Spring Break is over for Swimbaby #1. She went back to college this morning with a suitcase full of supplies to last the rest of the year. She came home with a list of toiletries she needed and a second list of clothing wishes. I'm always nervous when I see those lists...

But we did great. First we checked the stash I have in the hall closet and found a few things, and then we made a trip to CVS, and one to Rite Aid. She isn't picky about brands, so we were able to get everything she needed at great prices... of course combining the UP/EB, store coupons, sale prices and manufacturer's coupons. Score! (I'm going to start keeping track of coupon savings like Retire@50. Love that idea! Wondering why I didn't think of it!)

Then I looked at the clothing list. She wanted a few new things for spring. We caught sales at the GAP, went to one consignment store and a TJMaxx. She got two trendy new GAP tees, two dresses, a purse and a cute tank top, plus a crazy-cute pair of new sandals. The total was $85, which I was completely okay with! I had actually planned to spend more if necessary. This kid rarely asks for anything and we had tons of fun shopping together!

We have been jumping through hoops to open a new account at the credit union associated with The Husband's employer. The hoops are high and small... it's been challenging! But I think once we get into the groove it will be worth it because the interest rates are very good. We will need to monitor, though, because if we don't follow all the rules we could get charged. Crazy. But for us, it will be worth the better interest rate, I think.

We've been putting off shopping for another car for a long time. I think we might be getting close to actually admitting that we need another car AND doing something about it. The Husband has been texting me links to Craigslist cars all day!

We currently have two cars. One is 14 years old... the commuter... it's a Toyota, not pretty, but pretty good gas mileage. Swimbabies drive it most of the time. The second car is nearly 9 years old... not great gas mileage, but it can carry the whole family and it's in really good shape. We are looking at a very nice (used, German) car that will become the commuter for the adults so that the swimbabies can take over the other one. We'll pay cash, except perhaps $1000, which we will finance and pay off quickly, mainly just for documentation on the credit report.

Of course, this doesn't mean we'll have another car anytime soon. When we bought the last car, it took us at least a year to make a decision.

Happy Wednesday!

Not really...

But I was quite pleased to be able to fill up today for a mere $4.05 per gallon! What a deal!

Aaaaah... what a treat! I got a wonderful pedicure today. I have found someone I really like and I love getting pedicures. If money were no object, I'd probably go every three weeks. But I do get a pedicure about every four weeks. It is a complete delight.... massage chair... lovely orange-scented foot scrub... a good massage... hot rocks... and a cute color, for sure! I love the Opi nail polishes, and today I chose the color "The Show Must Go On." Crazy, I know, but it's worth the $25 to me!

We all liked "The Hunger Games" movie, but of course, it was not as good as the book! What we didn't like: the twelve previews we had to watch before the movie began!

I haven't thought about Plastic Jungle for a while, but I'm definitely going to get back to it. I had a quick look today and found cards for places I would use for sure. That isn't always the case. Of course, it will require a little planning ahead. But some places I know I will shop... like the Gap. I don't buy tons of things there, but spend $200-$300 per year between the whole family. Unfortunately, The Husband just ordered an iPad (old, bargain version! Ha!) and we didn't think of Plastic Jungle. If we had, he could have saved about $24.

More rain this week. We need it, I know, but it complicates the way everyone gets to school/work. We will survive, and hopefully a little suffering now will keep the water rates from skyrocketing this summer!

STILL waiting for our money to hit the IRAs. Not sure what has happened. The money is still in our regular checking and shows as "Pending" in the IRA. I will have to call Monday to find out what the heck has happened. It's been over a week, and it never takes that long.

The Husband and I each get a little bit of cash from all of his paychecks sent to our individual accounts. All other money we mix, but we decided years ago that we should each have our own stash that we could use for anything we want, without discussion from the other. It's not a huge amount that we get every other week, but enough to go out to lunch/coffee with a friend, or buy a book or two... But I haven't felt like spending in quite a while, so I'm building up a chunk there, too. And of course, the more that builds up, the less I want to spend it! I do want a pedicure, though, so might do that this weekend. And it does feel nice knowing that if I suddenly want a new wardrobe or something crazy, I can spend freely! The Husband is going to get an iPad soon because he hasn't been spending either.

Still frustrated with gas prices, in case you were wondering! The Husband and I both have to commute, and the higher prices are making a difference.

It won't be a thrilling weekend, other than not going to work! I'm planning to make pizza for dinner, and maybe some cookies today. There won't be any gardening this weekend, because it's supposed to rain. Hunger Games on Sunday!

Irritating... last week I decided to use a gift certificate that a friend had given me. It was for a haircut at a rather upscale salon, and she had gotten it at one of those fundraising auctions, but decided to stick with her regular hairstylist who does color, etc.

