Gramma Ray's Blog

Self forgiveness is so powerful. I honestly feel like I have shed a 1000 lb weight off my shoulders! I was focused and empowered today! I did find my mind still heading down the dark path, but I am getting quick to redirect and WOW- what an impact! It was very heartening to read the responses to yesterdays post and realize others were in the same boat- (I was almost too embarassed to publish my self-analysis) So, thank you for your support.


In other news:

I registered for my next class, Psychology- which is very timely for me. My job pays for schooling as long as I get a C or better- so I turned in the paperwork to get reimbursed for my previous class today.

I scheduled an appt for the yearly big squeeze...oh lordy if we can put a man on the moon why are we still inflicting torture on women like that? Oh well, after my friends diagnosis last week I know it is one of those necessary evils. :/ Yippee skippy.

My job had a great year inspite of the economy, and it looks like we will get a bonus this year! yay! I feel so stinkin blessed to have a great job that also shares the success with staff! The employee banquet is next month and that is when we get the bonus. Cant wait to see what we get!!!

Great day...yep, life is good!

**A very dear friend of mine contacted me this afternoon to tell me that on Thursday she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a very healthy woman- hasnt ate meat for almost 20 years, doesnt smoke, drink...has been eating raw foods for most of this last year...exercizes- looks a good 10-15 years younger than she is (almost 50)- a good reminder to get that yearly exam...I will schedule mine tomorrow. :/ When is yours?

The hub and I had such a nice, relaxing time at the cabin. Turned out that the satellite tv didnt work...and that was such a blessing. We visited, went for a quick walk (it was 15 degrees)...I read, he played his xbox game...and well, just had some serious down time!

I wrote a list of resolutions that will be put on the back burner for a while. I decided my #1 goal should be to forgive myself. I can be downright BRUTAL on myself for bad decisions, mistakes, and procrastinations...how many times I realize that my entire drive to work was a subconscious lashing of everything Ive done wrong....and I have a feeling those thoughts keep me from being all that I can be. So...I spent time this weekend focusing on my thoughts. Any time I started berating myself, I stopped the thought, reminded myself I was forgiven and that the next time I would....(put a positive action here)...

I am a little embarrassed at how many times I had to redirect my thoughts...how does one become their own worst enemy without realizing it? So....my #1 goal is to fully forgive and let go of the past- and to do things differently going forward.

Tomorrow is my first day back to work from vacation..it has been an amazing week off that I thoroughly enjoyed!

I cant wait to see how many times I forgive myself back at work...

Happy New Year everyone!

Our boarder is all moved in. She spent today catching up on laundry and tidying up the bathroom. She really is a sweetheart. I dont get how so many good kids end up homeless. I have a dear friend who takes two homeless teens at a time through CASA. It is azazing to me how many straight A students she has housed. Ive known her almost 20 years and she has taken in over 50 teens over the years. Only 2 of them caused any issues. Sadly, one of the girls, (who was not a problem kid) was sight and hearing impared and her dad is IN TOWN and a dentist. (didnt even call her on her birthdays) I dont get it.

My young boarder graduated with honors- and her parents moved right after graduation, leaving her to fend for herself. (?)

The hub got a $100 gift card at a grocer from his boss for Christmas. I will use that to buy food for our trip to the cabin this weekend and groceries for next week. Whatever is left will be used to stock up on the pantry.

Im looking forward to this weekend. I reserved a cabin in the mountains about an hour from home...wood stove, lots of snow...for a New Years getaway and the perfect end to vacation. I plan to do my final resolution and budget planning...and read. The hub bought a new xbox game today that he will take. The cabin has snowshoes, games, books...and QUIET. So I know we will relax and have a good time.

And I have a precious young house-sitter who will keep an eye on the cat!!

This week, spent at home with nothing planned, has been AWESOME. I love having days with no agendas. Tomorrow, shopping and packing...then Friday, Sat and sun we will be up at the cabin.

