Sign up for my newsletter and get a copy of my "28 Ways to Slash Your Grocery Budget"

One Hundred Dollars a Month

I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.

Mavis’ 24 Days of Christmas Giveaways – Day 14

The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure
By on ·

mavis-butterfield-one-hundred-dollars-a-month

I like to keep things classy around here, so tonight I’m giving away yet another case of Angel Soft Toilet Paper. If you don’t want to enter because you don’t use toilet paper in your neck of the woods, I totally get it, but hey, you could always pass it along to a neighbor or something, or even barter with it.  I hear a lot of people are using toilet paper these days. 😉

angel soft

All you have to do to enter this giveaway is leave a comment below and let us know what has been the best thing that has happened to you this year.

Just answer that one question and you’re entered to win. Life’s pretty complicated sometimes, so I like to keep things simple around here.

Rules

1 entry per person/ip address. If you cheat, you will totally be disqualified.

This giveaway ends  December 14th, 2013 @6 pm PST and the winner will be announced in the December 15th, 2013 edition of Mornings with Mavis. You will be notified via email and have 24 hours to claim your prize. If you do not claim your prize within 24 hours, the prize will be forfeited.

Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to residents of the US only.

Good Luck! I hope you win!

♥ Mavis

You can stay up to date on all this giveaway madness by following OneHundredDollarsAMonth on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

Hang out with Mavis & Lucy right in your Inbox!

Comments

  3. Learning some new skills from some of the self reliant blogs I read on internet….your blog has helped as well with the bartering aspect I love to barter and do it quite often…but I wont barter the toilet paper I put it towards my stock pile im trying to obtain… 🙂

  6. The BEST thing that has happened this year for me is that I still have my mother around as the year ends. I’m getting “up there” myself and count myself blessed to have both adult children and a parent left in my life. The second best thing, at the risk of sounding like a kiss-up, might be finding this site!

  8. Best thing… I realized what I’m supposed to be doing with my life! I just enrolled in college today! Yay!

  11. Moved to a new house where I can work on becoming more self sufficient. I can have a garden and raise rabbits now yay!

  12. My husband and brother opened up a new fish store. They have been trying to do this for several years and they have finally accomplished it.

  13. this has been such an amazing year it’s hard to pick just one thing… I would say the best part has been watching my daughter become an avid reader. man, I love that damn kid!

  15. Best thing this year was my son started preschool and he loved it. I was so nervous for him to go, but he loves school and I’m so glad to see him happy 🙂

  16. The best thing that happened to me this year is learning I am going to have 2 new grand children.

  21. I pulled off a surprise 50th birthday party for my hubby! It was amazing and he was totally surprised.

  22. I think the best thing thats happened to me this year is that I’ve made some new like minded & self sufficient friends, as well as have learned some new skills. :o)

  23. My daughter turned 1 year old AAANNNDD I finally felt confident,fully inspired and pretty sure I wasn’t gonna mess her up.

  24. I moved to live on a farm, first time in my life, and i LOVE it! So much to learn and so much to do.

  25. The best thing that happened this year is when we adopted a little chihuahua named Remi. She has won my husbands heart. He’s mush around her lol

  28. After being engaged for 5 years my daughter finally got married, and she got married on her father’s birthday!

  29. Best thing in 2013: our son became engaged recently and we are gaining a new, beautiful, sweetie-pie daughter-in-law!! Yay! Thanks, Mavis, for all that you do 🙂

  32. We started homesteading! 4 goats and 26 chickens later my life is so much happier! Also started canning too!

  33. Oh, gosh…there are tons of great things that happened this year! One of my most memorable moments was my son’s delight in harvesting his produce from his own garden! He was so excited to show everyone his mini garden (he’s five…so we gave him a small chunk to plant as he saw fit) and pick his vegetables. I think his small plot grew better produce than the rest of our garden!

  34. We just had our biggest snow of the year and got to play in almost a foot of it! So much fun since we hardly ever get snow.

