UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed.
I’m really excited about today’s giveaway — partially because it’s a great book that totally fits with my quest for simple, organized living… but also because I know BOTH of the authors!
I’ve worked closely with Mandi from Life… Your Way and Tara from Deal Seeking Mom for the past 2 years and can attest that they are both amazing moms, wives, business women, bloggers… and just really fun ladies!
So, of course, I knew their first book, All in Good Time: When to Save, Stock Up, and Scheduled Everything for Your Home — would be a fantastic read. Between Mandi’s organizational and time management skills and Tara’s uncanny ability to find every deal, there is something for everyone inside the cover of their book.
Since we are planning to renovate our kitchen this summer, the text on the front cover “Remodel Your Kitchen” immediately caught my attention. After a quick glance through the table of contents, I flipped to page 19 (where the remodeling advice starts) and was pleasantly surprised to find they had included MY tips and tricks for remodeling on a budget!!
I almost forgot that they had asked me for a few tips way back when they were in the writing process… so cool!
I also love that this book is such a quick read — like a “how-to” manual for simple living! Last week (on our Spring Break Staycation) I shared that I started reading this book — and I actually finished it that afternoon. It’s the type of book that you can just hop around to different chapters based on what information you are looking for, and there’s always something new you can pick up.
So if you’ve ever wondered when the best time to “save, stock up, and schedule” anything in your home/life, I’d highly recommend reading this book. It’s available at major bookstores and, of course, at Amazon.com… but you might want to wait to see if you win my giveaway first!
The Giveaway:
Today, two lucky readers will win a copy of Mandi and Tara’s book, “All In Good Time“.
How to Enter:
1. {required} Leave a comment on this post. What is your best tip to save, stock up, and/or schedule?
2. {optional} Like Simple Organized Living on Facebook, and then leave a separate comment letting me know you did {or that you do already}.
If you are reading this in your email or feed reader, please visit the actual blog post to enter. Email entries, Facebook comments, and Twitter messages will NOT be counted.
Prizes:
(2) Copies of All In Good Time as described above.
This giveaway ends at 10:00 pm on Monday, 4/16/2012 and is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older. I will use And the Winner Is to select the winning comments at random. Winners will be notified by email and noted at the top of this post. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize or I will choose a new winner. Please see my full disclosure policy and contact me with any questions you have. Good luck!
Marisa A. says
One the biggest thing I do to save money is making things from scratch at home.
Sarah says
We use a dry erase calendar on the fridge to keep track of the family schedule.
stephanie says
I used to think it was impossible to save any money in my financial situation. Then one month I decided I really wanted to purchase my husband a large gift. That became my ultimate saving goal. While I was saving for that I realized how “easy”saving money can be if your heart is in it. You discipline your spending when you have an achievable goal. So I have started to break large goals up into smaller achievable goals. The biggest part, not getting discouraged when life gets in the way.
Starla says
Schedule: use a planner! Of course, I think The Time Keeper is the best one available. =) (www.wellkeptlife.com)
Savings: Stay home more… go shopping less. Buy only those things you really will use, even if they are a great buy. And I shop at Aldi. With 4 boys in the house, food disappears at an alarming rate! Shop for clothing at 2nd hand stores… the other day I found 5 jackets and a pair of pants, all priced less than $3.00!
Stock up: If there is a really good deal on things I know we will use up, I stock-up. Especially on cereal and chips/snacks. We also have a garden and I do a lot of canning and freezing in the summer months.
Marianne says
Starting saving years ago for college with a 529 savings plan where you buy tuition credits at their price currently to be spent for the future. Next year we will have both children in college and I am so glad that we did this plan.
Deni says
I have stopped buying so much junk food and replaced it with fruit and more healthy items and my grocery bill has gone down! So we are saving and eating healthier too!
deb Devries says
I have 3 teenage boys (2 -13 year olds and 1-16 year old) I use many of your tips for menu planning and grocery shopping. I am also starting to make ahead things like cookies and put them in zip lock bags for lunches. THis helps with them disappearing too fast.
Joy Ramler says
I stock up when I find things on sale — especially at ALDI — a store that I feel I couldn’t live without! Also at the end of a holiday season, I go to Wal-mart as well as other places to get things 75% off. I rarely pay full price for holiday items.
Kerri Johnson says
I already follow you on facebook.
Winfred R says
Caring now for my aging parents, I try to plan their doctor appointment or test days about the same time each time. This has been best for my dad who is dealing as well as us his memory loss.
Pris H says
I would love this book!! I NEED this book!!! I coupon and organize my pantry and fridge every week before shopping, so I don’t buy extra or unneeded items, and stock up when on sale.