I'm very picky about my hair, and I have someone who usually cuts it who I LOVE. My hair is thin, fine and straight and it's difficult to cut. But I've been growing it out, and I just wanted an inch or so trimmed off the bottom, and I figured practically anyone could do that. And for free!

Long story... The free haircut was actually costly... the stylist didn't listen to me at all, added layers when I asked her not to, cut about three inches off and it looked terrible. So today I went to see my usual *fabulous* guy and he fixed it all and made my hair look great. But of course, I had to pay! So much for the free haircut... lesson learned. More than anything, it was a waste of time!

I went to Costco. $99.80!

The cheapest gas I could find today was $4.18 per gallon. Ouch.

And I snagged that $5 for $10 at Amazon before the sun was even up this morning. Sweet!

The swimbabies are excited about the new Hunger Games movie. Actually, I'm excited, too. I read all the books last summer, and I've been looking forward to the movie. I can't tell you the last time I went to a movie theater (we usually wait for DVD), but we are going this weekend! We had planned to go to the midnight movies on Thursday (well, Friday, really, since the official start of the movie is 12:01), but we decided to do a matinee on Saturday instead. Not sure that it will cost less, but I was getting nervous about being able to stay awake through it!

It's a busy week!

But yesterday I ordered new running shoes. I bought through Ebates, found a coupon code, and got my usual running shoes (which are normally about $110) for $62 and free shipping, plus I'll get 8% from Ebates! I can't wait until they arrive. My old ones are really worn out, and it will feel so great to run in new ones!

Today I got a message from our local health food store. Apparently I took a survey a few months ago -- I don't remember, but it sounds like me! And the reward for doing the survey, which was totally about this local store, is a gift card for $10! What a treat! Free health food!

Today I made more homemade goldfish crackers for the swimbabies' lunches. I made a giant batch, and after that, it had to be a quick dinner --- one of our comfort foods. One of our favorites: I cut potatoes in cubes and roast them in a tiny bit of oil until they are crispy. Everyone gets a pile of potatoes topped with a poached egg, plus strawberries and orange juice. Delicious and quick.

I'm trying to wait patiently for our IRA money to really hit the account. I know it's on it's way, but I get a thrill out of just seeing that higher balance. Right now, I think the money is in "Transferland" between our accounts, floating out there in the air somewhere! Hopefully it will all come together tomorrow.

On Friday, I fully funded IRAs for The Husband and me for 2011. Yes, a little behind schedule, but still, it's done now. I also send a considerable chunk of cash from short term savings to long term savings. It's just been sitting there, and since we haven't needed it, I decided to move it. Felt great! I'll start building up the short term fund next paycheck.

Yesterday I did some shopping at Target, with the old manufacturer's coupon combined with store coupon method. My total without sale or coupons should have been over $60. I paid $30 and got two $5 gift cards. Not fabulous, but I always try to just think about if I'd been in a hurry and paid the full $60. $30 savings for a few minute's time to use coupons is worth it to me.

Today I need to plan the week's menu, organize the Sunday paper coupons, and finish up the laundry. I KNOW! Exciting and glamorous!

I tried a ton of new recipes last week. Five different, new, main dishes plus three recipes for crackers (always trying to feed the swimbabies), two cupcake recipes, and one new soup. Amazingly, everything was delicious, and I'll be making all of it again. This was one thing that everyone really loved, and it will be going right back on the menu this week.

http://pinchofyum.com/chicken-tamale-pie

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm hoping to get tons done today. I want to make up caramel sauce and chocolate sauce that I use to fancy-up my coffee. I also found a recipe for homemade goldfish crackers, so I want to give that a try, and I'll probably make bread and cookies or cupcakes for next week because it will be particularly busy.

I also have to do a little shopping. Dislike. I need new running shoes, as do two of the swimbabies. And one kid needs new *unmentionables*, and The Husband needs a new pair of work shoes. I don't particularly like shopping, but I guess it will be good to cross it off the list.

Also on my list is a little fun at the drugstores! Rite Aid and CVS both have deals expiring today.

And I need to think of something for St. Patrick's Day dinner. We often make a meal of green things, like spinach pasta with pesto, green salad and mint pie, but I am thinking maybe pesto pizza with vegetables. And perhaps chocolate cupcakes with mint frosting. What are you having for dinner?

I cannot believe the gas prices! Today I paid $4.33 per gallon, and that was the cheapest I could find.

Totally unrelated, but I have been shopping for a raincoat. About a month ago, I found the one I wanted online, but then I couldn't decide if I should get it or not (Yes, of course I should! I really need a long raincoat to wear to work... my REI parka-style is terrible with dresses!)

So a couple of days later, I decided that I definitely wanted it. I got back on the website to order it, and it was gone. They only had it in size large, which won't work for me. So I pouted a little, scolded myself for not ordering it when I first found it, and moved on.

