Last week’s menu went quite a bit off track, but I’m ok with that. I went off track too. I had an injury last week to my head that caused some dizziness, so between my regular shuttling of small people, and the work that had to get done meal planning took a backseat.

This week we’re back in the saddle again with a spring menu that will hopefully keep the rainy day blues at bay. (looks like a rainy week)

Create your own rotating menu plan by downloading my free menu plan templates which includes a handy grocery list template.

Week 19 Meal Recap 

Monday: Lemon butter chicken breasts, baked potatoes, spinach salad and strawberries.

Yummy! While the kids don’t all love chicken this kind of meal makes it easy to get them to eat their protein. Extra strawberries are always a good incentive.

Tuesday: Burgers, hot dogs, super fries, and salad.

These poor fries are just not getting made during the week. I’m too busy (and lazy) to make them most of the time.

Wednesday:  Taco Night with my taco meat recipe

Had takeout instead since my husband had a meeting after work, and I was dizzy. Well worth the money to have some time to rest.

Thursday: Honey chicken, spinach salad, green beans, and cornbread.

We had leftovers since I was still dealing with a spinning head.

Friday: Homemade pizza night.

Totally cheated! We got a deal on frozen pizzas so had those with a salad.

Saturday: Clean out the fridge night

We went to a picnic on Saturday and the kids loaded up on food (and a lot of junk) so we just fed everyone a healthy snack before bed.

Sunday: Broiled salmon, jasmine rice, fruit salad, spinach salad.

We cleaned out the fridge instead which consisted of some sandwiches and randomness for the kids and a quiet dinner of lemon garlic chicken for the hubby and I.

Week 20 Meal Plan: 365 Day Meal Plan

Monday: Brinner! Maybe gluten free pancakes with a side of bacon.

Tuesday: Lemon garlic chicken, broccoli, and side salad.

Wednesday: Taco night with my beef recipe. It’s becoming tradition to eat tacos on Wednesdays. (though my 6yo who is learning alliteration thinks it should be Tuesday or Thursday tacos)

Thursday: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and my super fries. Side of spinach salad with cucumbers and carrots.

Friday-Sunday: It’s a holiday weekend, so it’s likely we’ll be a little more carefree about our menu depending on what activities we choose to do. Maybe a day trip, a movie? We’ll see.

What’s on your menu this week?

FREE Meal Planning Tool

“Food on the Table is an easy meal planning service that is based on sales at local grocery stores. With Food on the Table, users will be able to: – find thousands of easy, healthy recipes – save money by knowing the items that are on sale – simplify your shopping experience with a well organized grocery list.”

Get FREE access for life in the month of May when you click here and use code SPRINGFREE.

Kelly

Linking up to OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

Here are our favorite deals from this week. We hope you can save money on the things you need and ok maybe some things you want. Sometimes deals expire quickly so if you want to keep posted of the best deals we find, head over to Centsible Deals Facebook page and sign up via email for CentsibleDeals.

Giveaways

We have two giveaways right now

Win a $25 Sears gift card - Ends Monday 5/21/12

Win a 1 year subscription to Marvel Superheroes Magazine 

Retail Deals

Mango free shipping – Inspiration from a necklace

Kohl’s Keurig K cups 10% off

Time to get out and explore and go hiking with this 20% off deal from Sierra Trading Post

Free Custom Grocery Bag 

Allergy friendly Deals

Free kindle book – gluten free recipes

Who want’s ice cream – dairy and gluten free options.  I can not wait to try out some of these recipes.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

It’s true that I’m kind of obsessed with Target. Ever since I discovered ‘Tar-jay’ back in my 1995 (sidenote: I’m old), I have rarely left the building without plopping down a big chunk of change for all the stuff we ‘need’. Back in ’95 that was bubble gum, sunscreen, bathing suits, and beauty products. Now it includes all those things but none of it is for me-it’s all for the kids.

While I’ve always been a fan of Target’s clothing section mainly for the affordability factor, I’m also always on the lookout for their special offerings. Show me a girl who doesn’t love affordable and on trend clothes, and I’ll show you a child that doesn’t make you stop at the dollar spot. (Well played, Target.)

I was delighted when I saw the “Shops at Target.” They’ve taken offerings from stores all over the country and produced them for Target’s customers. There are fancy dog treats, candy, housewares, and beauty products. My favorite though is the clothing line from the Webster. A Miami based store, the Webster has a bit of 80′s Miami Vice, the colors of the vibrant town, and on trend cuts and styles all rolled into one pretty package.

While not all pieces are everyday wear I think the more fun prints are just enough out of my comfort zone to make them fun to wear to conferences or the beach. (or if you’re lucky enough a tropical vacation)

Some offerings from Target I adore are featured below.

To shop these looks head to Target.com. Sizing is limited on some items.