  36. I think the best thing that’s happened is really that nothing much has happened. Everyone’s been pretty happy and healthy, and that’s great!

  37. The best thing that happened to me this year is finding a meditation class. It’s amazing.

  39. The best thing to happen to me was quitting my job to become a stay-at-home Mom. It’s tough some days but so worth it!

  40. I was so blessed that my two sisters and I had Thanksgiving together – the first time in ten years.

  41. I have got to say the best thing that happened to me this year is not actually something that happened to me, but that the doctors saved my sisters life by not trusting a CT scan but their instincts and did emergency surgery and it saved her life! She is still in ICU and on a ventilator but she is still with us.

  42. No pun intended here… After 10 years in the septic business, we finally bought a new pumper truck, which was definitely the highlight of the year for us!!

  45. My mom sent me some money when we really needed a boost. I’ve been doing without for so long. It was totally unexpected. My husband had been depressed and he smiled for the first time in a long time.

  46. Watching my daughter shine in her dance recital. Her ballet is beautiful and is the highlight of my year.

  48. After working in an extremely stressful job that was affecting his health, my husband started a new job this summer. Also my brother started a new job this fall after being unemployed for a year.

  49. This past year was a really tough one for our family — both financial and health wise. The highlight was when my daughter was accepted into the college she wanted to attend and earned a partial scholarship.

  50. Hmm…in some ways it has been a very difficult year, including financially. But at the same time, there have been many wonderful blessings. We had an unexpected financial gift almost 3 months ago now which was huge to us. Also, I got to go to a retreat which was life-changing in many ways for me. Those two are pretty much a tie. 🙂

  51. We sold our house in Costa Rica (in a depressed market) and bought property in Kingman Arizona! get to be 2000 miles closer to my girls and grand children!

  55. Being so proud of how wonderful my 2 1/2 year old daughter is. She is so kinda and living and wise it is absolutely amazing! <3

  59. The best thing that happened to me this year, was being able to go to the distant SASS matches I wasn’t sure I would be able to afford to make.

  61. The best thing that happened this year was getting a full time job after 4 months unemployed. Very grateful.

  63. I have so much to be thankful for, but the best thing that happened this year was the continued ability to stay home with my children! I am such a lucky lady!

  67. I got to take my sister on a vacation, first one in 35 years. We spent a wonderful week at the beach. She has cared for her husband around the clock turning him every two hours. Some family members stepped in to give her a much needed break. Oh, what joy to watch her enjoy her self….just like the kid in all of us.

  68. I found out 4 years ago about a sister I didn’t know about. We live on opposite ends if the country. I went and met her and my dad whom I haven’t seen since I was 6. I’m 55. Thrilled to have a sister!!

  69. This year our family had a successful move, and since I’ve been able to watch my young boys grow, learn, and be kids! Oh, and I started going to college…. again for the first time in years!

  70. Wow, that’s a deep question. I guess I would say finding a school that can help my son make physical improvements.

  74. My best news this year was to hear our family is getting a new grandbaby, AND a new great-grandbaby!!!!

  76. Well its hard to pick one thing as the best thing. My family is healthy and getting ready to get all together again for Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holiday and has always been magical for me. I would have to say one of the most fun and satisfying things has been to plant tons and tons of flowers in our yard this year. They were so beautiful and I am really excited about seeing them come back next year even more beautiful!

  79. The best thing that has happened to me this year is being able to be a stay at home mom and be with my 3 year old son as he grows up. 🙂

  80. Not the best but the best story is probably my cousin having her baby boy on my birthday. Which I also happen to share with another cousin, an aunt, and my daughter! My family has August 20th locked down. 🙂

  82. My daughter came home from South Korea for a 3-week visit. I had not seen her in nearly 2 years. We had a lot of catching up to do!

  85. The best thing that’s happened to me all year is just getting to watch my grandbaby grow. She’s 3 now and I’m fortunate enough to have her and her mom living with me here on the family farm.

