From the category archives:

Balancing the Budget

Simply Frugal Mantel Decorations

March 18, 2010

Our mantel is the focal point in our home. For me, that is not by choice, but it is what it is. When we first moved in, I really struggled with what looked “just right.” Often, we get so overwhelmed with decorating focal points, that we just give up for lack of inspiration. We buy [...]

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Grocery Shopping on a Budget

March 11, 2010

As we begin dissecting our personal finances, we’ve thought about our needs vs. wants, realized that tracking grocery expenses are the best way to understand where all the food money is disappearing, and now for what you’ve all asked – I get to share a typical grocery shopping trip. This was a normal week. It [...]

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Lower Your Grocery Budget by Tracking your Food Expenses

March 9, 2010

If there’s one way to begin decreasing your grocery budget, as well as being accountable to some kind of meal plan, it’s by agreeing to blog about your kitchen activity nearly every day for an entire month. (See below for the description of 3 Moms, 3 Kitchens, 31 Days.)

Honestly, I get many requests for help [...]

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Financial Update – Needs vs. Wants

March 7, 2010

Last week, we celebrated the one year anniversary of our God Watch – a time of watching and waiting expectantly. One year of transition, one year of unemployment, one year of unknowns, and one year later…we have grown, changed, cried, persevered and rejoiced.
Through it all, He has remained faithful to meet every need. Yes, every [...]

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Tips for Using Swagbucks

February 26, 2010

Last month, I shared details about earning free gifts with Swagbucks, and if you missed that post, check out the details. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am loving this program. I have earned enough SBs to redeem tons of gift cards, but it’s come with a huge learning curve. Many [...]

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Host a Teenage Birthday Party…on a budget!

February 24, 2010

As the time came for our oldest son to turn sixteen, I wanted to plan something special, sentimental, and yet still be deemed successful in his teenage eyes.
As the time came closer for this birthday party, he assured me, “Don’t worry, mom, I’ll take care of it all.”
With that one phrase, the sentimental aspect had [...]

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Setting Financial Goals: What Dream are You Saving For?

February 15, 2010

When we built our house thirteen years ago, we purposely designed it in a colonial style because our dream was to have a large wrap around front porch. Not just a typical front porch, but more of a veranda.

mangolianmansion.com
A place where family and friends could gather and share life together. An environment where stress and [...]

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Expensive Investments – the Frugal Reality of Braces

February 12, 2010

As much as I love the thrill of free things, some things in life are not free.
In fact, some things in life are not even frugal.
More importantly, some things in life are just down right expensive.
So where is the line to be drawn? For what things do we plan, save, and ultimately just bite the [...]

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DIY Pedestal Cake Plate – Easy Centerpieces

February 6, 2010

Creating a frugal, yet elegant tablescape begins with a wonderful centerpiece. I shared how one of the easiest ways to achieve that look is by layering cake stands, yet I realize that many of you many not have any cake plates yet (since you haven’t had time to hit those yard sales).

Creating your [...]

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Frugal Family Fun – building a fort

February 6, 2010

Turn off the TV, step away from the computer and engage in some frugal family fun.
This is the time when I desire a “Yes, Mom” mentality.
Being fully present in their lives is the greatest frugal family tip I can share.

The house will withstand a fort disaster. The mess can be cleaned, but you will never [...]