Ive been reading and absorbing eveyones New Years resolutions, budgets and ideas in preparation to set my own. Thank you all for sharing!!

Life....well, it is simply blessed.

DD3 has a friend who has been couch surfing for a couple of months. (aka- homeless teen that has friends with couches) While DS, DIL and the babies were here, there wasnt a good solution that I could offer her. They moved out, and now DD3s friend moved in. SHe didnt have a bed, so I found one for $200 and we picked it up today. She is so excited that she has a bed again. I am glad we could help! I will be charging her $50 per week. $25 will go into savings for her on the qt...to get on her feet and the other $25 can either be paid through helping out with chores or will help pay for groceries.

I took down the decorations today. I love decorating for the Holidays, but I am always glad to put my house back to normal as soon as Christmas is over.

I finished reading my first book on my Kindle. I really enjoyed the book and loved having it on the Kindle and being able to just flick it on an off as time allowed. Ive downloaded about 25 free books too...so I have lots of options.

Christmas afternoon and the day after we traveled to see the hubs father- a long drive each way (3 hrs there, 5 hrs home because of weather)..and the visit with his dad was less than desirable as dad is going thru a divorce and 'dating'...Our first time meeting 'her' and she felt it appropriate to sit on his lap and make out, giggle and whisper in his ear while we looked at the ceiling, floor, wall..AwKWARD.

eww. Nothing worse than being stuck that far from home in an uncomfortable situation. The hub had planned to stay longer on SUnday, but thankfully wanted to leave EARLY because of that.

Sigh. we got home late yesterday afternoon and then had all the kids and grandbabies over for DD3s birthday party. It was soooo LOUD with all them here. DD3 enjoyed herself, so it was worth all the work.

I have REALLY ENJOYED the peace and quiet today. I think the hub and I are going to the matinee tomorrow to see True Grit.

But tonight....just enjoying this leisure life of vacation!!

Life is very good!

Greetings from Oregon! I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!

It is just after 7am here. I have the bread dip ready to pop in the oven and am waiting on my brood to show up. There will be whirlwind of activity here for about and hour and a half- and then they will head off to in-laws and other family for the day and we will head to the hubs dads house about 3 hours away for the night.

After spending a marathon day of wrapping, cooking, cleaning, etsc...last night I finally sat and perused Amazons books and found lots of free stuff to load on my Kindle for the trip today. I have to say, I really am glad I got one. I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Now, to all of our lurkers who stop by and read the posts here...why dont you join us? Your stories are important too!! Make a New Years resolution to join the blogs and become part of the SA family.-- The community is very supportive. I know Ive made some great on-line friendships here...and Ive held myself more accountable because of this site. It's free...and we don't bite...(at least not often )

Ok- Merry Christmas Friends. Have a blessed day.

Life is superb!

Bread dip...Nana's Christmas legacy is a family favorite and a Christmas MUST in our family. It will live forever...Pure yumminess:

creme cheese
sour creme
Buddig sliced beef (cut into bite size strips)
chopped green onion
garlic salt
Sour Dough round bread
loaf of sour dough

blend together the cream cheese and sour creme until well mixed. (Usually we use 1 to 2..but 1 to 2.5 more sour creme works well to) Fold in beef, onion and garlic salt to taste.

Slice top of round bread to create a 'lid'. Gently tear the inside of bread out (about bite size or slightly larger pieces) to create a 'bowl'. Spoon in mix until the bowl is very full- but not overflowing. Replace lid and wrap in foil. Bake in oven until warmed through- at least 30-45 mins in 350 oven.

When completely warm, pull out and set aside...while the remaining bread chunks broil to lite brown in oven.

Use bread chunks to dip. Enjoy!

My 10 day vacation officially started 58 minutes ago!! YAY.

Tomorrow is DD3s 19th birthday. She has requested chicken picatta for dinner. (yum) I am excited to not have to work all day and then come home and cook it.

