Our trip to Disney was our first as a family. I went to Magic Kingdom on a high school band trip when I was 17. I remember screaming my way through Space Mountain five times but not much more than that. So this truly was a first-time experience for all of us.

Now that I’ve completed my rookie Disney Mom experience, I thought I’d share a few tips with you. For those who’ve been there before, maybe this is old news. But if you’re planning for (or dreaming about!) your family’s first Disney trip, these tips might come in handy.

Freeze & hydrate.

Water was our best friend while we were at Disney. Our goal was to hydrate well before we left the resort and then stay hydrated through the day. Water is readily available in the parks, but it’s a bit more expensive than buying it at the grocery store. Fortunately we had a friend who was making a grocery run, and she brought us a pack of water bottles.

We popped a few water bottles in the resort room’s freezer each evening and then grabbed them on our way out the door each morning. By the time we were ready for them in the parks, they were thawing and oh-so-icy cold. We still bought some water in the parks, but this was a good savings (and refreshing!) for us.

Share the load.

If you’re going to go to Disney as a family, you might as well divide up what has to be carried. We prefer to be as hands-free as possible. That meant me using a small purse that was big enough to carry a small wallet, two people’s sunglasses, and a few other odds & ends. My husband dubbed himself “The Packmule” since he carried the bulk of our park gear each day. He opted for this tactical messenger bag (which we affectionately called his ‘man purse’). That thing was amazing! He was able to carry several of our frozen water bottles, sunscreen, maps, his wallet, Emma’s autograph book, and more. And I’m sure he was glad to do it .

Look into staying at a Disney resort.

While we spent our conference days at The Contemporary Resort, we spent our last night at the Art of Animation Resort. AOA is similar to a standard hotel room, but with the Disney touch.

We opted for The Little Mermaid room since Ariel is Emma’s favorite princess. She was in awe when we walked through the door. From the Ariel shower curtain & treasure trove shower tiles to the Prince Eric painting & Ariel statue outside, it was Disney through and through.

Because we were staying at a Disney resort, we got free bus transportation between the Magic Kingdom and the resort. We also had a walk-up service restaurant with lots of food options. The Magical Express picked us up right outside the lobby too. Added bonus: The room was under $120. That’s less than we paid for a room at a regular hotel last time!

Take an autograph book, these markers, and a Ziploc bag.

Emma’s main goal was to meet as many characters as possible. We thought about just buying a standard Disney autograph book there, but I wanted something that could double as an autograph book and a scrapbook for her.

I found a little 6″ x 8″ spiral-bound scrapbook like this and some Disney die-cuts like this. I attached the die cuts to the front and back of the scrapbook and brushed several layers of Modge Podge over the top. This made the cover somewhat fingerprint-proof (a must when fingers are sweaty and sticky from ice cream sandwiches!).

You can even ask the characters to sign on specific pages in your autograph books. We spaced the autographs so that each character signed next to a blank page back. Now (whenever Mom gets around to getting some photos printed!) Emma can add a photo of herself with each of the characters on the facing page. I love that lots of her memories will be in one book.

I recommend taking these retractable Sharpie markers. They’re chunky enough for the characters with large gloves to use, and there’s no cap to lose. Of course we had a pink for the girl characters and a blue for the boys. That’s just how we roll. We carried the autograph book and markers in a Ziploc bag. That protected the book from water, and it protected my husband’s bag from markers that weren’t retracted correctly.

Rent a stroller.

We didn’t do this because Emma is old enough to walk the parks. But for our friends with littles, their rented strollers were lifesavers. They had double-wide strollers that came with smaller cooler packs for water and snacks. And if the kiddos wanted to walk for a while, they could stash their other bags in the seats. Of course, I saw more than one little one snoozing their way through Magic Kingdom.

My friend Amy rented a double stroller for $75 for 3 days. This included the optional insurance. I’m not big on optional insurance, but I would definitely get it in this case. When you hop on a ride, there’s usually a sea of strollers parked outside. I can see how easy it would be for someone to grab the wrong one.

Don’t skimp on the sunscreen.

I find it ironic that we went on a Florida vacation and didn’t come home with killer tans. It was sunny. It was hot. But we were well-protected. While I’m a huge fan of getting a little natural sun so your body can make its own Vitamin D, I’m also a fan of not getting a sunburn.

We opted to use Banana Boat’s Natural Reflect Kids sunscreen. (I had a little trouble finding it locally, so I recommend using that Amazon link if you want to try it.) It’s oxybenzone, PABA, and paraben-free and uses 100% naturally-sourced mineral sunscreen. It actually deflects the sun’s rays. That’s what we needed while we were in the Florida sun. We just bought the Kids variety and all used it.

Take some cash.

One thing that impressed us about Disney was how they handle payment around the parks. You can link your Key to the World (a.k.a. room key) to a credit card and set a PIN number (how cool is THAT!?) to use for park purchases (food, souvenirs  etc.). Only the grown-ups have access to the purchasing power. The kids’ keys are just room keys. Even with this convenience, it was nice to have some cash for smaller purchases. We also needed a little cash to tip people who helped us with our luggage. So while you don’t need to show up with a ton of cash, you will need a little.

Disney is actually in the process of upgrading the Key to the World program and making the keys into wristbands. The bands will become your room key, park pass, payment option (for grown-ups), and more. This will be even more convenient and easier to keep track of.

