Gramma Ray's Blog

Organizing:
I am on day 3 of 5 of my time off. My plan was to use this time to clean and organize the house...kindof a November spring cleaning. Tuesday night I started organizing cupboards, which means pulling stuff out- which means the house looks worse than before starting. I was pleased with progress, but had a major ways to go... and then at 1am- I woke up with a 101 fever. Wednesday, I had agreed to babysit our lil foster guy (Z). Thankfully DD3 came and helped because the darn fever hovered at 101-102 all day. (Did I mention the messy house Id created??) Z is an amazingly good lil boy and he just played and enjoyed his time here- but he also added to the mess.

THanksgiving, the fever broke about 3 in the afternoon. I was wiped out, but got a little done. Today, I have been back at it. Most of the hiding spaces in the house are cleaned and organized. I completely filled the big recycle bin with papers, etc. The trash bin is full and I have more to refill after the trash guy comes on Monday. I have two big boxes of giveaway stuff for Goodwill, with more to come when I finish my closet.

Whew. This was a big job without that drasted fever. Thankfully, I have two full days left to finish up. I have to say, it feels so good to know you have deep cleaned and organized everything!

I have a dog and a cat..and I suspect they are the source of my asthma attacks and maybe even these fevers I keep getting- so I borrowed DD1's vacuum, which is a much better one than I own..and I am AMAZED at how much hair it picked up. I am now shopping for a similar vacuum. Emptying the container triggered my asthma...so that is why I am thinking the two are related. We have allowed them to sleep in the bedroom- but I am going to keep them out for a week or so and see how the asthma does.

I do believe I will post a few after photo's on Sunday.

Budget:
For some reason, the hubs paycheck was short a day this week. They will make it up on next weeks check- which works out ok, since this paycheck was primarily rolling to the end of the month anyway. He has been working a little overtime so I am eager to see how much next week's check is. This is also a 3 paycheck month for me...so next Friday will be fun as we will be able to put a large chunk on debt and another in savings.

DD1 did awesome with the Thanksgiving dinner. (I didnt get to go, but she sent me a plate). She fed a nice big feast for 14 adults and 6 kids..using lots of coupons and sales. She spent about $75 on everything and did a great job on her first Thanksgiving hosting.

I want to start working on the 2013 budget as soon as I am done with the house overhaul. I have been making a list of expenses to challenge. TV, insurance, cell phone plans. I havent done this since the hub went back to work in Alaska. We are able to pay all bills, save, set aside for vacation..but I feel like Ive been complacent and can do better next year.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays. (I have so much to be thankful for!)

Ok. I have read many of the blogs here about tackling organizing everything from a drawer to a house. I really am motivated..but I will be brutally honest and admit that my parents didnt check that box on my skill set when they created me. I am one of the most organized-challenged people I know. It doesnt come natural, I have to think and rethink how to do it...I have tried many times. Usually I move things from one location to a 'better' location and then forget where half of the new locations are. I am a 'perfectionist" to a fault and often stop mid jobs when I feel I cant do it perfectly.

In a nutshell, I suck at this.

But with my five days off, I am determined to tackle this. I bought several various sized see through tubs today. With all the Amazon shopping Ive done lately, I also have several large cardboard boxes. And I have a label maker and some big labels.

The cardboard boxes are for throw away trash and throw away recycle and give away. I know from watching hoarding shows that more needs to go in those three boxes than anywhere else...but OYE...is that tough for me. I have SO MUCH stuff from my parents. It is really hard to make those decisions. Knowing this, I am prepared for some of the tubs to be filled and placed up in the rafters in the garage for 'someday'. But I am going to try to limit those.

I have been at it for a couple of hours in the kitchen now. I have exactly 3 things in the give away box- an old pair of my moms eyeglasses, an old wallet, and a plastic flower vase. Of course a BIG clue here is that there were eyeglasses and a wallet in my kitchen drawers... :/

On a positive note, I have had to empty the throw away recycle box twice.

I took a break to have leftovers for dinner and regenerate my brain to push through the frustration of trying to turn on whatever part of the brain works during organization tasks. I CAN DO THIS.

I am not so sure you will see before and after pictures...but we will see. Wish me luck!!

I stopped at the store on the way home to pick up the items I need to make my dishes for Thanksgiving. I will be taking this sweet potato dish:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/yummy-sweet-potato-casserole/

Plus, I am making one of Nanas traditions, that we call beefy bread dip. It includes creme cheese, sour cream, buddig beef, green onion, and garlic salt mixed up and baked inside a sourdough bread bowl. We use oven toasted sourdough bread for dipping. This has been a family favorite since I can remember and is only made on special occasions. We always think of Nana when we have it.

Tomorrow is my last day of work this week. In order to take another long weekend, I worked straight thru the day today- lunch at the desk..and I will do the same tomorrow including getting there early. I have a feeling the rest of the year will be at this pace.

I do sneak in a few breaks to get online shopping done. I am on track to complete all shopping/wrapping by the end of this coming weekend- which is a good feeling, especially having so many grandbabies to buy for!