About a week later, I was going somewhere in the rain, and I thought, "Hmmm.... I wonder if they happened to get any more of those really cute raincoats?" So I got back on the website and sure enough! They have XS, S, M, L, and XL! I was so excited! A whole new shipment!

Just as I'm pulling out my wallet to order it, there's a semi-emergency at work and they need my help. "It'll just take a second," I hear from my colleague. So I left the browser window open with that adorable coat in my shopping cart! Forty-five minutes later I went back and they only had M, L, XL. I need a small. I considered ordering a medium, but thought better of it.

A few days later, I check again. Awesome! There's a small in stock. Oops. I just paid all the bills and will need to transfer money. I open another window and get on the bank website. Seriously. Unbelievable. TEN minutes later -- you guessed it!!-- no smalls!

Finally, a week later, all the planets and stars aligned, and the coat was in stock and I ordered it!

My new raincoat arrived today. It's perfect! A medium would have been too big, so I'm glad I waited for the small. It was well worth the hassle... it's black with a couple feminine details but definitely a classic! The style is perfect on me, and it's a little more fitted that most, which I like. The quality is excellent and I expect I'll have it for many years!

Oh, and I bought it through Ebates, of course, and the shipping was free! Happy rainy day!

It's been raining constantly since Monday. I can't complain because it hasn't rained much this winter, and we really need the water. But I'm cold!

I just want to stay inside and curl up with a book, a blanket, and a cup of tea. Um. Right. Uh-huh. Not going to happen, but it's fun to dream.

I'll be taking advantage of a one-day deal today... a dozen eggs for 69 cents (limit 3) ...yes, please.

For dinner, I'm making tomato basil soup, homemade biscuits, and salad. One good thing about rainy days is that I can sneak in something meatless, and the swimboy won't complain and ask for a blood meal.* For some reason, soup is acceptable when it's raining, though it's not at any other time...

Delicious biscuit recipe
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/flaky-buttermilk-biscuits-10000001853981/

(*swimboy doesn't really complain, but he loves his meat!)

While I was growing up, I didn't have access to cable television, and we could only watch two channels on our small black and white TV. It didn't matter a whole lot... I was busy with music lessons and swim team and school activities. It was a treat to visit my grandparents, who got four or five channels!

After graduating from college and getting my first job, my husband's dad commented, "Now you can afford cable!" His family was much more into television than mine was, and it was inconvenient for them to visit and not have access (especially to sports), apparently.

I didn't see any reason to get cable just because we could afford it, but the next summer there was some kind of promotion and we decided to try it. I remember the fun of realizing that I could watch an enormous variety of shows and movies whenever I wanted to. Very entertaining! And I was home all day, every day with my newborn, so I also had the freedom to watch whatever I wanted whenever I wanted to!

One day, I got a new recipe called "Oh Slap My Face Peach Cobbler," and listened to the guest chef talk about how it was THAT good. And it was. I made many cobblers that summer, experimenting with other fruits, just like they suggested on TV! I watched Wimbledon each day it aired, used the start of the evening news as a cue to fix dinner, and also caught bits of the many, crazy talk shows that were on. I learned about genetic testing, addictions, drugs, nutrition, gardening, decorating, parenting and home security. I became a Today Show faithful, always turning it on as I did housework or folded laundry in the mornings. I watched the local news at noon, and planned trips to the grocery store around Oprah's topics.

My undoing came in the middle of the night. I had that newborn, remember? And each night when she would wake for a feeding, I would plop myself down on the couch and turn on the television. I told myself that it was to help me stay awake while I fed her, but I think we all know the truth, don't we?! I distinctly remember one night when "Parenthood" came on HBO or Showtime or whatever it was, and I can't resist a Steve Martin movie! I love that movie! I started watching while my daughter nursed, continued watching as she fell asleep, and then sat there crying at the end... just as she woke for the next feeding!

Soon after that night, I insisted that my husband do whatever he could to get the cable cancelled immediately! I simply couldn't take it. And it had only been a month!

I haven't had that much free time since then, because we decided to give that precious little newborn a herd of siblings. We haven't watched a ton of TV since, either, because we just haven't been that interested, and well... we couldn't get all those great channels without cable. And we had learned that it really isn't worth the money for us.

But now we are able to watch a few shows on the internet through Hulu or Megavideo or Project Free TV or through some other websites my teens have found. We can watch most shows just a day after they air, and don't have to worry about "missing" anything.

We like to watch "The Big Bang Theory" (nerdy humor!) and "The Office" (not as good as it was when Michael Scott was around, no matter how much he got under our skin!) We have seen the pilot of "Touch," with Kiefer Sutherland, and can't wait for the second episode, which will air next week. We were instant fans of "White Collar," and "The Firm," and "30 Rock," and my kids like to watch "Glee" occasionally. Access by internet is perfect for us. We usually do a little catch up on Friday or Saturday nights or on rainy days or during vacations from school.

