Thursday, July 14, 2011

Day 1

Ok, so this morning started badly. My husband came downstairs and his belt had broken. We would usually buy a new one but instead he sticky taped it up. Maybe I can op shop one. I am not the biggest op shop fan but hey, imagine how much I can save!!

We are going to a friend's party tomorrow night and need to take something desserty. I have decided that instead of going crazy making something luxurious, I will make marshmallow treats that Peaches learnt at her cooking classes at the start of the year. This is good because 1) I have all the ingredients, 2) Peaches and Sugarlump can help me and 3) they look cute!

A rather massive challenge at the moment is that this next week is Peaches and my birthdays. Presents are all bought (one reason why I blew so much money last month) and to be honest, Peaches is getting very spoiled. I have already put some of the presents into a Christmas box to be given then instead but she is still getting heaps. I really don't think it is healthy to spend so much for any of us. We don't want to set a precedent that this is normal either.
I have a terribly strong instant gratification mindset so it's quite difficult for me to keep things for later for the girls when I know they would enjoy it now. I really don't want spoiled children, this exercise will hopefully teach the girls and I the meaning of patience and just a basic "you don't get it just because you want it" mentality.
Example above of my children getting unnecessary things added to their gift pile!
I am excited but nervous about this month ahead.
I have written out a list of all items in the freezer and will be working out meals using them and what we have. Hopefully when I go to the store this afternoon I won't be spending too much of our precious $400.

Updated photo - My girls

Thought I should share an updated photo since the last one was over 2 years ago...

No Spend Month!

Sooooo, I am back :) My newborn daughter from my last post had her 2nd Birthday about 4 months ago so it has been awhile. I have decided to do a no spend month and it is about to start! The Challenge Use a maximum of $400 for all living costs for our family of 4, from the 15th of July until the 15th of August. Why? I am here because the last few months have been total splurges for me and I really need to curb my spending. I have decided to do a no spend month to hopefully change my mindset and stop this shop-a-holic attitude I have. Plan As I am an avid list writer, I will do meal plans and spending tracking. I plan to use all meat in my freezer before buying more and use as many pantry items as possible before needing to stock up. I will give updates as to how I am going and be honest in what I am spending money on. I have a terrible addiction to Red Rooster so I am hoping to curb that a little!

The Details:

This month we have a total budget of $400 to spend on anything we would buy for ourselves.

Included: 20080701 - Jar of coins

  • food & eating out
  • petrol
  • clothing
  • household necessities
  • entertainment

Not included:

  • Tithes and other gifts.
  • Rent, insurance, and bills.
  • Health expenses.
  • Work expenses.
  • Savings and investments.
Ok! So wish me luck! Tomorrow it begins :)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Another gorgy Hannah pic...

Amelia Kate.

Here is our beautiful new daughter, Milly-boo.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Just another cute pic of Hannah

36 weeks

I thought I would take advantage of this crazily expensive bridesmaids dress one more time before it never fits me again. This is Bel and belly at 36 weeks :)