Funny thing- the store I stopped at to pick the things up tonight is NOTORIOUS for their Black Friday sock sale. 50% off of very overpriced socks. You would be AMAZED at how many people rush to partake of this 'deal'. They had about a 100 foot row of tables stacked under and over, front and back full of socks in preparation for Friday. I chuckled to myself as I walked by. The craziness.

I love that I dont need a single thing on Friday. I will enjoy a peaceful day at home.

Today was my youngest granddaughters 4th birthday party. She is so stinkin cute. Long blond hair, huge bright blue eyes- and the sweetest little personality all rolled into a ball of energy. (Biased...not too much!) I bought her a little lap harp and a minnie mouse doll with dress up clothes. (she adores minnie mouse). I love buying gifts like the lap harp that encourage creativitiy and interest in arts and music. I budget for all birthdays for the year and then split that amount by 12 and deposit each month. The two gifts came in under budget- I watched for sales and actually bought the gifts on sale a couple of months ago.

I am seriously considering dropping our Directv at the first of the year. I enjoy it, but the hub and DD3 wont be home much this winter and it really doesnt seem worth the cost. Especially with the online options out there. This would save over $100 a month- so I may try it and see how it works for us.

I am going to look for other ways to cut back too. The first of the year is always a good time to challenge all expenses and see if there are ways to cut back.

I only work two days this next week. I have plenty of coffee creamer left at work. Lunch will be mini bagels with herb turkey lunch meat, lettuce and cranberry sauce. Dinners will be chicken. DD2 needs a sitter for Z, so I will have him on Wednesday.

This was a fun weekend. I am so glad I have a short work week ahead.

For some reason, I keep getting logged out of the site. I had a nice long post this morning, but when I went to post it- it was lost. I hate when that happens!

Yesterday I enjoyed a day of free meals. On payday’s our IT department picks up breakfast burritos. Usually they are $3-4 a piece, but a co-worker paid for them. Then at lunch, I went with another co-worker and a couple of mutual friends. We had chipped in to get my co-worker a gift card to go to lunch together last month (for his birthday)…and yesterday was our lunch date. The restaurant that we went to is one of my kids’ favorites and they have a special during the Holidays- but a gift card for $25 and get a $5 bonus. So I picked up one for each of the kids for Christmas.

I have about 90% of my present wrapping done- I have a tall kitchen table and am using that as my wrapping station this year. Usually, I spread out everything on the floor and sit and wrap..but using the table is SO much easier, especially on my back! Im not sure why it takes so long for lightbulb moments like this to go off for me…but am sure glad when they do!

I got a nice surprise today. DD2 dropped by with a mocha and a puzzle. She had my lil foster grandbaby (Z) too. They spent the entire day with me!! Z is now 22 months..and he followed me around while I did the housework. He loves it when I put makeup on…because we always dry brush his cheeks too and it makes him giggle. He is such a sweetheart. DD2 and I got pretty far on the puzzle- DD3 even came by for a couple hours. So fun. By this afternoon, Z had started running a fever, so he sat on my lap and we rocked. They left a little while ago- it was such a fun day. Here is a little 'incognito' pic of lil Z...isnt he adorable?



Yesterday was my payday. Because I am exempt, my checks are always the same- which makes budgeting easier. This check covered the freedom account (car insurance, car repair, pet, clothes, house repairs and miscellaneous) - $279; the birthday account $65; the Christmas deposit $150; the trash bill $60 for two months; $150 towards cc debt; and the rest rolls for to the end of the month. Next week, the hub starts getting a paycheck again after his three week break. We are still on track to have $3000 for savings by the end of the month.

Tomorrow is DD2’s daughters 4th birthday party. (Gift is bought and wrapped!) I will get to see all three daughters and their kiddos. My son and his family cant make it up- but I am looking forward to time with the rest of the family. The party is at a community center that has a big room with two jump houses in it. The kids have LOTS of room to run and play. (And my house wont get destroyed!!)

This next week I only work two days, and then have 5 off. This is the last of my long weekends until late January. I hope to finish ALL of my Christmas prep during the 5 days- especially since I only have 2 more days off the rest of the year and work is about to ramp up even more with some changes coming down the pike.

I enjoyed some really tasty free meals. A co-worker bought us breakfast burritos in the morning- and then another co-worker treated for lunch! The kids all love the restaurant we ate at, and they are offering a $5 bonus on a $25 gift card purchase, so I picked up four of those for Christmas gifts. (I love when you get instant bonus $)

Yesterday was payday for me. My paychecks are always the same, so easy to budget. I put $279 towards the freedom account, which includes car insurance, car repairs, pet expenses, clothing, house expenses, and a "miscellaneous" category for all other unexpected things. $65 went into the birthday account. $150 to the Christmas account. $60 came out for the trash bill (2 months) There is still money left for Directv, the gas bill and the rest will roll until the end of the month. Next week, I wont get a paycheck, but the hub will.

