What single people really wish married people knew (+ a dress I'm loving!)

What I'm reading and trying! = Hi, Friend! With Valentine's Day coming up this week, [this past week's podcast episode]( is perfect… because every married person needs to listen to what Annie F. Downs shares in this episode. And all of the single people need to listen to this episode to be encouraged by Annie’s story and life! Annie is the author of a number of books, including her newest children’s book, [So Happy to Know You!]()We talk about her days as a teacher that inspired this book, her heart behind writing this, and how God has given her so many opportunities to mother other children, even though she has never had children of her own. You’ll love Annie’s stories of personal growth and how she’s learned to acknowledge and embrace her unique personality. I loved when she shared how she got to give this book to a number of her former students and their kids! One of the topics I really wanted to get to ask Annie about was singleness. I was so grateful she was willing to share her journey, her struggles, and how God has used this longtime longing of her heart to shape the way she lives and serves others. She recently started the Single Purpose League, a community to provide support and connection for single individuals, particularly within the church. At the end of the conversation, Annie shares valuable insights on how married and single individuals can better understand and support each other and how the church can do a better job of walking with single people. I was so challenged and convicted by her words — and it ended up opening some doors for me to have really valuable conversations with single people in my life. [Listen to this episode here.]( I made Kombucha, Sauerkraut, and Water Kefir this week -- in addition to more sourdough bread. The jury is still out on whether or not I'm going to keep making sauerkraut and kombucha as they are both still brewing, but I am loving water kefir!! It is SO easy to make -- and such a delicious probiotic drink. You just pour water over the kefir grains and mix in some sugar. Then, after 48 hours, you can take out the water kefir and put into airtight bottles with some juice and keep on the counter 24 hours and it turns into a fizzy sparkling drink that tastes sort of like Izze, only way better for you! What I'm Attempting This Week: I going to continue fermenting my Kombucha and Sauerkraut and am also going to attempt making bagels and sourdough pancakes! Links You Might Be Interested In: - [3 Ways to Build a Relationship With Your Teenage Son]( -- the comments on this post are gold! - [What We Ate & Bought This Past Week](=) -- for those who love seeing all the details on our groceries and meals! - If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 10 Deals From This Past Week post!](=) There’s a hot deal on an online fitness program, card games, book deals, base layers sale (I love these for staying warm on cold days!), and a very popular mascara sale! - [A video to make you smile.](=) Amazon has these [Women’s Summer Bohemian Flowy Dresses for as low as $23.99](when you clip the 10% off e-coupon and save an extra 40% off at checkout! I got[this dress]() last week and love it so much that I asked if the sellers could offer a coupon code! It’s so comfortable and versatile! You could wear it with a jean jacket or wear a sweater over it to make look like a skirt and sweater. Also, Kaitlynn told me I have now fully embraced my Ma Ingalls era, but she also said it was very cute and wondered if she could borrow it. So I took that as a high compliment! Do you struggle with menu planning and getting dinners on the table each night for your family? If so, download my [FREE one-week menu plan]() to help take the stress out of menu planning this week! - Simplify (or actually start) meal planning for yourself or your family - Save time and money on the meal planning process - Feed your family well - Give your brain a break from tackling all the meal prep details on your own - Enjoy more quality time around the table with your family Your [One-Week Money-Saving Menu Plan](=) is where it’s at! It includes a grocery list with everything you need at the store plus complete recipes and side ideas to go with each dinner. Just click the below to download yours and make meal-time easier…starting TODAY! [Click here to get your FREE one-week menu plan!](=) (The stack of books I've finished so far this year!) What I'm Currently Reading/Listening to: [If I Were You](=) -- I'm listening to this audiobook and am almost finished with it. It feels like it's pretty slow going and the storyline is sort of dragging, but I've gotten this far so I'm going to finish! [Becoming Elisabeth Elliot]( -- I've read a few chapters of this book so far and am not sure what I think yet! [Only the Beautiful](-- My sister said I must read this book! And she knows me well, so if she says that, then I do what she says! I can't wait to dive in! [The Gift of Limitations]( -- I am loving this book so far. I'm six chapters in and it's deeply resonating with me! I just had to share this hot freebie! If you’re a Prime member and you’ve never tried Audible before, you can currently get your [first 3 months for FREE](!! (Just go [HERE]() and click on the black banner up top that mentions the 3 free months!) This is usually $14.95/month so this is a savings of almost $45!! This is the perfect opportunity to try it out and see if you like it before committing! Have a wonderful Sunday! -Crystal P.S. If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 10 Deals From This Past Week post!]() There’s a hot deal on an online fitness program, card games, book deals, base layers sale (I love these for staying warm on cold days!), and a very popular mascara sale! [Unsubscribe]( Money Saving Mom, LLC 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Ste. 900 #313 Franklin, Tennessee 37069 United States