Chelsea says
I just “liked” you on Facebook!
Tracy T says
I plan meals making the most of sales, unfortuantely coupons are hard to come by in my small rural community. I’ve recently started planning meals out of my left overs and have been amazed and how much further my food budget goes.
I’d love to win this book!
Chelsea says
My best tip is to re-purpose. We bought a sled but only used it once due to lack of snow this winter. It is now my toddler’s sand box! The sled was only $12 vs. buying a sand box that retails for $30 – $50!
Shannon A. says
I have 2 little ones under the age of 4 so, trying to get things done can be difficult, that is why I use block scheduling. I break our day into more manageable blocks of time.
Alyssa says
So cool – I’ve been wanting to read this book! The only way I stay organized is to keep all of my to do and shopping lists on my phone. That way I’m never at the store wondering where that scrap of paper is that I wrote my list on (well, not anymore anyway).
Sarah Lenhart says
I save and organize at the same time by weekly cleaning my refrigerator drawers the day before the grocery ads come out. All fresh vegetables & fruits are either prepared to be eaten or frozen so none spoil or are thrown away. The most expensive food you buy is the food that ends up in the trash can! An extra benefit: I know what I need on my grocery list to match up with the sales ads.
Beth S says
I stock up on produce, especially berries, when it is on sale and then freeze for later.
Tricia Andersen says
I already follow you on FB
Tricia Andersen says
Get the sales ad each week and make your meal planning from it and then your shopping list. Also have only one calendar for writing down schedules.
Marci says
Simply know what you use and buy it when it is on sale.
Beth says
I started budgeting my monthly spending in various categories (groceries, utilities, pet supplies, etc.) and total each category at the end of each month to see how much was spent. It’s a simple written list, but it could easily be transferred to an Excel spreadsheet for the more computer savvy folks.
After the two months, I cut down my frivolous spending by almost 50% and have continued to improve since then, even during the holidays! Now I know exactly how much money I have at all times and I’ve finally started building a savings for the first time in my adult life. It’s been almost a year now and I can honestly say that I’m converted for life.
I would LOVE to win this book, ever since you showed it on your blog, it’s been sitting in my amazon.com cart. I was waiting for my credit card points to offer a special on amazon.com rewards (another of your tips), but it would be even cooler to win it here!
Kerrie says
I write a lot of lists, and have shopping planned based on holidays, etc.
Tina says
I make a men every week and shop from that. Saves us a boatload of money!!!!
Sharon says
I would love to win this book.
Bronwyn says
If you use gmail, their calendar function is a great way to schedule and send reminders to yourself!
Elizabeth says
Would love to read this book. My library has very limited book selections and I’m trying to pay down debt so no book purchases for me.
Dana says
I already like you on Facebook!
Dana says
We only have one grocery store in town, so when anything pantry-wise goes on sale I buy it!
Kim says
I live by my Amy Knapp family organizer and family calendar. That is the only way to keep me and the 5 kids straight!
Lynn Neinast says
Like you on Facebook quite some time ago, I think that’s how I found your blog. LOVE it!
Lynn says
I use my I-phone to access Cozi, family calendar, shopping lists & menu all in one place that I can access on the go or at home.
Lisa says
I like to schedule seasonal maintenance on my calendar at the beginning of each new year.
sheri says
Our family shares clothes for the kids. That way when there is a baby shower it is almost like you are buying stuff for your next child. We now have a ton of rubbermaid buckets full of clothes.
I also use the MI bounty for items that ring up incorrectly. You actually have to purchase the item and then go the service counter and politely ask for the difference and the MI bounty (up to $5, I believe). Once I bought a a .75 can of shaving cream and was paid the difference and $5!
Lisa Joy says
We are increasing the size of our garden this year in hopes of saving enough produce to last through the long Michigan winter. That will help with the grocery bill!
Patty Hawk says
I’ve been a follower on facebook for a few months now…love all your posts!!!
Patty Hawk says
We have a small coupon group that meets every Monday night. We share deals and clip coupons!
Leona Cowden says
I can and freeze fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy over the winter. We make homemade jam in the summer when fruit is readily available. Our family raises their own meat and shares with church members and neighbors. We also coupon swap to trade for most needed coupons, my children are teens so I trade diaper and wipes coupons for make-up and skin care products.
Sandy L. says
I always watch for paper goods on sale and thats how I stockpile. Example if 200 count tissues are on sale for a dollar, thats what I will stock up on that week.
melissa call says
I follow you on facebook, and I just love you!