Ive been pretty successful at getting the Christmas presents wrapped. I have a taller dining room table, so it is my wrapping station this year. I am not sure why I usually wrapped sitting on the living room floor...this is SO MUCH EASIER...and so I wrap more at each session. Way easier on my back! 90% of the gifts I have are wrapped already! Just need to add some bows and ribbons before they go under the tree! Sometimes I amaze myself with how long it takes the lightbulb to go off on a better solution. (can I blame it on age??)

Yesterday was my youngest granddaughter's fourth birthday. Tomorrow is her party. I have her gift bought and wrapped. Her dad's (T) birthday is next week. Even though he and my daughter are not together, I adore him. T is a great dad. My oldest grandson's (8) dad has not been in his life since he was a baby ( a good thing, he is bad news)...so T is the only dad GS knows. He is raising GS just like his own..which makes T pretty darn cool in my eyes. So, I want to take a gift to him tomorrow too.

I have a fairly long to-do list to tackle today. Its 10am, so it is definately time to get started!

Last night we had a board meeting at work. Why this matters on my blog is that the leftover food is free for the taking the next day and November always means a turkey dinner! I partook (is that a word?) of the leftovers at lunch and it was honestly the worst turkey meal Ive ever had. Free, but bad. Oh well, at least it didnt cost anything.

Today would have been a no spender, except a co-worker mentioned that our local kids club was calling previous donors to ask for help with the holiday meal they will be serving next week. I happily chipped in $ to help.

I realized today that I havent heard anything from my friend who has the MLM business since I told her I wasnt interested in selling or buying. I am relieved not to be constantly solicited, but I am wondering if that extended to our friendship. We always get together sometime during CHristmas, so I will send her an invite to see.

The hub called tonight to let me know he is back on the Slope safely and headed back to work. Its really quiet at the house tonight. Will be for several weeks. But lots to do for the Holidays to fil the time.

My blog tonight will be ot-

First, the hub is back in Alaska. Today was my first day back at work and honestly, that first day back is often a doozy and today was a definate doozy. Busy and crazy.

DD2 asked to go to lunch and I assumed correctly that something was up.

Almost 18 months ago, DD2 took a little 5 month old boy in as a foster mom. He was so neglected those first few months..it was so sad. It took him two weeks to get used to someone holding him- he had lived in his carseat with very minimal human interaction.

No relatives stepped in then, or since. However, his maternal grandmother has now decided to try to get custody. I totally understand the "blood is thicker than"...mentality. But this little guy has NEVER met her. He is almost two and knows no other family.

I am so proud of my daughter for taking him in and raising him like one of her own. He is a brother to my grandkids, a son to my daughter and a grandson in my eyes. It will be hard to understand how after two plus years, this little guy is removed to a family he has never met. It makes me question the system.

Grandma lives in Florida. (When Z was born she lived here..but stated she did not have the time or money to take him). She moved to Montana, then on to Florida. She has been back here four times in 18 months and never asked to see him. Sadly, his 20 year old mom is back on drugs. Dad has never asked to see him. His other grandparents said they were too old to start over.

So far, all we have heard from the court is a blood relative will take priority over his foster family. At this point- DD2 would like to start adoption. I am fully supportive of that. To try to think of what this will do to Z is heartbreaking. He is so attached at this point.

I can understand moving a child during the first year..but after two years...

Sorry to vent ot, it is just tough to think Z might have to be moved from all he has ever known. I dont get how this is the best interest of the child.

Our friends went home this morning. We have one more day and then head home ourselves. 5 days sounds like so much time, but it has gone by FAST.

The hub went to visit his dad today, so I am home alone. The puzzle is done, I started my knitting project, I am a little farther in the book. I also spent some time yesterday on Amazon Christmas shopping. I finished with two more grandbabies...so I only have two to go. (They are 5 and 3..so I know they will be happy with anything) Its just a matter of picking gifts out. The way it is going, I will not have to shop in stores at all this year!

I have to chuckle..the hub has gotten bored a couple of times while we have been here. While I feel that I dont have enough time to get all the fun projects I want to work on, done. However, he HAS been off three weeks and I can understand. This rotation, there is a big question mark as to when he will be coming home. He wants to work longer shifts through the winter..so we shall see. Anyway, I plan to fully enjoy this last full day of RnR. I may even sneek in a nap this afternoon!

This morning we sat in the hot tub. It was 18 degrees outside- but oh, so warm in the water. I had to laugh, the back of my hair that had gotten wet turned into icecicles while we were in there!

Dd1 messaged me that she used her couponing skills this morning to pick up several things for Thanksgiving dinner- some of them FREE. She really is a coupon queen in my eyes. I have no doubt she will pull off a fantastic meal for a very good price. I really appreciate that she took this on. I cant wait to see what she does!

My son and Dil took their kids to Disneyland this weekend. They have been posting pics all weekend. I love Facebook for this reason. I am sitting here on vacation by the fire, enjoying watching the kids adventure almost instantaneously. My granddaughter (5) got to have a princess makeover yesterday. She looked so adorable. This is the little one with JRA- which makes seeing her smile and have fun even more precious.

