What I've been up to

 Let me tell you what I've done while I was absent from my blog (sorry about that). I've been getting my life in order. Literally and figuratively.

First, I discovered Dana K. White's No-Mess Decluttering Method. If you don't know what that is and you have issues with clutter, I recommend her Youtube videos and books. To see the exact video that changed my environment, click here: DanaKWhite 

On a less-than-upbeat note, a week after I started decluttering, I had to say goodbye to my eighteen-year-old calico sweetheart. Normally, something tragic like this would have derailed me, but not this time! I kept going. Within one month, my apartment was the best it's ever been. Lonelier but tidy.

Next, I returned to intermittent fasting, guided by Dr. Jason Fung. He's outstanding! Then I began the 30-Day Walking Challenge (just hit Day 16 mark), and added being careful about what I eat (I'm still in the early stages). I can't begin to tell you how weird it is for me to crave veggies instead of chips and chocolate.

While I'm implementing those things into my life, I'm also writing/plotting/editing every day. This might not sound like much, but add helping my sister care for my aging parents into the mix, that's more than a full day's worth of busy.

Now that I'm caught up with announcing what I've been doing, I'm excited about what the present and future are bringing, including some very nice surprises for my readers. Check in again to see what's planned.

Jacqueline,

PS if you haven't seen my Finding Love In The Blizzard Belt series, click here: 

FREE coloring page: Cottage on the beach

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Money-Saving Tip: The Easy Way To Stick To Your Grocery List

What I find the most challenging about grocery shopping is sticking to the list. I end up adding to the cart and pretty quickly I've gone overboard with things I really didn't need.

Apparently shopping online helps allieviate that little blip. You're shopping in the comfort of your own home, more than likely you're not hungry, so adding something that isn't on your list is much easier to avoid.

If possible, order online and then pick up your groceries at the store at your convenience. I don't suggest same day delivery, though, because the added expense is insane. I did that once with Costco.

Not only were the prices much higher than in the warehouse (they did disclose that information, so it was all above board), they added an involuntary tip to the bill that was a high percent of the purchases, and there was no waiving of the delivery fee. I ended up spending at least an additional third of what I would have if I'd gone with pickup. Then as an added insult, I received an email the following day requesting me to give yet another tip for the service.

So, if you struggle to stick to a list, consider shopping online and using the pickup option. That way you don't have to step foot into temptation (the store). Shopping online puts you back in control of what you spend and when you get your groceries.

 Save time and money by planning ahead.