  87. It sounds strange, but coming home has been the best thing that has happened to me! It’s nice visiting folks but nothing is better than my own bed!!!

  91. My first grandbaby was born 12 days ago! The cutest little guy – a wonderful birthday gift and Christmas gift all wrapped in one little bundle!

  92. My best friend and the love of my life celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have had an amazing life together raising our two daughters…life is very good. I am very blessed.

  94. the best thing that happened to me this year, is the ability to go back to church. my family has not wanted to go, so i asked the visiting minister about anyone who would be willing to give me a ride and her parents now take me to service and to bible study. i have met some good people and have the ability to go outside the house a few times a week. 🙂

  95. The best thing that happened to me this year is…..we lost our home, 2/3 of our income but the knowledge of how God has gotten us through is the best thing ever!

  97. The best thing that happened this year was that I began meditating and found some peace and strength and I am a better person for it – cheers Mavis

  98. The best thing that happened this year was also the worst. Funny how life has plans like that for us! I lost my dad in June to ALS, that was the worst. In his last days I came to know his brothers and sisters so much closer, and that has been the best 🙂 I am grateful for them , my sister, husband and son. All of us rallying together throug our loss has been amazing 🙂

  102. Best thing this year is my last baby starting kindergarten. She has been very excited about learning new things.

  105. Two things really: I just had my third baby 5 weeks ago and my oldest just started school. It’s amazing how fast they grow.

  106. The best thing that happened all year was the birth of my youngest son. I found out I was pregnant on New Year’s and it was a long pregnancy through triple-digit summer weather. He arrived healthy and big. He is a wonderful baby and barely cries. Couldn’t ask for more than that!

  108. I’ve had a terrible year and the best thing is happening right now. My husband and I were finally able to get away for two days for our anniversary. Our first trip away from our kids in 7 years.

  109. 2013 has been tough but the best thing was probably a quick trip to my aunt and uncles 65th wedding anniversary…saw family I haven’t seen for 20 years!

  110. Best thing this year is when my mom calls and says the tough old bird ( my dad ) made it through( another surgery ) and my kids health

  113. I made a vision board at the start of the new year with some various goals, and with some focus and support from my family it has all happened.

  115. The best was finally get the probate out of the way of my late husbands passing….then now waiting for daughters 3rd child to be coming any day now…Its been rock …but blessed.

  116. The best thing that happened to me this year was my husband surprising me with a puppy after we lost both of our dogs and our cat, all in a four month period last winter. I was so despondent, but he somehow knew giving me a reason to have to get out of bed and back into life was the perfect medicine. I think my puppy Persie saved my life!

  117. My Dad turned 90 this year and is still healthy and happy and fun to do stuff with. And two different visits from old friends I have not seen in a LONG time – one for 30+ years and the other for more than 10 years! 🙂

  119. Surviving cancer and the chemo/radiation treatments. It’s good to be feeling better and looking toward the future.

    Thanks Mavis – for an entertaining and informative blog. I enjoy bargains, recipes, reading about chickens and hope to also able to have a mini garden next summer. You inspire me.

  121. My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. That would have to be the best thing this year.

  126. Spending a week down in San Diego with my entire family, extended included, for my cousin’s wedding. It was a needed break in an otherwise rough year.

  128. Like everyone on here, I see a lot of us have been blessed this year so picking one things is tough. I think the best thing that has happened to me is working my butt off and losing 50 lbs, making healthy living a priority. We are all worth it!

  130. Spending time with my dad and brother over Thanksgiving. I don’t get to see either of them often enough and yes, years do go by in between. BTW, we SO need to win this! 😉

  133. The best thing that happened to us this year is still up for grabs. The years not over yet right? We bought a house, but we hate it. My Dad died but it was the best as he was battling kidney failure. My family is healthy, happy, making a living, and is wonderful. I’m really hoping 2014 brings lots of joy!

