2. Choose a creative mode of travel like a train

Check out some great train travel savings tips here. (And sometimes Amtrak runs great BOGO deals!)

3. Plan flights for Tuesdays or Thursdays

This is when flights are usually the lowest, so shifting your travel days just a little can save you big.

4. Purchase domestic airfare 6-8 weeks before your travel date

This is prime time for the best ticket prices.

5. Look at ticket prices on Tuesday-Thursday

The prices for flights are usually higher on Monday, Friday, and weekends, so midweek is the best time to make this big purchase.

6. Take advantage of airfare sales!

Many airlines run seasonal sales throughout the year and it’s a great time to plan ahead and snag tickets at a discounted price. (We often post the best Southwest sales when they pop up!)

7. Do your research on flights

Don’t forget airfare search engines like Kayak or Expedia. Those can be valuable resources when comparing airfare costs.

8. Travel during off-season times

Airfare is much lower during the less popular times of year to travel. Avoid holidays if you can, because airfare is often 3-4 times higher than a regular ticket price during those times.

Many airlines offer free loyalty programs that do NOT require a credit card! You’ll earn points for your travel over time and can cash them in for free flights.

How to Travel for Cheap: Save on Lodging

10. Try camping

Camping allows you to savor time in nature and enjoy free or very reduced nightly lodging fees.

11. Use Priceline to find a last-minute Express deal on a hotel.

More info on this super helpful tip HERE. (I’ve done this many times, including when Kaitlynn and I went to NYC recently, and it’s worked beautifully!)

12. Stay with family or friends

If you have family or friends in the area you’re visiting, free lodging with them will always save you tons of money, plus you can spend extra time with loved ones while you’re visiting.

13. Plan a staycation

Sleeping and eating at home and enjoying local attractions during the day as hometown tourists will save a lot of money and still offer fun memories.

14. Go in with family or friends on a bigger Airbnb or VRBO house.

Most of the time, splitting a big place like this results in a much lower cost per night for lodging expenses. Plus, most of the time you’ll also save on food because bigger places have a kitchen that will prevent you from eating out so much while on vacation.

15. Search multiple hotel travel sites to find the best price.

Read more about how to get hotel discounts HERE.

See our recent travel deals here.

16. Don’t forget about coupon codes and cash back sites!

These can both save you a lot of money on hotel purchases. (Our favorite cashback sites are Rakuten, TopCashBack, and Swagbucks.)

Cheapest Way to Travel: Saving on Food

17. Stay at a place with a kitchen

Then you can cook at home and save on eating out. Buying groceries and cooking yourself will almost always be less expensive than eating out for every meal while on vacation.

18. Take advantage of complimentary breakfast.

Many hotels and bed & breakfasts offer complimentary breakfast each morning. Getting one free meal each day is a huge savings!

19. Pack your own snacks when possible

Whether it’s for the car on a road trip, the airplane while traveling, or the destination itself, consider packing your own snacks to avoid over-priced ones while on vacation.

20. Only eat two meals per day.

If you’re eating really big meals on vacation, you might be able to get away with just two meals — brunch and dinner!

21. Take your own water bottles

Refill them throughout the day and save. Paying to purchase water bottles or drinks can add up quickly.

22. Buy restaurant gift cards at Kroger

You’ll get 4x points — which you can then use to save on gas!

23. Place a grocery pickup order

Find a store near your ending destination that offers online ordering, so you can simply pick it up and not give in to impulse purchases.

24. Pack a picnic lunch and eat at a state rest stop

While you’re there, you can check if they have coupons for other local restaurants or attractions.

25. Take advantage of deals on local restaurants and attractions

Use apps like Local Flavor or Groupon to find bargains on local favorites.

26. Prepare freezer meals

Put your prepared meals in a zip-top bag and take a slow cooker or instant pot along to reheat them.

Save with These Budget Travel Tips!

27. Find creative ways to fund your travel budget

If travel is super important to you and you don’t have wiggle room in the budget, find ways to earn extra money for vacations. Some examples might include selling items, taking surveys, or using rewards apps like Swagbucks. (Swagbucks offers gift cards for all kinds of restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and airlines.)

