Our Week in Pins and Photographs

I am completely obsessed with this creation. Honestly, I think this woman is a genius. Who sees that extra six inches of space on the side of the fridge and thinks, "I am going to build a rolling shelf to hold all my cans!" Certainly not me. I do however, complain about my crowded pantry! No more friends, I can't wait to build this shelf with the hubby.  

Thank you Learning to Be Me for the brilliant idea, 

and thank you Classy Clutter for showing us how to make it adorable! 

Money Tips I Wish I Had Known BEFORE I went to College! (Part One)

I have been a college student for about six years, and I'm so excited to graduate, but I have loved my whole entire college experience and I know I am going to miss it. I've been lucky to be able to go through college without accruing any debt by way of student loans, credit cards, car loans etc. This is due to the generosity of my father, my choice to avoid debt at all costs even when it seems like the only way to keep going, working at least part time for the entirety of my college career, learning to be super frugal, and taking advantage of federal grants. I understand that not everyone has the exact same options that I had available, but there are lots of different ways to get financially prepared for college if you know where to look.

I am going to begin a series today to share the things I learned along the way that can help you save a boat load of money and get into hopefully no debt or as little student debt as possible to get yourself to the finish line. My first subject is TEXTBOOKS: not buying them.

To Do List and Menu Printables

I don't know if I have admitted this on the blog before or not, but I am a little bit obsessive compulsive. Sigh. The first step toward recovery is admitting your issues right? It is to the point that I will lay awake at night for hours going over in my mind all the things I have to do the next day so I don't forget. To help myself relax a bit, lists have become my best buddies. They take away my stress and even better, I get to cross things off, yay!

Is there a chance that any of you rely on lists like me?

If you do, I decided to share a few printables that might help you ease your stress! One thing that I like to do with these printables is print them (or have costco print them as photos for the larger sizes) and then insert them in frames. This way, I can hang them in my kitchen and use a dry erase marker to change my lists as needed. 

Find this 8.5x11 "Weekly Chore and Meal Chart" printable here: 

To see more organizational printables, click "read more".

A Thrifty Tip from Across the Water

Hi guys! We have another inspiring guest poster here today to share a money saving tip with us! If you missed the first posts of the series here's where you can find them:

My Monthly Budget--A Love Letter To Myself

Budgeting on a Budget

 Today we are excited to introduce Amelia! She is awesome, and we know you will love her, so without further ado...

 (This is me, sporting my pink lipstick and side pony, I’m pretty sure it helps me get things done around my house.)

I’m delighted to be guest posting for Pretty Providence.  The Pretty Jessica is my cousin, and we share a thrifty family connection.  I think my dad and his brothers (one of whom is Jessica’s dad!) and sisters share a very thrifty family heritage, for which I’m very grateful.  I wish dearly I had a picture that hangs in our Grandma’s home.  It is of her in the 1950’s with a beautiful scarf on her head, hanging up her washing on the washing line in her backyard.  I’ll bet she never realized that she would have a granddaughter who would do the same! 

Simple Flip Flop Update: Blooms to Bows!

I got this pair of flip flops for my wedding almost three years ago. Yes, for my wedding. I knew that the five-inch heels I was wearing would not do for the whole day and reception and I would surely need to take them off to really dance my heart out. So I got this pair of flops to switch into when I got uncomfortable. They were perfect, and you couldn't see them under my dress anyway. I wore them the rest of that summer but then the next year decided I wasn't so into them. Then they sat. This year I decided instead of getting rid of them I should just replace the flowers with something I like more. And voila. This was super easy, because I used scraps I had left over from taking in this shirt.

Healthy Spinach Mango Summer Salad

Most of the recipes are post on this blog have a few things in common, one of those being that they are usually cheap to make. Admittedly, this is not the cheapest salad on the block, but it is oh so delicious. I usually save this one for special occasions.

 

What you'll need: 

Savory Baked Beans

I love recipes that are semi home made, meaning that they start with some kind of box or can, but after a few adjustments taste like you spent hours. This baked beans recipe is one of those, I always loved when my mom made these.