Take advantage of the FastPass option.

With a FastPass you’ll also be able to do more and really get your money’s worth from your visit to the parks. If you’re not familiar with FastPass, it’s a way for you to make a reservation to move to the front of the line for certain rides and attractions. You print your FastPass for a certain attraction, and it will give you a one hour window when you can come back without waiting in line. We did this for the Dumbo ride, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and a few others.

Disney is currently in the process of switching over to a wristband program. The wristbands will not only be your room key and park pass, but they’ll also function as your FastPass. You’ll even be able to schedule your FastPass activities ahead of time. I can’t imagine how much more convenient that will be!

Now it’s your turn.

Well, Disney veterans, chime in! I’m sure you all have some great tips to save time, save money, or just have an awesome parks experience. Feel free to share them in the comments.

Disney Tips for First-Time Family Visits is a post from: The Simple Pen

Emma’s bedtime ritual is pretty simple. Once she showers, has a snack, and brushes her teeth, we all gather in her room. One parent reads a couple of chapters from whatever book we’re reading and a short Bible story devotional. Emma tells us what she’s thankful for and what she’d like prayer for. Then the other parent prays.

Whoever is the reader is also that night’s designated snuggler. That person stays behind for a few minutes until she’s relaxed and settled. Then we tell her good-night and slip out to go about our evening business.

Usually we’re working on a blog post or a client’s website. Some nights those extra minutes of not being the snuggler are needed. Maybe there’s a big project with a deadline. Maybe there’s a Twitter party I committed to. So some nights I’m thrilled to be the snuggler. Other nights I’m glad to have the extra time to get a few things done.

Some nights I’m stressed. When that happens on my night to snuggle, I do it with the ‘have to’ attitude. If I’m stressed and it’s not my night to snuggle, I sometimes feel relieved.

Tonight? Tonight I was the snuggler.

And I was thrilled.

You see, tonight I had a different attitude. Tonight I had been watching the horrific stories of the Oklahoma tornado devastation. I’d heard the stories of the little ones trapped inside a school. And some of their parents aren’t going to snuggle with them tonight. In fact, they aren’t going to snuggle those sweet ones ever again.

So tonight? Tonight I had the privilege of snuggling with my sweet girl.

I didn’t HAVE to.

I GOT to.

It was my privilege. I snuggled her closer. And I snuggled her longer. And I counted my blessings the whole time.

I Don’t Have To… I Get To is a post from: The Simple Pen

We’ve been home for almost a week, and I’m still not back in the swing of things. Yikes! We may have tackled the laundry and made a quick trip to the grocery store, but the to-do list is looming and our homeschool tasks still need to be done. One thing I don’t have time for right now? Cooking.

I’m assuming that Cheerios won’t cut it for dinner every night. (No? Maybe one night?)

With that in mind, I’m planning quick meals for this week. I’m planning to use the slow cooker, have my husband grill, and do quick-prep meals for the other days.

:: Breakfasts ::

Steel cut oats & fruit
Eggs, sausage, fruit
Cinnamon banana baked oatmeal (make it once, eat it twice or more)
Egg sandwiches on homemade wheat bread
Pancakes (minus apple topping), bacon, fruit

:: Lunches ::

Chicken & cheese toastadas (minus beans)
Leftovers
Sandwiches on homemade wheat bread, raw veggie tray
Hot dogs with chili sauce, veggie tray
Taco salad topped with homemade guacamole & salsa

:: Dinners ::

Italian spice rub grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans
Leftover grilled chicken with homemade marinara sauce, side salads
Grilled pork chops, side salads with homemade guacamole as dressing
Crock Pot roast with carrots, potatoes & green beans
Broiled fish, baked sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli
Italian Meatloaf, steamed broccoli

If you’re looking for some general menu planning inspiration, stop by Menu Plan Monday hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie.

The Post-Vacation Survival Menu Plan is a post from: The Simple Pen

Here are a few of my favorite posts from around the blogosphere this week.

The Importance of Playtime for a Mom’s Soul :: I need this reminder.

Why Young People Leave the Church :: I said a big AMEN to this one.

This is the REAL Merida :: “For me, the movie Brave reminded me of the importance of being the parent our children need us to be, not the parent we thought we would become.” Yes.

Kids Can Do Laundry :: I like this system. Emma’s been helping sorting, folding, and putting away. This would be the next natural step.

Worth Reading This Weekend is a post from: The Simple Pen

Photo Credit: Josh Hallett

My Take on Princesses

Confession: I wasn’t much of a princess fan before our Disney trip. I mean, I had seen the movies and hummed the songs. But we limited the amount of princess paraphenilia that Emma owned.

The reason for the limits? We didn’t want her to believe that her happily ever after depended on finding a prince and being wisked away to a castle. Real life just doesn’t always work like a Disney movie.

Then I saw this.

Oh! What I saw there was an emphasis on character. And it wasn’t just me who noticed.

Did you hear Rapunzel in the video? “I promise. And when I promise something, I never EVER break that promise.” Well, Emma heard it too.

When it was time for Emma to choose souvenirs to bring home, guess who she chose. Yep. Rapunzel. At the time, I couldn’t figure out why. She’s not usually a huge Rapunzel fan. She’s more likely to go gaga over Cinderella or Ariel. When I asked her about the choice, she reminded me that Rapunzel always keeps her promises.