I calculated that my in-laws have spent more than $11,000 on cable since my father-in-law suggested we spend our money on it, too.

But we love watching over the internet. It doesn't interfere with real life and the price is just right!

I love shopping at my local Costco. I don't go for the samples, like my kids do, I go for the bargains.

And the entertainment. I'm simultaneously amused and shocked when I see some of the carts that people push up to the check out area. Piles and piles of chips (my favorite thing to hate!), lots of croissants, cakes, pizzas, sodas and other non-essential items. I know, I know, everyone gets to make their own decisions! But every time I shake my head at the craziness I see there.

When I shop at Costco, my bill is ALWAYS between $95 and $125 no matter what. I am not sure how it happens every single time. I've never gone over $125 in several years of shopping there. Very occasionally, I'll spend less. It doesn't seem to matter how often (or seldom) I go, or what I buy. Do I just have an internal clock-like limit? I'm never consciously paying attention to how much I buy. Instead, I'm monitoring the prices and whether each item is a good value or not. If we need it and it's a good price, into the cart it goes!

The good bargains at my store (I know that prices vary from location to location): flour, Tillamook cheese, Foster Farms chicken, eggs, butter, wheat bread, chocolate chips, ground turkey and milk.

Sometimes these things are a good price, but not always: berries, apples, grapefruit, oranges, avocados, carrots, salad mixes, chicken broth, and nuts.

Some of the items I buy I can sometimes get better deals with coupons (or make my own), but we go through enough of the item that it's worth a bit more money to have less hassle. Wheat bread is a good example. I make my own when I have time or buy it when I can get a great coupon deal, but I always need more. Same with eggs.

Last time I was at Costco, though, I got some great jeans! They are Calvin Klein and have cute pockets. They had just a few pairs left in the sizes at the ends of the spectrum (sorry, if you needed an 8-10-12, you were out of luck!), and oh yes, they had the right size and length for me. $24.99! I am thrilled. They fit me perfectly, look great and were certainly less than my favorite Gap jeans! I also picked up three pairs of Smartwool socks for $12.99, along with the groceries we needed.

The total? $115.72. Shrug and smile. Weird.

Well, many months ago... no... actually MANY months ago, I was driving on the freeway. Something fell off the truck in front of me and did a little damage. I had kids in the car, it was a very busy traffic time... and I didn't get the license plate number. Wish I had. The piece of whatever-it-was that hit my car wrecked a headlight, knocked a piece of decorative grill off and made a tiny dent.

I can live with the dent. It's really tiny (two fingerprint size?) And the decorative grill is cute, but not totally necessary. But the non-working headlight has been a problem. We have an enormous deductible, so knew we'd pair for the repair ourselves. Not a problem!

The Husband is pretty darn handy. He can fix anything in the house and most things on a car. But he has been extremely busy with work and commute and work travel for MANY months. And this is the car that I mostly drive, not him.

At one point, I took my car to a repair place in town to get an estimate. We've taken cars to this place for minor mechanical repairs and they have done decent work for a fair price. For the grill and headlight and a fog light, the estimate was $1000. I wasn't really surprised, and I was eager to get the light fixed...driving at night has been a constant worry...don't want to get pulled over! So I've mostly driven our other car at night.

So I was ready to pay the $1000. The owner of this car repair place said he had one more part to try to locate and find the price of, and he'd call me. Never did. Waited. No call. And then I got busy with life and didn't follow up.



Fast forward MANY months to last weekend. The Husband decides on the spur of the moment to order a headlight. Not sure what motivated him... The headlight cost $140, arrived this week, and it took The Husband no more than 6 minutes to pull the old one out and put the new one in.

Seriously! I've been driving with one headlight for MANY months. Well, really it's probably been four years. And it was that easy? And comparatively cheap?! Geez. Took MANY months, but eventually saved $860.

I loved driving the swimbabies around last night to their various events. It was all dark... and I had two headlights!

Why do we still have a land line?!

Truth is, it's for the internet connection. But I finally talked the husband into calling and cancelling the long distance, at least. Then we'd just have local and internet services. I've been pleading for this arrangement for a few years! I'm thrilled! Of course, that was this morning and the offices are closed on Saturday.

But... he took it upon himself to suggest that he also call the cable companies to see what kind of deal they have on just internet. Either way, it won't make a huge difference in our budget. But glad to be exploring again, looking for the very best deal!

The other day I went to the Gap to return something I'd bought for a daughter that she didn't like. I had paid with my debit card, and the cashier asked if cash back was okay. I agreed, and then she proceeded to tell me how it's so much better for the Gap to give cash back, because they are charged every time a card is swiped. Of course, I know this, but really?! She's trying to get my sympathy for a multimillion dollar corporation's card fees?! I get it, I really do. We used to own a business and I know that those fees add up. But really, the item I was returning was probably marked up to the tune of 600% and they are certainly making a hefty profit. Sheesh!

