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Friday, December 2, 2011

Review and Giveaway: The Money Saving Mom's Budget


One of my favorite money saving blogs is MoneySavingMom.com written by Crystal Paine. Crystal's first book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget, comes out in January 2012, but I was given an advance copy to review.

As someone who reads her blog regularly, I was familiar with a lot of the material in this book, but it didn't seem redundant or boring. I think a big part of that is the different feel of reading a book versus a blog post, or even series of posts. A book can go into more detail than a single blog post, but it is also constrained by the physical nature of the book. Blogs allow for unlimited posting, but books make you pair things down, and I think that's the beauty of this book in particular.


This is a quick, easy, and encouraging personal finance book...how often do those qualities go together?! It was also much more than a book about money. The principals concerning being careful with your finances extend to all aspects of purposeful living - at work, at home, with children, living on your own, or in college. 


The chapter on eliminating chaos and clutter was especially helpful for me. I have plenty of days where I feel like I am busy all day, but didn't accomplish much. Crystal's suggestion is to create a Time Budget. Instead of having to-do's like "clean the upstairs, do the laundry, put away the kid's clothes" she recommends setting a specific amount of time for each task.

I could work all day "cleaning the upstairs" and still not be done because the task is too broad and the goal too far-sighted. Budgeting a smaller amount of time (de-clutter for 20 minutes, then put things away for 10 minutes) will help me get a lot more accomplished in a smaller amount of time. And really, I only have small chunks of time in my days right now anyway! 

I really appreciated her observation: "The Time Budget puts you back in control as the master of your minutes. You will no longer end your day with nothing to show except exhaustion. When you tell you time where to go, not only do you have a lot more time, but you also have a lot more peace and order in your life" (The Money Saving Mom's Budget, p. 25). I am challenged to now budget a specific amount of time for certain tasks and focus fully for that time, instead of getting distracted by several tasks all at the same time!

Crystal gives step by step instructions on how to pair down your budget so you can live within your means, while still giving generously to others. She advocates not using credit cards at all, and even going without debit cards for a time so that you can get accustomed to a cash-only system. We use credit cards for most everything, though we are careful to pay the bill in full each month and not carry a balance. I don't see our family switching to a cash-only system anytime in the near future, but I am challenged to start small, perhaps with the grocery budget, and see if only using cash really can decrease our spending.

 

Crystal is a huge advocate for everyone (yes, everyone!) using coupons, and gives some great beginner and then more advanced couponing tips. Of course, she covers coupon tips much more extensively on her blog, but the basic concepts are really important too. There are also chapters on ways to spend less on groceries without using coupons, strategic splurging (loved that chapter), and an appendix on ways to make a little extra money.

Most importantly, she reminds us to be content - not envious of what others have or comparing our situation to others who have more. The contentment chapter was the perfect conclusion to the book. "A cheerful attitude can go a long way in less than ideal situations; you can either complain about the thorns or you can savor the roses that bloom in their midst" (The Money Saving Mom's Budget, p. 170). After reading this book I see a number of new ways for me to savor the roses I have instead of complaining about the thorns. Thanks, Crystal!


My book is a pre-release copy, so when the book comes out in January I will be sent the final edition. BUT, I thought it would be fun to give that copy away to one of you! (Hey, my book still reads fine!) So...

Win it!

Leave a comment on this post telling me one way that you save money. I'll start...I save money by making my own laundry detergent! Please make sure that your Blogger profile is enabled or that you leave your email address in your comment. I need to be able to get in touch with you if you win. The giveaway will be open for one week, at which point I will choose a winner at random.

If you are not the lucky winner, you can still pre-order a copy of The Money Saving Mom's Budget on Amazon (the price is $11.09 right now). If the price lowers after you pre-order, Amazon will give you the lower price too.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

199 comments:

  1. Learning how to make things myself has saved us a ton of money, specifically on food. Homemade bread, baked goods, broth, etc. is way cheaper (and healthier, too)! Originally, i started trying to make more from scratch for our health, and the monetary savings just went along with it. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to make this stuff. You don't even need a ton of extra time, since most of it can be frozen. You just have to be willing to try, experiment, and learn. Way easier than i originally thought.