Photo Credit: Josh Hallett

Merida’s Coronation

One of the highlights of our trip was attending Merida’s official coronation as a princess. As I watched her swagger onto the stage (girl is spunky!) bow in hand, I knew I liked her.

They also introduced the other Disney princesses by telling a bit about each one. Snow White is compassionate, Cinderella kind and gracious. Ariel is as spirited as the sea. And the list goes on. Courageous, adventurous, honorable, heroic. confident. I love that they took the time to point out the character traits of each princess as she was introduced.

Of course I also loved all the little ‘characters’ who were running around with their Merida wigs on.

Visiting the Characters

During our trip, Emma’s main goal was to meet as many Disney characters as she possibly could. Here’s a recap of who she got to meet (complete with lots of princesses!).

Her heart and her autograph book were both quite full. It was a trip fit for a princess.

I hope you’ll stick with me as I have more to share about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, some of my favorite people, and some great new initiatives from Disney.

Disclosure: We received discounted Disney World tickets and accommodations as part of our conference fee for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, but – as always – all opinions are 100% honest and all mine. #DisneySMMoms

A Princess Paradigm Shift is a post from: The Simple Pen

Does your little princess love to play dress up? Mine does. And of course every princess needs sparkly accessories.

My Princess Bible Purse is more than a pretty accessory though. The sparkly, glittery pink purse is full of Bible teachings on the Fruit of the Spirit. The goal is to help girls develop generous princess hearts.

My Princess Bible Purse is geared to girls ages 2-5. While this Bible purse is a bit young for our daughter, we do have a special princess we’ll be gifting it to. I have a feeling she’ll enjoy carrying it around and reading the stories.

The Giveaway

One Simple Pen reader is going to win a copy of My Princess Bible Purse.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us the favorite dress-up item for your princess.

Want a bonus entry? Click here to sign up for The Simple Pen updates by email. You’ll get a daily email summary of anything we post. (No spam. No sharing your email address.) Leave a comment telling me you subscribed. If you’re already a subscriber, just leave a comment telling me that.

Entries will remain open until Wednesday, May 22 at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly chosen (US addresses only please). The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for conducting this review and giveaway. All opinions are – as always – honest and my own.

My Princess Bible Purse {Book Giveaway} is a post from: The Simple Pen

Our Emma (age 8) loves math code puzzles. But there’s something she loves more….

How about math code puzzles that lead you to Disney World!? There were some happy tears right after I shut the camera off. See, she never thought she’d be going to Disney World. Neither did we.

Until THIS showed up in my inbox.

Did I want to come to Disney World as part of the Disney Social Media Mom’s Celebration? After I picked my chin up off the floor, my husband and I started working through the details. Could we? Should we? How could we make it happen?

How could we not?

Disney was offering us an unbelievable opportunity to explore their parks and be part of a magical business-growing conference like no other. And they were doing it at steeply discounted rates. We stewed over it for a few days.

We had almost made our decision (Yes! We want to go!) when we received an anonymous note from a church member. The note was thanking my husband for everything he does as a volunteer to make our Saturday evening service possible. And tucked inside was almost enough cash to cover the conference registration fee.

Well then. I don’t need flashing lights in the sky, folks.

Guess who was online in a heartbeat signing up for the conference?

Leaving on a Jet Plane

We ended up leaving home at 5 a.m. to fly out of Pittsburgh. (yawn) Emma was a rockstar passenger. She’s learned that wearing headphones (even without music on) and chewing gum help a lot with the takeoff and landing times. So does a trusty stuffed bear.

We opted to take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express service. That meant we could check our non-carry-on bags in Pittsburgh and not worry about them again. Disney would pick them up at the Orlando airport, shuttle them to the resort, and deliver them to our room. Not having to deal with baggage claim? Now THAT’S what I call magical. Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?

We arrived in Orlando and checked in at our resort, The Contemporary. Oh my swoon. We probably could’ve spent the afternoon gawking at the monorail (that ran right through the resort!), the shops, the restaurants, and the amazing view from our room. But instead we headed for The Magic Kingdom.

And that’s where the magic really started.

This is Emma. She just spotted Cinderella’s Castle for the first time. {Let me get rid of this lump in my throat & grab a tissue before we move on.}

Her reaction was priceless. I was so excited that one of the Disney PhotoPass photographers was right there to capture it. I didn’t even realize that they had taken the shot (They must’ve given the card to my husband without me seeing it?) until I logged on to see our photos after the trip. Wow. Just wow.

And the magic was only beginning….

I’ll be back soon to share more about our trip and some awesome new Disney projects.

Disclosure: We received discounted Disney World tickets and accommodations as part of our conference fee for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, but – as always – all opinions are 100% honest and all mine.

A Magical Disney Adventure Begins is a post from: The Simple Pen

Did you think we’d disappeared? Well…. We sort of did. We spent the past 5 days in Orlando for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. (Wahoo!!!) I’d tell you more, but I’m not sure I can even remember my own name right now.

Let me gather my thoughts (and sleep a few hours), and I’ll be back to share more about the trip with you. It was over-the-top-unbelievably-amazingly-incredible. And yes, we took all that luggage. {blush}

A Little Explanation…. is a post from: The Simple Pen

I’ve always struggled with keeping the kitchen clean. Some days I’m flying along easy peasy, keeping things as clean as can be. Then other times life gets crazy and I let the dishes pile up to more than the dishwasher can hold. The counter is covered with days of mail and crumbs from multiple meals.

