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Friday, November 21, 2008

So I'm a horrible updater. I think what happened is I slipped up and bought something (a dvd I've wanted for a long time) and was ashamed to post about it. Well I did, I felt bad and then I moved on.

N went forward with his computer purchase so now we have that too. Sigh Otherwise we're doing really well. I havent even been to Joanns for notions. I've been in a sewing rut and havent sewn anything new, so I havent needed any notions. Funny how that works.

We refinanced the car with our bank, now we have lower payments on that plus they gave us $100 for refinancing. I guess that will go toward that damn computer. I see no need for a new one, but he swore he NEEDED it. Need wah wah waaaaahhh. Anyway it will be here later today, so its kind of weighing heavy on my mind. Grr N has a trip for work soon that should give him enough bonus to pay most of it off.

At least we're doing a little Chritmas, I'm hoping not to spend much money at all. I need to get to work on the soaps and paper towels soon. Oh and dig out the list and double check it. AND get N to use his new computer to figure out what pictures he wants on the E calender the grandparents will be getting.

Oh and the Grinch was on a few days ago and I just keep saying to myself... "I must stop Christmas from coming.... but How?!" I dont think that was the moral of the story but that is what has stuck with me.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Half a month down..


and so far so good. I was just thinking about how boring my no spend blog can become. I mean we dont do much and how does one write about not spending money. Ha. I'm sure there will be something to write about once I find something I "need."


So far I havent even needed notions to finish any projects. And thats cool with me Joanns is like a black hole. You step in the door and already 15 minutes have passed and things you dont recall putting in your cart are there.


Ah and above is E in her sweet new Brobee costume.

Monday, October 6, 2008

1 week in

So far, so good. We used our dinner out last week on a 10 piece chicken nugget. Ha Ha Oh well at least it was cheap.

At the last minute I decided to got to my friends wedding. And I am sooo glad I did. It was cool to see everyone and we did some hanging out before and after.

Usually when we drive down there for the weekend we end up spending money on all sorts of un-needed junk. This weekend we did really good. :) I did got to yard sales with my mom. Fortunatly not much tempting me. Though my mom did buy me a Bules Traveler cd and a cd case (a whole $1.50) and E some little people. (About 10 different ones for $1) So while I didnt spend I did get some new things, which kind of feels like cheating.

Hmm what else... oh yea I sold some patterns to help fund the gas for the trip. Which reminds me that gas was only 3.19 today when I drove to town. I really shouldve filled up but I only have the card for the second bank account with me.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

First real test

E and I went grocery shopping this morning. And I stuck to the list. Woot! Actually the only real temptation was "Goldfish" since when E saw them she started yell "GoFish!! GoFish!!!" Is that rabbit over there? No. Sorry hun a half a cup of crackers is just not worth a dollar.

Oh and there was a mum stand on the way home, but really I'm like the kiss of death for plants. It's a good thing for them I'm on a no spend.

So far so good, so whats that 2 days down. LOL

Oh and I used up this months trade on a ffs sparrows apron. I am so excited!

Oh and I just want to briefly mention how I make my grocery list. Basically I make a list of dinner options usually about 2 weeks worth (which is about 9 meals since we eat leftovers a lot.) Then I go through each recipe in my head, and note what I need for it. Checking my pantry as I go so I dont double up on anything. For breakfast we pretty much stick to cereal or oatmeal so I restock on those if needed. And lunch is sandwichs or leftovers. And sometimes Ramen. So tasty for 18 cents.

I know I used to just go to the grocery store and wing it and this helps soo much. I have a list of meals for DH to pick from and I know I have everything to make them. So much more simple. :)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Our first hit

So I had planned on going to a friends wedding this weekend but it is currently looking like a no go. We dont have the money for the gas, and would have to drive back that night anyway. Instead we're going to stay home and chill, and maybe MIL will stop by and play with E on Saturday.

Also I edited the christmas rule: removed 1x E calender and added 1x something for teen

Stil working things out

So last night as I lay in bed working out some rules, and how Christmas gifts would go, I realized something. My Moms birthday is in about a Month. What in the world should I get her?

And about 5 minutes ago I decided I would have E draw her a picture, and then I would trace that picture and embroider it onto some of the tan fabric I already have and leave it in the hoop so it cant be a decoration of sorts. :) What I need to do now though is gather up all the embroidery thread I have so I can only give E those colors to draw with. Ha Ha

I also wanted to make a nice pretty list of the rules:

- No buying anything outside of needs (food, gas)

- Can eat out one time a week, if Taco Loco prefereably during lunch hour (for cheaper)

- Can do 1 trade a month that involves me paying shipping. A FFS will count as that trade. Can do trades heavy on my end to avoid shipping cost.