Bought our first basket of strawberries for the season yesterday... on sale for $1.66, and they were delicious! I wasn't too hopeful, as the first ones of the season are usually red but flavorless. But they were good enough that I'll be going back for another basket today.

I've spent the last few days re-organizing and cleaning the kitchen. It needed it. I found extra cooking utensils that we really don't use, and since they are taking up precious space in our tiny kitchen, I've decided they can go. I also found some vintage items that I'm just not attached to. I know they belonged to my grandmother and I loved her so much... but they are not her, and they are going, as well. So from the hours of rearranging, washing and taking stock of items in the kitchen, I have gleaned a small pile for eBay. Proceeds will go to one of our online savings accounts. I'm sure it won't be much, but that feeling of gaining space AND a few dollars always makes me feel good!

This particular online account is what I've been using for tiny little checks that come in the mail. A couple of times each week, we get a small check (under $20, usually) of some kind: rebate, Pinecone, medical reimbursement, etc. I have been collecting a few at a time and then sending them off (in pre-paid envelopes!) to the savings account. Ah, the joys of watching the balance go up! Slow, yes, but pretty steady. I guess it's where my "challenge" money has started to go. And I have never kept secrets from my husband, but he doesn't know what I've been doing with those checks. I'll surprise him when it's a substantial amount, send it to our regular savings and start over. So Shh! Don't tell!

Yesterday I baked a quick chocolate cake. I thought I just wanted a treat, but perhaps it was the purging of items that belonged to my grandmother that really set the project in motion. I haven't baked this particular cake in over a year, but it was her recipe. I didn't make the connection until long after it was cooked, frosted and half eaten! I also made sandwich rolls and a delicious batch of macaroni and cheese from a new recipe.

Today, I'm baking more sandwich rolls (so many kids to feed!) and some cookies for the freezer. Pulling chicken from the freezer for dinner. I will have to go to the store for milk (so many kids to feed!), but that's all we need for today.

Gas prices are downright crazy! Glad I can stay home today and work on more organizing and cleaning!

Chocolate Cake
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cubes butter
4 T. coca
1 c. water
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix sugar, flour and baking soda in a bowl. Heat together water, cocoa and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil and then pour on dry ingredients. Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Pour into 12" by 18" (like a cookie sheet) pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Icing
1 cube butter
4 T. cocoa
6 T. buttermilk
1 pound powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Bring butter, cocoa and buttermilk to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add sugar and vanilla. Spread hot frosting on hot cake.

So I have really fine, long, straight hair. We are talking baby fine. And several years ago, I got a free sample of a conditioner from a salon. I fell in love. It is the best ever... perfect for my kind of hair.

So a 34-oz bottle costs... $50.

I bought some last February and it ran out about two weeks ago. I have tried some cheaper conditioners since then, but they don't work nearly as well.

Now, when I think about it as $50 for conditioner, I want to scream. But the giant bottle usually lasts about 9-10 months. So then it's just $5-6 per month... which doesn't sound nearly so bad.

I know, it's crazy.

I can't believe it's been a week!

I still have lots to do.

1.The menu never quite got planned, but we made it with no problem. I have a lot in the freezer, and we got creative. Homemade pizza tonight. The hubs absolutely perfected a crisp crust! It will be delicious. Also in the plans this week: meatball sandwiches, quiche, honey lime chicken, chicken salad, and maybe sausages on homemade rolls. I'll need to shop only for fresh fruit and vegetables. Oh, and milk. We go through almost 7 gallons a week.

2. I need to look at the money for the month. It's not super urgent, because we're not buying a bunch of stuff and there is plenty there, but I like to have a ledger balance in my head. Probably won't happen this week.

3. I have tons to do at work. Last week... hmm... "Busy" doesn't begin to describe it. "Stressful" doesn't really touch it either. It was insane. My job is normally pretty quiet, no conflict... I take care of what I need to do and it's relatively calm. But this week? Extra security, police involved, multiple reports taken by multiple agencies... Never experienced anything like it before. I'm not a target or anything (except that irrational people are... well, irrational, and you never know) but some people I work with are closely involved personally. Two unrelated incidents involving two different people. Sorry to be so cryptic... but I can't say too much.

The result of all this was that I got very little done all last week. So now I'm really, really behind and feeling disorganized. I'm going to go to work this afternoon and try to do a little catching up so that I won't feel so disoriented when it's time to work tomorrow.

4. Can't wait to hit the drugstores today with my coupons! Free cereal, super cheap toothpaste, and some nuts are all at the top of my list.

5. I have a box of things to take to the local thrift store where I donate. Cleaning out!!

Ugh. The to-do list is long today. Everyone goes back to work and school tomorrow and life is busy at our house, so I'm trying to get ahead of it.