The problem is that all those seemingly small messes add up to one monster of a task. And it happens in the blink of an eye.

I’ve been successfully beating back the messy kitchen monster (most days) for a while now. And it all started with three little letters.

N – O – W

You see, I’m the master of procrastination. And really… Who couldn’t find ten things more appealing than handling a messy kitchen?

But lately I’ve been using the NOW tactic.

Now Not Later

“I’ll get that after I…..” Famous last words.

Instead of putting off the kitchen cleaning tasks, I’m doing them now. Right now. Because odds are good that I’ll get busy doing something else or I’ll just forget about the task.

Do it now. Then it’s done. [Click here to tweet this.]

The Great Pile-Up

Is it just me or do piles grow overnight? Paper multiplies like bunnies. I leave one little thing on the counter when I go to bed and *poof* I have a pile of things I have to deal with the next day. Laying on the counter is permission to lay something else on top of it. And that little pile gets out of control quick as a wink.

Lately I’ve been a tyrant about thing on the counter. Oh, I don’t get all over my family for leaving things there. I just deal with the stuff (or nicely ask them to put it away). That way we’re not tempted to leave more things behind.

A Quick Minute Now or 20 Minutes Later

Taking care of things NOW usually only takes a quick minute. If I sacrifice those quick minutes throughout the day (when the messes appear), I don’t get stuck spending 20 minutes in the kitchen at the end of the day. Added bonus – I don’t have to spend 10 minutes clearing a space on the countertop for dinner prep.

Reality Check

So does my kitchen stay clean all the time? Heavens no! This past weekend we had a garage sale. That meant a lot of dump & run with dirty dishes. It meant a big kitchen clean up when everything was over. Most days we’re keeping it much cleaner and just allowing ourselves grace on the days when it just doesn’t happen.

The Spillover

I’ve been focusing my attention on keeping the kitchen clean for about three weeks now. My NOW theory seems to be working. Sure, things get crazy and NOW gets stretched out a bit from time to time.

The best part about putting NOW into action? It’s starting to spill over into other areas of the house. (Can I get a WAHOO on that one!?) I’ve even been cleaning up my clothes from the bathroom floor (miracle!). I’m hoping that I can get in the mindset of cleaning up whatever messes I see throughout the day. If I can, that should make a huge difference in the house!

Three Letters That Keep My Kitchen Clean{er} is a post from: The Simple Pen

Here are a few of my favorite posts from around the blogosphere this week.

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World :: Here are fabulous tips if you want to counter today’s culture.

For When You Think it Would Take a Miracle :: I love stories of restoration. If you’re in a situation that feels like it would take a miracle, be sure to read this one.

Mission Trips are for Travel Agents :: Stop taking mission trips? Interesting!

Why You Need to Be Recharged More Than You Realize :: “When Jesus in you touches someone else in a meaningful way power goes out from you too.” I hadn’t thought of it this way before.

Worth Reading This Weekend is a post from: The Simple Pen

Reminder: If you haven’t gotten your Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle yet, you still have a little bit of time. You can buy through 11:59 p.m. EST Saturday (5/4).

The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle includes 97 ebooks and 5 ecourses for $29.97. Plus you get $140 in free products and discounts as a bonus.

I’ve already own Tell Your Time, Truth in the Tinsel, Freezer Cooking, That Works for Me (I’m in that one!!), and How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too.

I’m really looking forward to reading Do the Funky Kitchen, You Can Do This , One Bite at a Time, and the education books.

If you’re new to ebooks, this is a fantastic way to build your reference library. If you’re already a fan of ebooks, these books will make great additions to your library.

Here’s what’s included in the set:

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)
Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)
Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @Clean Mama ($10.00)
Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)
NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)
One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom($5.00)
28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)
Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)
Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)
10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)
Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)
Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children’s Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)
The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)
My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)
Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)
Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1($10.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)
Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)
Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)
Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)
The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)
Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)
Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99)
The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows($4.99)
Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)
Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)
Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)
Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)
Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)
Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)
Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom($3.99)
Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)
Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)
Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)
Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)
Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)
The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)
Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)
Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)
Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)
My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)
My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)
The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom($5.00)
Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)
Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)
Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)
Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)
Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)
iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)
The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)
God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)
Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible($4.99)
Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)
Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)
31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)
31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)
Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)
True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)
Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)
When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)
Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)
From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)
4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)
That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)
Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)
42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)
Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)
Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)
The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)
The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)
Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)
Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger($4.99)
The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)
How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)
How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)
Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)
Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)
Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)
Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)
You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

Click here to get your bundle. It’s only available through Saturday (5/4) at 11:59 p.m.

Last Chance: 97 Ebooks for Less than 31¢ Each + $140 in Freebies is a post from: The Simple Pen

An Untamed Land (Red River of the North Book #1)

She had promised herself that once they left the fjords of Norway, she would not look back. After three long years of scrimping and saving to buy tickets for their passage to America, Roald and Ingeborg Bjorklund, along with their son, Thorliff, finally arrive at the docks of New York City. It was the promise of free land that fed their dream and lured them from their beloved home high above the fjords of Norway in 1880. Together with Roald’s brother Carl and his family, they will build a good life in a new land that promises untold wealth and vast farmsteads for their children. As they join the throngs of countless immigrants passing through Castle Garden, they soon discover that nothing is as they had envisioned it. Appalled by the horrid stories of fellow immigrants bilked of all their money and forced to live in squalid living conditions, the Bjorklunds continue their long journey by train as far as Grand Forks. From there a covered wagon takes them into Dakota Territory, where they settle on the banks of the Red River. But there was no way for them to foresee the price they will have to pay to wrest a living from the indomitable land. The virgin prairie refuses to yield its treasure without a struggle. Will they be strong enough to overcome the hardships of that first winter?