  135. My parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary party. I saw so many friends and relatives that I have not seen in years while celebrating my parents’ 50 years together. Tons of fun!

  137. I fist bumped the President of the United States! And about three hours ago I saw the Backstreet Boys live!

  138. My greatest gift this year is finding out my husband DOES NOT have Alzheimer’s!! He instead has a reversible type of dementia and is already showing signs of improvement!!

  141. two things… finally went on a vacation, and my senior dog managed to pulled through kidney failure so we have at least a few more months with her (every day is a blessing!) 🙂

  143. Moved to a new state with our family… however winning an entire case of TP could be a close second!!!

  145. We bought a house! We’ve lived in the same apt. for over 14 years. Now the kids have their own bedrooms. I don’t have to go to the laundromat to do laundry. We have a dishwasher. There is room for my teenage daughter to host study groups. Both kids have had kids over for sleepovers. My son has a yard to run around in and is enjoying playing with neighborhood friends. It’s been a life-changing and memorable year. We’re so grateful.

  147. Moving to MT which was the goal for my husband to get back to his home state after close to 20 yrs outside of it. 🙂

  148. The best thing that is happening to me this year is all my hard work is finally (after years and years) is paying off!

  151. The best thing this year was definitely the trip to the Mediterranean–Italy, Greece, and Turkey–with my husband.

    Thanks,
    Anne

  152. My Dad is recovering from a fractured skull. Falling off a ladder and getting injured isn’t great, but the fact that he is alive and recovering is wonderful!!

  153. Finding out after surgery that my husband’s cancer was encapsulated in his kidney. Praying for 50+ more years together!

  158. The best thing that happened to me this year was that I got married! We took the immediate sides of both of our families to a beautiful house in western Maine . We went white water rafting, canoeing, hiking, and even saw a black bear. It was a really fun way to unite two families into one.

    This is particularly special because I was a widow and didn’t think I would find someone to love again. Life couldn’t be better! Well, only with winning some TP. Love your blog! Read it everyday.

  160. My 16 year old son received a heart transplant! He ended up being in the hospital for 232 days this year, and boy did we party when we brought him!

  161. My eight yr. old son struggles with behavior problems. This has been a much better yr. for him and our family.

  163. I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a mother to a completely fun 8-year old. He turns 9 on December 31.

  165. The best thing to happen to me this year was for a sweet friend to allow us to use their 32 foot RV after my husband lost his job (he recently started working again just a couple months ago, YAY) and have continued to let our family use it while getting back on our feet. A true blessing 🙂

  168. The best thing for me this year was getting to know my father before he passed away. We had never been close, but when I found out he had cancer I made the effort to reconnect. It was a true blessing.

  169. I completed my Masters degree after having to take a break because of an unexpected pregnancy which blessed us with twins!

  170. Being with my husband this year after he retired. Knowing we are still as in love after 37 years. Being able to work together on this next phase of our life.

  171. Dude, I’d never pass up free toilet paper!!! Thanks. 🙂 The best thing? My husband landed a really desired job. With benefits (much better than the 2 part time jobs without benefits he was working for 3 years before!!)

  173. The best thing this year was gardening and growing our own food! This was the first year we really tried, and we also planted a fall/winter garden

  175. My hubby and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary on Myrtle Beach this year. It was the Best Time!!

  176. The best thing that has happened to me this year is that my 17 year old daughter has successfully made it through her spinal fusion surgery. She had to have surgery in June to correct severe scoliosis. She now has a 17 3/4 inch scar down her back and two titanium rods and screws the length of her spine. She had complications and was hospitalized for most of July. We got through that and now she is doing very well. I’m so glad that that is over, and so thankful that she is recovering!

  179. Unfortunately, my husband developed a chronic debilitating illness, but on the positive side, this has strengthened our 18-year marriage to rock solid. My husband, my 2 boys, and myself, have bonded throughout this time like never before. A blessing in disguise!