I'm warning you, this recipe will feed a crowd, so if it's for a small group you might want to half it!

Our Week in Pins & Photographs

Happy happy weekend everyone! Just as a little introduction, we have decided to begin sharing some of our favorite Pinterest finds with you as well as a photo of something that we did each week. We hope that it will help you all get to know us a little bit better and vice versa!

Budgeting on a Budget

Hi guys! We have another super inspiring guest here today to share her budgeting philosophies with us! If you missed the first post of the series you can find it here. Today we are excited to introduce Meredith! You're going to love her perspective, so without further ado...

When Jessica and Sarah welcomed me as a guest blogger to share my thoughts about budgeting, I was pretty stoked!  Since I feel like I dedicate, oh about 99.9% of my life "watching our finances," this was right up my alley. Thanks so much for having me ladies!

We live in the very rich Chester County, PA, which often feels like the epicenter of The Haves (vs. the Have-nots).  It's not easy as a single-income family, I won't lie--it's hard to always be the one without the money for fancy new furniture and spending my after-kids-are-in-bed hours clipping coupons.  But my husband and I have remained dedicated to not spending more than we have coming in and ideally, saving a little (often very little!) along the way.

25 Summer Skirts Under $25!

Oh how I love to wear skirts in the summer. They are just so much breezier... and prettier. I have gathered 25 cute, modest skirts that cost no more than $25! Some of them are even on sale, buy one get one free at Forever 21. Click "read more" to see them all, and tell me which one is your fave?! I think my favorite is #1. So classy.

A Personal Post

Well you guessed it, number two is on the way for us, and we are SO excited. Bryce and I both have siblings pretty close to us in age and we love it. We are so excited for little Luke man to have a best buddy.

I just have to say, I was hesitant to post about this. I know so many people who struggle with pregnancy and fertility issues. I'm sure that some of our readers fall into that camp, and if you do, I just want you to know that miracles happen, don't give up.

It's interesting how much easier it is to have faith for someone else. I am struggling with my own fears right now. Our son Luke was born in his 34th week and was whisked away to the newborn intensive care unit before I could even glimpse him.

We were so blessed in so many ways. All of his preterm complications were very minor and he only had to stay in the NICU for 8 days, which all the doctors said was miraculous. The NICU staff in our hospital were angels, and it made me so grateful for modern medicine. So many sweet babies are saved in that place. Bryce and I learned a lot in the NICU about being parents and about what it feels like to watch a child struggle. The first few months of Luke's life were SO hard, for him and us.

Luke Bryce Bailey at 5 days old. This picture doesn't do justice to how small he really was. 

Due to the circumstances of Luke's labor, it's likely (though not certain) that the reason he came early was a result of my genetics. I am so afraid this baby will come early. It is constantly in the back of my mind. It is so hard for me to hear pregnant women say they wish their baby would come early. People tell me I am so lucky that I wasn't even pregnant for 8 months. I tell myself that they really just don't know what they are talking about. We pray every night this baby will go full term.

One of my favorite quotes is from one of my favorite essayists, Montaigne. To paraphrase him, the quote is, "if you fear suffering, you are already suffering from what you fear." How true. 

I am going to try to let my fears go. 

Honestly, it really doesn't make sense to worry about things you have no control over. By worrying about something that hasn't even happened, not only am I stressing myself out, but I miss out on the wonderful pregnancy experience, and waste my last months with my sweet, healthy, little family of three. 

Baby Bailey #2 is due December 30th. "Come what may, and love it." -Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Cookie Sandwiches

You've all made homemade Oreo's before right? If not you totally should, they are so easy and delicious. Here are a couple of adaptations that I did that would be perfect for a red, white and blue treat.

Here's the recipes:

Recipe Recommendation: Vanilla Root Beer Float Cupcakes

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and I had been wanting to try it ever since, especially because I have a Father-in-Law who loves Root Beer Floats. Since we went to celebrate Father's Day with husband's side of the family I decided that I was going to try them! I have never seen Root Beer Milk for sale in my neck of the woods so I decided that it would just be easier to make it myself. If I ever see it though I will have to try it to see how close I actually got. Something you all might not know about me is that I love to bake. I'm not super in love with cooking, but baking I love. It's the most beautiful science!