I will do some more cooking and freezing today. I'm making a gourmet chicken pot pie for dinner, and will put half in the freezer. Also on the list: rolls and cookies. Get that freezer stocked!

I need to make up the menu for the next couple of weeks. The menu SAVES me, both time-wise and money-wise. I usually plan 2-4 weeks at a time, with the idea that things might change once or twice. I always have some meals that can be saved (or not pulled from the freezer.) I know some people plan their meals based on what's on sale, and I do that to some extent. If I see something really good on sale, I will buy it and bump one of the other meals if the sale item needs to be eaten right away. Avocados were on sale for 37 cents each, so I moved a few things around so we could have tacos last week. 37 cents! That was a treat!

I'm trying to fill the month with nice, inexpensive meals. We don't know what the Hubbub's check will be mid-month. It will be a little less than last month, because a few things got re-set. I'm not really worried, but I want to be prepared for the "surprise!" My check varies every month, but always by less than a dollar.

Can't wait to get started on the taxes. Fun times! I really love doing it.

On my decluttering list: the sewing area...it could end up being a two-day job, though. Lots of other things to do, and it's a big project.

It was a great New Year's Eve with friends!

Before the fun began...
1. Did a little last minute stocking up on over-the-counter medicines using our pre-tax health debit card. I know we will need ibuprofin, Zyrtec, and children's medicines, so I got a couple of each.

2. Spent some time with a friend and we worked on some sewing projects.

3. Used some "expires on December 31, 2010" coupons. For just $1.54 in cash, I got a box of kleenex, two packages of cough drops, and 8 bars of Dove Soap. I'm pleased with that.


I'm looking forward to a nice walk in the morning, and more good times with family and friends.

Happy 2011! Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Argh. I hate it when even little bits of money are wasted here and there. Or perhaps not wasted, but not spent thoughtfully, either.

Take December, for example. I'm actually okay with things like this: an extra gift here and there, extra gas for day trip, eating out on a weeknight that was triple-booked with children's activities. I kind of expect a little of that, which is why there's an "other" category.

I'm not okay with having to buy extra toiletries while on a four-day trip because life was too crazy before we left, so we packed too fast, and forgot toothbrushes, cold medicine, toothpaste and face wash...especially because there was a large stockpile of all those items at home. And the right things weren't on sale. And I didn't have coupons with me.

I'm also bothered by spending more on things than I think I should, but feeling somewhat trapped...even if it's just a few dollars. I took Swimbaby2 to a big meet, and he needed power bars. I know I can get them for $1 each without too much effort, but I dropped the ball and we ran out. I was not happy to pay $2 each at the snack bar at the pool.

When things get busy, those little things get forgotten first. And things really got busy in November and December. So for January, I am going to re-focus on the small things.

-I can turn the thermostat down just one degree and make a small difference in the bill.
-Using the IRS standard mileage as a guideline, I can save $1.60 every day that I ride my bike to work.
-refocus on coupons, vegetarian meals, shorter showers, shopping around a bit for gas prices (usually Costco has the cheapest gas around here), etc.
-Get those items in the box listed on ebay. Sure, they might only bring in a $2-3 profit each, but it will be a profit, and the focus here is "small." And the big bonus with this is that the stuff will be out of the house!
-Turn in the 3-4 receipts that are sitting on my desk, so I can get reimbursed. Really, not a big deal, but I'm focusing on small!

For some reason, tending to the small things makes the larger goals seem less daunting. I've got some big goals for the year, and some significant financial changes coming within the next year. But just for a few weeks, I'll be thinking of the little stuff. What little actions make you feel better?

Yesterday I made three dinners and put them in the freezer, plus made some breakfast danish-kind of things and put those in the freezer, too.

I'm off work this week, as is the hub. We've been having plenty of leisure and family time, which we have both needed. I really like our kids. They are fun to be with!

But I'm getting things done, too.

1. Yesterday when we took down the tree, I filled an entire box with Christmas decoration items that we do not need and are not attached to. We did have 7 large plastic boxes for Christmas decorations (one is all childrens books and toys) but now we are down to six!

2. We've had more time to cook this week and one of the kids is particularly interested in helping (and is actually helpful!) so today I want to do a little freezer stock-up. I want to make a few pans of lasagna and a giant batch of rolls to stash in the freezer for next week, which life will likely be busy again.

3. I opened another online account to stash my $20 challenge money in. In the past, I have just kept track, but not separated the money. This year I want to try keeping it completely separate. I think I will add $1 for each time I ride my bike or walk rather than drive. We live close enough to walk to get groceries, and I could ride my bike to work every day if I weren't ever cold or lazy or in a hurry.