I havent started the knitting project yet...have only made a small dent in the book. We are about halfway done with the puzzle. We have A TON of food still. I love this pace for a winter vacation. Today- lots of football and tonight the hub and I are making pork chops for dinner. Life is good. So blessed!

Today was spent putting a puzzle together, starting a book that was here at the house (House of Sand and Fog), visiting with our friends, and relaxing. We did take a trip to the little shops at the main part of the resort. I found a couple of unique Christmas gifts on sale, so I picked those up. Otherwise it has been a very quiet, relaxing day.

Tonight is our friends night to cook dinner. They are making chili rellenos and homemade refried beans. The house smells so nice. They brought their college age daughter and the foreign exchange student they are hosting from Russia this year. The girls are also having a great time.

One thing I love about these trips is, once we get here, there isnt much expense. We make our meals here and entertainment is games, reading, visiting, etc.

On another note...I noticed that my blog is going to surpass 2.5 million visits tonight. Holy cow! That is really hard to believe. I hope anyone who has stopped to read has found something interesting or entertaining here.

Well, back to the book. I have to keep reading, otherwise, I wont finish it...

We are here!

We come to this resort a couple of times a year. We often rent a different house, to have a variety- this is our first time in this house. It is really nice- didnt disappoint. Here is a picture of the chair that I am sitting in, next to the fire: (just add a big ol blanket of snow out that window)



We paid for this house much earlier this year and then we had to cancel because the hub was working- Thankfully, they let us have a credit and we used it for this beautiful long weekend.

We will be here 5 days and spent about $150 on food, drinks, etc. (We will have plenty of leftovers to take home..but we always like to have what we need while we are here) Pumpkin spice muffins are just one of the treats...cant wait for coffee in the morning.

Our friends couldnt leave early today, so they wont get here for another couple of hours. When they get here, we will have some dinner and then hop in the hot tub. Nothing like sitting in the hot tub with snow all around.

A few posts ago, I posted about ways I try to save money. This is one of the ways we treat ourselves. It is fun to get away like this. We work so hard...and after raising four kids- we are enjoying the flexibility to take little get aways!

Anyway, I am feeling might blessed tonight. Yep.

Finally down to my last day tomorrow at work, then I am off for five days. We have so much going on at work I honestly just hit the ground running and work right on through the day often missing lunch and breaks. I thrive in a crazy busy enviornment, but I also enjoy time off when its like this.

The weather reports are still calling for snow during our trip- I am so excited to enjoy the fire and watching it snow. I have a puzzle, a knitting project, my kindle and several games to enjoy. Plus that hot tub. ahhh... then, I am taking coffee, teas, a couple nice bottles of wine...

I have been watching the daily toy specials on Amazon and have picked up two more grandbaby gifts WELL under budget. (yay). I will probably go with gift cards for the adults. Movies, coffees, a little shopping, a meal out...just a fun array of things they can do. They always enjoy planning how to spend the cards...and all of their money is so tight.

My main goal this year is to get great deals while avoiding crowds at all costs. So far, so good.

I am reflecting tonight on ways that I have changed personally to save money. Nothing Earth shattering...just changes I have made to save a little here and there.

1. I color my own hair and keep a my hair up. I have spent the last few years having my hair colored/cut in a salon by a friend or a co-workers spouse- primarily to support their business - but am back to doing it myself, saving about $50 per month. I cut my own bangs between cuts. Am on month 6 since my last haircut.

2. After about 50 years, I finally learned how to apply nail color to the nails on my right hand. (I am right handed). I practiced until I figured it out. I get compliments on them, so I am happy with my self service results. Savings $25 month

3. No professional waxing or plucking. $10 month

4. I dont buy designer coffee. I take creamer ($3 week) and get free coffee at work. Savings at least $20 month. I buy the store brand of creamer...right now there is a great pumpkin pecan creamer that I love!

5. No bottled water. I've used the same 2 plastic cups with a lid and straw at work and home for about 3 years. I get lots of water- use the free ice at work and dont buy any bottled water. At least 1 bottle or $2 week..or $8 month

6. I dont drink soda. See #5

Just simple ways that I personally save a few dollars here and there.

Other things I do..I make my work clothes last- I dont buy new work clothes often..so taking care of what I have is important.

This morning I had to add a few drops of water to my foundation to get some out of the bottle. I will use it up until the bottle is dry. I also have blush that is broken...but I am careful to open the containter and dab the brush in so that I can use it until it is all gone. I dont wear mascara or lipstick. Inexpensive hairspray from the dollar store works just fine..so does toothpaste and soap.

My makeup brushes are old..but wash up great. My favorite one I got about 10 years ago at a garage sale for .50.

Just ways I choose to stay frugal. What works for me, might not work for others.

