And your total comes to...

There is nothing I love more than saving money! I hate seeing money go to waste, which is why I absolutely love going bargain hunting. Now, I didn't bargain hunt for clothes today, but I found great deals at the grocery store. I was really happy with the good deals I found because I go through produce on a weekly basis. Therefore, I can not afford to pay high prices. Coupons help and so do preferred savings! Try to guess as you read through the list of items I purchased how much you think I spent? (aim a little higher because I had to pay high taxes. That is the worst part about living downtown Chicago). Okay, here it goes:


1. 2 loaves of 12 grain bread
2. 3 tomatoes
3. 3 apples
4. 3 bananas. By the ways, I figured out a good trick when it comes to banana buying. Since you obviously won't eat every banana that you buy in one day, you can buy 1 or 2 green ones, 1 or 2 medium green, 1 or 2 that are more yellow than green, and 1 or 2 yellow bananas. I figured that this way you don't risk any going bad by the time you get to the last one :) 
5. 11 oz of mixed greens
6. 1 avocado
7. 18 eggs
8. 10 containers of assorted mixed yogurts

Total: $21.61
saved: $8.53

It is crazy how little you can get these days with $20, or in this case $21.61. When my grandparents were young, spending $20 was like spending $100+. I wish you get more with your money like you could years ago, but you can't. Thus, I want to encourage you to find ways to cut costs! We don't need everything we thing we need. Next time you are shopping think, "do I NEED this or do I just WANT this item?" It is fun to try to find ways to save money,too. Or maybe I am weird and find some odd enjoyment out of it. Nonetheless, as a follower of Christ I want to honor God with my financial choices. I hope I have encouraged you to at least make a small change in your financial life. 


God Bless. 

Bacon, Anyone?

It has been a long week of studying and working on school projects, so the last thing I wanted to do was cook dinner tonight. I wanted to do something quick and easy. Therefore, I decided to make the classic B.L.T for my sister and a bacon salad for myself.
My sister finally got her camera back from the repair shop, today. she was extremely eager to take pictures. I am happy she did, because she captured our dinner beautifully! The best part was the fact that we were able to enjoy our dinner while watching'Grey's Anatomy'. Even better, we got to hear our brother, Andrew Belle's, song 'Make it without you' in the episode! This evening was wonderful.

Today's tip: never under estimate the wonders you can do with simple ingredients.

maggiefortson.com (my twin sisters photography website)

April Showers bring May...Herbs?

It has been a little while since my last post! My sister, who takes my photos for each blog post, has had her camera in the shop so I have had no one to take pictures for me. Her camera is in the shop for another week, but I could not wait any longer. So, These Images are horrible cell phone camera pictures. Honestly, I need to just save up and buy my own digital camera!

Anyways, my mom always has the most creative gift ideas. This year for easter she got me candy (of course) but also three little pots with seeds to grow my own herbs! She has been so supportive of my desire to grow my own food and eat fresh, natural food. Thank you, Mom.

I had had the pots sitting in my cabinet for almost a month, because I kept forgetting to purchase potting soil. Luckily, my mom is always good at remember the things I forget. When we were shopping yesterday she had the great idea of picking up potting soil.

Today I woke up feeling refreshed, after having been sick all weekend, and decided it was a perfect day to plant my seeds. It took a lot longer than I thought, but it was enjoyable. I can not wait to see them grow! Ill make sure I post a blog in a few weeks to show their progress. (Ill make other posts concerning different things in the mean time). Until then, live, laugh, and eat WELL.

God Bless.