Sharing Your Story

Dear readers,

It's been said many times, many ways: it takes a village [to raise a child].
When is a child fully raised?
My answer : never. As long as we're living, we are never done learning and growing.


Lately I've been a bit more open on my social media about some of my struggles and the ways I'm trying to improve my character.
I've talked about depression, anxiety, mental health, fear, frustration, anger, flaws, etc.
I've had a few comments and messages saying, "thank you for being authentic."
Some people probably look at those comments and think, "if they only knew 'dut da dah' about Nicole, she's not sharing ALL of her truths, therefore; not being authentic."
On a recent blog post, I wrote :
"Sharing every nitty gritty detail of your life with everyone isn't what makes you authentic. 

Authentic = genuine = sincere = truthful = free from deceit.

If someone wants to ask a question I will do my best to respond with truth."
I withhold some bits for various reasons, but mainly, it boils down to my journey in loving others well.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV

Just because it's part of my story, and I'm open about most parts, doesn't mean everything is appropriate to share with everyone.
Sharing my story should not include sharing parts of other’s story if it sheds a bad light on them, and that is where my struggle lies.
Or, maybe, eventually everything will get shared, but that's something I'm relying on God to reveal in His time, for His glory.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Many have gone before me, many are struggling right along side me, and many will walk through similar situations in the future.
If a bit of my story helps someone else feel less alone then that's an accomplishment toward part of what I feel we're here for each other for : community.

Have you found your village to share your joys and trials with?

Do you feel sharing bits of your story helps you or others more?

Thank you for taking some of your precious moments to 

read some of what's been on my heart + mind.

Peace be with you.

Love well,

Nicole

Emotional Health + Conflict Resolution

If you don't have at least one person in your life who speaks the difficult truths, find someone!
I am incredibly thankful to have a counselor who isn't afraid to speak difficult wisdom(s) into me.
I have a lot of flaws and areas that need maturing, and having someone point these things out has allowed leaps and bounds of growth in my emotional health.

Eight months ago, when my counselor told me I was emotionally stunted, I had a tantrum/meltdown/emotionally flooded moment.
I thought, 'how dare she tell me, 28-year-old mother of two little girls, that I was lacking.
How am I supposed to raise two, emotionally strong, confident woman when I don't possess those qualities for them to mirror?'

My counselor was trying to point out that I lacked tools to properly navigate healthy conflict resolution.
My response to conflict was to blow up, get defensive, and allow my pride to rule.
In my mind, whoever yells louder, says meaner things, or shuts the other person up "wins" the conflict.
I know that most definitely is not a healthy method to resolution, but I didn't know how to quit the habit of reacting instead of responding.

Mindfulness comes to mind, and especially this article I read :
"Have you heard the expression "name it to tame it?" As far as the brain is concerned, once you name an emotion, you automatically reduce its intensity."
"Instead of judging our anger as right or wrong, good or bad, should or shouldn't, mindfulness helps us to simply accept the reality that this is what we are feeling. We don't have to like it, we just have to accept that it is what it is."
Kellie Edwards in this article shared on Motherly.

You might be asking, "so what ARE you doing to gain positive growth in your emotional health?"
I read any and all articles + books + images relating to positive emotional health, and try my hardest to put all the tools I'm learning to use.
My main source is The Gottman Institute.
I follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

I also keep it at the forefront of my mind that I am raising a 2.5-year-old and a 4-year-old that need to learn how to properly tend to their emotional health so this vicious cycle doesn't go on for generations to come. 

The initial struggle was in the logistics.

How do you teach something that you have little knowledge about?

The beauty has been in leading by example, but also learning + growing together.

The beauty has been when I fail to keep myself calm and my 4-year-old says, "do you want to start again, momma?" 

The beauty has been in practicing + maturing in new habits of grace, forgiveness, and self-control.

How do you deal with conflict resolution? 

Do you think you are emotionally stunted or emotionally strong?

Peace + Growth.