Dd3 got her call from Alaska and will be heading up at the end of November or first week of December. So the hub and her went shopping today to get her some cold weather gear. Boots, $129 but they will keep her feet warm up to -140. At least I know her tootsies will stay warm. They still have to get insulated outerwear. Dd3 is keeping a tab of the expenses so that she can repay us and also claim them on taxes. This is such a big adventure for a 20 year old. She is so excited. They told her she would work until next MAY.

Last night was pizza with the kids..it was $100 for 10 of us and there were leftovers - which DD1 and DD3 very willingly took. We had a great time.

Tonight the hub made tacos using the left over tri-tip. They were really good! I will be taking tri-tip to work for lunch tomorrow too.

Only three more days until we leave for the 5 day trip. The weather is calling for lots of snow there...just as a late fall mountain getaway should! I am so excited!!

Laundry in progress
work clothes washed and hung
Christmas present wrapping started - using leftover paper from last year
dishes done
kitchen deep cleaned
sheets washed
piles sorted and filed
packing for next weekend started/list made
Packers won!

Its been a productive day.

We are going to pizza tonight with all the girls and their families. Plus the husbands aunt MJ. Most likely we will pay- so it could be a spendy night. I am looking forward to having at least the local kids all together tonight for a visit.

I am super excited that this next week is just a four day work week..followed by a 5 day weekend to the mountain rental. We never found prime rib on sale, so we will most likely go to plan B. The hub has perfected bbq burgers. He adds a variety of spices to the meat and everyone loves them...so, most likely our meal will be that- which will save us close to what we are going to spend on pizza tonight!

We had PLENTY of leftovers after dinner last night. We will use the tri tip to make tacos, and other meals this week. I had leftover salad and a corn on the cob for lunch. I love leftover corn thats been grilled...even cold. SO good!

I have enjoyed the time change today. I always appreciate an extra hour in the weekend.

Amazon has had some super saver deals today. I got a Christmas gift for our foster grandson that was normally 19, on sale for 17 and then down to 11 on the supersaver..So I got one for him.

I found a beautiful little bone china basket that can easily be used as a sugar dish today at Goodwill. It had NO chips and is so sweet! My friend that owns the tea shop will be getting this as a Christmas gift. It was $3.99- but I know she will just love having it in her collection. The roses and leaves are so delicate..the colors are a very light pastel. What a find! I love it when I find gifts like this. Once, I bought a friend a teacup and saucer at a garage sale for $8. When I looked it up online, it was $30. The friend still says it is one of her favorite sets in her collection. (I never said where it came from )

Anyway- I envision wrapping this little basket in some tulle or some pretty wrap-

I also stopped by Michaels and found a 2013 journal for $7 for DD3, who is my writer-journaler in the family. The cashier was so sweet, she gave me 40% off even though I didnt have a coupon (didnt even ask!!), so the journal was only $4.20. Dd3 will love it.

We also stopped by the dollar store and I got birthday wrapping paper for my granddaughters gift, 3 bars of soap for me, and some liquid hand soap. I love the dollar store for these types of purchases. Wrapping paper everywhere else is so expensive. My granddaughter's birthday party is on the 18th- but her gift is all purchased and wrapped...ready to go!

Tonight we are having friends over for dinner. These are the same friends who are going with us to the rental house next weekend. Should be a fun night= we are bbqing tri-tip from costco...and planning the food for next weekend.

This is entry #1112 for me. Hard to believe I have has that many things to blog about.

All in all, a great day so far!!

Thanksgiving this year was already going to be different. The hub, DD3 and DS and his family wont be here. Which was sad, but I was still going to cook for the rest of the crew..but DD1 has volunteered to have it at her house this year. Ummm. It took less than a nano second to accept the offer. DD1 is a coupon and sale queen, so I know she will do this for way less than I could have.

Her husband made the turkey last year- and it was fabulous. So I had already asked him for a repeat. I am sure he will be more at ease cooking it at home. Then, there is all the other prep, cooking a clean up that I did the lions share of last year. I remember being EXHAUSTED when I was done.

So, I will volunteer some $$ towards the food. I will even offer to help with some of the cooking and clean up...but this is an offer too good to refuse! (and, if the noise level gets too high, I can go home!)

I took that Wednesday and Friday off so now I need to think through what I can do with ALL THIS FREE TIME.

I realized today that with the time off planned this month...I work four days next week, three days the following week and two days the week after that. I like the sound of that.

Payday! Today was payday for both the hub and I. His pay was $170 more than budgeted. Mine is normally the same, since I am expempt, but today mine was more too because my job pays us $50 (one time per year) to volunteer. I had forgotten that was coming...of course, after taxes it was only $31, but that brings the extra this week to $201.

I am going to split it and put 1/2 on debt and the other half in household spending. No matter how much I try to stay on budget when the hub is home, he still spends more than I would...an extra stop at the grocery store or costco. We currently have $388 in the household fund and two weeks to go with the hub home. (This includes entertainment, food, dog food, and my gas)...His gas $$ and allowance goes into his separate account.