28. Travel in the off-season when prices are cheaper

We already mentioned airfare is a lot cheaper during the off-season, but so are lodging costs, resort fees, cruise prices, and entertainment expenses.

29. Scout out free activities at your destination before you travel

You can even post a question to your social media about free/frugal things to do in the area you plan to travel to.

30. Walk instead of drive

If you’re vacationing in a walkable area, consider walking instead of renting a car or taking an Uber each day. (Looking for ways to save on rental cars? Check out these tips!)

Want to Earn Money for Travel?

If you dream of traveling more than your current budget allows, side hustles can be an amazing way to grow your travel budget. But, for most women, adding one more thing to your plate might feel nearly impossible. That’s why I made this FREE product — 10 Flexible Side Hustles for Women. In it, you’ll find ten flexible, totally doable, outside-the-box ideas — even if you’re short on time, energy, or experience!

Inside this FREE guide, you’ll discover:

10 creative, LOW-PRESSURE side hustles you’ve likely never heard of — perfect for busy women juggling a full plate
How to START EARNING extra income without a business plan, a big online following, or a fancy resume
Real-life ideas that help you use what you already know, love, and do — in a way that actually fits your lifestyle
A fresh perspective that breaks the myth that you need more time, money, or experience to start earning on the side

You don’t need to be “more qualified.” You don’t need to wait until life slows down. You just need the right ideas — and a willingness to begin!

And, honestly, I think earning extra money specifically for vacation is one of the most fun and motivating goals!

Head here to get this free printable list!

More Money-Saving Travel Tips!

Check out all these other great tips for saving money on travel and vacations:

Do you have any other tips for ways to save money on travel? Let us know in the comments below!

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Brigette — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:01:00 +0000

This is an easy quick bread recipe that looks fancier than it actually is! I love it because it uses simple ingredients that I always keep on hand in my pantry. It’s especially wonderful warmed up or toasted with butter for breakfast or an after-school snack (my boys actually cheer when they walk in the door and smell this, haha).

I make this bread all throughout the year, but I especially love making it in the fall because I love the way it makes my house smell like “autumn” while it’s baking! My entire family shamelessly begs me to make this bread. I hope you will love it as much as we do at my house!

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (I substitute 1 cup milk + 1 Tablespoon vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes)
1 egg
1/4 cup oil

Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
a few teaspoons milk — enough to get to a glaze consistency

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and remaining sugar.

3. In a third bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and oil.

4. Stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.

5. Pour half of the batter into a greased 9x5x3-inch pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Spread the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar.

6. Swirl knife through batter.

7. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan and cooling on wire rack.

8. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over bread when it has completely cooled off. Slice and enjoy.

Makes 1 loaf

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword bread, breakfast, brunch, dessert, easy breakfast, easy side dish, family favorite, freezer friendly, homemade, quick bread

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Cooling Time 20

Servings

Calories 378kcal

Author Brigette

Ingredients

Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar divided
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk I substitute 1 cup milk + 1 Tablespoon vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes
1 egg
1/4 cup oil

Glaze Ingredients:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
a few teaspoons milk — enough to get to a glaze consistency

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and remaining sugar.
In a third bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and oil.
Stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
Pour half of the batter into a greased 9x5x3-inch pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Spread the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar.
Swirl knife through batter.
Bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan and cooling on wire rack.
Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over bread when it has completely cooled off. Slice and enjoy.

Nutrition

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

Plus, check out this post on 25 Ways to Save Money on Groceries!

If you make this Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread recipe, we’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a review or comment below.

Hire a Registered Dietitian for Zero Out of Pocket + My Honest Review of Nourish

Crystal Paine — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:36:00 +0000

Looking for a free dietitian online or online nutritionist consultation covered by insurance? I have been LOVING my Nourish dietitian and this is my completely honest review! Truly — it’s been life-changing for me!

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

How much does a Nourish session cost?

94% of users pay $0 out of pocket when they use insurance!

Is Nourish really free with insurance?

Yep! Most insurance plans cover it 100% and you’ll pay nothing out of pocket!