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  2. Sounds like an interesting book. I save money by not buying any paper towels. I cut up my husband's old t-shirts for rags. They work so much better and last a lot longer!

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  3. I love MoneySavngMom.com too! Thanks for the great review! SOunds like a great book. I've been debating whether I should pre-order it, but now I'll wait to see if I win the giveaway! I save money buy using coupons and matching with grocery store deals and then stock up, stock up when meat is on sale, making our own pizza, and I also enjoy doing freezer cooking when I can....it is especially helpful for the month of December having extra meals in the freezer for these busier days.

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  4. I would love this book! My husband and I are dedicated to reducing our debt load. We save by making bread, using coupons, and cook from scratch. Thanks!

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  5. Some of the ways in which my husband and I (after being used to two incomes for nearly 20+ years) has been to pay up front, if we can't we decide if it is something really needed. I make my own dishwasher detergent, we don't walk the mall or go to the big box stores just for "fun." We don't have cable (we don't watch TV) and we use a calling card for long distance calls. We went to one car and keep one day for grocery shopping and other errands as much as possible. It took nearly 30 years to make this decision; times get tough and frustrating but we have been so blessed by good health and still are able to support our local church and child through Compassion International and we still eat out on occassion, usually with a gift card.

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  6. I save money by using cloth diapers. It turned out to be not as hard as I thought, too.

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  7. I save money by making most of my dinners from scratch. Eating out is fun, but very costly, compared to even the most gormet meal eaten at home.

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  8. I save money by not paying for movies. We keep a running list on the library's request site, or rent using a free Redbox code.

    Laurasu82 at yahoo.com

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  9. I use lots of coupons and I dont buy books or rent movies. The library is one of my favorite places.
    Laura
    lldcandles@yahoo.com

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  10. I save money by using cash instead of plastic. I'm more reluctant to let go of cash when deciding on a purchase. With plastic (debit or credit) money it doesn't seem real so I tend to spend more with it.

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  11. I use coupons, plan my weekly menu and stick to the grocery shopping list. We are also On the TMMO- Dave Ramsey. I would love this book. Thanks:)

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  12. I save money by trying to take care of what we have been blessed with. Then when we are tired of it, and to feed my heart, we pass it on to others that can use it. Eventually this concept has caught on and we get to love and use other items people do not want any more, but I can use. (don't just accept to accept, accept with a purpose!!)

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  13. I save money by making lots of our food from scratch - much cheaper than eating out or prepared foods.

    Julia

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  14. I save money shopping sales , using coupons, and making a weekly menu.

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  15. We save money with our deep freezer that we got for free off a local online classifieds site! We can store a lot of meat that was either bought locally and in bulk or from the grocery store on sale. :)

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  16. I've started to make my own household products. Right now, I only do laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner, produce wash, some food items, and conditioner, but I'm getting ready to venture out further.

    gabes_wings@hotmail.com

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  17. We save money by setting our spending limits for items and not going above them. Makes shopping much easier! twags999 at msn.com

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  18. I save money by planning my menu weekly - keeps me from spending money at the store on things I don't need!

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  19. My family saves money by using coupons, making our own soap and bread, and using cloth diapers! Devin grubb_d@yahoo.com

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  20. i coupon but not "extreme couponing" i buy what i need.. not something just cause i have a coupon

    becky219@ymail.com

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  21. We don't eat out anymore. Saves us a ton of money! We also use vinegar for cleaning instead of commercial products.

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  22. I save money by couponing and always researching our bigger purchase through as many venues as possible. We budget and rarely stray from our budget.

    jenniferkayalton@gmail.com

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  23. forgot my email in the previous comment. cosmogirl692@yahoo.com

    We don't eat out anymore and we use vinegar for cleaning instead of commercial products

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  24. I save $ by doing sitter swap with neighbors so we can have date nights with our husbands without childcare costs.