We are having friends over to dinner tomorrow night and we will most likely go out either tonight or Sunday. Then, next weekend is our long weekend to the rental house. We cook most of the meals at the house, but it always costs a little more than staying home because we buy differently- for instance, the hub really wants to make a prime rib dinner while we are there. So far, I havent found any on sale, so that could end up being pretty spendy. But very good...yum!

Any way- when the hub leaves, I will still have to live on whats left in the household budget for two weeks...and do Thanksgiving dinner. So whats left needs to stretch a long ways...

We paid $706.16 on debt in October. The extra today will count towards November. November is a good month because of how paychecks fall. I will get three, and the hub will get three. At the end of the month, we will have $3000 to put on debt or in savings.

All my Christmas shopping at Amazon has created a big ol stack of boxes in my living room!

I decided to send one of the puzzles that I ordered straight to the grandbabies in Cali (my sons kids)..they opened it today and my son called to tell me they have been playing all evening. In my 5 year old granddaughter's words.."we put it together, then daddy ruined it and mixed it up and we put it together again" The puzzle was $7 and shipping was free. My son was enjoying watching the kids putting it together..so money well spent!

Our weather has been vacillating so much here...cloudy sunny, cloudy, rain, sun. Today it was sunny, but our air system at work is just not able to keep up so it was about 80 in my office all day. Talk about miserable!! I keep a fan and a heater in my office at all times and I dress in layers...but this was too warm. I was so glad to leave work tonight.

We pulled a lasagna out of the freezer for dinner. Easy..here...no fuss.

The hubs paycheck is $170 more than planned tomorrow..not sure where the extra is going. I have been so busy I have not had time to think about it. If you know me at all, you know that means I am really busy.

I will figure out where it goes in the morning.

Happy Halloween.

We live at the back of a cul-de-sac. My house is tucked in and fairly secluded..so you have to look for it to know its back here. Not many trick-or-treaters find their way to my door. It was quiet tonight.

We had a potluck at work today- I went easy and cheap. A trio of seasonal mini-loaves from Costco and a tub of mac salad from the store. $10 total. Normally I either spend an entire evening cooking and then toting my crock-pot to work or I spend a good deal on something special. And guess what? The world didnt stop because I skipped the work..or the expense. Lesson learned.

I thought I would share this spooky picture my son took of one of the pumpkins they carved..not sure what that is on the right- but it adds to the mystique IMO...just some Halloween fun:

My thoughts are with everyone living in the path of hurricane Sandy tonight.

I received and email invite from my MLM friend this morning to an information lunch on Thursday. I responded with a decline and a very honest explanation that I was not interested and hoped it wouldnt hurt our friendship. She says it does not- so time will tell. I just hope this puts an end to the constant sales pitch.

I ordered a few more Christmas gifts today. I am a fan of Ravensburger puzzles- and so I got a few age appropriate puzzles for grandkids. I also bought a Christmas themed one for me . I always enjoy starting a Christmas puzzle on Thanksgiving with the goal of finishing by Christmas. It is a 1000 piece puzzle, which should keep me (and vistors)plenty busy.

I am buying all Christmas gifts using my CU Visa, which pays 1% back on all purchases. I transferred the Christmas account from ING to the CU today so that I can pay as I play. The money will arrive on Wednesday. My spending plan is all set- I budget for each person at the begining of the year, and then save what I need to accomplish the budget each month.
It makes Christmas planning so much more enjoyable to have a plan.

I have been using the CU Visa for the 1% back for several months and the rebate goes into a savings specifically for this 'free' money. By the end of the year I should have about $200. (The CU will pay up to $500 per year) Next year I hope to find more ways to take advantage of this rebate and max out at $500 - since I pay the card off each month, it is free money to me.

Today was a stay at home day. I left all the spending up to the hub and DD3. The hub wants tacos for dinner, so he stopped and picked up the supplies to make them. He and DD3 are at the movies with DD2s kiddos (granson age 8 and granddaughter almost 4) They are seeing the transylvania movie. Dd2 got called into work today, so DD3 offered to babysit.

I stayed home all day and got the kitchen cleaned, mopped, cleaned the master bath, washed our sheets, laundry..just a busy get er done day.

Between the movie and groceries, we spent about $40.

Back in the 80s, I had an electric fondue pot. It died years ago and I never replaced it..but I am considering getting one again- would like to have it for our trip to the vacation rental in two weeks. I think a chocolate fondue would be a big hit. I was looking online and there are so many options and they arent too expensive. I may get one before the trip. Also, this might make a good idea for CHristmas gifts. None of the girls have one..and I remember they were quite fun. Something to consider.

This has been a great productive weekend- but like most of them, it went way too fast.