$20 Challenge:
I rode my bike to meet a friend for coffee yesterday...$56.49 + $1 = $57.49

Yesterday I said to the hubbub: "I'm going to go play with my friends at Rite Aid and CVS. I'll be back in a little while."

His response: "Are you going to play nice?"

My answer: "Probably not."

We have a large family and we were starting to run low on some things. I combined sales, coupons, and the store "reward dollars" to get us stocked up again. I spent $18.22 at Rite Aid (three transactions) and $22.01 at CVS (also three transactions), so $44.23 total.

When I got home, the fun began! I laid everything out on the dining room table so I could admire it: laundry soap, razors, shampoo and more shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, body wash, bandaids, lip treatments, dish soap... and some free treats... four bags of Chex Mix, four bottles of Vitamin Water, and a bag of pretzel M&Ms. Then, I got out the calculator to see how much it would have cost if I hadn't planned carefully. The total? $170 and some change.

In the past, I haven't included this kind of savings in my $20 Challenge, but this year I'm going to do it differently. I am going to include just the amount of each coupon I use. For these transactions, the value of the coupons used was $56.49, so that's what I'm starting my $20 Challenge with. I know it's not quite 2011, but 2010 was hectic so I'm giving myself a head start!

$20 Challenge: $56.49

Today feels so new and refreshing!

The weeks leading up to Christmas were just too busy. (In fact, most of 2010 was so busy it was a blur! I had a long, long commute for 1/2 the year, then landed a great new job and now have a 1-mile commute!) All is well, but not enough time to stop and enjoy the family. We'll be doing some of that in the next few days.

I'm also planning to have a "getaway" at the coffee shop with the hubbub and our laptops, checkbook, notebooks and financial info. We need to make some changes for next year: pre-tax accts, budgeting for college, increase savings due to increased income... but we need a couple of hours alone to talk and think and plan...

Also on the list:
-get the tree down and Christmas put away today!
-do a little cleaning/organizing
-plan the menu for the next few weeks
-pack up some of the leftovers and get them into the freezer (turkey, ham)
-deposit gift $

Wishing you all a happy and productive day!

Whew! SOOOO happy to have it done. The last document I needed came last Friday, and though the taxes were 95% complete ON FRIDAY, I had a few little things to add. But now they're done. Filed.

We had a weird year, money-wise. I was employed part-time for part of 2009, hub-bub had some extra work, and because we owed taxes a few years ago, we were conservative with our withholding. Too conservative, as it turns out. In September, I got on the IRS website to see how we were doing tax-wise. There is a withholding calculator, and when I entered all our information, the computer screamed "RUN! DON'T WALK! CHANGE YOUR WITHHOLDING TO 27!" We adjusted it to 8, which made little difference, and then up to 10 (as high as his company will allow without jumping through lots of hoops), which didn't change things much, either. So, I knew we'd be getting money back.

Well, I don't mind getting a little back, but we are getting too much back this year. The bad news is that we lost interest on all that money for a part of 2009. The good news is that I can used the money we're getting back to seriously attack goals we set last week. And then I can up the goals and start over!

Hello friends!

It's been crazy at my house! As you know, we have four kids and all have been exceptionally busy with activities. Two are on week-long school trips, and it was no easy task getting them ready (different trips! different ends of the state!)

Husband has had some business trips lately. Last week, he was gone Sun-Thurs. I know some people do that all the time, but we're really just not used to it. In some ways it's much easier to have him gone... one less person underfoot! But the kids really missed him and he DOES give some help with homework occasionally. Of course, that was also the week when I had a meeting every single night for something or other!

I've been looking for jobs. I have a job, but I don't love the situation. Since we are thinking of moving in the next six months, I've been driving to the new area, picking up applications and meeting people. I think I have some good contacts (through friends, mostly), but I don't expect to have a job open until summer. I'm doing my homework now, though. I've driven and hour and a half away, three separate times in the last two weeks. And that totally cut into my blogging time!

I'm also taking a 3 unit class for professional development. All the assignments are due tomorrow, so I will be busy tonight.

I did the taxes, and we're getting a chunk back! $3000, which I know is too much. But we have owed for the past couple of years, and our situation changed for a few years there (job, layoff, lower-paying job with no 401K, consulting job 1099 and on and on). It was getting so I couldn't predict anything. So this year, we're both back to regular jobs, and I upped my withholding, and Hub's too, just to be sure. Half of the refund will go to savings and the other half will be used for expenses from short terms savings (and then we can leave that account as is). It turns out that I need about $1000 worth of car repairs (new tires, new breaks, new tail light, etc- Hub will do most, but I don't trust him on the brakes and he doesn't really have time), so I will get that done and not have to touch savings. The State of California owes us, too. Not really expecting to see that refund any time soon.