- Money made from PP will be transfered to bank upon reaching a round number

- Cash will go into cash savings for N's computer

- N can buy his birthday present video game, since it has been planned for, for a while, and I can buy notions I need to finish projects.

- **Christmas** 4x E Calender, 4x towel, 2x children toy, 1x something for teen and the last piece to E's set, pack of Chirstmas Cards. Making soap and cookies which I should have already. Might need to buy extra cookie ingredients.

That should do it for now. If I need to add any or make any clarifications I'll just type them into this post and make a brief note of it in the newest post at that time.

Good Luck us!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Not Spending

..or should I say minimally spending. Inspired by a Dawn from DSD we're going to go on a no spend. But since we are wusses and wishy washy it's not quite a no spend.
Basically, we've talked about exceptions. Such as notions for sewing for me. No new fabric but notions I can buy. Nate can get the game he has been planning to buy for his birthday but the release date was pushed back into OCT. Also Nate is set on the idea that he needs a new computer around the end of the year. Sigh I could say No but I know it wouldnt make a difference.

We also have to have our weekly Taco Loco fix. LOL or some other form of me not cooking at least once a week. Also Christmas, sigh what to do about Christmas. I think a lot of people will be getting Elora calenders, the others towels (hey everyone loves a nice fluffy towel), and the kids something around 10$ each (D&S), I'll get a pack of Chritsmas cards and the missing piece of E's set and be done with it. Its frustrating that it has turned into a chore, but I'm tired of trying so hard every year to feel like people dont really give a shit. Meh at least its planned out, and I hope to be done with it soon. Maybe I'll do my Xmas shopping when I'm in a spendy mood and know I cant buy anything else.

Tommorow I'm going to have to clean the house (its a shit hole after today's decluttering fest) and then get a grip on all the medical bills. And draw out a budget, see where we are at and create a goal amount to be put toward the CC. Once thats paid off we'll either focus on one of the cars, or start a stash, but first things first I want that damn CC paid OFF!

Oh and since I breifly mentioned medical bills, N is going to have to have hip surgery. Apparently the bones are misshapen and will continue to get worse til he eventually needs total hip replacement unless he is does this now. As far as I know this surgery is going to require them cutting him open and popping his legs out of the socket then grinding the bones down. Needless to say we are all worried about it, he hasnt scheduled it yet but is looking at somewhere around Thanksgiving. Ugh poor boy has some crappy crap medical problems.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Spring?




What felt like Spring anyway. A day or so before Easter the tempertures were in the 70s and just lovely. I mean the kind of weather were you want to be outside. And of course we took full advantage of those days with lots of running around in my parents yard.

Then Wham! (not the band) cold. Cold and wind came back just in time for egg hunting. Yikes. Quick find the eggs before your nose freezes off. All in all a good holiday weekend. Until....

We spent the next weeks puking and pooing our guts out simultaneuosly. Thanks for the stomach virus J and A. You knew your child was sick so you still bring it over to infect the entire family. And I mean entire, I dont think anyone was left out of this pukefest, even the in laws got involved. Fortunatly my grandparents were spared. I guess it is a good thinkg E was being so shy.

So it's still cold and we're all a little sick. But I've still got my fingers crossed for warmer weather.

Oh and I finally made a loaf of bread. Not a hard disgusting brick of flour and water but a nice loaf, which when smothered with creamcheese and strawberries makes a delicious snack.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Productivity

I feel productive. Even if I’m not. The last few days have been filled with the mind-numbing increasingly irritating errands that have to be done. It’s amazing how little task become grand undertakings just by adding a baby. (Though I guess technically she isn’t a baby, she’s a toddler… where do these words come from.) Anyway long story short, going to the grocery store is about all that was accomplished yesterday.

I did finally get some hoops to hang on the wall with my favorite fabrics, and I’m really loving the one I hung up in the computer room, the one in the dining room… not so much. I guess because instead of a fabric I loooove, I chose one I thought would match. (Didn’t I just write about not matching? *head slap*) Bah hopefully it will grow on me.

And my soap making looks like it may never happen. Since Joann’s (chain crafty place) idea of soap making supplies seems to be limited to giant bars of soap you melt and pour into overpriced plastic trays. That’s right you too can turn big soap into little soaps. Dangit where is the lye! I even checked Kroger but probably wasn’t looking in the correct place, and since I had made the same mistake of going on SENIOR DISCOUNT DAY, (Da Da Duuuummmm) I really just needed to get out of there, and fast.