Through the Fire (First Responders Book #1)

Firefighting burns in Aidan O’Neill’s blood. The son of a fireman, O’Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O’Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.

Called back to Reno, he’s now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer.

Southern Fried Sushi

Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?

The Maiden of Mayfair (Tales of London Book #1)

If the Truth is Revealed, Will She Lose All She’s Grown to Love?

An orphanage in the slums of London is the only home Sarah Matthews has ever known. When she is suddenly whisked away to a wealthy widow’s home in the prestigious Mayfair district, Sarah can’t fathom what has happened. Why would this elderly woman, a stranger, want her company? But Dorothea Blake has reasons she isn’t revealing.

As Sarah blossoms into a young woman, the secret Mrs. Blake harbors threatens to make them both outcasts among London’s elite. When a visitor unknowingly stumbles upon the truth, he puts Sarah at risk of losing everything she holds dear, including the attentions of a new curate. Will the mystery of her birth remain buried forever?

Remember, you don’t have to have a Kindle to read these. You can read them on your computer, iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad, Droid, or Windows 7 phone.

Amazon changes prices quickly, so if you want these free books, be sure to grab them now. I haven’t read any of these, so I’m not personally recommending them. I just wanted to let you know that they were available for free.

You can find more free eBooks here.

4 Free Inspirational Fiction Kindle Books is a post from: The Simple Pen

***  NOTE: This first book is a free pre-order. It’s released tomorrow. Go ahead and order it today, and tomorrow they’ll deliver it to your Kindle without you doing anything else.

Widow of Gettysburg (Heroines Behind the Lines)

For all who have suffered great loss of heart, home, health or family; true home and genuine lasting love can be found.

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering-and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.

While Liberty’s future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty’s hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?

A Texas Legacy Christmas

Zack Kahler thinks he is leaving New York City for home in Texas to publish his own newspaper, but a pair of six-year-old twins and a young woman from his past complicate the situation. What will this Christmas bring to this group of strangers now thrown together?

Remember, you don’t have to have a Kindle to read these. You can read them on your computer, iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad, Droid, or Windows 7 phone.

Amazon changes prices quickly, so if you want these free books, be sure to grab them now. I haven’t read any of these, so I’m not personally recommending them. I just wanted to let you know that they were available for free.

You can find more free eBooks here.

Free Kindle Books: Widow of Gettysburg & A Texas Legacy Christmas is a post from: The Simple Pen

Sure, Jonah’s a famous guy. We all know how he ended up in the belly of the fish. We’ve heard his story a hundred times.

But have you ever stopped to consider the story from the whale’s point of view?

In Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up! the whale gets to tell his side of the story. And this whale will have you giggling through the story. At least that’s what happens when this book is the bedtime story at our house.

Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up! helps kids think about Jonah’s story from a slightly different perspective. It also has a Parent Connection feature inside the book to help parents take the story one step further. There are Scripture references and tips for talking with kids about what really happened.

And while you’re checking out the whale’s story, be sure to check out Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain So I Can Get off Noah’s Stinky, Smelly Ark? (where the raven tells his side of the story) and Hey God, I’m Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses! (where the frog tells her side of the story).

You can learn more about author Troy Schmidt on his Facebook page.

The Giveaway

One Simple Pen reader is going to win a copy of Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us one thing the whale might say to God or Jonah.

Want a bonus entry? Click here to sign up for The Simple Pen updates by email. You’ll get a daily email summary of anything we post. (No spam. No sharing your email address.) Leave a comment telling me you subscribed. If you’re already a subscriber, just leave a comment telling me that.

Entries will remain open until Monday, May 5 at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly chosen. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for conducting this review and giveaway. All opinions are – as always – honest and my own.

Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up! {Book Giveaway} is a post from: The Simple Pen

I’ve been keeping a secret from you.

I’ve known that this amazing ebook sale was coming. I’ve been drooling over the titles (and the price!). Some of these are books that I’ve been thinking about buying individually. Now they’re here in one big bundle of homemaking goodness.

And now I’m sharing it with you!

This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.

Plus if you buy the bundle, you get access to $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free.

Want a peek at some of what’s included in the bundle?

Ninety-seven ebooks may sound a bit too overwhelming. But don’t pass it up just because it sounds hard to organize. Here’s what I’m going to do with those 97 ebooks.

• I have a folder on my desktop called Ebooks. (Creative, eh?)
• Inside that folder, I have a homemaking folder.
• Inside the homemaking folder, I’m making folders for the categories in this sale (beauty, budgeting, ecourses, education, health & fitness, holidays & special events, in the kitchen, marriage & romance, motherhood, spiritual growth, working from home & blogging, homemaking).

You’ll notice that I didn’t include the pregnancy & baby care category in my list. Since my baby is already 8, I’m going to be gifting those titles to a friend. (Yes, you can gift these books. You just can’t keep a copy and share a copy. That would call for buying 2 copies.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

• It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Collection: 97 eBooks for $29.97 {$640 Value} is a post from: The Simple Pen

Have you checked out the Ultimate Homemaking eBook sale? Right now you can get 97 ebooks on mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, working from home, and finances for $29.97. That’s around 30¢ per book. Click here for all the details.