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  25. I save money by having a garden. the veggies usually last most of the year.

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  26. I save money by shopping with a list. bosslet@bellsouth.net

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  27. I save money by making a menu, using coupons and combining them with sales whenever possible.

    opendranch@yahoo.com

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  28. We try to save money by making our own vinegar based cleaning products!
    duquesalamers at gmail dot com

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  29. I save money using cloth diapers
    danaldrman at yahoo dot com

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  30. I save money by using power strips to plug our electronics in to. Just switch off when leaving the house and going to bed, and save money on your electric bill!
    dustismosher at yahoo dot com

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  31. I save money by using meat as a topping or a mix-in instead of as the main course of a meal.
    kdscoupon@gmail.com

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  32. The biggest ways I save money is by stockpiling items at rock bottom prices and buying shopping at thrift stores.

    jg81796 at yahoo.com

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  33. Buy only what you truly need and use a spreadsheet to track expenses throughout the year.

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  34. I save money by using coupons all of the time and also by cooking meals at home instead of going out to eat. brandywinesun@yahoo.com

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  35. I too make our own laundry detergent! it is so much better than store bought and SOO cheap!!
    Hanna hvorisek at hotmail dot com

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  36. We save money by using a grocery list ALWAYS.

    Dsjweber@aol.com

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  37. I save money by cooking at home rather than eating out.

    sarah - snsnow@aol.com

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  38. We save money by shopping with a purpose. If its a big item we shop online to find the best deal. If its everyday items, we make a list and try to use cash only. That seems to be the best way for us.

    thepooh@cox.net

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  39. We shop at thrift stores a lot. :)

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  40. oops forgot to put in my email address

    susie.bruins at gmail.com

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  41. I combine my coupons with sales to get the biggest savings.


    bbtccw@yahoo.com

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  42. Since I like to sew, I make almost all of our Christmas gifts using free patterns I find online.

    ajpdreckman@gmail.com

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  43. Printing coupons on the back of the papers my kids bring home from school.

    netteshome@gmail.com

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  44. I make a whole chicken in the crockpot to use in 3-4 meals

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  45. I save money by using old school flip phones and the cheapest plan. kmick1221@yahoo.com

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  46. We grew a garden last year and were able to eat our own produce. I plan to start raising chickens this spring for meat and eggs. I do not purchase items unless they are on sale or I have a coupon for them. My email is redwinner40@gmail.com

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  47. I save every way I can from hanging all clothes to dry to saving everything possible and re-using!

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  48. Cloth diapering, making as much food from scratch as we can.
    dmfitzpatrick16 @ rangers.nwosu . edu

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  49. I use cloth diapers, make my own baby wipes, and make my own laundry detergent.

    liesel101@hotmail.com

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  50. I menu plan to reduce our grocery spending and impulsive take-out!

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  51. There are many ways that we save. But the biggest one is to stay out of the stores. Next, would be to be content with what you have.
    dewysej@tds.net

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  52. I save money by couponing and following blogs for help. I could really use this book to help me learn to save money on the rest of my life!

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  53. buying meat on sale, freezing it, and "shopping" our freezer

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  54. using the clothesline and having a garden!!
    aktuttle@comcast.net

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  55. We save money by couponing and stockpiling whenever we see an excellent deal.

    susiebyh@yahoo.com

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  56. I save big at Target by price matching other stores ads or waiting for Target's sales, and then stacking both Target coupons and manufacturer's coupons. Following these awesome money saving blogs saves me time too since I'm not doing the legwork to save! Thx!

    Cheryl S at sbuxcoffee208@yahoo.com

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  57. I save money by using cloth napkins instead of paper towels. I was going to sell them at a garage sale, then read someone's blog about using cloth instead of paper. Light bulb moment! Kathy
    kathy01_24@hotmail.com

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  58. We limit how many disposables we buy. katherinekruger at gmail.com

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  59. I do/use several things to save money in our house. One is making our own laundry soap. The rest are buying meat at the cheapest price that I can find, splitting packages into multiples and freezing them (as well as butter, bread, cheese and so on). And then there is watching for sales and matching coupons with the sale prices.