The weekend will be busy, but then I will have next week to read, see a movie or two, and organize the house.

New Years eve and weekend I have rented a loft cabin about an hour from here. It will just be the hub and I..and I hope to finish off the weekend totally relaxing.

I love setting New Years resolutions. I am typically a list maker, so this is like the grandaddy of my lists each year. Ive been pondering my list for a couple weeks, but am looking forward to setting aside time to really nail down my top priorities for next year.

Sigh...I love love love being on vacation...

life is so so so good!!!

lol. No. Theres still wrapping and cleaning and cooking and entertaining...oh boy.

However, I am done with the shopping thanks to DD1 who took the budget I gave her and finished up with my last minute gifts. (Thanks Kiddo!)

I found a nice little cabin up in the snow that was available for New Years eve and weekend...so I rented it! It is just a smaill loft cabin, but it is plenty big enough for the hub and I...and we will have snow and a fireplace to figure out how we want to start 2011. I really am looking at this New Years as a new beginning.

I got my new phone tonight. It is charging. But it has this really cool feature..I talk to it and it translates what I say into text....funny concept...Instead of talking to someone, talk to the phone that will turn what I say into text and send it to the receiver in text form...so they can talk to the phone and send me a text back. DOES THAT SEEM ODD TO ANYONE ELSE????

Geeze. Not sure what else this thing does yet. Pretty sure it doesnt cook, clean or entertain...well, maybe entertain...

The guy said they are offering a class in January on how to use it. I wonder what Mr. Bell would think of his invention now...Being male I am sure he would say, "Heck yeah, thats what I meant for it to do...."

Ok...time to get to cleaning...so I can cook and entertain in a tidy enviornment.

Life is good.

So, I THOUGHT we had DD3s present all figured out for Christmas/Birthday. She wanted a new smart phone and I figured that would be about the cost I would put towards a gift. (I figured about $200)

HOWEVER...US Cellular changed their plans- and subsequently just made things more complicated for me.

Turns out. DD3, the Hub and I are all getting new phones and are now on a better plan. Total cost: $10 less per month- inlcuding insurance AND the android phones are all free.

Yes, this is GREAT news...but I now should get DD3 a birthday and a Christmas gift...since I am ahead after the great phone swap.

Who knew?

Now...what to do. Certainly am not going shopping tonight...the last weekend night to shop before Christmas...looks like lunch hours will be busy next week!!!

My new phone is like a mini computer...pretty stinking cool. Should have checked this out sooner!!

Yay..this is the type of delimma I enjoy!!!!

After almost a year of living separately, the hub and I have decided to try it together again. This decision has been months in the making. This past year has been an interesting one- and a year of learning for for both of us.

While we have been apart, our finances have been completely separate. A first in our marriage of 20 years. I have always been the keeper of the checkbook- and I think he has a new respect for where the money goes. We will probably keep finances separate for now...perhaps forever. He enjoyes budgeting and being in charge of where his extra goes. -but his extra goes towards 'man toys and games'...where my extra usually ends up in savings. So, this will be a financial experiment in the making.

I make more, but I also kept the lion's share of the bills when we separated. I have paid all expenses for this home- house payment, utilities, tv, food. I am not sure how or if we divide any of that. Currently, at the end of the month, he has more to play with than I do. We need to find a balance between what comes in and what goes out and who is in charge of what. We also need to keep the eye on long term goals.

Today, I am going to focus on clearing some closet space and a dresser drawer or two. We can come up with the new budget by New Years.

I have to say, I am happy to kiss 2010 goodbye. Its been a year of heartache and challenge. PLEASE let 2011 be a year of truly new beginnings!!!

Life is awesome!!!

The wiring to the frugal part of my brain has short-circuited....and I am trying to rewire with minimal success!!!

Really, Im not so far off budget...its just that tracking gets so difficult in December! I try, really I do.

On top of Christmas, I have kid and grandbaby birthdays on Dec 21, 24 and Jan 2!