The Pajama Comparison: Retail vs. Thrift vs. Garage Sales

 

I know that some people have trouble thrifting for clothes. I have heard people say that it grosses them out wearing other peoples old stuff. Honestly, thrifting clothes is pretty new for me, but as I have gotten into it and realized what you can be saving I am so excited about it. I decided to do a little price comparison for you all. Who knows, maybe I will convert a non believer or two. 

Here are some rules I go by when I garage sale or thrift shop for clothes: 

1.) I only buy name brand clothes. My favorites for Luke are Carter's and Old Navy because they fit his body type the best and last forever. 

2.) NEVER buy anything that has a rip, stain or area of great wear. Even if it is the cutest outfit you have ever seen. It will always remind you that you thrifted it, its gross, and why would you buy something that is not going to last you, no matter how cheap it is? 

3.) I only buy things that are cute enough that I would buy it new. If you settle for something just because it costs a quarter, it will be a quarter wasted because you will never use it. 

4.) I usually only buy clothes for the next size or two up from what Luke is at right now. Even if you see a great deal for something farther out than that, don't buy it. There will be other great deals, and styles change so fast that you don't want to buy things that won't be in style when its time for your little one to wear them. 

Now prepare yourselves for my little savings analysis....

New Carter's pajamas: $11.00

Movies in the Park

Hello hello! I am just so excited right now about the fact that it's SUMMER time here in Utah and I can't stop thinking about all of the rad outdoor activities I want to do. The one I want to talk about today is FREE movies in the park! Our community has a lot of these happening over the summer, so I decided that I wanted to compile an easy to read printable list of all of them to keep on my fridge. I know that a lot of communities do these so it's not just Utah. Wherever you live, google "movie in the park" with your city or area name in it and I'm almost positive some good results will come up. What's more fun than laying out a blanket and watching a movie under the stars on a perfect summer night? And on top of it, you can bring your own snacks and no one will yell at you for it! ;)  If you do happen to live in either Utah County or the Salt Lake County areas, these lists are for you!

Click here to download the Salt Lake area list of FREE movies in the park!

Click here to download the Utah County list of FREE movies in the park!

Fabric Scrap Banner Tutorial

 

I have to admit, this is one of those projects that may have started out simply because I was bored, but I LOVE how they turned out! Of course, when I'm bored, I turn to my fabric scraps. I had quite a bit of red, white and blue and wanted to make something festive for my favorite month. Anyone could make this banner, it is so easy. However, it is a tiny bit time consuming. It's a perfect craft to do while your husband is watching the NBA playoffs and you are tired of them but being a good wife watching a movie.

All you need is fabric scraps of the colors you want and some kind of string or twine. Oh, and scissors.

(expired) Free 8x10 Photo Print at Walgreens

Upload a photo at Walgreens.com and enter code PRINT8X10 at checkout, click in-store pickup and enjoy your free print! Great for Father's Day!

My Monthly Budget-- A Love Letter To Myself

 

Well, hello lovelies! Today we are so excited to begin our new series with guest posters sharing with us how they budget. It's so refreshing and inspiring to hear about what other people have found to work for them, and what motivates them. Am I right? And our first guest is Jen Glantz. You're going to love her perspective! She's super fun. So, without further ado...

Budgeting can feel like the same thing as going on a diet. It's uncomfortable and lets face it, most of the time we are left sinking into our couch, fighting off the cravings to dive into a bath tub of chocolate cake or similarly, we find our eyes popping out of our head as we pass by a pair of must-have strappy summer wedges.

But we do it, because we have no choice! It's survival of the fittest, my friends, and the same applies for our wallets.

If you ever want to see me get all clammy and awkward, talk to me about money.

Motivation Station: As A Man Thinketh

I have been wanting to post about this book forever. I love it. I can honestly say that it has motivated me more than any book (scriptures aside) to get myself together.