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  60. We buy everything second hand. Which we've scored amazing deals on so many things at Goodwill, through craigslist and garage sales. Especially since we just had a baby!!

    ttolmen@gmail.com

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  61. coupons!
    deep freezer!
    drugstore game!
    garage sales!
    :)
    blaireruch@hotmail.com

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  62. Keep a running log of gifts to buy when they they go on sale - like AFTER Christmas, I'm going to buy my Grandson's birthday toys for his birthday in May.

    candyh@iowatelecom.net

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  63. I love saving money and ready Crystal's blog and the Thrifty Living blog. It would really help me learn how to be even more thirty.

    Sharon Pickersgill

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  64. I have really saved alot of money by clipping, and searching for deals, but I really need to get more organized! :(

    Jacksaves@hotmail.com

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  65. We buy food in bulk (mostly from Azure Standard), have an extra freezer, don't buy convenience foods, and don't go to restaurants.
    kim@gnuhaus.com

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  66. I cook from scratch - saves money and its healthier! ponczochaathotmail.com

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  67. I make my own laundry soap as well.

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  68. We save money by only having one cell phone and we use it only on nights, weekends, and in an emergency.

    laurapinkstaff@gmail.com

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  69. I save on laundry by cutting the dryer sheets in half and using less liquid detergent than it states on the bottle:)
    I could really use some help in saving money as my husband just lost his job:(

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  70. stocking up on things we use all the time and using coupons for everything I can.
    jhrtsave@mail.com

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  71. Sara saratrim@hotmail.comDecember 7, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    I save money by writing AND STICKING TO our monthly budget. Contentment goes a loooooong way!

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  72. I use rags instead of paper towels, I dry only my towels, I put dis detergent in a spray bottle because I find I use less if I spritz instead of pour from a bottle. Thank you for the opportunity to win. dorking(at)acsalaska.net

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  73. I'm using cloth diapers. Planning to start making a few myself, too!

    bethjclark@gmail.com

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  74. I use cloth diapers! The environmental aspect is good, but I did it solely to save some dough. Best idea ever!

    lvkimble at hotmail dot come

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  75. We save money by not subscribing to Cable TV.
    We watch dvd's with the kids or watch online.
    mkfitt at gmail.com

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  76. I save money by buying the Walmart brand of just about everything! They really are great products and no one can tell the difference.
    crystal.4479@gmail.com

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  77. Most of our clothes come from thrift shops and garage sales - it's tough to beat 25 cents on like new items! :)

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  78. I save money by shopping thrift stores, having a garden and canning and freezing veggies. ghenri77@gmail.com

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  79. Can't wait to read your blog! I too have started saving $$ by making my laundry detergent. I made the one found on the Duggers' site. I am looking at making more items like hand soap, fabric softner...anything I can to begin to be a SAHM!

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  80. coupons, cooking from scratch, gardening & doing as much canning & freezing as possible. I also make my own laundry soap.
    karen b
    bkbowman91@centurylink.net

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  81. i save money by making my own baby wipes. with paper towel, water and baby wash.
    jessie_ann_b@yahoo.com

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  82. We have always saved money by using coupons wisely with sale match-ups and buying non-perishables and household items in advance so we are not caught paying full-price in a pinch. We also save money with hand-me-downs, eating left overs, and repurposing items around the house (t-shirt rags, reusing bottles/containers (like wipes containers for pencil boxs)), etc.

    leonardok@juno.com

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  83. My best tip: don't buy anything you don't absolutely need.

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  84. I save $ by drinking coffee/water from home. What a great giveaway!

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  85. We save money by using coupons, buying in bulk, cooking at home rather than eating out, and making an explicit budget.