Love well,

Nicole

Pursuing Growth

Have you ever been to church camp?
If so, then you know that feeling of a spiritual high - that intense closeness to Jesus!
Camp ended, and you went home.
It was then that you realized friends and family back home didn't have the same enthusiasm as you.
Slowly [or maybe quickly] your feelings dissolved and life was back to "normal."

The same thing happens in other situations, too.

--You read a marriage article that fires you up! You are now determined to have the best marriage ever until your spouse comes home with a *cuss* attitude and makes a snarky comment.
--You listen to a sermon and feel the Holy Spirit moving tangibly through your body, giving you tingles and a lump in your throat. Afterward, you get in your car and someone cuts you off.
--You have a conversation with someone and feel all the wisdom and knowledge of everyone who has ever lived before you come flowing out of your mouth. Conversation over. You spend the next several days doing the exact opposite of taking your own advice.

What steps can you take to ensure that "mountain top moment" keep going as long as possible?

You have to consciously + intentionally CHOOSE to keep pursuing those "highs."

Most of the time you need an attitude alteration - a small shift to a more positive perspective.

You've heard Newton's first law of motion: 

"a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest stays at rest."

And so it is with your spirit.

You have to constantly be seeking positive growth in your spiritual life.

No one can do the work for you.

You must pursue Jesus on your own!

Read your Bible. Do devotionals. Listen to worship music. Attend church, and small group. 

Ask friends and/or family to join you in theological discussion. 

It is solely up to you to stay connected, to seek Jesus with your whole heart, to desire Him, and to live a thriving life keeping Jesus at the center.

I think it's also important to note that living on that mountain top ALL of the time is unrealistic.
In life, you will find valleys as well.
The thing to remember about those times is that growth can happen there, too!

"I will exalt you, Lord, for You rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.

O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health.

You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death."

Psalm 30:1-3

Peace + Growth. 

Love well,

Nicole

Marriage Advice

A couple weeks ago some new friends of ours got married!
I wrote them a letter and thought it may benefit other married couples, so I wanted to share it here...

When you entered into marriage, you chose to take the greatest road trip of your life!

In preparation for a road trip you typically take your car in for preventative maintenance, right?!
And so it is with marriage...make sure you are intentional with your maintenance!!

• Date your mate!
• at least 1 hour each week!
• Monthly meet!
• get together with another couple once a month
• accountability
• discuss uncomfortable/difficult topics or express the pure joys
• Jay + Katherine Wolf encouragement:
• Be prepared. Build your foundation on the Rock, because storms will come.
• Don't Wait To Celebrate!

"Marriage is spelled W-O-R-K." Levi Lusko

CONFLICT : 10% is due to difference of opinion & 90% is due to tone of voice & delivery.

*This next part is all principles from The Gottman Institute.*

Healthy Conflict Resolution : each of you seeing the other person's perspective and either agreeing to disagree or one of you shifting your perspective to match the others.

• Use A Gentle Start-Up
• I feel...about...I need...
• Example : I feel overwhelmed about always being the one to do the dishes, take out the trash & clean the toilet. I need us to come up with a schedule to delegate household chores more equally. 
• Describe Your Own Feelings and Needs
• complain without blame
• saying things like "I feel disrespected when you are doing/aren't doing,,," invites defensiveness to show up in a flash. 
• Take Responsibility
• Apologize.
• Fill Your Own Tank First
• I'm sure you've heard on an airplane "put your own oxygen mask on first and then help others." 
• In marriage you aren't going to be able to help your spouse if your own needs are't met.
• Meaning : schedule weekly guy/girl nights and/or alone time.

"Most marriages start in the wrong place - even Christian marriages - because they start with happiness as the goal. God did not create that as the goal; that was supposed to be a benefit." 

-Dr. Tony Evans

"To keep your marriage brimming,

With love in the loving cup,

Whenever you're wrong, admit it;

Whenever you're right, shut up."

-Ogden Nash

"If Satan gets an inch, he'll try to take a mile."

-Cindy Beall

The devil is here to steal, kill, and destroy.

Fighting FOR your marriage puts a big target on your backs.

The best solution is keeping Jesus at the center.