However, I am done with all but DD3 who is the Dec 24th bday girl. She has asked for a smart phone...which will end up being a joint bday and Christmas gift. I have always tried to separate the two occasions for her...but this year will be a combo.
We will probably go get the phone this weekend...and then, I will officially be done.

I have one week left until vacation. I am looking forward to it!

life is good!

My mom left behind her companion, a chihuahua named Arizona that she adopted just days after my dad died. My daughter took her after my mom died and Arizona became part of their household. Well, dagnabbit... last night Arizona got out and was hit by a car. Very sad...she was our little link to nana...and now she is gone.

In other news, I got an A in Sociology...which means I will maintain my 4.0 for now. Dont know how long I will maintain it...but I am more than happy to have gotten the A.

My job gave out end of year thank yous today. I got a $50 gift card plus a $350 cash safety bonus!!!! (yay!!) Im going to tuck that away for something special...not sure what yet...but very excited to have gotten it.

Last weekend I went to a fundraiser/silent auction. It was a GREAT cause and I bid on a 'pizza for a year' package and WON!!! I will recieve one large gourmet pizza each month...my cost was $130 or $10.85 per pizza. It felt great to help a good cause and to get a really good deal too! The pizza's at this place are awesome!!

RIP lil Arizona. Give nana a kiss for all of us.

As I miss my mom this Holiday season, I think about the moms around me and I decided to dedicate a post to them. In full disclosure...this is a very off topic post-

I have so much in my heart and head tonight for some special moms in my life.

A long time friend who lost her husband to a horrible motorcycle accident last year and is struggling to raise their young son on her own..she has shown such strength and grace this past year....

A young mom I work with, but havent met yet whose six month old baby was healthy and thriving last Tuesday...and taken off life support and died on Friday...an apparent victim of shaken baby syndrome while at daycare...

A mom who I met briefly one week before her world changed last June when her son was abducted from school and is still missing...I pray for this little guy daily.

My friend whose son has battled cancer for 15 years and has stopped responding to treatment (hes now 22)...we are having a spaghetti dinner tomorrow night and I am hoping everyone in the community shows up just so he can see how much support he has.

Another friend who has been on maternity bedrest for 11 weeks. Her first two babies were prematurely born at 22 and 24 weeks and neither made it...this little girl is now 35 weeks gestation...and God willing, will arrive alive and well in the next couple of weeks!!!

I think of these moms and realize...I have so much to be greatful for. I cant say I understand why some suffer so much, while others find discontent when they have so much to be thankful for...but I can say knowing each of these moms has caused me to pause and be thankful for all that is right in my world.

Woo HOO! I coordinated an online auction for my job and the auction ended today. I scored big time. I got two nice oak desks, a hutch, and a full hutch/credenza unit and a bookcase for $200!!! The value is around $3000 for everything, as it is excellent quality! This will make a nice home office for me, and another for my son and his business. We will pick it all up one night this week. I am so excited to have a full home office!!

My son and dil and their two babies (1 and 3)are staying with me until the remodel on their house is far enough along that they can move in. It is so sweet to have little ones playing and laughing in the evenings.

My daughters and I had a fabulous time this past weekend on our 'girls' trip. We shopped, ate, took an underground tour of the city, and enjoyed each other! What a GREAT time.

Ive been thoroughly enjoying the Kindle. I think this was a very good purchase for me. Im currently reading one of the free books and enjoying it so much. Tidbit of info for everyone....you can download a free kindle app for your computer and take advantage of the free books without buying a kindle....just FYI.

Life is very good!!!

The girls and I will leave at 6am for our mega-marathon-shopping trip to the big city tomorrow! We are going for only one night this year...but the girls have put us on a very tight, busy schedule to ensure we hit all of their favorite spots. Sounds like we will also be taking an underground tour of the city. Its about a 4-5 hour drive each way, so I am taking school books to get in some serious study time. Should be a great weekend!

