Back on the Bandwagon - Saving with Cash

Being pregnant comes with it's challenges when trying to keep to a reasonable grocery budget.

Let's just say I fell off the bandwagon pretty fiercely earlier this year.  I stopped couponing and my meal planning was "Tonight, I feel like eating popcorn and steak..."

The truth is, we just don't have the luxury of living that lifestyle.  Maybe some day I will, but it will always pain me to know when I slip up and how much money I can waste when laziness/crankiness/hunger strikes.  It's just so easy to spend at the grocery store - right?  I'm a sucker for a good food display.

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Why yes, I DO need soup.  Soup for all!

I'm preaching to the choir when I complain about the outrageous food prices.  Heaven forbid I want to eat healthy and feed my daughter...grapes!   I started swiping my debit card instead of sticking to our pay with cash principle and our food budget grew by at least 1/3.  We squeaked by for a couple of months without noticing (or hiding like an ostrich in the sand). But reality caught up pretty quickly. So, I stopped hormonally shopping, pulled up my big girl undies, and got organized.

We're back to using cash and already seeing a major difference.  I think we needed the reminder that Cash Speaks.  On paydays we take out our food/grocery budget and make a plan.  I'm doing some coupons again, but not with the fervor I once did.  But it's going better with easing myself back into it and shopping the sales at Harris Teeter.  I adore Souther Savers - do you use it too?

Have you had any good wake up calls when it comes to living on a budget?  What helps you stick to your food budget?

Thrifty Thursdays: Pinterest Parties!

Pinterest has become a phenomenon that women (and even some men - yay!) are using daily for inspiration and education.  If you haven't started an account yet, you can learn more here.  I mainly troll Pinterest for recipes, cheap DIY, and overall inspiration for Life.

I've read some great Mommy articles as of late about how NOT to use Pinterest.  It shouldn't be a place where you constantly size yourself up against other women.  Just because you're not cutting your kid's snacks into adorable characters doesn't mean you can't benefit.

Source: goo.gl via Sabine on Pinterest

There is a balance, and one that you have to keep in mind.  Despite your love for Bert and Ernie.

On the other hand, it's very motivating to have the instant gratification of clear directions, cheery pictures, and the Hope you could be *gasp* crafty.

My fabulous mother's group has been holding Pinterest Parties lately.  This includes drinks, dessert, and a fun and easy craft to work on.  Usually a very inexpensive craft where other moms can pool their resources to create something pretty and fun.  There is no pressure to run out to Michael's and buy a mess of new craft tools, because most likely another woman has what you might need.  Clever and thrifty.  Pinterest allows you to start group boards, so we take turns pinning clever craft ideas on the board.  Then the lovely hostess chooses a craft that everyone is excited to try.

So far we have made these...

Source: media-cache3.pinterest.com via Mia on Pinterest

 and these...

Source: thebridesdiary-diy.blogspot.com via Tracy on Pinterest

The photo coasters were a perfect birthday gift for my father-in-law.  No picture, since he is a Cupid baby and has been enjoying them since February :)

Here is a picture of the artwork I just finished for baby sister's room.  Half was done at my friend's Pinterest Party, which is where I actually decided on the colors for her nursery.  Tough decisions, people, tough.  Needs a couple more finishing touches and then done.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and honestly I would not have tackled this without Pinterest or the fun night out.

Have you tried a Pin Party?  What crafts or DIY ventures would be easier with a group of friends?

The Blogger Who Never Blogs and the Family that Loves Her

This is awkward.

I feel like we haven't seen one another in an awfully long time.

I've been distant.  Apologies.

Let's move on to something SUPER exciting which might (maybe?) explain my brief hiatus.

This August, we will become a family of four!  Baby Girl #2 is healthy and kicking, and we are thrilled and blessed beyond belief :)

(That's not a beer belly.  Promise.)

After the First Trimester Sickies of Doom passed, I started reevaluating some of my priorities as a home economist, mother and wife.  I've loved the past two years as a SAHM, but I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with some of my endeavors and goals.  It was time to scale back and assess what I considered "successful".

One major thorn in my side was my feelings of inadequacy as a house keeper.  When I was under the weather and chasing a toddler, I felt like I slipped up even worse.  You know the sad internal monologue of...
"I'm a stay-at-home-mom...why can't I just DO the chores?"
"Clearly, I'm the laziest woman alive."
"I don't have time to do A, B, or C.  Because I must catch up on my Hulu shows and take a nap."
"I'll think about that tomorrow.  Hell, it worked for Scarlett O'Hara, right?"

