Keepin' it Simple...Shopping

 

There was a time when I could shop-til-you-drop with the best of them. These days...not so much. For me, shopping has transitioned from being fun to being downright exhausting. Not to mention wayyyyyy more expensive than it used to be. You know what I'm talking about, don't you! And if you are like me, you are always looking for ways to save a little money without compromising the level of quality. So, I want to share a few suggestions with you on how to do just that.

1: Don't compromise the quality of what you buy. Less expensive doesn't always mean better. If you buy a less expensive product, but end up not using it because it doesn't 'do the trick' or you have to use more to get the same results, how much are you actually saving? Examples of products I've found this to be true of include bargain or off brand whole milk (it goes bad before the expiration date) and rice (gooey, starchy mess). 

2: On the other hand, just because you've always trusted a big-name brand, don't assume it's best. My gkids love s'mores So, this nanna keeps marshmallows on hand. Well, turns out the name brand contains dyes illegal in other countries. The famous big box store (starts with a 'w' and ends with a 't') has its own brand with a) cost less and b) contains NO dye. 

3: The Amazon SUBSCRIBE and SAVE option is a good way to save money on items you buy regularly. FYI: I am not getting any sort of kickback or compensation for promoting this service. I am sharing it because it's smart shopping. Subscribe and Save allows YOU to decide how much of an item you buy, AND how often you buy it. PLUS...they give you discounts on subscribe and save products-usually 5% to 15%-when you add them to your subscription service. Some of the items in my subscription service include my facewash, moisturizers, pro/prebiotics, my hubby's razor blades, and a few others. Oh-I even have my refrigerator water filter in this service, which allows me to save $25 a year on this item alone. 

4: Don't shop in bulk unless you use in bulk. Otherwise, you end up (literally) throwing money away. BUT shop in bulk for anything you can freeze (meat, shredded cheese, bread, etc.). 

5: REMEMBER: The less ingredients a food item has, the healthier it is. Why is this important? Because the healthier it is, the healthier you will be. And that is always a good idea...and money-saver. 

6: If you find a style/brand of shoes you like, buy several pair in different colors. It will cost more upfront, but you won't waste money on shoes that hurt your feet, made poorly, and so forth. 

7: Don't toss out everything that gets a stain or tear. Keep a few of these items for work/gardening clothes. Think about it-no one should ever spend money on clothes to get dirty in. 

Okay, that's enough to get you started thinking in a 'keepin' it simple' sort of way. So, until next time....

Keepin' it Simple,

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author and Speaker with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, hanging out with my mini-dachshund, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

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What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

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Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

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Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I have to say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

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*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

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*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

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*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

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*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

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*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

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*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. NOTE: Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

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Where can you find me?

I am winding down the season of speaking and book signings before the holidays, but if you 'like' or 'follow' me on FACEBOOK you will know about any and all upcoming events. 

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.