I have been contemplating buying a Kindle for quite a while. Anyone who has followed my blog knows that I am just not too prompt at returning library books...so I tend to always be paying fees. (no excuse) When we go on getaways, I find myself packing several books at a time cause I never know what I will be in the mood to read...

SO...I bought the Kindle this week. I knew there were free books to be had on Amazaon, but I didnt realize the options that would be available, as well as the games, etc. I am sure enjoying it so far..and looking forward to having it on the trip this weekend!

My new cat is sick. They warned me at the shelter that it was a possibility...and sure enough, within one day of having him, he started sneezing pretty badly. I received a free vet visit when I got him, so it was only $6 for the antibiotics. Harley and I are getting along very well. He definately is a joy to have around.

Hope everyone is doing great. Happy Friday...Life is good!

Tonight is the premiere of a reality documentary 'Downsized' aboiut a family that is struggling in this economy and how they are dealing with it. I am eager to watch and see what the moral of the story is.

This morning I went to the mall. Was not expecting full blown Christmas decorations and holiday music. I walked into Macy's home store and they had their Christmas display up. My mom and I loved perusing that display each year...Within minutes of admiring the ornaments and listening to the music, I found myself tear-ing up and actually had to leave the mall. Been teary off an on all day. Me thinks this season will be bitter sweet. I have so much to be thankful for with my kids and grandbabies...but I am missing my mom A LOT.

Last night a couple friends came over for a 'girlfriend' night. I made teriyaki steak and jasmine rice, grilled onions and pineapple. YUM we sipped wine and had a great time. I had plenty of leftovers for a couple more meals. The dinner cost under $10...and it rivaled the restaraunt meals we usually have...and the wine was MUCH less too!

Yesterday was payday and I am so happy to FINALLY have the right budget formula. No more surprises or guesswork...and ample allocations are being made for wants and needs. Although, I did get a pamphlet from local Gospel Mission asking for donations. If I donate now, a local furniture store will match the donation. So, I made a $25 donation ($50 with the match!!) That will come out of my allowance for the month. But thats ok, especially since I dont seem to be able to go shopping anyways (Oh Nana...)

In spite of the tears, life is good.

Here is a glimpse at the sweetness I enjoyed yesterday...



and my youngest...a sweet little lion:



I am such a blessed gramma!

Happy Halloween everyone! Enjoying a Sunday morning of coffee and watching the fun spooky shows they show on Halloween each year. It will (hopefully) be a low key day here..some baking, budgeting, housework and homework.

Had our first exam for Sociology..that was a pretty tough test. Got a B on the multi choice and an A+ on the essays. Overall score now is an A...so hopefully I can keep it up through the end of the class.

My new budget is working so well. I have an excel spreadsheet that I track all cash, bills and debit on. I went about $100 over budget this month...but I also stocked up on some things (even the turkey and a few other things for Thanksgiving dinner) and have a freezer full of food...so I will recap that $100 from the November food budget. I live on my own income and my housepayment is $1475 month...so budgeting is crucial. Having 4 kids, their significant others, Six grandkids and several dear friends I keep an 'escrow' account for Holiday gifts, birthdays...as well as vacation, emergencies, etc. I am also saving for my 50th birthday bash...which is next June. I am happy with the amounts I am allocating to each. I also am putting $ in my 401k and in savings...so all in all, I am very happy with the plan.

Im ready for my little ghouls to come visit tonight. Cant wait to see them all dressed up!!

Life is wonderful!

I have been revisiting old blogs and enjoying the memories of when I used to blog about my parents, my pet Grace, my grandbabies as babies...

It is fun to reread goals, aspirations, dreams, hurts, etc...

Amazing how things have changed. When I first started blogging, I was staying home and caring for my parents and helping my son start his business.

My parents, my dog grace and all those puppies are now gone...and I have been working FT for a few years..first married, SAHM in the country, now single in the city...

And so many friends I have made on this site.

