My husband, Brad, can fix just about anything—and if he can’t, just give him five minutes and a YouTube video, and he’ll figure it out. I honestly can’t tell you how much money he’s saved us over the years. From appliances to cars, he’s our resident handyman. And when one of our girls’ cars needs work? You better believe he’s got them out there with him, learning how to do it themselves. I tell him all the time how attractive it is when he fixes things for me—I mean, who needs roses when you’ve got a man who can replace a water heater? I always remind my girls: Find a man who loves the Lord, makes you laugh, and knows how to fix things.
However, having an in-house mechanic does have its “issues” like the fact all of our cars are so old they might still have 8-track players. Okay, okay—maybe not that old… but not far off. As long as there’s even an ounce of life left in a car or appliance, Brad’s going to do everything in his power to bring it back from the brink. Trust me, I am SO thankful for that too!
But even he has limits. Not too long ago, our refrigerator finally crossed the line from “quirky” to “just plain dead.” Off we went to buy a new one—and wow, those price tags! Yikes. But, being the bargain hunters we are, we found a scratch-and-dent beauty: a shiny stainless-steel fridge with all the bells and whistles… for 75% off! The handles, they were 100% off. Yep—zero handles. But a quick internet search and $80 later, we had brand-new ones ordered and put them on ourselves, and now it looks like we spent a small fortune.
Now, I know some people might feel a little shy or even embarrassed about being thrifty—but not us! Brad and I genuinely love it and even brag about it if you let us. We have so much fun hunting for deals, fixing things up, and stretching our dollars. It’s like a game to us! In today’s economy, with kids and all the expenses that come with them, being thrifty isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
That’s why I am happy to share Janeen Lewis’s feature, “Thrifty and Thriving: Out-of-the-Box Budgeting Hacks That Help Families Spend Less and Save More.” Her ideas are not only clever, they’re actually fun!
And speaking of fun, another one of Janeen’s ideas pops up in Pam Molnar’s article this month: “Monthly Mom’s Night – 12 Get-Togethers Beyond Bunco and Book Club.” I was so excited when DeAnne shared this feature with me—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wanted to plan a girls’ night but didn’t know where to start (especially since I don’t know how to play bridge or mahjong!). Pam’s ideas are fresh, fun, and perfect for making memories.
Of course, no October issue would be complete without some fall fun and Halloween tips! This month’s Fall Festival Guide is packed with local corn mazes, pumpkin patches, trunk-or-treats, and festivals to keep your crew busy all season long.
We’ve also included a heartwarming feature by Shannon Dean: “A More Meaningful Halloween: Teaching Empathy and Compassion Through Costumes and Candy.” It’s full of simple, sweet ways to spark meaningful conversations with our kids during the season.
And don’t forget to check the Family Calendar for even more fun things happening around town!
So, as you pull out your pumpkins, thrift some cute fall décor, and DIY those costumes, I hope you’ll carve out a little time to slow down and soak up the sweet moments around you. There’s so much to be grateful for. Wishing you a season full of laughter, love, and lots of fun.
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