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!

Baked Nachos ($10 Family Dinner Idea)

Brigette — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:02:00 +0000

This one-pan dinner is SO easy to throw together at the last minute! And these Baked Nachos get bonus points from me because teens love it (I have 3 teens plus a 12 1/2 year old and they all often have friends over). My boys can also easily make it on their own, which is another plus. You can easily customize the toppings based on what your family likes — that’s why you don’t see any black olives or sour cream in these photos, haha.

All you have to do is fry up some ground hamburger (or chicken or turkey) and open a couple of cans and dump. How easy is that?!? This is a go-to meal for me when I have approximately 30 minutes to figure out what we’re having for dinner and make it.

Note: This is not a good meal to have leftovers of because the chips get soggy, so I recommend only making the amount that your family will eat in one sitting.

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.

Baked Nachos Menu:

Baked Nachos (feel free to add a side like fruit, but this is a one-pan meal that hits all of the food groups!)

Ingredients for Baked Nachos:

1 bag (12-14 oz) tortilla chips (Bargain City) — $1
1-lb ground beef (or chicken or turkey — I used ground chicken that was already cooked from my freezer) (Publix) — $2.50
1 packet taco seasoning (Aldi) — $0.55
3/4 cup water
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed (Aldi) — $0.85
1 15-oz can corn, drained (Aldi) — $0.85
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Aldi) — $3.09
additional toppings as desired – I used a sliced lime, sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro (Aldi) — $1 (other topping ideas include sour cream, black olives, chopped onions and avocado/guacamole)

Total Cost for Dinner: $9.84 (makes 6 servings)

How to Make Baked Nachos:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-low heat until cooked through, stirring often. Drain the grease. Add the taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water and stir well, simmering for a few minutes so that the flavors can infuse.

3. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray (you can also use 2 cookie sheets and spread things out more). Spread the chips evenly in the pan(s).

4. Spread half of the cheese over the chips. Sprinkle the taco meat evenly over the chips. Do the same with the black beans and then the corn. Top the nachos with the rest of the shredded cheese.

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with additional toppings of your choice!

Baked Nachos

This one-pan dinner is SO easy to throw together at the last minute! And it gets bonus points from me because teens love it and can make it on their own quickly. You can easily customize the toppings based on what your family likes.

Course Appetizer, dinner, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American, Mexican

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

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings

Calories 620kcal

Author Brigette

Cost $9.84

Ingredients

1 bag tortilla chips (12-14 oz) Bargain City — $1
1- lb ground beef or chicken or turkey — I used ground chicken that was already cooked from my freezer (Publix) — $2.50
1 packet taco seasoning Aldi — $0.55
3/4 cup water
1 15-oz can black beans rinsed (Aldi) — $0.85
1 15-oz can corn drained (Aldi) — $0.85
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese Aldi — $3.09
additional toppings as desired – I used a sliced lime sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro (Aldi) — $1 (other topping ideas include sour cream, black olives, chopped onions and avocado/guacamole)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-low heat until cooked through, stirring often. Drain the grease. Add the taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water and stir well, simmering for a few minutes so that the flavors can infuse.
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray (you can also use 2 cookie sheets and spread things out more). Spread the chips evenly in the pan(s).
Spread half of the cheese over the chips. Sprinkle the taco meat evenly over the chips. Do the same with the black beans and then the corn. Top the nachos with the rest of the shredded cheese.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with additional toppings of your choice!

Notes

Note: This is not a good meal to have leftovers of because the chips get soggy, so I recommend only making the amount that your family will eat in one sitting.

Nutrition

FAQs about Baked Nachos:

What goes on nachos?

Our family loves seasoned ground beef (or another meat), cheddar cheese, black beans, and corn. You could also add olives, tomatoes, sour cream, chopped onion, and avocado/guacamole.

What temperature should I bake nachos?

These nachos bake at 425 degrees.

How long to cook nachos in oven?

Bake them for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and it’s warm throughout.

How to melt cheese for nachos?