I needed a solution that actually worked for me and the way I think.  There are LOTS of super organized women out there that write faaaabulous blog entries about home journals, chore charts, and the art of the to-do list.  Lots of free printables, examples, and pretty photos of their organized and sparkling homes.

As I've said before, I am NOT that woman.  If you are - congratulations.

If you're not, join the masses.

A friend and past co-worker mentioned to me what she had been using for years to help stay on top of the housework.  She promised me not to judge the site on first look, but just to try it.  Maybe it could work for me.  This is a friend who always has it together but not in an intimidating manner.  I was sure to take note.

Shortly after our conversation, I checked out Flylady and signed up for the daily emails.  I started slowly and hopped around her site a bit.  Okay, I technically cheated in the beginning, but I found a strategy that worked for me.  So, I'm considering that a win.  I've also maintained (more or less) my new routines and can see a real benefit to me and my family.  With the madness of a newborn in the house, I know I'll be very grateful in the months to come.

If my internal monologue starts up again, I fill it with...
"I can do anything for 15 minutes."
"It doesn't have to be perfect - just do a bit now and more later."
"Whatever - at least I'm dressed to shoes and my kitchen sink is shining!"
"Having a clean and uncluttered home blesses my family."
"Don't get sidetracked.  One job at a time!"

My control journal is still a messy notebook with penciled notes, and I really like it that way.  I've been purposefully resisting my urge to laminate, color code, and obsess about making the journal perfect.  This is how I know FlyLady has creeped into my psyche.

FlyLady does have a shop and lots of fantastic looking products.  However, she really preaches a sense of frugality when it comes to house cleaning.  You don't need the fancy gadgets or expensive cleaners to get the job done.  As she says, "Soap is soap!"

f you feel like you could use some help, I suggest trying it out for a month.  Start here and see how it goes. I'm still "fluttering" but I'm hoping to one day be "flying" :)

How do you measure a year?

Source: google.com via Judy on Pinterest

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2011 Lessons Learned

• The loftier the goal, sometimes, the harder the fall.  I'm terribly guilty of aiming too high sometimes.  I know that sounds self-depricating, but at least it's the truth.  I know my limitations, and I resist change more than I realized.  I'm not as go with the flow as I once thought.
• What gives me joy and peace is not what gives others the same feeling.  I have my own definition of happiness, and I need to focus less on perfection and more on balance.  
• My husband will do anything to serve my heart and make me feel secure.  I always knew this to be true, but his dedication in the past year has been an excellent reminder :)
• I am blessed daily with old and new friends. Reminds me of the motto:  Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold.
• Seeing yourself in your daughter is all at once thrilling and terrifying!
• Starting the day with a clean kitchen sink will make any day brighter and calmer.
• My twenties were for self-indulgency, my thirties will be for self-control.
• God wants me to talk to him.  Every day.

I had plans of adding my goals for 2012 with this post, but honestly, I'm still working on them.  I'd like them to be measurable goals, and I'm limiting myself to only three.  This is difficult, because usually my goals read like this...

1.  Change the world.

2.  Be amazing at everything.

3.  Never surrender.

4.  Lose 5 pounds.

5.  Exercise 3 days a week.

6.  Eat 50% organic.

And so on.... You see my problem.

What about you?  What attainable goals are you setting for 2012? Anything learned from 2011? Please share :)

Thrifty Thursday: Brown paper packages...

..tied up with string...

Try not to hum (or loudly belt) and channel your inner Julie Andrews today.  It can't be done - she is just infectious!

Speaking of brown paper packages, I have really enjoyed my take on christmas wrapping this year.  I've saved money, and our gifts have a classic, simple flair that really puts me in the spirit.

Enter standard packing paper from Target.  I think my roll was around $5.

Enter cheap ribbons: You can stock up with Michael's weekly coupons or at the Dollar Store.

Enter Gloss Finish Scotch tape: Gives it a nice, clean finish.  I found regular scotch tape didn't have enough stick power to hold the heavy paper.

The paper lasts -forever- and even after all my wrapping, I still have a huge roll left.  My only complaint is that it does curl up and I have to weight it down to get it cut and folded the way I want.  But, hey, no biggie.