Last weekend, I got Hub and the kids all to help. We GUTTED our house. It's not like it was really messy (I am an everything-in-its-place kind of girl!) But we pulled all the furniture out from the walls and washed the walls, took all the couches apart and vacuumed them, did a little rearranging, cleaned baseboards, washed windows, wiped down all the walls, etc. It feels great to have it done. I think it's because my daffodils are already starting to bloom-- so I felt ready for some spring cleaning!

And all this little extra stuff is happening while I'm still trying to cook meals, do laundry, go to work and keep things together.

For the ebay challenge, I didn't quite make it to $100, but I got busy halfway through the month. I'll get some more things listed this weekend, I hope. I have a bag of items tucked behind my desk, right near the computer... ready to list when I have a few extra minutes.

I keep wondering how everyone's been doing! I haven't had much time to read the blogs these last two weeks and I miss you all!

So, BA posted a great song...with great guitar playing. And he unknowingly passed along info that I'd been looking for... how to post a song.

My daughter is 17 and loves to sing and dance and perform. She recorded a few songs with one of her teachers. She mostly does her own back up vocals...hoping to get into some great colleges as a fine arts major.

Anyway, here's the link to one of her songs.

http://www.esnips.com/web/atwirlgirl-Music

Maybe she'll become famous and rich and will pay off the mortgage for us! Not really counting on that...

So this is not an urgent "I'm-trying-to-file-taxes-and-need-to-know-now!" kind of question... more of a planning question.

We are planning to move in the next 6-8 months. It is CLEARLY a terrible time to try to sell our house.

So, we are thinking of renting our house in this town, and then leasing a place for us to live in the new town. Problem is, we probably can't charge enough rent for the house we own to make the mortgage payment.

So say it's something like this: Our mortgage is $2000 a month. We can collect probably $1000 a month in rent. We'll rent a house to live in (new city) for about $1400 a month. NOT REAL NUMBERS.

In the new town, I can make A LOT more money (like $1500 per month!), and husband's commuting costs will go down. Significantly. Like $360 a month.

Can we still write off all the mortgage interest on our house, even if we're not living in it? (it won't be like we'll own a second house right away... and given the current financial situation, it will likely be years!) Since we'll be renting, can we write off the new roof that we need?!

Any better ideas? It's the best we can come up with. Of course, if the market suddenly turns and we can sell our house for a reasonable price, we will. Right now the value is probably $30,000 below what we paid.

And we DO need to move. I don't want to give away too much, but there are lots of reasons. Because of the ages of the kids, it has to be this summer. Again, we do have several months to be planning.

Help, financial geniuses!

Whew! It's been a hectic week.

I've had more than usual to do for work, but hopefully it will slow down this week. I've had sick kids and sick hub. And it just seems like everything took longer than it should have, so I ended up a little behind. Today I'm making lists for the kids ...chores...so they can help get things pulled together around here. I need to make a quick run out for a couple of grocery items. But since I planned a month of menus, I just need lettuce and milk and a couple of other little things. Should be less than $20!

We watched "Run, Fat Boy, Run" last night. Loved it...set in London...funny...

Yesterday I finished reading "Three Cups of Tea," which I thought was so inspirational and amazing. I think I'm going to try to read a book every other week this year. 26 rather than 52.

Today I'm going to try to get some valences made for the family room and kitchen. I have the fabric ready to go. It will look better, and I will feel great when I cross that task off my list. And dare I say that I have a couple of Christmas projects to finish, as well. Aaaargh!

I'm going to keep my ebay/etsy/half.com sales separate from the $20 challenge. I've sold 4 books so far, but haven't been paid yet. It will be fun to watch these two accounts grow. Small, yes, but better than nothing!

For the $20 challenge.... I received a Fry's rebate in the mail for $15, and I saved another $4 on Walgreen's deals.

Previous balance: $36.92
New balance: $55.92

Yikes! My last day of vacation and what do I do? I planned to do a little organizing, but things got out of hand.

I took everything out of the china cabinet, and emptied a couple of other pieces of furniture, too. I rearranges and reorganized. It's definitely better, but it took all day. I found a few items to sell on ebay, though.

I made a fabulous dinner! It's Chicken Pot Pie with Sage Biscuit Topping. It's one of the kids' favorites, and it's in the oven now. They'll be thrilled to have dinner tonight.

I have already sold three items on half.com. I'm loving it. Tomorrow I will take them to the PO.

I went by Walgreens today for a few bargains. My favorite was Fructis shampoo for free. I will send my husband in to get another one tomorrow on his way to work. They had a coupon at WG, plus I had a manufacturer's coupon. What a deal!

I'm not normally too crazy with the coupons, but since I'm doing the $20 challenge, I think I'm going to include coupon savings. It will add up faster. Today I saved a total of $15.42 with coupons. The whole bill was $11.14 after that.

So I'm adding the $15.42 to my challenge account.
Previous balance: $21.50
New Total: $36.92