Cover the chips and other toppings with cheese before putting in the oven. Freshly shredded cheese melts more fully and smoothly than packaged shredded cheese will.

More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:

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

If you make this Baked Nachos $10 family dinner, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!

Week 41: A Peek Into This Past Week (plus what I’m reading, watching, and listening to!)

Crystal Paine — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:39:07 +0000

I almost don’t want to tell you this story because I don’t want to be true! But it is, so here we are…

Nine weeks ago, I went off of refined sugar and white flour. I said I was going to try it for six weeks, just to see if it would help my allergies. I had had a big allergy flare and had to be on multiple medications and was feeling miserable, so felt like I was willing to try anything.

I really didn’t think it would work but I figured I’d try it. And it DID help! I felt SO much better.

So I made it six weeks and felt like it was easier than I thought it would be, so then I was like, “well, I guess I’ll keep going…” So I went almost nine weeks without any refined sugar or white flour.

Then we were at a party last Saturday and they had this cake that looked SO good. I thought, “what’s one little piece of cake?!”

Here’s the crazy thing — within 12 hours, I started to feel like things were swelling up inside. White sugar and white flour are supposed to feed inflammation and, sure enough, I felt like things were getting inflamed. My lymphnodes started swelling up, my congestion came back, and I felt like I had a head cold with runny nose and sneezing. I was miserable! All for one little piece of cake!

So now I’m like “okay, body, I hear you.”

I don’t know how long I’ll be doing this for, but here we are. I guess this is my life now! Who would’ve ever thought that Crystal the Queen of Sweets would not be eating refined sugar and be okay with it?!

If you’re curious what a day of eating looks like for me, check out this example day!

But don’t feel sorry for me! I’ve found lots of delicious treats to eat that don’t have refined sugar in them. Click here for a list of the best candy and sweet treats without refined sugar.

Plus, I still eat local honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, fruit, dates, whole wheat flour (mostly fresh ground), and stuff like that, so I don’t feel deprived.

And now we’re going to talk about periods. So if you’re one of my very few guy readers, feel free to just scoot on out of here! 🙃

For the rest of you: usually leading up to my period, I have about 3 days with inflammation, bloating, and generally feeling blah.

Well, since giving up refined sugar and white flour, it’s totally different. My last two periods, I haven’t even known that I was about to have my period! No bloating, no inflammation, no blah feeling.

The only way I knew it was coming was my Oura ring telling me that my period was about to start! And, when it told me, I was like, “I don’t think so because I do not feel gross!” And then it would start!

Speaking of periods, check out my IG Live I did with Kim Gargano about her new book, Holy & Hormonal: A Faithful Guide to Understanding Your Body and the God who Designed You.

We talked about:

How each of the phases of a woman’s cycle is like the 4 seasons and how to support your body in each phase.
Why getting bloodwork done is so important and what to test for.
Tiny baby steps we can take to fuel and nourish our body better without feeling overwhelmed.
Simple, high protein breakfast ideas.
What cortisol is and why it might be impacted by how stressed we feel, and what to do if you have high cortisol.

If you want some really great advice and encouragement surrounding balancing your hormones, you will LOVE this IG Live, and I’d encourage you to check out her book!

“David cut his toe and it’s bleeding everywhere, he’s really upset, and I think he needs stitches!”

Jesse called me and told me this one night this week, as I was driving home from Kierstyn’s cross country meet. I could hear David wailing in the background and it broke my mama heart.

But here’s what was even harder…

When your child can’t verbally communicate and has limited communication skills, they can’t tell you what they did or exactly where it hurts.

He was so upset and we could only guess at what had happened and how he was feeling. These are the parts of parenting a child with significant disabilities that are so hard.

But then, in the midst of him panicking and being so upset, I heard Jesse say to him, “Do you want to talk to mama?”

As soon as Jesse asked him, he calmed down some.

I started telling him how brave he was and how sorry I was that it hurt and that I was coming home and that we were going to help him feel better. I could hear him slowly getting calmer and calmer.

By the time I got home, he was calm enough that Jesse was able to get the bleeding to stop and to wrap his foot. David was so excited to see me and cuddled right up next to me.