I am watching the news on hurricane Sandy. My thougths are with everyone who will be impacted by this one..it looks to be a doozy. :/

My girls and I went to the Tea today and had such a wonderful time. My friend made all the food for the tea- 3 types of sandwiches, 2 types of scones, various cookies and cakes, lemon curd, devonshire cream...and they served 6 different teas- all of them wonderful, and a wonderful a strawberry lemonade. There were about 30 attendees. My friend and her husband put a big effort into this..and last night, their oldest son (who is stationed in Japan) and his fairly new bride (who is stationed in Afghanistan, surprised them by coming home for a visit. Poor friend...the kids are only in town two days and they had this event today! It turned out beautiful, but sure cut into her time to visit with them. Tickets for the four of us $80. I also bought 4 raffle tickets for $20. DD3 won an adorable Breast Cancer pin and DD2 won the grand prize, which is a room makeover book and an hour consultation with a home decorator. DD2 gave it to me.. So I will put it to good use soon.

After the tea, we stopped by Kohls. After my shopping trip last week, I received $20 Kohl's cash. I decide to get a cozy throw. Somehow, my other ones have been 'borrowed' by kids and I dont have one. I keep the house fairly cool during the winter, so lately my feet/legs have been chilly. They had nice ones on sale 50% off, or 24.99..I used the 20 and then got 15% off- or $4.27. I have told the kids HANDS OFF this one.

A while back I mentioned another friend who has recently gotten into a multi-level marketing 'business'. I was hoping that she would take my total lack of interest as indication that I didnt intend to buy or start selling. Unfortunately, that isnt going to be the case. This past week she has been at a convention and is clearly renewed in her committed to turning everyone she knows into a sale or a salesperson under her. Her new tactic is an empowerment luncheon that she would like to have me attend, no cost. and perhaps I could bring a friend. ugh. I will stick to my no thank you, but I will obviously have to just be blunt- and I know it will hurt the friendship. :/ Not something I want to do, but I am tired of the constant barrage.

The friend with the tea shop and this MLM friend are also good friends- the three of us get together for lunch occasionally. I have no problem buying tea once in a while or attending her tea luncheons..but the other friends business is almost cult like and once you sign up for the auto shipments $160 every four months), it is very difficult to get out of. NO THANK YOU. I would gladly just give her money each month, but she is very prideful and wouldnt accept it. Sadly she is so determined to make the business work that she is alienating people.

In other news, the hub said he cant guarantee when he will be home this winter, so we are going to pass on the Hawaii adventure for now. It is such a good deal, but I learned in Alaska that its not as much fun if he misses most or all of the vacation. I am certain other opportunities will come along.

I have been getting some Christmas shopping done today thanks to Amazon.

I bought each of my kids family one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000683A4/ref=oh_details_o...

And one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NPBT50/ref=oh_details_o...

And for my lil granddaughter who turns 4 next month, one of these for her birthday:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHVJPM/ref=oh_details_o...

Hopefully each will encourage play and creativity!

The hub arrived home safely last night. Tonight he bbq'd steak, which I dont get while he is gone. It was so tasty! It is 8pm and the poor guy is already in bed. By tomorrow he should be rested and back to normal.

The hub and I have been talking about what we want to do for our next big trip. He would really like to go to Hawaii.

Today, I learned that the no frills airline is offering flights to Hawaii for $99 each way. WOW.

The hub is currently enroute from Alaska..and when I talk to him I will find out how certain his January home dates are. If they are pretty certain, I will book a trip to Hawaii for us!!

The hubs paycheck is $120 more than budgeted. A friend at work is selling a really nice queen bed frame, head and footboard, mattress and box springs for $200, so I bought it. I will put this bed in my guest room and give my grandson (8) the queen bed that is currently in the guest room. His bed is a twin and pretty worn, so he will enjoy the bigger bed (which is his bed when he spends the night). The extra $120 went towards the bed- and I will take the other $80 out of the household fund.

This is similar to the bed:


Tonight I finished off the leftover teriyaki chicken. The hub gets in at midnight- I didnt take tomorrow off like I normally do after the hub gets home, so DD3 is picking him up so I can get some sleep.

This weekend is the tea party and on Sunday we are taking the hubs widowed aunt to Argo. (I hear its good). The hub also wanted to get a massage, so I scheduled his appointment while us girls are at the tea party.

Should be a fun weekend. I cant wait to find out if we are going to Hawaii in January!!!

I have a friend who started a tea store last year. Her husband is a pastor, and they do this business together. It is slow to get off the ground and they are trying new ways to introduce the catering and tea party aspects of the business. This Saturday is their first official event. They are having an afternoon tea to raise money for breast cancer. It is $20 per ticket, $5 goes towards the cause. They will serve a variety of teas- little sandwiches, scones, cookies..I thought this would be a great event to take my daughters to..so the four of us will be attending. None of the girls have ever attended an actual 'tea', so I am excited to do this with them.
It helps my friend, it helps a great cause and it gives me a fun outing with my girls. I am really looking forward to it!

Today was not a no spender afterall. I did have leftovers as planned, but I stopped at the craft store on the way home and picked up a couple of strings of lights for the front porch for Halloween. It looks so cute out there with the pumpkins my grandson carved and now with the lights. I also picked up a new pot to transplant an African violet into. I spent $16.

Tomorrow night the hub gets home (midnight). He only has two cords of wood to process this time, so he will have a little more free time to relax and help with the list of honey-do's Ive been keeping.