I feel like I’m caught in a hamster wheel. Or at best a vicious cycle. Life has been crazy-busy lately. Because we’ve been busy, I haven’t taken the time to get my menu plan done. But because I don’t have a menu plan, things are even crazier each day. And round and round it goes.

Stop the madness!

This week I have to start off the week with some sort of plan in place. Sure, it might change through the week. But at least I’ll have something in place…  some sort of guideline to help with the eternal “What’s for dinner?” question each night.

If you’ve been following along with our Whole30 challenge, you’ll notice that this week’s menu is a bit different. We’ve added some grains back in. {happy dance}

:: Breakfasts ::

Blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs
Eggs, sausage, oranges
Green smoothies, bacon (I found some natural bacon at the grocery store – yay!)
Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal
Homemade granola, sausage, pear slices
Sauteed sweet potatoes & sausage, kiwi slices
Eggs & bacon in homemade whole-wheat tortillas

:: Lunches ::

Broiled chicken on large salads topped with homemade guacamole
Hot dogs with chili sauce, veggie tray
Leftovers
Stir fried chicken and veggies sprinkled with taco seasoning & topped with homemade guacamole
Oven-roasted shrimp and veggies
Hard boiled eggs, raw veggies, fruit salad
Peanut butter (or almond butter) & jelly on homemade bread

:: Dinners ::

Chicken with homemade marinara sauce, side salads
Baked fish, steamed broccoli & cauliflower
Crock Pot Roast (still working on a good recipe) with celery & carrots
Italian Spice Rub Grilled Chicken, Cinnamon Hashies
Homemade Pizza (attempting a whole wheat crust)

I actually need a couple more dinners, but I have to hit the grocery store first. I’m living by this shop the sales mentality now, especially when it comes to meat purchases.

If you’re looking for some general menu planning inspiration, stop by Menu Plan Monday hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie.

Desperately Need a Menu Plan is a post from: The Simple Pen

Do you realize that your kids have never known life without iPods, iPads, or Facebook? They’re truly digital natives, living and breathing the technology that we’ve all worked hard to master (or at least muck our way through!).

I can’t imagine being our Emma’s age (8 years old) and having an iPod, two tablets, and access to the DVD player, computers, and smartphones. Need someone to troubleshoot the DVR? Just ask her. She’s a whiz.

Part of me does backflips that she instantly adapts to new technology. The other part of me is scared to death. How will I keep up with her? How will I know what she’s doing and who she’s talking to? How can I manage the technology so it’s not managing me!?

Raising Digital Families For Dummies

I love the For Dummies series. They put complex ideas into everyday language and make it much easier to understand & apply. I also love my friend Amy. She’s joined forces with the For Dummies folks to write Raising Digital Families for Dummies.

As a mom of two, Amy GETS it. And she’s put her know-how to work to help all of us. In her new book, she shares:

• how to keep up with your kids’ online and gadget activity.
• how to manage mobile devices, social media, and the Internet.
• advice for establishing family rules for technology use.
• how to handle situations when the rules are broken (because we know they will be at some point!).
• how deal with cyberbullies.
• safe social networks for kids.
• and TONS more.

We need help to keep up with our kids. Knowing that Amy shares my faith and my desire to keep kids safe online makes me listen closely to what she has to say. Her easy-to-follow writing style is just icing on the cake.

Right now you can pre-order Raising Digital Families for Dummies for $13.40 (paperback version). It’s going to be released on Monday (4/29) and available on Amazon on 5/2. Or if you’d rather get your hands on a copy RIGHTTHISVERYMINUTE (like me!!), you can get the Kindle version that’s already available.

If you want to learn more about Raising Digital Families and chat it up about kids and technology, be sure to RSVP for Amy’s Twitter party. On Monday, April 29 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST, we’ll be chatting it up about family, technology, safety, and more. Plus Amy has some amazing prizes in store (Nintendo 3DS XL, Just Dance Disney Party, Build-a-Bear, and more). You can RSVP for the party here.

Raising Digital Families: A Must-Have Tool is a post from: The Simple Pen

I don’t know about you, but I love it when Emma makes a gift for me. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, here’s a chance to let your kids’ artistic talents shine. Download these free printable color-me Mother’s Day cards. Print them, and turn the kids loose with their crayons, colored pencils, and markers.

You can print the message inside or leave them blank. The kids can write their own messages to Grandma, a favorite aunt, or even you!

Click here to download the cards.

Color-Me Mother’s Day Cards {Free Printable} is a post from: The Simple Pen

I do not have a green thumb. Whether your thumb is green or some shade of brown like mine, here’s an ebook bundle for all of us. This week you can get 5 gardening ebooks for $7.40. Here’s what’s included in the ebook bundle:

Frugal Gardening 101 by Phoebe Hendricks
In Frugal Gardening 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Vegetable Gardening Without Breaking the Bank, Phoebe shares her passion for gardening and proves that vegetable gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s a comprehensive guide that shows you how to garden organically for very little with tips for buying, starting and saving seeds, organic pest and weed control and more.