Take your gripes about your spouse to Jesus 1st and then to your spouse 2nd.

Pray often. Pray together.

God gifted you a wonderful helpmate.

Your spouse will never be perfect. Your spouse will never fill all your needs and desires - only God is capable of fulfilling all our voids.

Treat your spouse with delicate and tender care.

Do the 5 love languages test and affirm your love for your spouse in the language they receive best.

Imagine yourself a farmer.

You can't change the crop that will bloom, but you can tend to the soil surrounding your seed (spouse). 

Give your seed water (prayer), sunlight (positive affirmations), and the best soil (solid Christ-centered foundation). 

ENJOY EACH OTHER!

Praying God's blessings, wisdom, and love overflowing!

April Fools!

Okay, so more like 'July - Joke's On You!' 

While shuffling through the children's books at the thrift store, I came across a cute book.
The book is titled "April Fools" by Fernando Krahn.
It is a picture-only book.
I love books with no words because it goes along with the quote by Fred R. Barnard, "A picture is worth ten thousand words."
When I brought the book home and showed the girls they got the biggest kick out of it!

"Can we make a monster and scare dadda??" They excitedly schemed.
"Yes. Yes, we can!" I giggled right along with them.

We cut and taped and : TADA!

And now we wait for dadda to come home...

Mwauahahaha! 

Life Right Now

Hello!

Sharing every nitty gritty detail of your life with everyone isn't what makes you authentic. 

Authentic = genuine = sincere = truthful = free from deceit.

If someone wants to ask a question I will do my best to respond with truth.
Otherwise, I'm just going to share what you call "shallow" details
 to fill people in on recent thoughts & happenings of my life.
As stated in my bio, my hopes of sharing have remained the same...
"I hope that my readers can relate, laugh, or find inspiration."

Let's catch up...

Overview

Three weeks ago we loaded the Uhaul and hit the road for Salt Lake City, Utah.
Why SLC? Hubster got a great job offer we couldn't refuse.

Living in the same valley for 28 years, in small town Montana, brings a comfort I didn't know I'd miss so much!
I miss the people back home the most, that is for sure. 

Things I took for granted other than people that I miss a whole lot : 

• Knowing my surroundings for hikes, drives, adventures, camping, swimming, etc. 
• Knowing the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, thrift stores, etc.
• Owning a 2nd vehicle
• Hosting get-togethers

Okay, enough complaining...we are settled and enjoying exploring our new city!

Little Loves 

Staying home and raising our girls is still the most difficult, yet rewarding "job" I've ever had.

Questions from a 2 and 3.5 year old :

Could you massage me for all the times?

Can you read me all the books?

Can you hold me for all the minutes?

Give me all the seconds to finish coloring.

**That last one is more of a matter of fact statement opposed to a question! Ha!

As I'm sweeping up popcorn crumbs Penny states, "me and Lil sure make a lot of messes."
Girrrlll, you don't even know [insert : sideways cry-laughing emoji]!

"Thinking of your child as behaving badly 

disposes you to think of punishment.

Thinking of your child as struggling to handle 

something difficult encourages you to help 

them through their distress."

Gottman Institute

A few thoughts floating around in my head regarding parenting:

Discipline is extremely important, NOT punishment. Two very different things.
Always follow through.

Be active, play & learn with them!

Quit comparing your child to your other children, their friends, or anyone for that matter.

Help set your child(ren) up for financial success. This doesn't mean giving them cash. 

Teach them basic principles : Save-Give-Spend.

It's okay for mommy's & daddy's to take time-outs, too!
Sometimes we need to set the timer to breathe and refocus.
Time-outs are meant to help you come back to the situation with a clearer head and calmer attitude.

Stay wild, my child!

I hope your curiosity always keeps you adventurous!

Wander often, wonder always!

Marriage

In a week we will celebrate 8 years of marriage.

"To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup, 

Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;

Whenever you’re right, shut up.”

-Ogden Nash

A few of my personal goals for our marriage:

Be the change I wish to see in our relationship.

Take responsibility.

Complain without blame.

Date my mate!

