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.

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.

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.

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. :)

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!

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.