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  86. We shop with coupons, buy at thrift stores, make creative meals by using up items in the pantry and find things to do with the kids that are free or next to nothing.
    ~Lori
    applegrovetreasures@yahoo.com

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  87. I have made laundry soap too. I don't do it all the time, but do some. I have gotten some pretty good deals on laundry soap with sales and coupons a few months ago. We have cloth napkins we use for everyday and I like to use my clothesline when it's not too cold outside!

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  88. I use coupons for anything and everything that I can! I also buy things off of Groupon and Living Social for fun entertainment at cheap prices and to give as gifts this time of year.

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  89. I save money by using plastic bags from store as liners in my bathroom trash cans, and I am learning how to make hand soap..:)
    smcoleman05@yahoo.com if you would please contact me their if I happen to win..GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!!

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  90. I love using coupons and I am going to try and make my own laundry detergent and all purpose cleaners I look forward to learning other ways to save money.
    Cmkline9@aol.com

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  91. I love using coupons and am always looking for other ways to save. Can't wait to learn more.

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  92. Just today I tried a new way to save money, making my own yogurt! It is so yummy!

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  93. I love saving with coupons and am excited to learn how to save more, can't wait to learn more. I also love thrift stores I never have to buy new clothes.

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  94. I save money by hang drying all our clothes
    couponinggina@yahoo.com

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  95. i cook from scratch instead of using boxed items. ;)

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  96. We've saved a lot of money on eating out by buying gift certificates from daily deal sites. But we are always careful to use them only for occasions when we would eat out anyway.

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  97. Save money by using coupons & shopping sales. As much $ as we spend on laundry detergent I just might try that in the near future. =)

    Amy - ajdunville@yahoo.com

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  98. I save money by making my own laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, baby wipes, and by using cloth diapers.

    liesel101 at hotmail dot com

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  99. i make my own laundry detergent! it saves us a ton!

    amanda
    browneyes0124@yahoo.com

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  100. I look for the sale items, items that are about to expire, that are going out of stock, etc. in stores. barbaraegreer@yahoo.com

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  101. I buy generic on most grocery items, avoid wasting food, buy meat when it is marked down, and try to use less of paper products.

    (nanbob06_76@yahoo.com)

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  102. I save money by packing lunches and growing a garden and shopping at Aldi.

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  103. One of the many ways I try to save a bit here and there, is to grow a garden and then save the excess for winter. I freeze blanched greens and herbs in my chest freezer. I also love gardening so it doubles as a cheap hobby :)

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  104. We buy usually buy used and often refinish used furniture to meet our needs!
    We also use coupons for items we need and buy in bulk when we can!
    Renee from thriftyfam{at}gmail{dot}com

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  105. We pretty much only drink water at home. That saves alot!
    clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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  106. We meal plan and use coupons for grocery shopping.

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  107. I save on resources(specifically gas money, my energy and time) by having at least 7 meals planned out ahead of time so I can avoid last minute trips to the grocery store. I have 3 recipe folders in my kitchen: recipes I've used, liked, and wrote my comments/variations on, recipes that I want to try sometime, and recipes I have all the ingredients for. This last folder, consisting of many recipes that take things I often always have in the kitchen, is so helpful because I can use it to last a few more days before going to the grocery store or have backup if another meal falls through.

    kristenpdot@gmail.com

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  108. lglavic4575@gmail.com

    I tried making my own laundry detergent and my clothes slowly turned grey. :( We have hard water and I think that may be the reason. One of the ways I save money is by making nearly everything we eat from scratch...saves so much money!

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  109. we save money by making a lot of things ourselves and of course buying stuff with coupons when onsale. :)

    thing04@juno.com

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  110. 1stopwindowshop@gmail.com

    Meal-planning, coupon-clipping, sales, sales, sales, cloth diapers, freezer meals...

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  111. We live modestly and I love using coupons and stocking up on sales.

    randi094(at)rocketmail(dot)com

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  112. I save money by packing a lunch instead of going out to eat.