I had some fun Christmas stamps I got on clearance last year, so I jazzed some of them up a bit.

Now, I did want something pretty that the kids on my shopping list could really rip into.  I don't think the brown paper will have that satisfying riiiiiiip that I was going for.  But, I managed to get all kiddie gifts wrapped with a small roll of colored paper.  When usually, I'm going back for several rolls each year.  And honestly, the more trips I make out this time of year, the more tempted I am to overspend.

What style did you go with for Christmas wrapping this year?  Sunday comics DO count.  In case you were wondering. :)

8 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Fabulous Frugalista

Are you a Frugalista?  Or are you just married to one?

Either way, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas for shopping for that frugal someone in your life. And if that person just so happens to be you, no judgement.  Merry Christmas to you, from you.

1.  ALL YOU magazine subscription - TONS of high value coupons and fabulous articles about frugal living.  Added bonus?  Delicious and affordable recipes.  They have amazing deals year round.  Here's the latest one.

2. Printer Ink & Paper - Printing coupons eats up a good amount of ink and paper.  Keep your Frugalista stocked up so she can print and save to her heart's content.  If this doesn't sound very warm and fuzzy to you, maybe go with a gift card to an office supply store.   

 3.  Mason Jars - Amazingly frugal accessory.  From canning in season veggies to planters to catching those quick, summer fireflies.  Fill them with cookie ingredients and she can recycle the jar.

4.  Local produce co-share or co-op membership - Rising produce prices will hurt even the most careful Frugalista's budget.  Research options in your area, and give her the gift of saving on fresh fruits and veggies year round.  Some even deliver to your door!

5.  Sewing Machine - A cornerstone to a frugal lifestyle is learning to upcycle or recycle clothing and household fabrics.  An art form I haven't attempted since the 7th grade, but am anxious to learn how.  Here's a beauty I've been eyeing....

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6.  Baking/Cookware - Why buy it when you can bake it?  Fresh cookie sheets, mini loaf pans, muffin trays, and cooling racks will freshen up the cupboards and be an inspiration to cook from scratch more.

7.  Dave Ramsey Cash Envelope System - Paying with cash is a powerful tool when living on a budget. I love my wallet and what it does for my accountability.  Start small and use cash for all your groceries.  You'll be amazed to see how much you save when you know you can't swipe that magical card.

8.  Journals/Planners/Organizers/Sticky Notes - A true Frugalista likes to make lists and plans.  She scouts sales, coupons, and has attainable goals.  Help her on her journey to greatness with a new 2012 calendar or planner.  Be sure to see what she uses now, she'd hate for you to waste your money on something she won't really use.

Your Fabulous Frugalista will love a purposeful and meaningful gift this Christmas.  Somehow this list represents a truer meaning to Christmas than a new Lexus topped with a giant, red, bow.

Note to Self:  Stop watching car Christmas commercials.

Thrifty Thursday ~ Frugal Christmas Decor

I love Christmas decorations.  I love the glitter, the shine, the pretty.  I love the ceramic Santa and the dancing snowman.  I love it all.

I could spend hours at Target or Michaels perusing the holiday aisles.  It is my most favorite time of year.  Forgive me for using every superlative I know to express this love.

Anyway, you can imagine my strong desire to buy new, shiny Christmas decor every year.  But, this simply isn't possible.  We've been gifted most of our decorations (which I love).  However, I did want to pick up a few items to add to our holiday sparkle.

Enter Target Dollar bins!  Most of my life's dilemmas can be solved in the $1 bins at Target.  I snagged a ton of these mini ornaments.  I just didn't know what I was going to put them in.

I am a woman with lots of flower vases.  I guess that speaks to the chivalry of my husband, but don't tell him I said so ;)  However, the ornaments only half-filled my vase, and I thought it looked silly on my mantle.

I salvaged some old colored tissue paper from the holiday bin. It nearly called out to me for a new home.

 I took our frame that usually holds our wedding photo and slipped in this cute little printable.  I love Elf!  I'm pretty happy with the result.  

Since today is December 1st I've been trying to decide on an advent calendar to do with Amelia.  I thought this looked just my style.  Simple and cheap.  But, what happens if I want to make mini-muffins in December? Hmm...could get tricky.  

Happy December everyone!