Apartment Gardening by Jami Balmet
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to have a garden with limited space, Jami’s ebook will show you how! Apartment Gardening: A Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces is a beginner’s guide to everything you need to know about container gardening, including more than 100 pages of how-to advice to help you start your container garden today.

Simple Food {For Spring} by Shannon Stonger
Simple Food {For Spring} is more than just a cookbook. In addition to 28 grain-free recipes (complete with full-color photos!) highlighting spring produce, Shannon also encourages readers toward a more sustainable and homegrown living through her introductions to cleansing, foraging, dehydrating greens and more.

Heavenly Homemaker’s Guide to Gardening and Preserving by Laura Coppinger
In Heavenly Homemaker’s Guide to Gardening and Preserving, Laura shares her tips for a successful, organic garden, including how, what and when to plant. Beyond gardening, you’ll also find her strategies for making the most of your farmer’s market plus canning tutorials and recipes to help you preserve your harvest.

The Gardening Notebook by Angi Schneider
In addition to a how-to guide for gardening beginners, Angi has created the perfect spot for recording all of your notes and research for your garden. With more than 50 pages of printables, The Gardening Notebook is the perfect way to organize everything you need or want to remember for your garden!

This bundle is available through Monday 4/29 at 8 a.m. EST. Click here to get yours.

Gardening Ebook Sale is a post from: The Simple Pen

If you’re a homeschool family or just want to help your kids learn more about the election process, here’s a great freebie for you. Right now you can get a free U.S. Election DVD from Learn Our History. The animated DVD teaches about the US election process in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.

With the DVD, you also get learning guides and the ability to stream the video for free.

We ordered this DVD right before last November’s election, and I’m planning to use it with Emma the next time we study the election process. I would say that it’s best suited for kids in grades 3 or 4 and up.

There’s a small $4.95 shipping fee for the DVD. You’ll also be agreeing to receive future DVD releases. You’re not obligated though, and they do send a reminder email before they ship the next one. If you love them, then you can keep learning! If not, then you just send a simple email and ask them to cancel. I may continue this subscription when Emma is slightly older, but I did find the cancellation process super simple.

Click here to check out the details of the free offer or to get yours.

Free U.S. History DVD for Kids is a post from: The Simple Pen

Here are a few of my favorite posts from around the blogosphere this week.

Parents: A Word About Instagram :: If you have teens on social media (not just Instagram), this will get you thinking. Fortunately they don’t discount the value of social media in the process.

Stuck in the Doldrums: An Attack Plan :: I’m sure we’ve all been there. Here’s a way to get out.

(be)loved :: This is YOU she’s talking about!

A Super Simple Way To Help Your School Age Child Have a Quiet Time Habit :: Super simple but powerful.

Free Educational Resources You Might Not Have Heard Of :: A couple of these were new to me, so I thought they might be new to you too.

Worth Reading This Weekend is a post from: The Simple Pen

I’m hoping that you’ve met Hermie the common caterpillar. But have you met Flo? Flo is a friend of Hermie’s and she seems to get in one little pickle after another. And her troubles seem to stem from not thinking of others when she speaks. (Anyone else ever run into that problem. *ahem* I’ll raise my hand.)

This fun DVD has two Hermie episodes. In Flo The Lyin’ Fly , the garden bugs are getting tired of Flo’s fibs. Flo thinks it’s all for fun, but when Hermie and his friends realize they can’t trust Flo, they don’t believe her when she’s really in trouble. Fortunately Flo learns the importance of always telling the truth.

In The Flo Show Creates a Buzz, Flo has her own TV talk show. While she’s deciding what to say, what to wear, and who to invite as guests, she forgets to think about other people’s feelings. She ends up insulting the guests and embellishing the truth for ratings. Finally Flo learns about the power of her words and realizes that she needs to apologize.

Flo the Lyin’ Fly is one of Emma’s favorite Hermie episodes ever. We all love the appearance of the Water Beatles band (voiced by Third Day). In this world where black and white are slowly becoming gray areas, this modern-day version of The Boy Who Cried Wolf shares a lesson that’s so important for all of our kids to learn.

The Giveaway

One Simple Pen reader will win the two-episode Hermie DVD (Flo the Lyin’ Fly & The Flo Show Creates a Buzz).

To enter, simply leave a comment telling us whether you have a harder time teaching your kids to tell the truth or to watch how their words affect others.

Entries will remain open until Wednesday, April 24 at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly chosen. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this Hermie & Friends DVD in exchange for conducting this review and giveaway. All opinions are – as always – honest and my own.

Hermie & Friends: I Will Tell the Truth & Be Careful What I Say {Giveaway} is a post from: The Simple Pen

The Hidden Son (The Cayman Islands Trilogy)

When U.S. DEA Special Agent Lelisa Desmond refuses to follow an order to bury evidence in a high profile case, her superior inexplicably hires a hit man to kill her. Lelisa barely survives the first attempt on her life, but someone close to her is mistakenly murdered in her place.

Lelisa sets off on a daring mission to bring down the man who ordered her execution. A man in a high position, with powerful friends. A man who will stop at nothing to protect his son.

Can she take him down, before he sends someone else to silence her forever?

Click here to download The Hidden Son.

Remember, you don’t have to have a Kindle to read Kindle eBooks. You can read them on your computer, iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad, Droid, or Windows 7 phone.

Amazon changes prices quickly, so if you want this free book, be sure to grab it now. I haven’t read this book, so I’m not personally recommending it. I just wanted to let you know that it was available for free.

