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!