Where do you love to shop for affordable fashions?

Kelly

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

For a lot of you tax refunds are rolling in right now, and you are considering what you will be doing with your own tax refund. Will you spend it freely without a care in the world? Will your tax refund pay off bills? Will you save it? It’s a big decision, at least it was for us this year thanks to my husband and I way overestimating how many taxes we would owe and receiving our own large tax refund. And for me getting a tax refund always reminds me of the feeling I had during one of my earliest surprise financial windfalls.

A Childish Financial Windfall Story

I was eleven years old, and was living in Venezuela. My family in order to escape the constant upper 90 degree heat spent a lot of weekends in the Andes mountains. We always did the same things when we visited the mountains. We stopped at a place ½ way up to our hotel that had a waterfall that we could play under while our parents got us strawberry smoothies at a nearby hut that sold them. We enjoyed, once we got to our cabaña, putting on a sweaters feeling cold in the cool 80′s. And we hiked around the mountains watching my dad play with his expensive camera trying to capture the beauty of the tropical jungles. One day, however, our usual routine was interrupted as we were crossing the street to get to a creek that looked so inviting. Right there out in the middle of the road was a 100 bolívar bill just lying there in the sun all alone, my first financial windfall.

Now back then 4 bolívares, bees as we called them, equaled a dollar. Also it should be added that I only received 4 bees a week as an allowance. So for me as an 11 year old finding a 100 bolívar bill on the road was probably one of the most exciting things that had ever happened to me.

But as eleven year olds often do, I was not wise with my sudden prosperity. You see I lived with a health nut that refused to pay for me to eat the yummy school cafeteria tequeños. She preferred I take my lunch. Normally with my allowance I could afford to rebel and eat tequeños once a week. (The other ½ of my allowance I used to buy chicle(gum) through a hole in the fence from the guy who set up a shop in his back yard which connected to my school–but that’s another story.) Being a junk food lover, as I still am today, I was very excited by the prospect of getting to eat lunch at the school and not having to take my lunch every day. And no sooner did I get my financial windfall of 100 bees, than did I blow that windfall on tequeños and Shasta naranja (orange Shasta).

Tax Refunds: Setting an Financially Healthy Example

For children I think that my story is a pretty common one as it is totally normal for many children to have no natural discipline when it comes to getting a financial windfall. After all many children have to learn how to manage their money, and often times they do so by looking to their parents for guidance and example. It is a parent’s job as an adult to guide them and teach them how to spend their money more responsibly than I did.

The problem arises when we as adults have weaknesses for our own adult version of tequeños and Shasta naranjas. Our children see us spending our money irresponsibly and then mirror our behaviors as they would mirror any other behavior that they see coming from us whether it be how we handle stress or how we handle our money.

I think it’s important that while we are basking in the afterglow of the sometimes surprise tax refund to remember that little eyes, our children, are watching us looking to us as an example of how they should handle their own money. Do we teach them to gorge themselves on tequeños, Shasta naranja, and chicle? Or do we do something more responsible like plan for the future and budget for a financially healthy life?

How are you spending your tax refund this year?

Kelly K.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

This week’s VlogMom topic comes from Tania from Pure Natural Diva. She asks, “What is your biggest “character flaw” or something you struggle with? I sometimes think people can get the wrong idea when we put ourselves “out there”… that we somehow think we are better than others or perfect in some way, when the fact is – we are all just doing our best – flaws and all.”

I have a lot of flaws, and struggle with a lot of things-but consistently struggle with one thing I know many parents can relate to. Watch to find out more…

See what the other VlogMom participants have to say, and leave a comment or make your own vlog in response.

Kelly

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

One of my favorite parts of our budget bedroom makeover is the closet door transformation (you can see a video of the room makeover here). Since the bed faces the closet doors I knew I need to do something that would make a big impact on the look without spending a ton of money. The doors are literally floor to ceiling metal doors on a track. While they are great function-wise allowing access to the very top of the closet, they definitely looked their age-about 42 years old.

My first step was a little recon trip to Lowe’s to learn more about closet doors. After perusing the closet door aisle and talking to an associate I learned that what I feared was true. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. To get closet doors in the size we need would’ve cost well over our $300 budget. If we opted to buy traditional doors that they had in stock we’d have to create a drywall header for the doors. That meant framing, drywall, and lots of time I didn’t have. It probably would’ve come in close to our $300 budget anyhow so back to the drawing board I went.

While I was making my way through the store for some other supplies the idea to spray paint the doors dawned on me. I’ve spray painted hooks, tables, and even a lamp so why not closet doors?

After a discussion with my husband we decided to go for it. The worst case would be that we had to replace the doors anyway, and the best case was that it would work. Fingers crossed I picked up a few cans of spray paint. On the first two doors I used Valspar spray paint in white that I had on hand, but it just didn’t coat well. So back to the store I went and picked up 5 cans of Rust-oleum’s spray paint in white in a semi-gloss finish. I wanted some shine, but not too much shine.