    Reba

    scallord (at) yahoo.com

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  113. I save money by using coupons. Also, I buy clothing at the end of the season to save money.

    lmmoran31@comcast.net

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  114. I make my 7 month old son's baby food!

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  115. One of the really simple things we do is to drink water instead of more expensive drinks. Just add some fruit like lemon, lime, or raspberries to a pitcher of water if you need something with flavor for a cheap and healthy drink.

    angela.donner @ gmail.com

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  116. I make most of my own "conveniene items" - homemade baking mix, chicken broth, seasoning mixes, etc to save money.


    amanda_chance84@yahoo.com

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  117. I save money by making meals from scratch, hang out my laundry to dry, and shop Aldi's.
    (myersabode@myactv.net)

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  118. Save money by making my own cleaning products - two parts white vinegar, one part water, and a little lemon juice.

    p_halligan@yahoo.com

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  119. I try to stick to my grocery list. That saves a lot of money!

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  120. cut dryer sheets in half!!

    nuggie95@yahoo.com

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  121. One of the biggest ways I save money is waiting now to buy something until I have a coupon for the item, and combining with in store sales as well as store coupons.
    Grace Campbell
    graceful103@hotmail.com

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  122. I save money by matching sales with coupons and having gone no-poo.

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  123. We keep a tight grocery budget by shopping at different stores, including at the local bread "outlet."

    kelly.mortellite (at) gmail (dot) com

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  124. Beth mr_mrsbannedfonz@insightbb.comDecember 7, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    I save money by making my own powdered and liquid laundry detergents, making my 7 month old boy's diaper wipes & baby food, using coupons & checking sales papers each week! I have a lot more to learn, but I do love saving money and for being a stay at home mom - it helps tremendously!

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  125. We save money by growing and canning/freezing a lot of produce each year. We either raise our own meat or buy/share with our parents who have farms. Plus, we have our own free range chickens, so fresh eggs are on the menu often. To top of our fresh grown goodness, we grind grain for flour which allows us to buy in bulk without fear of spoilage, etc.
    toptanya (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  126. I save money by shopping the items reduced for quick sale that have been marked down because they're getting close to their sell/use by date.

    zueblue22 at yahoo dot com

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  127. I've started using vinegar in place of fabric softener! Works great and fewer chemically-stuff on my little guys' clothes!

    euroduck111 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  128. I buy most of my child's clothes from a consignment store. She's growing way to fast to buy lots of new things.

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  129. I try to make as many things as I can and garden. My sister and I also do clothing and household swaps where you can bring 10 items and then take 10 items for free. It is a great time of fellowship and trying on stuff and choosing some new to you things. It is lots of fun!

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  130. We try to save money by cooking from scratch as much as we can, using the excellent library in our town for books and movies, and shopping garage & consignment sales. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
    melissamberry@hotmail.com

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  131. I save money by trying to environmentally conscious. It a lot cheaper to use rags than paper towels, cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, real dishes instead of paper or even worse styrofoam.

    schwind6@verizon.net

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  132. I learned to cut my husband and my son's hair.

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  133. We save money by using cloth diapers, eating out once per month, making homemade bread and other items, and buying in bulk.

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  134. I save money by shopping at CVS and using the ECB's!

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  135. I make homemade bread. I have a nutrimill grinder and buy all our grains in bulk and grind our own flour. Delicious healthy bread, saves us a lot.

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  136. Shopping Goodwill and our thrift shop for clothes has been very helpful in budgeting and saving money. Thanks.

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  137. We shop the marked down sections in the grecer! bendbranch@aol.com

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  138. I save money by menu planning. becauseimfrugal@gmail.com

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  139. We make our own pizza, Cook from scratch most days

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  140. Coupons are always a great money saver, along with preparing and cooking my family's lunches and dinners.

    Elisa
    elisam.nieves@gmail.com

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  141. We save money by meal planning an eating out only when asked.

    ash_langton at yahoo dot com

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  142. drying clothes with out dryer. washing in cold water only. watching for quick sales and reduced items, trying to stay stocked by sales so if money is even tighter we have no worries.