Greatful to Saving Advice for the place to vent, the friendships Ive made...and the memories recorded.

How lucky those of us who have landed here for whatever reason...a frugal, supportive community...and family. Thank you!!!

Thanks to some great deals and living out of the pantry a freezer, I came in well under budget for food this next week. Safeway had a great deal, buy two jars of Classico sauce, get two boxes of pasta free. Sauce was on sale for 2/$4- so this will makes some very inexpensive meals.

I am cooking a large pork roast today- part will be for dinner tonight and the rest will get shredded for future pulled pork sandwiches.

I used the $30 in Kohl's cash I had to buy a new waffle maker (my old one died over a year ago) and a couple of candles and a frame for christmas gifts.

Time to hit the books for my class. Life is good!

I bought a raffle ticket for $5 for a good cause...and found out today that I won a $100 visa gift card!!! YAY! I am going to put this $100 towards the vacation fund.

I got my Directv bill today and have shaved $56 off the monthly bill by cancelling HBO, Showtime, etc..($36) and because I referred two people (2 x $10)- the bill is still higher than I want, but Im not ready to shave more right now so I will be happy with this savings!

I did great on meals this week. Ate at home every night...had one lunch out...and bought two coffees. Cost of these items $17.

Last weekend, my friend gave me her coupon for 30% off at Kohls. I bought the grandbabies clothes for Christmas. The full price would have been about $430.., actual cost $186 PLUS I received $30 in Kohls cash. what a deal! And with 6 grandbabies...I need to make those dollars stretch as much as I can!! The Kohls cash will be used with my new 15% coupon to buy my 'friend' gifts.

Today was payday...and my new budget worked great. Bills are paid, money in savings, a little spending in the pocket, grocery money is set for the month...so now to make it work!

My bff from California is here for the weekend to visit her family, but she squeezed time with me into the visit. Last night she, me and my dear friend that lives local got together and I made us dinner. We visisted and laughed for hours!! The two friends had never met, and they hit it off wonderfully. I havent laughed that hard in months...and it felt great.

I made a large batch of the main course, chicken picatta, so there would be plenty of left overs for the week. Since I went a little over budget on shopping for the drinks, I the leftovers will come in handy- I really want to stick to my new budget even when occasions pop up!

My bestie stayed the night and she is sleeping in...I get to see her until about 1pm, when I return her to her family. Loving this weekend. Life is so good!!!

I did spend almost $500 yesterday on the class +book, but I fully intend to get that back.

On Wednesdays at my job, we have Pizza Wednesday...which means someone goes to Costco and buys enough to feed everyone that signs up...cost $3 which pays for up to 3 slices plus a can of soda. Great deal when you need to eat at your desk and get all the new class orientation stuff (for school) done on the puter on your lunch.

Since I will be reimbursed for the class- as I am confident I will get the required grade...$3 has been my only spend this week. Otherwise, I have been using up the freezer and cupboard for all meals.

My BFF since I was 12 is coming to visit this weekend. I have everything for dinner and other meals....just need some fun drinks...so this weekend should be pretty cheap too.

So far, living more frugally is working well.

Life is good!!

I registered for a sociology class today. I am blessed to work at a job where they value and reward continued education. So...I registered for an online class. Class = $386 + 86 for the book...So long as I pass with a B or A I will be reimbursed in full. I am authorized to take whatever schooling I want in order to achieve my Bachelor's degree. I have a long ways to go...but appreciate the opportunity!!

In addition to school, I am going to be helping my son keep the business going. He has fallen woefully behind trying to run the service piece and the office all by himself this year. We are going to move the office into my house and I will run that in the evenings and on the weekends.

So...I am going to be very BUSY the next few months.

I am a little nervous about juggling a very full time job plus school plus the office...but I am eager to make all of this work!

Stay tuned! Life is wonderful!