But to sum it up I say I “feel” productive because here it is the end of the day, and the house is trashed. Dishes in the sink, toys on the floor, dirty clothes strewn about (Thanks stripper N!) and it really doesn’t matter. I can tidy quickly before FIL arrives Friday, and then go back to my lazy day to day. With the main focus on finding a day to day rhythm that leaves me happy and healthy … oh and the dogs fed.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Stuck





So much snow! It just poured down yesterday and last night, and continues to do so today. N is estimating 8-10". Yucky.

I havent got anyof MY projects done because I seem to be missing some little thing from each. (Thread, for example.)

E has discovered the joys of playing ball with Snoopy. She giggles so hard I worry she'll yak sometimes.

I dont have much to type today really just wanted to toss in a quick update. We're all snowed in and I hope to take this oppurtunity to hang up some pictures or something. We've lived here almost 2 years and still havent moved in. Got to start working on that. Fluff the nest and all.

Friday, March 7, 2008

For me

I want to finish these projects: MY quilt, MY wallet, and hoop up some of MY favorite fabrics to decorate MY sewing area. Ha Ha notice a pattern? I also want to start cutting some 4” squares for a massive patchwork quilt. Oh and soap I want to make some yummy honey and oatmeal soap.

Really I want to make a change around here. I’m tired of being tired and unhappy. I’ve really been making an effort to find my way out for a while. And I think I see the light.

Yesterday on my lovely DSD board, someone linked this blog: http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/ and I was taken in all day. I read and read and just fell in love with a lot of it. But I needed more so I followed her links to blogs she loves and found http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/2007/12/index.html ... I want to be this woman. LOL Seriously she is intelligent, loving and crafty. She takes fab pictures and writes engrossing blog entries.

Oh and did I mention her house… from the glimpses we see in her pictures I love it. It is a HOME. Often times I feel like this house isn’t a home… it’s a deathtrap on a hill that wreaks of drywall and new. Oh with giant floating dustpuppies that I can keep up with. But what these blogs made me think about is how much I want my home to feel like home. Matchy matchyness be damned I want to fill my home with things I love, and in a way I love.

The problem with that is our current money situation. Somehow we wound up owing the government for all the useless roadwork they did last year. (You know if I it was healthcare(!) I might feel less bitter.) And our heater broke a few weeks ago and it ate up a good part of my bday money for my camera. L So right now we are just trying to save our way into a comfy little nest and at the same time a Rebel XTi. Ha, all the beans (and farting) will be worth it when I start taking beautiful non blurry orange pictures of my lil bear. So basically I will not be spending money on making my house beautiful. But I will be cashing in that Christmas coupon for a visit to IKEA. Omg only 5 more days til it opens. Woooo.

Also on the down to earth blog she made a wonderful post about how we view housework. And while I should dig it out and link it here I’d rather you peruse her wonderful blog yourself. Hehe Basically it is never ending… so stop trying to finish. Ahhh that’s what I needed. I can’t stand to have an unfinished project it haunts me like the ghost-of-projects-long-forgotten, lingering over me as I sleep. But today and yesterday to some extent I stopped pressuring myself to find an end. I do what I can to make my house fun, safe, inviting (to people that don’t object to dog hair), and mine.

Dishes are done, table is cleaned, toys are strewn across the floor and E and I enjoyed a nice long snuggle session looking out at the snow from our snuggly corner on the couch.

Ahh much better. Now if only this damn cold would leave.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Why the hell?!

Why did I decide to create a blog? (I hate that non-word so much I shuddered at the typing of it and lost my train* of thought.) **What the flip is a "train of thought"?**

Anyway; why? Because I feel so freaking censored everywhere else I post. I sugar coat and dance around subjects so as not to offend people and its BS. I need a place to unleash the bitch and people can like it or not.

Who am I? Not sure where I stand on this do I remain anonymous or is that counter productive to the being me without censorship thinger.. or is it just good common sense. For now I like anoymity I'll reveal what I feel like revealing when I feel like revealing it... kind of like a date baby. You've got to earn it. LOL

Oh and a warning now: Do not expect correct punctuation or any of that bologna. I dont think I ever had a teacher who cared enough to make me care about it. I'll write it the way the voices in my mind say it to me.

Thats all for now. Dont expect regular updates, I kind of suck like that.