  180. My life has been full of blessings this year, but I think the best was to be in church watching my son and my grandson be baptized at the same service. Very sweet and meaningful.

  181. Learning to NOT worry about what others think! I can do what I can afford and it doesn’t matter what others think about that!

  182. Moved out of a McMansion in a “high maintenance” suburb to a modest, comfortable home on 5 acres.

  183. The best thing that happened to me this year is I’ve kept my New Year’s resolution going for the 5th year in a row…TRY and do a good deed every day, key word being try. Oh and I also hit the 100 pound mark as in I’ve lost 100 lbs. in 18 months and not gained an ounce back! YAY me!

  186. God has been so good all year log – it’s hard to pick just one thing, but one really big blessing is that my husband just recently was officially hired! It was 3 1/2 years of unemployment, under-employment, two jobs, working from home, and now finally he has his taxes removed from his paychecks, 40 hours a week at an office, and vacation time to boot!

  187. Best thing this year was celebrating all 3 of my children’s birthdays am so thankful for their health and their happiness! Also the birth of my first nephew!

  192. Best thing this year was making the decision to go back to school for a degree in business/HR management. Graduating in 2015 is going to really help my family!!

  193. Our son got engaged to a wonderful young woman!! We already feel like she is family but this makes it official!!

  195. Making it through the year and having more joy than last year, even though circumstances haven’t changed.

  196. I am credit card debt free this year for the first time since I graduated college 15 years ago! Next up-saving money to buy a condo.

  197. Spending time with our granddaughter and finding out we have two more on the way (another girl and ???).

  199. My DH had a conference in NOLA. I went along and had a great time sight seeing and eating my away around a beautiful city

  200. The best thing that happened this year was my 88 year old mother survived two very serious hospitalizations where she was not expected to live. With that came the friendship and caring of so many wonderful healthcare workers who rather than simply doing a job, gave her the love and will to live. One nurse in particular stands out and has befriended her, visits her on his days off and shares his own family with her on the weekends when he’s not working. Nothing could be better… ever!

  201. Blessed to have a wonderful and loving family around me, and Blessed to have found this blog. The Praise Reports I have read here are so uplifting! Even though I don’t know any of you, I found myself with tears of joy and happiness for you. Thanks for sharing!

  202. Actually getting a paying job. Only lasted a short while, but has given me a boost to become more independent, and get our lives back on track. Still in the poor house, but it’s improving.

  207. We found out why my Father’s lower legs were swelling. I know it sounds strange but now that we know what the cause is we can focus on treatment.

  208. I have a lot of great things that happened this year. I am very thankful that my grandfather survived a stroke and recovered fairly well. 🙂

  210. My husband and I celebrated 4 years of marriage and 8 years of “dating” each other still. 🙂

  211. This Summer, I was lucky enough to have my sister and her now husband living with me while they prepared to get married and move across the country! Helping them get married, pack, and move, as well as just getting to see them so much were the highlights of my year.

  212. Moved to our new farm and started raising our flock of chickens… next year we are getting a milking cow.

  213. So many wonderful things have happened this year….all rolled into one- after living 14 hours away from my “boyfriend” of ten years for a year and a half, we built a house, moved in and got MARRIED. I’ve never been so happy together on our new homestead.

  214. Started a new career with benefits just in time, pregnant with our second son, husband graduated, so many blessings this year.

  215. Volunteering 3 days a week. Not only do I get to work with a great charity but I commute in with my husband so I get to spend more time with him.

  216. I committed to doing 52 handmade projects and reading 52 books this year. It’s been a little crazy,but it has also helped me keep sane in some rough times this year.

  218. My HH 3rd shoulder surgery did not take and he’s has a 12 year early forced retirement. We are going to make the most of it and enjoy every step.

  219. One of the best things to happen in our family was finally feeling like we had a handle on our 3 year old daughter’s Celiac disease.

  220. We r going to have our first grandchild. Cant wait to pass along another generation of gardening and canning skills!