Let’s take a look at the before. You’ll notice I was too eager to get a before shot of the doors in place.

How to Spray Paint Metal Closet Doors (or just about anything)

Step One: Take it outside. First up I removed the closet doors. While they are big and bulky the removal process was pretty simple-simply removing two screws.

Step Two: Clean it off. I paid the kids to wash the doors down with the hose. They were pretty filthy (especially on the inside), and then let them dry. I went over them with a damp cloth and scrubbed them as needed with a little Mrs. Meyers cleaner.

Step Three: Prep a space to spray paint. On a not too windy, not wet day I laid out plastic tarps and laid the doors down to paint.

Step 4: Spray it on then repeat. 

While you can use primer it’s not necessary anymore with most spray paints. After a good shaking I was ready to paint. Read the instructions on your spray paint for more info. Light coats are the name of the game when it comes to spray painting anything.

I took my time and did light coats. It took about 2 full coats and some touch up on the sides and edges.

Step 5: Dry ‘em out. Once they were dry they just had to wait for the rest of the room to be done. I also spray painted the handles with oil rubbed bronze spray paint I had on hand.

Step 6: All done! Install the doors and stand back and admire my handiwork.

They look a little patchy in the photos but in person they are crisp and white. Much lovelier than waking up to rust and dingy doors every morning. There’s nothing like waking up to a crisp and clean view now. My only regret? Not doing this sooner!

Let’s look at the before and after together.

Just because you made it to the end I’ll show you a little peek into the interior as well. Yes it always looks that way. I’m kind of OCD about the interior of the closet. Just don’t look at the piles of clothes that need to be put away on my dresser.

Have you ever spray painted anything? Leave me a comment with what you’ve done or would consider doing with spray paint.

Kelly

Disclosure: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Bloggers and Creators Network I received a $300 gift card to aid in the purchase of supplies for this project.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

Last weekend we surprised my mom with a visit in celebration of the anniversary of her 39th birthday and Mother’s Day. What I didn’t realize was how much I needed that time away from all the projects (work and household) that stare at me all day at home.

Face in the sand

Sign in an antique store

Store window, Lewes DE

Merry Go Round, Rehoboth DE

Fortune Telling Machine, Rehoboth DE

My tickets-all for $1 in play!

Mother’s Day goodies

Lunch with a lovely sangria

The view doesn’t hurt either.

For more inspiring photos, check out: The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, Brain Foggles, Lil Kid Things, Rachel Ferruci, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama.

Add your Wordless Wednesday link below!

Kelly

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

Excuse the Blair-witchiness of the video, but here’s a brief video sharing the Master Bedroom makeover.

Kelly
Disclosure: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Bloggers and Creators Network I received a $300 gift card to aid in the purchase of supplies for this project.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

Budgets are a necessary part of your personal finances. They only seem like a four letter word. Many people cringe when they think about looking at all of their bills, or seeing all their debt in one place. However, budgeting gives you something you wouldn’t expect–freedom from worry and peace of mind that you can manage whatever life throws your way financially.

So when a reader shared a question via email about budgeting I knew I needed to write a post about the basics. It’s not the first time I’ve had this question, and I know many people struggle with where to begin.

Here’s Kayla’s question:

My name is Kayla. I am so lost on what to do. I do not work I am in school (college) full time. My husband and I recently got married and with that I have gained 3 step children ages 10,7,and 3. He works as an iron worker and I have no idea where to begin a budget. Help me please I am young and never had to do this before but my bills are taking over I feel like I’m being drowned. Please help me!

-Kayla
Wife and mother of three girls with too many bills.

First of all congratulations on your family, Kayla, and thanks for your question.

It’s great that you’re going to college to provide a better life for your family and a career for yourself. Since you are in school full-time and a stepmom I’ll assume working part-time is out of the question, but if your budget is too tight it may be a necessity for at least a little while.

Let’s start at the beginning.

What is a budget?

A budget is simply a way to manage your money to make sure you are conscious of what you are spending. It starts simply enough with knowing how much bacon comes home, and how much you spend on bills, needs, and wants.

At the simplest form a budget is…
Income – Expenses

But typically a budget looks more like this….

Income – Retirement & Savings – Fixed & Variable Expenses – Financial Goal Funds – Wants = $0

First, Financial Goals

To start you should sit down with your husband and talk about your financial goals-this will help you get on the same page financially and bring you closer together as a family. You have some goals that are already clear-finishing college, and providing for your family-but you should also consider what you’d like your life and finances to look like in 5, 10, and 20 years from now.

I refer to these as financial goal funds. This may be saving an emergency fund, paying off debt, saving for a home, or any number of goals. It can often be a blend of goals-but emergency savings should come first.

