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Organizing
10 Wrong Ways to Organize a Pantry
Posted Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 3:00pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

The Eat Well, Spend Less series is continuing this month with a discussion on food storage. If you are shopping strategically for food, then storing it well naturally comes next. Have I mentioned... Read More »

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How-To
How to Shop and Score at Thrift Stores
Posted Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 7:00pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

In today's economy, more families are turning to second-hand shopping for basic needs. I ventured into Goodwill for the first time a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Thrift shopping opened a... Read More »

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Saving Money
How I Saved Over $1500 Doing One Thing
Posted Thursday, May 19, 2011 - 9:52am by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

We recently celebrated my son's second birthday - a major milestone. The baby days have come to an end and potty training is right around the corner. These past two years have been filled with... Read More »

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In The News
How to Save On Gas
Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 10:52am by Angela Burgin Logan
Angela Burgin Logan

Do high gas prices have your empty wallet saying it’s a gas, gas, gas? Nerve gas has now been redefined by the Ladies Live and Learn ipedia as “the ability to get on one’s nerves when gas prices... Read More »

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Frugal Living
DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Posted Friday, May 13, 2011 - 3:13pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

There is just something about foaming hand soap that makes it much more fun to wash your hands, for kids anyway. However, as a parent to four littles, who sometimes have a little too much fun with... Read More »

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Balancing More than the Checkbook: Money Issues
Posted Thursday, May 5, 2011 - 12:59pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

Money is so much more than numbers. Beyond the checkbook, the budget and the 401K are the sneaky power struggles and conflicts that money can bring. Marriage can especially highlight money issues. Read More »

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Frugal Living
Top 5 Reasons to Menu Plan
Posted Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 12:45am by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

That dreaded phrase – menu planning. Many people cringe at the mere thought of it. . . “It’s too time-consuming.” “It’s way too complicated.” “I don’t want to cook every night.” “I’m too busy.” Read More »

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Parenthood
Mother's Day Memories
Posted Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 12:11am by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

My First Mother’s Day, May 2000:Picture a 21 year old me, unmarried, and pregnant with an unexpected blessing. My friends were probably sipping margaritas on the beach, I was battling morning... Read More »

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Give Back
Volunteering with Children
Posted Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - 2:46pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill Moms are always giving. To our children, our families, our homes, and perhaps our blogs. But inour modern... Read More »

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DIY Pancake Syrup
Posted Monday, April 11, 2011 - 6:53pm by Alyssa Francis
Alyssa Francis

Are you as big of a pancake/waffle lover as I am? My family loves to eat homemade pancakes or waffles of any variety. With five regularly eating members {and an infant!}, the syrup can run dry... Read More »

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