Last spring, I walk down to our Farmer's Market during a lunch hour and bought 3 little plants. A zucchini, an artichoke and a watermelon. The watermelon got ate by something right away...the artichoke is alive and well, but slow to produce...but that little zucchini plant is producing faster than I know what to do with...today, two large zucchinis....about a foot to a foot and a half long, by at least 4-6 inches wide...WOW. I am baking my forth loaf of zucchini bread as I type....we have grilled it, cut it up for salads, given it away...and there are more coming!! Not bad for a $2 investment and a little water!!!

My first attempt at gardening...and I am pleasantly surprised...cant wait til next year!!

Have had a great weekend...Life is good!

After getting fed up with a competitor, two of my kiddos changed their TV subscription to Directv this week. Since I have an account with Dtv, the kids each save $100 ($10 per month for $10 months)...and I will save $100 for each referral- or $20 per month for 10 months. Add that to the money I am saving by cancelling the movie channels, and I am now saving $56 a month on that bill!!! yay

I am still organizing the house today. I came across a little basket on a top shelf and found $80 in gift cards that I forgot about! $30 for Kohls and $50 in movie gift cards!! WOW.

I also have been putting all the change I am finding in a little cup and have accumulated quite a bit of loose coin. I will take it to work with me on Monday and trade it in and make a deposit to the vacation account.

I spent $81 at Target today. Got a rubbermade chest of drawers for $44 (on sale from 59) that will give me some great extra storage space, a couple of rubbermaid tubs for DD3's left-over 'stuff' and some cleaning supplies.

It will feel soooo good to get this project DONE.

Yesterday, we bought a pork loin at Costco for $18- 1/2 I cooked in the crockpot to make pulled pork for the weekend, and the other have we cut into pork chops. We have enough for 6 meals.

Happy with my progress so far...the more I do, the more I think of to do better...I am doing things like evaluating how I am using cupboards...moving less used things to higher and lower shelves and reserving prime storage for everyday items...

now I am off to vacuum shelves in the garage...loving vacation...and loving life!!!

Did I hit the grandaddy of sales today.

Kohls...

I found a GORGEOUS and VERY NICE bedspread and bed-skirt for our king sized bed. My old one= about 3 years old...cost $39 at Ross...but it is tearing and faded now.

The new one, missing the pillow shams- which I never really use anyway. Start price= $199.99. It is a much nicer set than anything Ive ever bought. Marked down on sale= 99.99....plus $59.99 off for missing shams...so its on clearance for $40. It rings up at $20 and i have a 15% discount...so I paid $17. WOW.
No kidding this is a gorgeous bedspread and bed skirt!!!

Then....got a nice insulated lunch bag for $2.99 (normally $14.99 PLUS 21 designer gift bags...you know the fancy ones that run 2.99 - up...)

Total $10.29 for lunch bag + gift bags. How do you go wrong with a deal like that????

Loving todays deals.

Wow.

I have to admit, since my mom passed away and things went sideways with the hub and I...I have been very lax with the budget- especially when grocery shopping. I stop at the store numerous times a week to buy something for dinner...and we all know what that means...impulse shopping....and lunch is usually some form or fast food or frozen meal from the store. Confessions are embarrasing...gads.

At this point, I wont torture myself by adding up how much Ive spent/wasted the past several months..I will just assume I can do MUCH BETTER with a game plan..I will re-visit many of the things Ive learned here about making a solid plan and sticking to it.

The hub and I talked about trying once a week cooking. I will try to use Sunday afternoons to prepare everything. I dont have good freezer storage containers, so I will look for some this week. I am going through my recipes and doing some online research for ideas. Im also looking at sales and coupons...Of course, this is easier to do while I am on vacation- all the more reason for a good plan going forward.

I truly feel this is one area of my budget I can correct and control much better. I am anxious to see how this pencils out over the next few weeks and months!

Today is DD2 and GD's birthday. The girls want to go shopping...I plan to look for freezer containers.

Life is so good!