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  143. I save money by using coupons and home cooking a lot. I also water down the whole milk and juice. We also use the cash envelopes budgeting method.

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  144. I save money by making and freezing food so that I'm not tempted to buy convenience food.

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  145. We save money by shopping with a list & using coupons.

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  146. I shop for whole ingredients and cook/bake things myself.

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  147. I save money by making my own coffee at home every morning rather than picking one up on my way to work.

    jenmarie33@yahoo.com

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  148. washing dishes by hand instead of the dishwasher

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  149. I take out my grocery money in cash so that I don't go over for the month.
    -kp8vball@hotmail.com

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  150. I save money by keeping our heat at 69-70....and wearing blankets and sweatshirts. ;)
    kahlercrew@yahoo.com
    Angie

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  151. We save by not buying sponges or paper towels - we use rags for washing and all cleaning

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  152. I make my homemade laundry detergent.
    mansarg@gmail.com

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  153. Make a grocery list and stick to it.

    montgocc at yahoo dot com

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  154. I try to save money by going to the grocery store early in the morning to stock up on reduced meat.

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  155. Dori---I don't completely dry our clothes in the dryer. jcgray001@comcast.net

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  156. well lets see, I have learned to price match instead of driving all over town. I coupon , but only for my families needs or a needy familys needs. We have learned to eat at home from home canned goods and from scratch meals.I would love more incouragement in these areas and other areas os saving.
    Bandcforever1@aol.com

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  157. i save money my limiting my outings to 2-3x/wk

    pat
    (douglassandpat@yahoo.com)

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  158. I stockpile & use coupons and sale prices (especially clearance racks) to get all my items.
    thepearsons09@gmail.com

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  159. I save money by using coupons with sales when I can.

    mariaconstantino@hotmail.com

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  160. We line dry out clothes, unplug appliances when not in use, combine trips to town, don't have TV, use coupons, and walk in the neighborhood instead of pay for a gym membership. :-)

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  161. When I am at the end of my soap (not rope), I sqish the little one into the bigger one.

    Kat

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  162. We use cloth diapers which I bought secondhand. Love not spending money on diapers anymore! We also raise our own meat and stock the second freezer. That is a huge reduction in the grocery bill!
    libeth105@hotmail.com

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  163. We make meals from scratch and I have started buying our vegetables and fruit at the local asian market, so much cheaper then at the grocery store.

    ycyoung262@gmail.com

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  164. i stick to a written budget!
    angelamorse@hotmail.com

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  165. sarah luk.sarah@Yahoo.comDecember 8, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    We save money by realizing that time and experiences are more important than things. So when we do spend it's not on more clutter, but instead on cherished time and memories!

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  166. I am a daily reader of Money Saving Mom and she has given me great advice on using coupons to save money on groceries also have to use extra care bucks and register rewards at the drugstores. Also when I shop online I go thru Shopathome.com or Ebates.com to get real money back on my purchases. I would love to win her budgeting book. Anita Brown smoothnita@gmail.com

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  167. I save money by making my own hair detangler. My daughter's hair gets tangled just by looking at it, so we go through a ton of it. And the amount of detangler I get from one bottle of conditioner saves me a ton.

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  168. I write my favorite companies to tell them I love them and ask them for coupons!

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  169. I coupon shop to try to save our family money. Even my husband is now excited about it and always asks me first if I have a coupon or know of a good deal prior to buying something.

    jrosencr (at) gmail (dot) com

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  170. I am praying for this book, I coupon, price match, and look for more ways nearly everyday!!

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  171. Thanks for the giveaway! I save money by couponing and buying on sale!

    kristaemmons@marykay.com

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  172. I save money by making a weekly or monthly menu. I use coupons all the time and try to get items free or half off when the item goes on sale and use my coupons to. My family has learned to unplug things that we are not using to cut back on the power.