The title of the book comes from Proverbs 23:7 that says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." The book seeks to prove that the surest way to become who you want to become, and obtain the things you desire is to align your thoughts with those goals.


Rather than blab on and on about how much I love the book and not really do it any justice, I thought I would post a few commonly loved quotes from the book and let it speak for itself. (The language can take a little getting used to, but you'll catch on quick.)

(expired) Free $2 Amazon MP3 Credit!

Another free $2 to Amazon! Just click hereand enter the code MP3S4ALL and then hit the "apply" button! If you get these every time they are offered, you could very quickly get whole albums for free! It seems like these lovely freebies come out once or twice a month. Love you Amazon! xoxo

Fine print: These must be redeemed by June 15 at 11:59 pm PST or they will disappear, and we don't want that now do we?!

(expired) Free 5x7 or 8x10 Photo Print at Rite Aid

Get a free 5x7 or 8x10 photo print today only from Rite Aid when you order online and use coupon code: TUES6121E
Choose in-store pickup and enjoy your free print! 

Post-Vacation Meal Plan

Hello everyone! I just got home from the big vacation I went on with my extended family. My Grandpa treated all of his children and grandchildren to a seven day cruise in the Caribbean! That's 37 of us... wow! It was incredible to say the least. Since we all know that cruise is just the short word for "seven day unlimited buffet of delicious food" we came home feeling like we need to eat much more lightly for a little bit to get back to feeling normal. I have a hard time eating healthy though, it has to taste good or I just end up eating brownies for every meal. Yesterday I went to do our weekly grocery shopping, spent $20.65 on what you see in the picture and made a meal plan for the week based on what I got. I am also going to share a few snapshots from the trip!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner so we thought we should share a few of our favorite, affordable gift ideas with you guys!

Sar's Picks:

You can go with music, my dad loves Jason Aldean. Then there is the more traditional tie route, and I love that latte gingham tie! The Tie Bar on Amazon has like a million ties in all different colors and patterns for $15.99 each. Then there is the t-shirt which says "I'm Rad At Ping Pong." I just think it's awesome, so if your dad/husband/baby daddy is the playful type, go for that one!

Jessica's Picks

While I can't profess to be an expert on men, I know my own man pretty well, and he would be stoked to get any of these for Father's Day. He just got his concealed carry permit and has been dying for a holster (sigh, I don't understand it). The gift card, while kind of viewed as a "last resort" gift idea, is actually my husbands favorite thing to get. I think he loves the freedom of spending without having to be accountable for once.

As far as my dad's go.. only the gift card would work for them, haha. It is really hard for me to shop for our parents. They all pretty much have everything they want and need. We definitely can't afford to get them something they would really love. For this reason we usually go with a nice letter and maybe some pics of their favorite grand-baby (he's still the only one on both sides :).

Good luck with your gift picks. Remember, it's the thought that counts!

Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed French Toast

 This recipe is as simple as making a peanut butter banana sandwich and then dipping it like you would a normal piece of bread into french toast egg mixture and you end up with the most delicious party-in-your-mouth breakfast ever. But I will still share with you my recipe because it's so good and I feel like I have finally learned the secret to good french toast!

Ham and Cheese Pockets

Today I am sharing with you a recipe from my childhood. Oh how we loved my mother when she made these for us. It makes me giddy because this time when I made them I ripped one up small and gave some to Luke and he loved it already. I am going to be the best mom once I can buy his happiness with these ham and cheese pockets...oh yeah!

Here's what you need:

From Pajamas to Pillow!

I saw these pajama pants at savers a few weeks ago and I loved the fabric so much I had to get them, but I knew I didn't want to wear them. It was just the fabric. So I decided to try to make them into a pillow. I am still quite the amateur at sewing so it turned out a little lumpy, but I am still proud! I took a few pictures of the process so here's how it went:

Sunshine Award

First things first, we'd like to give a big THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Michelle of Michelle's Tasty Creations and Crafty Ideas for nominating us for the Sunshine Award.

 

We feel so honored! It is such a cool feeling to be recognized by someone as awesome as Michelle. Just to know that we positively impact someone with this little blog of ours makes it all worth it. 