Set an amazing example for our girls, friends & family to aspire to. 

Some encouragement I want to share :

At our church they asked for prayer requests and later revealed that 80+% were along the lines of "for my marriage."
More than half of all marriages end in divorce. We have a problem. But we also have the solution : keep Jesus at the center.
Realize that by fighting for your marriage you put a target on your back.
The devil is here to steal, kill & destroy.
So what can you do? Pray for your spouse + for your marriage.

Realize that you have the power to change you - not your spouse.

I really mean it when I say, be the change you wish to see in your marriage!

I'm working on it, too!

I am currently reading the book, "What's It Like Being Married To Me?: And Other Dangerous Questions." 

I would encourage you to really ask yourself that question...what's it like being married to me?

Don't like the image that question conjures up? CHANGE YOURSELF!

Start new habits. 

Be curious about the person you share life with.

Find the FUN again. 

Fight for your marriage.

REBUILD & BLOOM!

Invest in your marriage!

I believe spending 15 minutes a day & at least an hour a week dating your spouse will positively impact and flourish your marriage! 

*If you can't afford a weekly babysitter for date night - child watch swap with other couples!*

I'll end with these open-ended questions I came up with to ask your spouse. 

You can each ask one or two every day/night as an easy way to connect for those 15 minutes I talked about earlier...

•How can your spouse be praying for you? 

•What is something you're looking forward to? 

•Is there any non-sexual touch your spouse can engage in more to help you feel loved?

•How do you feel about our sex life lately? 

•If you gave $10,000 to a charity, which one would you choose and why?

•If you have a bad day what are 2 things your spouse can do to make it better? 

•If you could spend one hour alone with someone (dead or alive) who would it be? What would you do? Why? 

•If you were a sound what would it be?

•Five things you want to buy but you've been putting them off?

•Would you like to be famous? If yes, what do you want to be famous for?

•What is something your spouse could do today or tomorrow to make your day better?

•What goals do you have for us?

•Is there any conversation you've had in the past week that you feel incomplete about? Need more clarity about? 

•What is your dream 3-day weekend?

•What are 3 states you would like to visit? Why?

•What are 3 things on your bucket list?

•If you could bring back one toy from your childhood what would it be and why? 

•What is something I can do to help you out this week? 

•What is something your spouse does or says that turns you on? 

•3 favorite places to be kissed on your body?

•You're writing a story...what is the main character's name? Occupation? Location?

•What is your favorite restaurant? 

•If you could have any job what would it be? 

•What is your dream car?

•What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery? 

•When do you feel the most loved by your spouse? 

•What 3 countries would you like to visit? Why?

•If you could speak another language fluently what would it be? Why? 

•If you could be insanely talented in one thing, what would it be? 

•What was your favorite part of today? 

•Describe yourself with one word.

•Do you have any phobias? If so, what? 

•In high school what was your favorite subject? Least favorite? 

•What do you think about when you first wake up?

•What is your favorite dinner?

•What is something you're glad you'll never have to do again?

•If you owned the world's largest collection of something what would it be?

•In what ways do you communicate dissatisfaction with your spouse? 

•What are 3 things your spouse does that you couldn't live without? 

•What is your favorite thing about Spring(any season)? Why? 

•Pick one area of your marriage where you have a problem. Describe what is wrong and what each of you have done to solve it.

•What do you think God is doing in your marriage right now? 

•What do you think you need to do as a couple to get from where you are to where you need to be? 

•Is there anything your spouse did this past week that may have unknowingly hurt you? 

•What is something that never ends well?

•If you had to write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only 3 words? 

•In what ways have you attempted to communicate love and appreciation to your spouse today?

Closing

I truly hope this post gave you some encouragement!

As always, if there's anything I can be praying for you for, feel free to ask!

With love,

Nicole

Rebuild & Bloom

Hello friend!

At the beginning of 2017 God gave me two words over the year : Rebuild & Bloom.

Rebuild has meant starting at the foundation!
I now begin my day by reading the Bible, praying & turning on worship music. 
This "small" change has had BIG impacts on how the rest of my day now goes.