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  173. I have started to save money by learning how to make my own bread. Thanks for the chance to win the booK!

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  174. I "super" coupon, its a step below "extreme" couponing. I only buy what we need and don't "stock-pile" that way there is no waste, no ruining it for others trying to use coupons and we SAVE MONEY! I am working on the making homemade things, but for now I work three jobs and don't have much time to do things like that....

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  175. I save lots of money shopping at thrift stores and yard sales. I also cancelled our cable tv. And use coupons at grocery stores and drugstores.

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  176. I save money by shopping at Good Will stores. It is amazing what you can find in the way of clothing and household items. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
    Mary - twsmms@pinevilledsl.net

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  177. We use freecycle, craigslist and salvation army half price days.

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  178. I use coupons and shop clearance to save a ton of money.

    Bzzybeeof3@aol.com

    http:/bzzybeeof3.com

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  179. One way I save money is by following deal sites via RSS feeds.

    pandora1123@hotmail.com

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  180. One way I save money is buy only buying stuff if it is on sale. Also I stack coupons and sales and buy gifts through out the year so Christmas and Birthdays aren't so sterssful.

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  181. I save money by using coupons and stock piling, shopping at thrift stores and end of season clearance, turn the heat down to 65 degrees when we all leave for school and work, run my dishwasher during off-peak hours, wear jeans 2 days in a row, shop after Christmas clearance for b-day gifts and next years C-mas, Groupon deals, and I could go on and on and on!!

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  182. I get my haircut at the beauty school! It looks great and only costs $5!

    Kristin

    kristin-mclinden@hotmail.com

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  183. I make my own salad dressing and use coupons! :) lovelylisanreno@yahoo.com

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  184. Cooking and baking from scratch--it's healthier too!

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  185. I make my own salad dressing and use coupons. lovelylisanreno@yahoo.com

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  186. I save money by budgeting, shopping at thrift stores, and keeping freezer food handy to deter us from getting fast food in those "emergencies"

    Becky
    becksterslaboratory[at]gmail.com

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  187. I save money by making my own cleaning supplies with things like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon.

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  188. I save money by not buying junk food or soda pop. I use coupons and don't eat out. I grow a lot of vegetables in my garden and plan menus around what is ready to be picked.


    linjarob@yahoo.com

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  189. Check the sale ads and stockpile. :-)

    virtuousladies [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  190. We eat all of our leftovers and clip coupons.

    Shelly

    shelly@goguen.org

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  191. We save by shopping at thrift stores. We use coupons as much as we can and try to hit the good sales and stock up in the freezer. I buy meat on the day they reduce the prices because of the expiration date. I make homemade laundry and dishwashing detergent. We only buy what is absolutely necessary.
    MaryLynn P
    mlpcmt@yahoo.com

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  192. I cut cable out and use an antenna, the library and netflix. I also make a weekly menu plan and grocery list and stick to it!

    Jennifer.Keime@gmail.com

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  193. I buy three papers and follow blogs to use my coupons to get free items matched with sale items.
    mattsharon@juno.com

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  194. I follow stores sales cycles and combine stores sales with coupons to get items at their lowest possible price.

    jltillett81@yahoo.com

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  195. I plan a menu and use coupons when I go shopping.

    merritt.sondra@gmail.com

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  196. We use cloth napkins and avoid paper towels whenever possible. Hollyholl1@AOL.com

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  197. From three years of AmeriCorps, I've learned to be very thrifty. From hand washing my clothes using bar soap (cause it's cheaper), to saving salt and sugar packets to use for recipes later, to living on protein powder (cause its cheap and packed full of nutrients)...I think the secret is something you mentioned in an earlier post of being happy with what you have. The days I start to long for what other people have (like fancy clothes and manicures), then I just look around at what I have, and make a game out of it: how long can I make this dollar go? What do I have that I can replace what I would have wanted with? Being happy with what I have. It's tough sometimes, but much more worth it in the end.

    :)
    -Laura


    p.s. you inspire me with your blog, thank you!!!

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