Michelle's blog is full of so much deliciousness! She shares adorable and amazing recipes (that you've probably seen floating around on pinterest) like this Kit Kat cake, this lemon blueberry drizzle bread, this grilled pizza sandwich, these cream cheese thumbprint cookies, these graham cracker chocolate chip muffins, and this chicken pesto pasta bake! Are you drooling yet?? She also posts crafts occasionally too! I promise you want to check out her site.

The Sunshine Award is given by bloggers to bloggers.

The recipients of the Sunshine Award are

"Bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere."

The way the award works is this:

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

Answer 10 questions about yourself.  

Select 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post and let them know they've been awarded the Sunshine Award!

Don't forget to copy and paste the award on your blog!

Here we go!

10 questions:

Favorite Color?

Jessica: Blue, all colors, it is just so beautiful to me.

Sarah: Any shade of turquoise! It's pretty and matches everything! 

Favorite Animal?

Jessica: Puppies! I grew up with two adorable Shih Tzu's, Taffy and Belle, Taf passed away earlier this year and we miss her! 

Sarah: Dogs for sure. I am so puppy hungry my husband got me a calendar to hold me over until we can get one of our own after we graduate! 

Favorite Number?

Jessica: 13! It has never, ever been unlucky for me. 

Sarah: Don't have one.

Favorite Drink? 

Jessica: Water! This is like my one and only naturally healthy inclination, haha. 

Sarah: Diet Dr. Pepper. It tastes like dessert.

Facebook or Twitter? 

Jessica: Pinterest? I honestly try not to spend too much time on either, I just have too much else to do!

Sarah: Twitter for sure. I love how simple it is, and you can follow comedians who tweet rad one liners all day. I love Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome), Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan), and Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo). 

Good Book or a Good Movie?

Jessica: Good book 100%. I actually have to limit my reading time every day so that I get things done. I am completely obsessed.

Sarah: Both! I like books that get me thinking, and funny movies.

My Passion?

Jessica: My family.

Sarah: My husband, family and friends.

Giving or Getting Presents?

Jessica: Giving! I LOVE finding the perfect thing for someone and doing it on a budget. Best feeling ever.

Sarah: Giving. I can barely wait to give them so it's bad when I shop for Christmas too early. 

Favorite Day?

Jessica: Growing up it was always Tuesday, but now I love Saturdays because Bryce is home and we get to spend the whole day together doing whatever we want. 

Sarah: Sunday, (& Saturday if I don't have to work.) I make a point not to work or do homework on Sundays, just spend time on churchy and family things. It's very re-freshing.

Favorite Flowers?

Jessica: Calla Lilies.

Sarah: Roses. 

It was way harder than we thought it would be to pick just 10 blogs. There are so many blogs that inspire us! The 10 blogs we are awarding the Sunshine Award to (in no particular order) are:

It's Overflowing

The Sisters 4 Say More is More

Sumo's Sweet Stuff

The Gunny Sack

Pincushion Creations

Over The Big Moon

You Are My Fave

Create Craft Love 

Cotton and Curls

Uber Chic for Cheap

These ladies are honestly amazing. If you aren't already, make sure you start following them, we promise you won't regret it! 

-Jessica and Sarah

Easiest Home-made Maple Syrup

I learned this recipe from my husband when we started dating. When he told me that his family only ever had home-made maple syrup, I thought that sounded like a lot of work. It turns out that maple syrup is easier to make and ten times cheaper than just buying a bottle of Aunt Jemima's.

All you need is Sugar, Water and a bottle of Mapleine- maple flavoring found near the vanilla extract in the grocery store.

Free 4th of July Printables!!!

I may have mentioned this already before but July is my favorite month. I love it for its sunshine, its barbeques and its kids running around out of school. It is the deep summer month. Most importantly, it holds three of my very favorite birthdays, the birthday of this country, the birthday of my sweet husband and the birthday of my son Luke who is turning one this year... ah! So many wonderful things to celebrate, and I love a reason to celebrate. 