The more I grow in Christ, the more I realize :
I am solely a vessel for God to use to further His Kingdom!

My devotional this morning was all about how God comforts us through our afflictions (something that causes pain or suffering) so that we can be a comfort to others when they go through something similar.

Are you in the midst of a trial? 
I want to pray for you, offer words of encouragement, or just help you seek Jesus' most awesome comfort!

"The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love, 

He will rejoice over you with singing." 

Zephaniah 3:17

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, 

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."

Philippians 2:3

In a rut with your daily devotions?

Read a Proverb a day!! Take notes! 

"Their [the Proverbs] purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, 

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined

and successful lives, to help them do 

what is right, just, and fair."

Proverbs 1:2-3

"Guard your heart above all else,

for it determines the course of your life."

Proverbs 4:23

"The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;

a wise person wins friends."

Proverbs 11:30

Married? Have kids? Are you a living, breathing human?

Here are a couple of my favorite verses...

"Kind words are like honey...

sweet to the soul

and healthy for the body.:

Proverbs 16:24

"For you have been called to live in freedom,

my brothers and sisters.

But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.

Instead, use your freedom

to serve one another in love."

Galatians 5:13

"Too much talk leads to sin.

Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."

Proverbs 10:19

My best encouragement is for you to really take an evaluation of your life.

Where is your number one priority?

Is it relationship with Jesus? Yes? Then keep on keeping on!

Is it anything other than Jesus? Yes? Then SEEK Jesus first, above everything else!

Vaya con Dios (Go with God),

Nicole

Love Languages for Kids

Here are the 5 love languages given by Gary Chapman : 

Words of Affirmation

Acts of Service

Receiving Gifts

Quality Time

Physical Touch

Do you know your child's love language?

Penelope is three and a half and it is extremely noticeable that words of affirmation is her top love language, followed closely by physical touch. Penny can wake up in a sour mood and all it takes are some compliments and a mini back-rub to turn her day around.

Lillian is two and I've caught on that her top love language is physical touch followed by quality time. In Lilly's perfect world we would spend an hour staring into each other's eyes while I hold her in my lap, allowing one of her hands to be on my chest while the other rests on her chest - all in silence of course. 

Children need love, lots and lots of love. 

I think it's very important that children are shown love in a variety of ways. 
But if you can pinpoint how they receive it best, do that love language most!


Words of Affirmation

• compliments
• encouragement
• positive reinforcement
• cautious of speaking in harsh tones

Acts of Service

• doing the tasks they can't do for themselves (when they're older do tasks for them that they have learned to do for themselves, but don't enable laziness)
• helping them practice sports, flash cards for tests, instruments, etc.
• teaching them the importance of serving others
• fix broken toys, sew buttons/tears/rips on clothing

Receiving Gifts

• homemade cards (spend time on a nice picture or words)
• small/inexpensive trinkets
• well thought out large/expensive gifts
• items from nature (rocks, leaves, etc.)

Quality Time

• Go on a one-on-one date
• Read books, make crafts, adventure outside, play
• Put away distractions, get on their level, and just BE with them (for at least a half hour)
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation 

Physical Touch

• hugs
• hand on shoulder
• hold hands
• back/foot/hand rubs

Us parents have the difficult task of shaping and raising future generations.  

 Thankfully, the Beatles make it sound easy when they say, "all you need is love."

They still bring up this "magical adventure meal"
when they got to eat in the window seat
because we sold our dining table.

Love well, friends! 
Love well!