You can find more free eBooks here.

Free Kindle Book: The Hidden Son is a post from: The Simple Pen

Simple living.

It’s something we’ve been striving for. We have SO far to go though.

If you’re interested in living a simpler lifestyle, this week’s ebook bundle is a great starting point. This week you get these five ebooks for $7.40. That’s a savings of 90%. Here’s what’s in this week’s bundle:

25 Intentional Days by AndHeDrew
Laid out in an easy-to-follow format, 25 Intentional Days will take you step by step through setting effective long-term and short-term goals, finding time you didn’t know you had, tracking your progress and creating the life you’ve dreamed of.

Simple Ways to Be More with Less by Courtney Carver
In Simple Ways to Be More with Less, Courtney shows you how to simplify your life and live each day more purposefully. This book will challenge you, brighten your day, and if you let it, change your world.

Inside-Out Simplicity by Joshua Becker
Living simply starts on the inside, and in Inside-Out Simplicity, Joshua shares why healthy relationships are essential to a simplified life. You’ll discover how to live intentionally by embracing contentment, gratitude, and humility and making generosity, kindness, service, and forgiveness a hallmark of all of your relationships.

ClutterFree by Leo Babauta & Courtney Carver
With the tools in ClutterFree, you’ll learn how to eliminate the clutter and create more time and space in your home and life. Leo and Courtney walk you through understanding why we have clutter, learning how to get rid of it and enjoying a clutter-free life.

Flying by the Seat of My Soul by Tess Marshall
Through personal stories, profound lessons, uplifting quotes and stories of others, Tess inspires you to live more passionately and pursue your heart’s desire with more conviction. Flying By The Seat Of My Soul will empower you to move toward inner change, let go of the past, follow your dreams and fly!

This bundle is only available this week. Click here for more details or to get yours.

Simple Living Ebooks is a post from: The Simple Pen

Whole foods are more expensive.

There. I said it.

Everyone seems to be talking about how it’s not that much more expensive to eat good, wholesome food at home. Throw in the idea of eating whole foods (versus processed foods), and the grocery bill starts creeping up. Okay, maybe it does more than creep.

While we’ve been striving to eat whole foods (and enjoying the health benefits of that decision), we would prefer to not break the bank buying groceries. So how do you eat whole foods and keep the grocery bill manageable?

Watch for Manager’s Specials

Oh how I adore these little yellow & orange stickers!  This guacamole is the perfect example of saving money on whole foods. I had popped an avocado in my grocery cart this weekend. My plan was to make homemade guacamole. Unfortunately, avocados weren’t on sale. Those little buggers are expensive! So I just bought one. Then I noticed two packs of Wholly Guacamole marked down to $1.49 each. I happened to have two $1 off coupons with me, making the guacamole less expensive than the avocado. Plus I ended up with two meals’ worth of guacamole instead of just one. Win!

Use What You Have

I love hunting around in the fridge, freezer, and pantry to see what I’ve forgotten about. Of course the science experiments in the fridge get tossed. But more than once I’ve found something stashed away in the freezer or pantry and found a creative way to use it. Last week it was cooked turkey that I chopped up and used to top some big salads for lunch. It makes more sense to use what you have than it does to go buy more.

Menu Plan Around Meat Sales

My normal plan of attack is to create a menu plan, see what I already have on hand, and then shop for the things that we need to carry out the plan. That’s changed in recent weeks. Instead, I shop the discounts and then plan the menu using those bargains.  Buy one get one free pork chops? Sign us up for two nights of pork chops this week. (Or toss one pack in the freezer for next week.) Manager’s special on steaks? Guess who’s having broiled steak this week.

If I know we won’t use the reduced-priced meats right away, I throw them in the freezer. I learned the hard way that they don’t keep very long in the fridge.

Keep It Simple

I love to try new recipes. When we started the Whole30 challenge, I wanted to bake and cook up a storm using newly-discovered ingredients. I found myself spending a TON of time in the kitchen. That didn’t help business productivity much though. So I scaled it back and simplified what we were making for each meal. We don’t need oven-roasted or sauteed veggies with each meal. It’s perfectly fine to opt for a raw veggie plate that we can all share with lunch. (In fact, I think they ate MORE veggies from the veggie plate than when I cooked them!)

Keeping those tips in mind, here’s what’s on the menu for this week.

:: Breakfasts ::

Eggs, sausage, oranges
Green smoothies, sausage
Eggs, sweet potato hash browns, blackberries
Eggs, bacon, warm cinnamon apples
Breakfast pumpkin pudding (adding 2 eggs to this recipe), sausage
Banana muffins, sausage, kiwi

:: Lunches ::

Cauliflower pizza (Didn’t get to this one last week.)
Hot dogs with chili sauce, veggie tray
Leftovers
Taco salads
Baked pork chops, sweet potatoes, raw veggie tray

:: Dinners ::

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers (Haven’t gotten to this one yet either.)
Italian Meatloaf, steamed broccoli
Mexican Skillet (Recipe this week! I finally got some pictures.)
Chicken with homemade marinara sauce, side salads
Broiled steaks, sweet potatoes
Baked fish, oven-roasted veggies, sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for some general menu planning inspiration, stop by Menu Plan Monday hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday: Saving Money on Whole Foods is a post from: The Simple Pen