I have been planning out crafts for July since the end of February in my mind, but told myself I wasn't allowed to post anything until June. In celebration of June being the month before July, here are three printables I made.

So embarrassing to admit, but I was literally tearing up a bit as I made these. I really do love this country of ours, and I feel so blessed to live here. 

If you'd like to decorate your home with this printable, click here to download it.

Welcoming our newest sponsors!

Over The Big Moon



 

 

We are Pam and Lisa from Over the Big Moon!  Once neighbors and now great friends!  At Over the Big Moon you can find ideas for: traditions, routines, teaching, playing, learning, organizing, cooking, crafting, and anything else that helps make being a mom, wife and homemaker not only rewarding, but fun!  We would love for you to stop by and say hi!

Website:  http://www.overthebigmoon.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/overthebigmoon

Lisa's Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/johnlisa02

Pam's Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/overthebigmoon/

We just love these ladies so much! Their blog is so fun and inspiring and so are they. Head over and see for yourselves! We are so lucky to have them as sponsors.

Mariko Kay Photography

"Photography is something I could go on and on about if you ask me why I love it. I have been studying it for the past 6 years and have received a BFA in Photography and Digital Imaging, but my love for it started a long time ago. Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by the camera and still images. I loved the fact that I could freeze any moment in time simply by pushing a button on my camera. Yes, you can say that I get a little too giddy with my camera in hand, but what I get most excited about are the moments frozen in time--moments you can relive through the images that come out of my camera. This is ultimately why I love what I do. I have the privilege of witnessing something that is special to you and make it last forever through my lens. When I shoot a bride's special day, I treat it as if it were my own and capture as much as I can. I feel the need to take in every detail, everything from the weather down to what type of laces are on your groom's shoes. "Photograph others as you would have them photograph you." Golden rule, right? When it all comes down to it, I believe in being true and genuine as possible in every aspect, and the images I create will do just that."

Isn't she great guys? Make sure to check out her work and ask her how to get up to 25% off her already affordable prices! 

Classy Confessions

Hi! I'm megan and I blog over at Classy Confessions. I'm married to Andy and we have the most adorable little pup named Winston, (Yes, named after the one and only Winston Churchill) who occasionally makes an appearance on the blog. I blog about life, food, fashion and pretty much whatever else is on my mind, but mostly fashion. I believe the way I dress is an expression of who I am on the inside, plus it's probably one of the funnest forms of self expression right? Fashion blogging is a way to share my style with the world as well as gain inspiration from others, and it allows me to make new friends!

Isn't she gorgeous? Bonus, she is funny too! Megan's blog is fun to read and motivates us to get ready in the morning...even if our closets don't quite have the amazing options hers does, haha.

Welcome aboard to our lovely new sponsors!! 

-Jessica and Sarah

How do YOU budget?

We are starting a new series here on Pretty Providence, and we want to hear from YOU. We have absolutely loved reading your comments and emails about your budgets. We feel so blessed to have such great readers. Many of you have expressed how happy you were to hear that you weren't the only ones saving not spending.

We feel the exact same way.

So, we decided to start this series where some of you will guest post talking a little about your budget. It doesn't matter to us what your budget is, how much you save, how you do it...really there are no rules. We just want to prove that you are not alone out there. There are people who make the smart choices.

Everyone is different. No one's circumstances will be exactly the same. To quote myself, "it's personal." That is okay. It doesn't matter if you don't think that people will relate to you or understand your choices. Trust us, someone will. Just knowing that we are not alone in this makes all of us stronger.

Please email us if you are interested in sharing. It doesn't have to be long, or profound. Any thoughts are welcome.

Thanks again for supporting us in this blog, you motivate us every day to continue living frugally.

-Jessica and Sarah

Shabby Apple Giveaway WINNER!

True Random Number Generator 

 Min: 1 Max: 331 Result: 280

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations Julene!!!  

We hope you will love having a bit of spending money on Shabby Apple! We know we would.

Email us within 48 hours so we can set you up with your prize. 

**For those of you who didn't win, you can still enter the code "providence10off" to get 10% off your order!!!

Loves, 

Jessica & Sarah