The Basics of Budgeting:

Budgets give you power over your finances. You know what you have coming in, and what your expenses are. You make room in the budget for wants by getting rid of some expenses you don’t care about. You consciously choose where your money should go. The power is with you and your husband to make choices. It may seem daunting, but it’s actually liberating to be in control of your money.

Once you have goals in place- you can use your budget to make your financial goals and dreams happen. Here’s what you need to get started.

• recent paystubs
• bills for the past 3 to 6 months
• list of occasional, quarterly, or yearly expenses
• list of debts–I know this one is scary, but it’s necessary
• a pad of paper, pen and calculator–while using a spreadsheet is great for keeping track of your budget, it’s important to write it out to start

Depending on how often your husband is paid you can typically just make a simple budget that includes the following:

Monthly Income (after taxes-IE what he brings home on his paycheck)
- Savings
- Expenses (rent or mortgage, monthly bills like electric, debt (minimum payments, loan payments, etc.)
- Spending & financial goal funds

Here’s a sample budget:

$4,000 (Monthly income (after taxes))
NEEDS
- $600 (savings account)
- $1000 (mortgage payment including property taxes)
-  $200 (electricity)
-   $50 (cell phones)
-   $50 (cable)
-  $200 (car payment)
-  $100 (credit card payment)
—————————————
$1,800
VARIABLE
- $600 (grocery budget)
- $300 (clothing and kids needs)
- $200 (fun money for husband and you-$100 each)
- $100 (family fun budget–movies, eating out, etc.)
- $200 (debt repayment)
- $400 (household repairs or to savings)
——————————————
$0

Note: this is a simplified budget-and your expenses are likely different, but the same principals apply.

A note for parents:
If you don’t have life insurance you should try to obtain policies for both of you. (read more How Much Life Insurance do I Need?)

You should also have a will for yourselves (consult a local lawyer for this) which will include information about guardianship for your children.

Health insurance is a necessary cost for families-if you don’t have health insurance through  work look into state care which may be available for free or at a discounted rate.

Savings First

If you have no savings that should be your first goal. Having at least a month’s expenses (note: not a month’s salary) to start would be great. If you have debt having a list of all your debts will help you know where to start paying off debt (I recommend starting with the lowest balance first to get you motivated).

If your expenses are more than your income you should look at every expense and see where you can save. For instance cutting the cable in order to save money each month. (read more at Cutting $17K in Expenses)

What advice would you share with Kayla?

More Resources

Now that we’ve covered the basics consider reading more about budgeting, and personal finance.

For more info on how to budget check out these posts:

Living on One Income

Women and Money: Family Budgets

New Year, New Budget

Budgeting Bi-Weekly Pay

7 Habits for Highly Effective Budgeting

Living on One Income: One Family’s Process

For books I recommend you can check out my Amazon Store (affiliate links)

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.

Last week’s menu was sort of a ruse to cover up a surprise that we were visiting my mom for her birthday (she’s 39 again in case you’re wondering) and Mother’s Day weekend. Since she reads my blog <Hi Mom!> I had to cover it up by creating a fake menu for last Thursday-Sunday.

This week’s menu is pretty repetitive since we found a deal on chicken and grass-fed ground beef, but that makes it easier too. Which in my book is always a good thing!

Reminder: You can create your own rotating menu plan by downloading my menu plan templates which includes a handy grocery list template.

Week 18 Meal Recap 

Monday: Hot dogs and hamburgers, super fries, and salad.

I could not find organic potatoes anywhere I shopped this week, so we had chips instead.

Tuesday: Gluten-free pasta, broccoli, garlic bread, cheese & sauce, salad

Likewise the gluten-free pasta that is affordable was out of stock, so we just had leftovers.

Wednesday: Taco Night with my taco meat recipe

A family fave. 

Thursday: Cider glazed pork loin, gluten-free corn bread, salad, honey glazed carrots

Um..so we had takeout. We were prepping for a weekend away.

Friday: Pizza night, garlic bread, salad

Saturday: Clean out the fridge night

Sunday: It’s Mother’s Day so I’m not cooking. 

This was all added as a ruse. See above.

Week 19 Meal Plan: Week of May 14th

Monday: Lemon butter chicken breasts, baked potatoes, spinach salad and strawberries.

Tuesday: Burgers, hot dogs, super fries, and salad.

Wednesday:  Taco Night with my taco meat recipe

Thursday: Honey chicken, spinach salad, green beans, and cornbread.

Friday: Homemade pizza night.

Saturday: Clean out the fridge night

Sunday: Broiled salmon, jasmine rice, fruit salad, spinach salad.

What’s on your menu this week?

Kelly

I’m linking up to OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday.

© 2012, Whalen Media LLC. All rights reserved. To repost or publish, please email Kelly.