Several weeks ago, DD1 suggested a gift for my granddaughter (6)..but for some reason the price has been higher (65-70)than what she orignally found it for (48)...today Amazon advertised it for $45..so I quickly ordered it. One down...6 grandkids to go!!

Today was a no spend day. Lunch and dinner were leftover teriyaki chicken with green beans. Breakfast was oatmeal that I cooked on Sunday. I always have 2-3 cups of coffee at work (free) + some creamer. This week I have pumpkin creamer..so yummy.
DD3 was at the house when I got home and she had some of the leftovers for dinner too. She really liked it.

Tomorrow should be another no spender. I have oatmeal and creamer at work still, and there is enough leftover chicken for one more meal (lunch). I also have leftover steak from this past weekend in the freezer that will make dinner. It is nice to not have to spend my allowance because of using up the food.

I have been watching the new show extreme cheapskates. I havent really seen anything I would do to save money..but it is interesting to see what others would do. I can see why they are called extreme.

Ways I save money include not buying more than one pair of tennis shoes, sandals, and work shoes at a time. I use up my makeup before buying new. I dont buy pjs, rather I use old t-shirts, shorts.. I use shampoo and soaps that we get at hotels to stretch my supplies, I use leftovers, I but creamer and get coffee free at work, I send for and use free samples, I use my purses until they die (one of my favs I got at a yard sale for .75 cents that lasted about 4 years.

Things I am not so good at: helping my kids when they need it- I still dont say no as often as I should, our tv service - we pay for satellite TV and extra football service because I love watching football, food and fun while the hub is home. I pay a guy to keep the yards mowed (this is a co-workers husband who is trying to make it as a new US citizen- money well spent IMO)..

I stick to a budget pretty well. When we lived in the country house, I hung our laundry most of the year..now that I live in the city and dont have a laundry line, I depend on the dryer much more...I save gasoline and wear on the car living in town, but we also have two house payments (minus a small rent payment from the hubs nephew who lives at the country house). Until housing prices come up, I am not going to sale the city home. I love living in town- especially when the hub is gone so much. Someday I might sale and move back out to the country house..
but that wont likely happen as long as I am working full time.

Since I went to my friends for dinner last night, the meal I had prepared yesterday was in the fridge ready to be popped in the oven tonight. Teriyaki chicken..and I went to cook the rice, and I am out. So, I made quinoa, which wasnt my first choice to serve with the dish, but it actually was really good with it. The sweet and spicy teriyaki and pineapple went really well with the nutty quinoa.

I made enough for lunch and dinner tomorrow too. So tomorrow should be a no spender!

I still have not gotten my hair cut...I am saving money just letting it grow, but it is getting heavier to clip up. Last night I colored my hair myself..$7. I figure between cuts and color I am saving $60 a month. I need to get a cut though- I am having to stretch one bottle of color- and that poor box has a LOT of gray to cover.

Looked at the weather report today and it was snowing up at the rental house we are going to in 3 weeks...I would love it if there was lots of snow when we get there- but the snow today most likely wont last. I live where it snows a couple of times a year usually, but it doesnt stick more than a few hours- once it stuck for a day. However, the roads ice up often in the winter- which is NOT good.

My grandson played with my Monopoly game while he was here this past weekend. He made up his own rules and had such a good time. Its funny how some games just stay classics and never go out of style. I will be buying a couple of them for Christmas gifts for the older grandkids..I think theyll enjoy it.

The hub will be home in 3 more nights. Looking forward to having him home for 3 weeks before the long winter shifts start!

I went to Kohls this afternoon to see what I could do with the 30% off coupon. I picked up 6 tins containing dominoes or matching type games. Normally, 9.99, on sale for 5.99 plus 30% off or $4 each. I also picked up 5 candles that were 60% off before the coupon...so very good deal for those! And candles work for so many on my list. (Plus I love candles, so no waste there for sure!)

I splurged a new pair of slippers for home. They were normally 28, on sale for 19.99 and so I paid $14. I normally just wear socks around the house, but these are hard bottom slippers that I can wear indoors and out- and with winter coming, these will keep my feet warmer.

As I was leaving Kohl's, my friend texted an invite to come over for dinner (chicken cheese enchiladas)- So I went. Since they were eating early (4pm) it sounded good to me! These are the friends that we are going to the vacation rental with in 3 weeks..so we chatted about the trip. We have gone about twice a year for 4-5 years with these friends. Usually each couple chooses one day to be responsible for cooking the meals and cleanup. This trip, we are going for 4 nights, so we will include pizza delivery one night and something simple one night. The hub wants to make prime rib for our night. (yum!) we always have such a good time together - walks, dominoes, hot tub, movies...

Since dinner was early tonight, I was home by a little after 5. I had a dish all ready to pop in the oven for dinner here, so I will just let it marinade one more night and have it tomorrow night.

I have my pumpkin candle burning tonight. I love pumpkin candles this time of year. Actually I love the weather, the smells, the trees, the food...Fall really is my favorite time of year!