Gyro Meatball Bowl

Super Gyro Meatball Bowls

Ingredients

For the Meatballs
• 2 lbs ground lamb
• 1 Tbsp Super Gyro spice blend (or 1 tsp each marjoram, thyme and garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 C almond flour
For the Tzatziki sauce
• 1 C plain coconut milk yogurt, grass-fed greek yogurt or mashed avocado
• 1/4 C cucumber, diced very fine
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped fine
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
For the Bowl
• 3 zucchini, spiralized
• Super Gyro Meatballs (above)
• Chopped fresh dill
• Cucumber slices
• Super Gyro Spices for garnish
• Crumbled organic feta cheese (optional)
• Other toppings of choice as desired

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix by hand the meat, spices, eggs and almond flour. Form into 1 1/2" meatballs.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown top and bottom of meatballs, about two minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
4. When every meatball is browned, bake for 9 minutes in the oven until cooked to medium. 
5. Meanwhile bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch spiralized zucchini for 30 seconds, then strain.
6. In a small bowl, stir together tzatziki sauce ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
7. To assemble bowl, start with zucchini noodles, then add meatballs, sauce, dill, feta and cucumber. 

Notes

Don't be afraid to play with toppings! Other choices here that would be excellent include diced tomatoes, avocado, olives, and pickled onions 

http://realeverything.com/super-gyro-meatball-bowls/

***I followed this recipe except for the meatballs; as our local store didn't have lamb. I ran out of time to thaw ground beef. So, I ended up finding a ground turkey meatball at Walmart. 

***I would also add that the zoodles were only enough for Zach & myself. And the sauce is a plenty! 

Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash

Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash

Ingredients:
cubed butternut squash
a dash of cinnamon
a dash of cumin
salt & pepper
tomatoes (diced)
avocado (diced)
a handful of spinach

Directions:
1. Drizzle olive oil in your pan and heat on medium high.
2. Sauté the squash (sprinkled with cinnamon, cumin, salt & pepper) until tender (about 15 minutes).
3. Add in tomatoes - then avocado - then spinach.
4. Serve with your choice of egg (I do fried).
*I also ate this with bacon.*

Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1lb ground pork
1/2 tsp ginger
salt & pepper to taste
1 small head of cabbage
1 carrot (chopped)
1 zucchini (chopped)
1/2 a head of cauliflower (chopped)
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

Directions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
2. Add garlic. Sauté until garlic is fragrant.
3. Add ground pork, ginger, salt & pepper. Sauté until pork is cooked through.
4. Add remaining ingredients and cook until the cabbage is tender.

I had already made a shredded pork roast so I used that instead of ground pork.
I had turned the cauliflower into "rice" already, so I used that.

This recipe is adapted from :
http://peaceloveandlowcarb.com/pork-egg-roll-in-a-bowl-crack-slaw-paleo-low-carb-whole30/

Tips & Tricks to Help Your Budget!

Ever since I became a full-time stay-at-home mom I realized how much we waste on the daily.

Finally, I decided to make tons of small conscious decisions and suddenly I noticed big changes in our budget.

10 small things I do that impact our budget in BIG ways!

1. I cut our sponges!

    Exactly how it sounds: I take scissors and cut our dish sponges in 1/2 or 1/4's.

    

2. I keep minimal cleaning supplies!

    I have two spray bottles : 

1-a couple drops of dawn dish soap then fill with warm water. 

2-a couple drops of dawn dish soap, a 1/2 cap of bleach, then fill with warm water. 

    A Dollar Tree toilet bowl cleaner called The Works.

    Bar Keepers Friend for the extra grimy.

3. I keep paper towels out of sight!

    Out of sight, out of mind. It really works for us! We end up using less, so we spend less.

4. I always try the store brand!

    I have one exception, I won't compromise on our toilet paper. 

    I have found for the most part it's the same product you're just paying more for the brand/label. 

5. I meal plan!

    Also, I never go to the grocery store hungry. 

6. I shower every other day!

7. I try not to put makeup on unless I know we're going somewhere!

    Using less make-up = purchasing less often!

8. Laundry :

    I bought a hanging rack and have an outdoor clothes line for the summer months.

    I made my own dryer balls but wasn't satisfied with how they turned out, so I want to buy some

    and see if they make a difference. 

9. I try to only go out for errands once a week.

    I love driving, but I knew we needed to save on gas. 

    I map out my route so I'm not driving back-and-forth across town.

10. I thrift shop first.

     If there is something we need I head to the thrift stores. If I can't find it there then I'll buy new.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share? 

Happy budgeting!

Nicole