We would have just taken him into urgent care, but we knew he would need sedation of some sort if he needed stitches.

So, at 7:30 pm, Jesse took him to the ER. He said he felt bad taking him to the ER when it was minor, but we also didn’t want him to have to go to after hours urgent care and then find out they needed to transfer him to the hospital so they could sedate him for stitches.

Gratefully, they were able to clean it and glue it and he didn’t end up needing stitches or sedation!! And he did really well at the hospital — except for the cleaning and gluing part!

As soon as he got home, he lunged from Jesse’s arms into my arms and wanted to cuddle up in bed like this and went immediately to sleep and slept like this all night long.

While I’m sad he hurt himself and couldn’t tell us more about it, I was also grateful that he could be so comforted by me. You see, he is usually a total Daddy’s boy. He will choose Jesse over me almost every single time.

But that night, when he was hurting, he wanted comfort from his mama. Seeing how attached he is and how deeply calming my voice and presence were to him made me so grateful.

What a gift that I get to be his mama and that he feels so safe with me.

I traveled to Kansas with Micah last week for my Grandpa’s service. We had the best time and he didn’t use a screen or device one time the entire 3 days we were on the trip.

Here’s why & here’s how we do it…

THE WHY:

We limit screens pretty significantly at our house — our young kids don’t have iPads or devices, they don’t use our phones, and we limit the types of shows they can watch to what we call “calm shows” or family movies that we watch together.

We’ve found that this makes a big difference in their behavior and attention span. Remember, this is just what works for our family in this season. I’m not saying it is a universal rule!

So, when we travel, we have a no screens rule while we are traveling. This encourages the kids to look out the window, interact with everyone, and find creative ways to keep themselves occupied.

THE HOW:

I try to always have some snacks, toys, and activities planned. I also usually get something new for a long road trip or plane ride. For instance, Micah got to get new cars and a little toy airplane for this trip. I also got an activity book that kept him throughly engaged one entire flight. (Add affiliate link?)

I also don’t plan to get my own work done. If I expect my kids to not be on screens, it’s not fair if I’m engrossed in a screen and not interacting with them. So I never pulled out my laptop the entire time we were traveling there and back last week. I did do some journaling, I did do some work on my phone when Micah was having a blast playing with his toys, I got a lot of reading done, and I spent a lot of time just being with Micah.

I took him on this trip specifically because he hasn’t gotten a lot of one-on-one time with me the past few weeks and has been showing signs that he needed some TLC from his mama. We had the best time together and it was so good for his heart and mine for us to have such quality time together. Not having screens as distractions really helped facilitate that, too! ❤️

What are your best road trip or flight activity ideas to do with kids? I’d love for you to share with me in the comments below!

Don’t Miss This Bonus: 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You

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**This Week on The Crystal Paine Show: Making Peace with What I Can’t Control (with Lysa TerKeurst)**

I am honestly truly honored to have Lysa TerKeurst joining me for this conversation! Lysa has been such a meaningful mentor in my life for many years, and in her new book, Making Peace With What I Can’t Control, she tackles something that I think so many of us wrestle with: the exhausting desire to fix, manage, and control the people and circumstances that we love.

This conversation with Lysa helped me see control in a way that I hadn’t really considered before — sometimes, our struggle with control doesn’t come from wanting power; it comes from responsibility, capability, and care. We love people so deeply that we don’t want to watch them make choices that could hurt them, but there’s a difference between helping someone and trying to control their outcome, and Lysa explains how trying to rescue others can eventually lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and codependency.

Listen in as we discuss parenting, including a story from my six-year-old’s first cross-country race that helped me understand the difference between supporting someone and controlling them. That conversation leads into something that has been especially significant in my own life: our desire to control how other people perceive us. We talk about approval, overthinking conversations, replaying what we said, and how a mistake can become a label we believe about ourselves.

Lysa also opens up about some of the most painful seasons of her life — including betrayal, divorce, disappointment, and moments when she questioned whether she could truly trust God — and she opens up about what it means to hold onto faith when God doesn’t do what we thought He would do, and why accepting reality isn’t the same thing as giving up.