Vacations are too few and way too far apart..at least in my world they are. I have taken a day here...a few days there. But there is much to be said about taking a full week sandwiched between two weekends...and a real bonus when you can sneak an extra day in because of a Holiday...yep- 11 days off in a row. I am on day 5.

The past three days we spent in a vacation rental house at a nearby resort complete with jetted soak tub in our bedroom, next to the cozy fireplace...and outside hot tub. Uh, YEAH. 3 days of water-pruned fingers and toes was fine with me.

The house was 2 bedroom...and was buy 2 nights stay a 3rd free. Add in the cleaning fee and taxes, $426 for 3 nights for two couples. We made all of our own meals, and had a library of movies, books and games to choose from. The resort has miles of bike and walking paths, and the house came with 4 bikes, passes to the pools and tennis courts...just lots to do. I think thats a great value for all the fun and relaxation we squeezed in.

So...I want to do this on a routine basis (At least one each qtr). But to do so, I will HAVE to budget better- so I got home today and cancelled my movie channels- which saves $36 per month. THat will go STRAIGHT into the vacation fund.

I am looking at everything I do to see what I can cut or scale back in order to afford these trips. Suddenly, wearing sweaters to cut back on heat and eating at home as much as possible have a real purpose again!!

My vacation time this afternoon was spent dealing with all those things I havent had time to working full time. Called the IRS about my refund...it was sent to our old address and retured to IRS...so waited on line almost 30 minutes to talk to someone and it took another 20 to get this resolved. Refund should arrive in 3-4 weeks... Had to file a claim for an accident- at the end of July a young lady backed into my car- that took another 30 minutes... Then, called Directv about receiver that hasnt worked in months...went through the endless trouble shooting list with them (for 25 mins) and they finally agreed that this would take a service call to fix...he will be here on Sunday. SOOOO...a good part of the afternoon shot while waiting on hold.

However, I got it all done!! Now just have to get the car by for an estimate on the repair and schedule the work.

Will spend some time this week working on a solid budget that includes a line item for vacations. Have an appt to get hair cut...and may use my pedicure gift card that I got for Mothers Day this year.

Loving the freedom to pick and choose the weeks adventures from now til Sunday....Life...is very, very good.

Seriously? In almost four and a half years I have found 800 things to blog about---WOW. I appreciate so much the advice Ive received, the things Ive learned, the support youve given...and the laughter and tears Ive shared with so many of you!!!

Last week...I had a truly frugal...or maybe it was just cheap....aha moment.

Last spring I found a comfy pair of flats at Ross for $6. Loved em! A few weeks into ownership...the lining peeled on the inside, causing them to not be so comfy...but I just kept readjusting thru-out the day...then about a month ago, the button came off the strap...so I stapled it to the shoe..had to be restapled almost daily....then the button popped off the other one...so I stapled the other side...(i always wear pants so I was the only one that knew)...

and finally, the inside lining bunched up and adhered into a ball making it pretty uncomfortable when I walked...so I was cutting the ball out of the shoe when one of my staff walked into my office and saw what I was doing...we both got a good laugh out of my $6 shoes and my attempts at stretching their wear-ability.

I finally broke down this weekend and bought a nice comfy pair of leather flats...on sale, with a 15% added discount. No more staples...or lining issues...these are nicely made and will probably outlast the cheapo $6 shoes by a good year or two! Just another lesson about cheaper not always being better.

I have to chuckle even more at my 'wardrobe' for work. I have several tops that match my one primary pair of pants. Yep...one pair of black pants that match almost everything in my closet. They are wrinkle free material and have held up very well. They were a pair my DD1 didnt want (3 years ago)...and I wash and wear them most of the time. Easy care and I always know what Im gonna wear. I cant imagine how much I have saved by not shopping and not having to dry clean...

Frugal wardrobe for sure.

Friday night I got to attend a super cute play for free with my co-workers. My job paid as a mid-year thank you. The play was a comedy...so much fun...and free was even better!

Life is good!