  221. The best thing that has happened to be this year, is getting sober (Alcohol). It is the best thing in the world that has happened to me and I am thankful everyday! (just about 11 months of greatness to be exact!) 🙂

  227. This best thing that’s happened this year is that we moved into a bigger house with lots of room.

  228. Walking every morning for an hour with my beautiful rescue dog, who has gotten better with loose leash walking and minding me. Great to see the seasonal changes with my little pal! 🙂

  229. So many wonderful things have happened to me this year it’s hard to pick just one. I guess I’d have to pick having my daughter come for a visit. Her husband is a marine, and when he deployed this year, she spent a few weeks with us here in Arizona before heading to stay in Vermont until he returns.

  231. I quit my job of 20 years and moved from California to Idaho to be with my daughter and grandkids. Talk about a leap of faith or a mid-life crisis.

  233. The best thing that happened to me this year was pretty much any and all the milestones that I got to witness my son making. Watching him learn to walk, and now to speak… its the best!

  234. The best thing for us was when one of our sons was able to travel to Australia for 5 months. He will be home Monday….so excited!

  235. Getting to go up in a Hot Air Balloon for my birthday. I have loved them (from the ground) for years – first time up in one and I loved it!

  237. Welcoming the birth of our son, Keats Galway Pierre who is now 6 months old, loves to bounce in his Johnny Jump Up, and has 3 year old twin older sisters who love babying, loving on, and playing with him!

  238. My very good friend has cranial surgery and this year we were blessed to watch him recouperate and heal. Feeling SO lucky and blessed!!!

  241. I would have to say finally finding a great school that challenges my children and foster’s their love of learning.

  246. Living this beautiful life in the daily. . . having the freedom to home school, a great community, a great family!

  247. My daughter had her first birthday this year. It was an especially big deal because her first couple months of life were spent in the NICU, so seeing her grow healthy and happy is something I savor.

  249. Hi Mavis – finding your site and following you around the country. My you are a very busy lady. Thanks for all the great posting for your readers to enjoy!

  253. Steady employment, watching my son mature and getting a California vacation to see old friends and family (and the sun).

  255. My sister decided to divorce her husband (only sad in the short term, very happy in the long term!).

  257. The best thing this year was 2 new jobs (both promotions) in our household! It’s allowed us more freedom to spend time with family and purchase our dream home – we are moving next week!

  259. Finding out my daughter got into her 1st choice of college and all her hard work has paid off. GO BADGERS!

  261. The best things that happened to me were when taking my therapy dogs (all rescues) to the residential children’s home where l volunteer. Such amazing times!

  263. Being able to spend time with my Grand Girl on several occasions. She lives 500 miles away and I miss her every day!

  265. Being blessed enough to send my daughter to a Christian School. I had tried so hard to homeschool, but it was super difficult for me. I was carrying around this huge weight because of the expectations I had for myself and also those of my husband. It was the biggest relief!

  267. Going to Alaska to visit both my kids at once — we cooked up a storm, went for walks in the snow and had a lot of “remember when” conversations.

  268. The best thing that happened to this year is what happens to me every morning for the last 6 years. I wake up to the best fella a girl could ever be lucky enough to be married too!

  269. We learned we will have three little grand-daughters within twelve months as each of our three children has had or will have a little girl. 🙂

  270. Visiting my children in San Francisco and having my little grandaughter take her first steps when she was so happy to see me!

  271. There have been many blessings to be thankful for this past year, but I think the greatest of these was being able to visit our families back east. We have no family here in the southwest and it is very expensive to get the 5 of us back to see our family in CT and IL. However, this past summer we were finally able to get back to see most of them, many of whom we haven’t seen in several years. This past summer I actually finally saw my cousin whom I hadn’t seen in over 30 years! We had a great time catching up!

  272. So many things. But I met two brothers and a sister I didn’t know I had growing up and lots of other relatives this summer.

Mavis Butterfield Etsy