If you’re in a season in which you feel like you’re trying desperately to hold everything together, I really hope that this conversation feels like someone throwing you a rope and saying, “Just hold on for today!” You are not alone, and you don’t have to control the outcome to be okay.

I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Lysa, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions! I would love to hear from you!

Listen to the episode here.

What I’m Reading…

I finished reading Making Peace With What I Can’t Control this past week. If you struggle with feeling like you are frustrated that people aren’t acting like you wish they would act or aren’t making decisions that are best for them or if you wish life didn’t feel like things are so out of control, I think this book would really encourage you!

Currently reading: The Inspired Homeschool. The Bright Side of the Other Side, and House Hushing.

What I’m Watching…

This week, the girls and I watched week 4 of Dancing with the Stars together. (It’s fun to have a show that Kierstyn, Kaitlynn, and I all enjoy together!)

I also watched Chilean Miner Rescue: Race Against Time (very fascinating!!) and Surviving the Mount St. Helen’s Disaster (Kierstyn and Micah watched it with me and were so fascinated by it!

What I’m Listening to…

I’ve almost finished listening to The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Volume 3.

LITE Feed, Money Saving Mom®

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Feel Like There’s Never Enough Time?

20 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys (Under $30!)

Christmas Ideas for Boys

Best Christmas Gifts for a 7 and 8 Year Old Boy

1. Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster

2. Hasbro Guess Who Classic Game

3. Radio Control Quadcopter

4. Kid’s Walkie Talkies

5. Bow & Arrow Archery Set

Best Christmas Gifts for a 4 to 6 Year Old Boy

6. My First Magic Trick Kit

7. Ontel Magic Tracks Xtreme – Race Car & 10′ of Flexible, Bendable Glow in The Dark Racetrack

8. Superhero Costume Capes and Masks

9. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

10. LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase Building Kit

11. PJ Masks Nighttime Vision Glow in the Dark Set

12. Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Blaze & the Monster Machines

Best Gifts for 2 and 3 Year Old Boy

13. Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors

14. First Builders Big Building Bag

15. Wooden Train Tracks Set

16. Safari Animals Figures

Boys Christmas Gifts Ideas: Stocking Stuffers

17. Rubber Chicken Slingshot (12 pack)

18. Mr. Bubble Magic Bath Crackles

19. Sunny Days Entertainment 6 Pack Bubble Solution

20. Hog Wild Holiday Snowman Popper

21. Whoopee Cushion

More Gifts for Boys (Over $30)

22. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

23. Little Tikes First Slide

More Holiday Gift Guides

What other ideas do you have for the best gifts for boys? Let us know in the comments!

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24 Gifts for Teen Girls in 2026 (Compiled by Kaitlynn!)

20+ Gifts for Teen Girls

1. Summer Fridays Lip Balm

2. Rhode Blush

3. Hydrojug

4. Zig Zag Headband

5. Tangle Teezer Brush

6. Touchland Hand Sanitizer

7. Sol de janiero Body Mist

8. Benefit Benetint

9. Tree Hut Body Scrub

10. Hollister Hoodie

11. E newton bracelet

12. Natural Life Boho Bandeau

13. Pajama Set

14. Ouai Hair Oil

15. Kendra Scott Mini Elisa Necklace

16. Jellycats

17. Eos Lotion

18. Amika Hair Mask

19. Redken All Soft Kit

20. Tarte Mascara

21. Barefoot Dreams Blanket

22. Disposable Camera

A Couple of Bonus Teen Girl Gift Ideas from the Team

23. Kate Spade Outlet Wristlet or Card Holder

24. Keychain Portable Charger

More Gift Guides

Do you have any other great gift ideas for teen girls? Let us know!

FREE DOWNLOAD:

Christmas Budget Boost Cheatsheet!

15+ of the Best Gluten Free Gifts

The Best Gifts for Gluten Free People

Gluten Free Christmas Gifts Guide

Gluten Free Food Gifts

Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Gluten Free People

Looking for other budget-friendly holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

**This Week on The Crystal Paine Show: A BIG Day!!!**